03/07/2024
Resignation of Cllr Helen Butterworth
Cllr. Helen Butterworth has taken the decision to step down from the Parish Council with effect from 14 May 2024.
Helen has served on the council for some 20 years and her contribution will be greatly missed. Thankfully, she will still be involved with the Burial Ground in an advisory capacity and the Parish Council are pleased to extend our grateful thanks for all of her efforts.
Helen will be remembered by many as a founding member of the ‘RATS’ (Rufforth Against Tip Secrecy’) group, formed in the early 1980’s. Her efforts, along with other members led to many of the planning conditions that helped mitigate some of the more worrying concerns about the, then, forthcoming landfill site at Harewood Whin.
Since then, Helen has been involved in all aspects of Council activities. Her passion and enthusiasm has driven the development of the Natural Burial Ground, which is now such a well-respected facility, and, more recently, the footpath / Cycleway from Rufforth to Knapton, which proved to be of incredible benefit to residents during the Covid Pandemic and is now a valuable asset to walkers, cyclists and equestrians from across the region.
When asked about her decision, she said “I just felt that the time is right and, although I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, maybe it’s time for someone younger to have a go”.
Appointment of Victoria Kirk (nee Brown)
Vicks was co-opted as Councillor to the Parish Council at its 2nd July 2024 meeting to fill the vacancy left by Councillor Helen Butterworth’s retirement.
Vicks previously served on the Parish Council in 2022-23 and has a long association with the village. She is actively involved with the Management Committee of the Village Institute and the Community Festival Committee. She has spent 23 years with the Civil Service and is currently employed as Change Manager in DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).