HARRY Booth’s headline article on Joseph Rowntree (The Press, February 24), struck a deep chord with me because of the life-changing effect on me and, I suspect, many more York people who gained work and prosperity under the Rowntree umbrella.
I started work there when jobs were scarce (being disabled created employment stumbling blocks for me with prejudice at job interviews, but not Rowntree).
I managed to obtain a position in the recently created Quality Assurance department there.
Rowntree was very good at motivating and developing people to the high standard they demanded within their organisation.
I was lucky enough to rise through the ranks of achievement to diversifying into the video department creating films and editing show reels for the global network of Rowntree promoting products and expertise worldwide.
So it is with thanks that my benefactor Joseph Rowntree and the Rowntree family helped in creating this achievement for me.
Thank you Rowntree.
Phil Shepherdson,
Woodthorpe,
York
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We should seize the opportunities of green economic growth
A REPORT ‘The Future is Green’, published in February by the business interest group the CBI, said the net zero sector is growing three times faster than the overall UK economy, providing high-wage jobs across the country and increasing our energy security.
This runs counter to the claims of certain politicians that net zero harms our economy. The facts show the reverse to be true.
According to government figures, in 2024 the net zero sector contributed 3.3 per cent of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and employed almost a million people in full-time jobs, on a higher than average annual wage. These are widely distributed around the country, with Yorkshire and the Humber featuring strongly. By contrast, the farming sector, employed half the number but made only a sixth of the contribution to GVA.
It is clear that our region should seize the opportunities of green economic growth in a transition to new investment and prosperity.
Dr Peter Williams,
Newbiggin,
Malton
What do you think? Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk Write no more than 250 words and please provide your full name, address and mobile number.
New home for battery hens?
CONCERN has been expressed that the building of a battery plant under Sutton Bank would spoil the view (The Press, February, 24). This might be the case if the buildings are rigid squares painted a clinical white. But does this have to be so?
If the buildings were to be domes painted green, they would stand out less in the landscape. Trees could be planted amongst them. And free range chickens could be kept under the trees, fertilising the soil with their droppings. This would give a new meaning to the term ‘battery hens.’
David Martin,
Rosedale Avenue,
Acomb, York
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Thanks for the memories!
RE: the article in the Press’ nostalgia section page regarding Russell’s bike shop in Clifford Street, York.
This reminded me how many years ago my friend Don took advantage of the part-exchange offer at Russell’s which said customers could bring in your bike in any condition for a given discount.
Don wheeled a bike ‘of sorts’, basically a frame with wheels but no tyres, no chain or brakes.
It was absolutely hilarious him pushing the rattling bike into the shop, and him claiming his discount.
D M Deamer,
Penleys Grove Street,
Monkgate,
York
