Author: Doug Allan

Welcome to the 60th issue of this regular Sunday Email.

Doug

07785 223707

The week’s Covid statistics

• 39 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. The number of second doses is over 25 million. 74% of the adult population has now had the first jab and over 47% the second.

• There have been 4.5 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. A further 3,398 people tested positive for Covid in the last 24-hour reporting period. That’s a 23% increase over the week before.

• Over 6.1 million Covid tests were conducted last week.

• There are 870 Covid patients in hospital, latest government figures show, compared to the peak of 39,249 in January. The head of NHS Providers said very few Covid patients in hospital in England have

received two coronavirus jabs – showing the vaccines provide high levels of protection. He also said patients tended now to be younger – meaning there was a lower need for critical care.

• There were 7 deaths reported in the UK yesterday and 59 in last seven days.

• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 127,583. Separate figures show there have been more than 150,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid was

mentioned on the death certificate. Worldwide, the global death toll is 3,467,722.

The R value increases

The coronavirus R value in England is now above 1, according to the latest government figures. R represents the average number of people each Covid-19 positive person goes on to infect. When the figure is above 1, an outbreak can grow exponentially but when it is below 1, it means the epidemic is shrinking. An R number between 1.0 and 1.1 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 10 and 11 other people.

Single-shot jab approved

Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine has been approved for use in the UK. Trials have shown the jab to be 67% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe Covid-19 and is thought to be 85% effective in preventing severe disease or admission to hospital. The government has secured 20 million doses of the jab, produced by the Belgian-based pharmaceutical company. It’s expected to be available at the end of the year.

Over on the Continent, the EU’s medicines’ agency has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12-15 year olds – the first jab allowed for this age group.

The Roadmap out of Lockdown

The next stage of easing is scheduled for Monday 21 June. It’s anticipated that on that date all legal limits on social contact will be removed. It’s also the date that the government has stated that nightclubs can reopen and restrictions will be lifted on the number of guests allowed at weddings and at large events such as festivals. However, some health experts believe the 21 June date should be delayed until a much higher proportion of people are vaccinated with two doses. The government will announce its decision on Monday 14 June.

Covid Testing

A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Seen as a significant step forward, the test kits can be obtained to use twice a week. One in three people with Covid do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Music @ Junction 50

Three concerts will be held over the summer months in the lovely church at Baldersby St James as part of the Music @ Junction 50 event.

• 30 June at 7pm – Ian Watt presents an evening of classical guitar music. Described by Classical Guitar Magazine as a guitarist of outstanding skill and originality, Ian is a rising star in demand around the

world. A multi award winner in competitions he has performed with many major orchestras as a soloist and is often heard on radio stations in many countries. Ian’s programme includes works by Sor,

Grieg, Turina and de Falla.

• 24 July at 11am sees the return of local harpist Mary Reid who has played in Baldersby St James a number of times. In this shorter more informal ‘coffee concert’ she will perform pieces from composers

such as Bach, Paganini and Salzedo.

• 2 September at 7pm the Genovia Bassoon Quartet will provide a whirlwind musical tour which will showcase items from various musical genres and will demonstrate the amazing versatility of the bassoon.

Each member of the quartet is a top orchestral player.

Tickets are available from Sue Brown at the shop in Baldersby – 07840 381558 or Colin Reid on 01765 640624 or can be purchased at the door.

Well done Miss Talbot

Over the past year, North Yorkshire County Council has run a campaign to identify the county’s ten most important sons and daughters. It looked at widely unknown people from our county’s history who have made North Yorkshire what it is today. After a public vote the winner of the accolade is Miss Bridget Elizabeth Talbot, a formidable political campaigner who fought for decades to restore and save Kiplin Hall. Her invention of the watertight torch, which was used to rescue naval crew and boats at sea, helped to save thousands of lives during World War Two.

Dalton plan – final chance to comment

The planning application for a major development at Dalton Industrial Estate will be decided by Hambleton Council in the next week or two. Thirty six local people have so far commented on the plans and generally given their support to creating more jobs and boosting the local economy, but are emphatic that it must not happen at the expense of more traffic problems in Topcliffe and Asenby. The view is that any planning approval must be accompanied by strong and enforceable rules that will stop illegal traffic on weight-restricted village roads. To add your views simply go to: https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=QO7ZETHUHHI00 insert the reference number 21/00331/HYB in the search box and follow the instructions.

Parish Council meetings

• The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 July 2021 in the main hall at the Village Hall. www.asenby.net

• The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 June in the main hall at the Village Hall. topcliffeparishcouncil Covid safety arrangements will be in place at the Village Hall.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

Existing hirers will have free use of the hall until 31 December 2021. Fee use of the hall is also available to new group activities (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). This is intended to encourage a new range of activities to get going. Confirmed bookings so far:

• Pammy’s Pilates – 6 to 7pm, every Thursday evening.

• My Time Yoga – 12.30 to 4pm (two classes) – every Monday.

• Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm, Thursday 3 June.

• Soup and sweet lunches will start again on Wednesday 23 June and then fortnightly thereafter.

• Asenby Parish Meeting – 7.30pm, Wednesday 21 July.

• Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held on Saturday 28 August.

• Attic Auction – Saturday 5 September.

Bookings for new activities and for events such as parties will be possible from 21 June. Events planned for last year that had to be postponed due to the pandemic will be rescheduled in due course. Watch out for details of the Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz.

The Tattler – June edition

The summer edition of The Tattler will be published and delivered door to door this coming week.

How to: protect yourself from scam callers

The majority of frauds reported to the police involve victims being contacted by the scammer via the telephone. There are a number of ways you can protect your phone and help prevent scam or nuisance calls:

• If you have a landline, purchase a new phone with a built-in call blocker or purchase a stand-alone call blocker.
• Contact your phone provider to discuss what call blocking services they offer.
• Register your phone number/s with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) – this can help to stop nuisance calls. You can register online at the TPS website: www.tpsonline.org.uk
• Be careful where you share your phone number and what opt ins you choose when providing your information to companies and organisations.
• If you receive a call that doesn’t feel right, hang up.

Ask the experts

The next online ‘Ask the Experts’ event at which police officers talk about online banking safety will be on 22 June between 7 and 9pm. To register go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/ask-the-experts

Zoom talk about LS Lowry

The Arts Society Hambleton is staging a lecture entitled ‘LS Lowry; A Visionary Artist, A painter of the human condition’. It will be an online Zoom event presented by Michael Howard, artist and teacher at

the Manchester School of Art. 2pm on Tuesday 1 June. Tickets: hambleton or check out the website at http://www.theartssociety.org/hambleton

Mad Hatters Tea Party

There’s an opportunity to learn how to make your very own colourful ceramic cups and saucers inspired by the story and characters of Alice in Wonderland. This event is being staged at Rural Arts, Westgate, Thirsk at half term – Wednesday 2 June 10.30am-noon. Tel: 01845 526536 or book online at https://ruralarts.org/workshops

Northern Dales Farmers’ Market

There’ll be a fantastic selection of food and drink producers selling a wide range of goodies at next Sunday’s Farmer’s Market at Thirsk’s Market Square. Sunday 6 June.

Thirsk Hall gardens open to view

Thirsk Hall in Kirkgate, Thirsk is taking part in the NGS Open Gardens day on Saturday 12 June. There are 20 acres of grounds and gardens which have been sensitively restored. There’s even a sculpture park.

Homemade teas will be available. Wheelchair access. 2 to 5.30pm. Tickets at the gate.

St Columba’s Church

Services planned are:

• Tonight – 30 May, 7pm – Compline for Trinity Sunday

• Sunday 6 June, 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

• Sunday 13 June, 10.45am – Festival Eucharist for St Columba’s Day led by the Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Venerable Dr Amanda Bloor

• Sunday 20 June, 10.45am – Holy Communion (Modern Language) Rev’d Mary Rolls

• Sunday 27 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins

Celebration of St Columba’s Day 13 June

John Phillips writes: “As we emerge from months of pandemic and lock-down, and summer at last now seems to be with us, it is rather fortuitous that the feast of St Columba appears just at this time, giving us a chance to celebrate with a special Choral Eucharist on Sunday 13 June at 10,45am. We are very pleased to be welcoming the Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Venerable Dr Amanda Bloor to lead us. This annual service celebrates our Patron Saint Columba and the centuries of Christian worship that have taken place on this holy spot in the heart of our village over nearly 1,400 years. St Columba’s Choir will sing a favourite setting of the service composed by our own Kit Norris. Please do join us, in numbers if you can, as a show of support for the continued work of the church in our villages. The planned historical events usually associated with this weekend have had to be postponed again until next year, but nevertheless we invite you to also join us for a ‘Village Picnic’ in the churchyard to follow the service from 12 noon onwards. Please bring your families and friends, food, drinks, rugs, chairs and surround the church with colour, laughter and fun. Groups will need to be suitably distanced, but I am sure we can still make this a great occasion. For those unfamiliar with the long history of our church, descriptive tours will be available from time to time during the course of the afternoon, and we should also be able to offer the ever-popular climb up the church tower to admire the fabulous views. Covid risk assessments have been prepared and will be regularly monitored and updated before and during the weekend to ensure everyone’s safety. Naturally the whole event is subject to the Covid situation, but we plan to proceed unless there is any government announcement about gatherings.”

Anyone wishing to join in the preparations for the event would be welcome to join working parties to tidy up the churchyard next weekend – Sunday 6 June between 10am to 1pm. Please take whatever tools you might feel appropriate. Any help will be very much appreciated. If you have queries about any of this please contact John Phillips on 01845 577034.

St Robert of Newminster

Everyone knows the well-known Yorkshire saints, such as St Hilda of Whitby, but there are many others less famous such as the catholic St Robert of Newminster whose feast day is celebrated on 7 June, the day of his death. Robert was born in Gargrave near Skipton and after studying in Paris returned to serve Gargrave as parish priest. He later became a Benedictine joining the monks of Saint Mary’s Abbey in York, but not finding the life strict enough, he helped establish a monastery in a valley near Skelldale in 1132. Because of the many natural springs in the area, the monastery was called Fountains Abbey. In about 1138 he headed a group of monks sent out from Fountains to establish Newminster Abbey west of Morpeth in Northumberland where he became abbot and where he is buried. The small monastery was one of the first to be dissolved in 1535 by Henry VIII.

Local traders

• Asenbee Honey – as well as selling local honey, this Asenby-based business makes beeswax candles and a range of hand-carved spoons and oak chopping boards. www.asenbeehoney.co.uk

• The Swan is now operating normal hours again. George, Jane and the team are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new for drinks, meals and good company.

• The Elm Gallery – Opening times are: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements are in place with two households/bubbles in the gallery at any one time. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk

• The Milk Churn Farm Shop -The café is now open again. It offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, traybakes and scones. Wheelchair access is available at the rear of the property. Customers are still required to keep to social distancing rules so the café is providing tables each with just three chairs as the seating area is too small to have more. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake is still available. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5pm. Thursday and Saturday 9-1pm. Check out Facebook page for information about new lines in fresh and frozen foods. 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – currently based at the Milk Churn farm Shop but due to lack of space is planning to return to Melmerby sometime soon. The company provides beautiful hampers for all occasions. Hampers contain the best of produce from small Yorkshire food and drink producers. www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk Tel: 07793 775987

• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Both closed on Sundays.

• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.

• The Thirsk Food Bank now has a collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The following foodstuffs are welcomed: tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.

• John Aston Flooring Ltd – operating from The Old Hatchery in Asenby. There’s a large selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes. Appointment only. 01845 421111 – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – now reopened fully with a new menu. Please call to book indoor tables. Breakfast is served 8 to 10am to non-residents every day. • Lunch is served Monday to Friday, 12noon to 2.30pm and dinner 5 until 9pm. • The restaurant is open 12noon to 9pm on Saturdays and 12 noon to 8pm on Sundays. • The bar is open Monday to Thursday, 12 noon to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 12 noon to midnight; Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm. • The tents and gazebos in the garden are being retained for a few more weeks, so those who are still reluctant to eat inside can still enjoy a meal. • The Angel at Home service will continue until further notice Wednesday to Sunday (please try to book in advance and check the new menu before ordering). • Comedy Night is planned to resume on 6 July, tickets will be available next week (£10 in advance, £12 on the day). Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.

Jobs at The Angel

The Angel is looking for front of house staff to work evenings and weekends. Anyone interested please call Greg or Steve on 01845 578000 for more details.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & green waste – Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

• Refuse – Mondays 7 and 21 June

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Tuesday 1 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 14 and 28 June

• Garden waste – Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

• Recycling – Mondays 7 and 21 June

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Welcome to the 59th issue of this regular Sunday Email. As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

The week’s Covid statistics

• 37.7 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. The number of second doses is over 22 million. 72% of the adult population has now had the first jab and over 42% the second.

• On Friday the R number increased slightly to between 0.9-1.1.

• There have been 4.5 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. The daily average number of new cases last week was 2,694. Over 6 million Covid tests were conducted last week.

• An average of 103 people were admitted to hospital with Covid last week. This was a slight increase on the previous week.

• There were 6 deaths reported in the UK yesterday. There are over 900 people in hospital with Covid.,

• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at over 127,710. Worldwide, the global death toll from Covid is almost 3.4 million.

Two jabs are better than one

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is increasingly confident the government will be able to ease restrictions on 21 June after a study found the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective against the variant first identified in India. Two doses of the jabs offer similar levels of protection against the Indian variant as they do for the Kent one. However, both vaccines were only 33% effective against the Indian variant three weeks after the first dose. Mr Hancock said the data showed it was vital people got both vaccine doses.

England surpasses 50 million vaccinations

England has surpassed 50 million vaccine doses, according to NHS data. Some 31,546,846 UK adults have had their first jab, while 18,699,556 have had two, NHS England figures show. The milestone was reached as the vaccination programme continued to move down the age groups, with 32 and 33-year-olds in England now being invited to book their first vaccination from this weekend. The government says it is on track to offer a first vaccine dose to all adults in the UK by the end of July.

The Roadmap out of Lockdown

As of last Monday:

• People can now meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors. Six people or two households can meet indoors.

• Domestic overnight stays are allowed with people not in your household or bubble. Hotels, hostels and bed & breakfasts are now open again.

• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can now seat customers indoors.

• Up to 30 people can attend weddings and more than 30 can attend funerals

• Outdoor entertainment such as outdoor theatres and cinemas, can now open. Indoor entertainment including museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can operate again. Adult indoor group

sports and exercise classes have restarted. Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers.

• International leisure travel has resumed.

The spread and prevalence of the Indian strain of the virus continues to be of concern and a close watch will be kept on the data before any decision is made about what happens on 21 June, when the next stage of easing is scheduled.

Does amber mean go or stop?

Foreign holidays are allowed again, but there has been considerable confusion about the status of amber in the government’s traffic light system. Many people thought that travel to amber countries was ok on the understanding that they would have to isolate on their return. Now the government has refined its advice stating that travel to amber list countries is legal, but that people should not do so for leisure. On the BBC, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We’ve said you should only go to amber countries in exceptional circumstances." Travel and airline companies, on the other hand, said the government stance was very confusing and frustrating for passengers and the travel industry.”

So, in essence, it’s green list countries only…and that’s a very limited choice, headed by Portugal, perhaps the most likely country to those who want sun, sea and sand. Holidaymakers returning from a green list country, you must take a Covid-19 test before departure and have proof of a negative result, book and pay for a test for day two after their return and complete a passenger locator form. There’s no need to quarantine on arrival home unless your day two test is positive and then you will have to, or NHS Test & Trace informs you that you have travelled with someone who has tested positive.

There’ll be a review of countries in the traffic light system in two weeks’ time.

Rights to holiday cancellation refund

Last year cancelled trips resulted in 23,000 complaints to the competition watchdog. Many companies, including some biggies TUI, lastminute.com and Virgin Holidays, delayed paying refunds and made many customers extremely angry. As we move forward with the traffic light system and families have started putting their deposits down, many are wondering how hard it will be to get their money back if their holiday is cancelled. The Competition and Markets Authority said it had reminded package holiday firms of their legal obligations to refund consumers if foreign holidays are cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic this summer. Under package holiday rules, cancelled holidays must be refunded within 14 days and customers must be offered a refund, not just a credit note.

Covid Testing

A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Seen as a significant step forward, the test kits can be obtained to use twice a week. One in three people with Covid do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Have your say on Dalton plan

Time is quickly running out before the planning application for a major development at Dalton Industrial Estate is decided by Hambleton Council. Most people who have commented so far have acknowledged the value of having more jobs and support the general principle of development but are emphatic that it must not happen at the expense of more traffic harassment in Topcliffe and Asenby. Any planning approval must be accompanied by strong and enforceable rules that will stop illegal traffic on weight-restricted village roads. There’s still time – but not much – for residents to add their views. It’s easy to access and add your comments, simply go to: https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=QO7ZETHUHHI00 insert the reference number 21/00331/HYB in the search box and follow the instructions.

Parish Council meetings

• Asenby Parish Council’s Annual Meeting was held last Wednesday (19 May). The Minutes will be published on the village website at www.asenby.net The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 July 2021.

• The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 June in the main hall at the Village Hall. Check out the website at topcliffeparishcouncil Covid safety arrangements will be in place at the Village Hall.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

The Village Hall is now up and running again for existing hires after a fourteen month break due to Covid. Bookings for new activities and for events such as parties will be possible from 21 June.

Existing hirers will have free use of the hall until 31 December 2021. Fee use of the hall is also available to new group activities (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). This is intended to encourage a new range of activities to get going. Confirmed bookings so far:

• Pammy’s Pilates – 6 to 7pm, starting Thursday 20 May and then every Thursday evening.
• My Time Yoga – 12.30 to 4pm (two classes) – believed to be starting Monday 24 May and then every Monday afternoon.
• Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm, Thursday 3 June.
• Soup and sweet lunches will start again on Wednesday 23 June and then fortnightly thereafter.
• Asenby Parish Meeting – 7.30pm, Wednesday 21 July.
• Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held on Saturday 28 August.
• Attic Auction – Saturday 5 September.

Events planned for last year that had to be postponed due to the pandemic will be rescheduled in due course. Watch out for details of the Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz.

The Tattler – June edition

The summer edition of The Tattler will be published and delivered door to door around the 2/3 June.

Plant Sale

Karen and Malc Morley’s plant sale last Sunday raised £25 for the Jennyruth Workshops in Ripon.

To bee or not to bee

Last week’s item about the problem of Himalayan Balsam invading our riverbanks caused local bee-keeper Rachel Tyreman, who runs Asenbee Honey, to get in touch to fight the corner for bees. Rachel says that the wet and cold spring made it particularly hard for them and much reduced their foraging time. And this likely to mean honey yields will be much lower this year. Another problem caused by poor weather is that the bees spend longer in the hive, leading to the conditions that make swarming ideal. Rachel emphasises that Asenbee Honey’s hives are managed responsibly and measures are taken to try and prevent swarming. However, just a few warm days can encourage swarming and even the presence of other bees in the area can influence their activity. Last year Rachel was called out to collect a couple of swarms in Asenby. She wants villagers to know that if they spot a swarm – possibly hanging in a tree or attached to a wall – if they are left alone they won’t be a problem, as they are mostly docile. Rachel and husband Colin are happy to offer any advice or help to remove and relocate any bees that are found. Her contact number is 07877 343742.

Bees and Balsam

In relation to the ‘call for action’ against Himalayan Balsam, Rachel Tyreman is keen to point out that the lives of bees and other pollinators depend on late flowering plants so simply pulling up Himalayan Balsam, but not replacing it with native flowers and shrubs, could be a disastrous for many species. Nature is finely balanced and last year Rachel and Colin noticed that their bees managed to go into winter much stronger thanks to the balsam. It’s acknowledged that Himalayan Balsam does out-compete some of our native plants and wildflowers, and the prominence of balsam with nectar rich flowers means that the pollination of native plants becomes increasingly difficult. Rachel recognises the desire to remove an invasive species of plant, but she thinks that native plants and flower seeds should be sown as the balsam is removed. She is hopeful that villagers will give nature a helping hand by planting a few flowers and trees that would benefit all pollinators. Now Rachel and Sarah Barbour, who started the discussion about Himalayan Balsam plan to get together to see what common ground they can find and maybe work together to both help bees and tackle the dreaded Balsam.

Protect your pooch

In response to the increased fear of pet theft, Neighbourhood Watch has launched a ‘protect your pooch’ campaign. The idea is to encourage people to keep their pet secure, in sight and capable of being traced if it is stolen. There’s also a petition being launched calling for pet theft to become a specific criminal offence. More information on the campaign can be found on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch Anyone interested or concerned about dog theft may wish to join a special Webinar at 5pm on Thursday 27 May. The webinar will be hosted by Neighbourhood Watch and there’ll be a range of guest speakers. You can register to attend by following this link: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/webinars

St Columba’s Church

Services planned are:

• Whit Sunday (Pentecost), 23 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion

• Trinity Sunday, 30 May, 7pm – Compline

• Sunday 6 June, 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

• Sunday 13 June, 10.45am – Choral Eucharist for St Columba’s Day

Local traders

• Asenbee Honey – as well as selling local honey, this Asenby-based business makes beeswax candles and a range of hand-carved spoons and oak chopping boards. www.asenbeehoney.co.uk

• The Swan is now operating normal hours again. George, Jane and the team are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new for drinks, meals and good company.

• The Elm Gallery – Opening times are: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements are in place with two households/bubbles in the gallery at any one time. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk

• The Milk Churn Farm Shop –The café is now open again. It offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, traybake and scones. Wheelchair access is available at the rear of the property. Customers are still required to keep to social distancing rules so the café is providing tables each with just three chairs as the seating area is too small to have more. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake is still available. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5pm. Thursday and Saturday 9-1pm. Check out Facebook page for information about new lines in fresh and frozen foods. 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – currently based at the Milk Churn farm Shop but due to lack of space is planning to return to Melmerby sometime soon. The company provides beautiful hampers for all occasions. Hampers contain the best of produce from small Yorkshire food and drink producers. www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk – 07793 775987

• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Both closed on Sundays.

• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.

• The Thirsk Food Bank now has a collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The following foodstuffs are welcomed: tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.

• John Aston Flooring Ltd – operating from The Old Hatchery in Asenby. There’s a large selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes. Appointment only. 01845 421111 – info

• The Angel at Topcliffe – now reopened fully witha new menu. Please call to book indoor tables.

• Breakfast is served 8 to 10am to non-residents every day.
• Lunch is served Monday to Friday, 12noon to 2.30pm and dinner 5 until 9pm.
• The restaurant is open 12noon to 9pm on Saturdays and 12 noon to 8pm on Sundays.
• The bar is open Monday to Thursday, 12 noon to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 12 noon to midnight; Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm.
• The tents and gazebos in the garden are being retained for a few more weeks, so those who are still reluctant to eat inside can still enjoy a meal.
• The Angel at Home service will continue until further notice Wednesday to Sunday (please try to book in advance and check the new menu before ordering).
• Comedy Night is planned to resume on 6 July, tickets will be available next week (£10 in advance, £12 on the day).

The Angel is looking for front of house staff to work evenings and weekends. Anyone interested please call Greg or Steve on 01845 578000 for more details.

Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Monday 24 May and 7 June

• Recycling & green waste – Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Monday 24 May and 7 and 21 June

• Refuse – Tuesday 1 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 14 and 28 June

• Garden waste – Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Welcome to the 58th issue of this regular Sunday Email. As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

The week’s Covid statistics

• 36.3 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. The number of second doses is 19.7 million. 69% of the adult population has now had the first jab and over 37% the second.

• There have been 4.5 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. The daily average number of new cases last week was 2,027. Over 6.3 million Covid tests were conducted last week.

• An average of 103 people were admitted to hospital with Covid last week. This was a slight increase on the previous week.

• There were 7 deaths reported in the UK yesterday. There were 72 in the seven-day period to Saturday. There are nearly 1,000 people in hospital with Covid.,

• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at over 127,675. Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have been over 152,000 deaths

registered in the UK where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. Worldwide, the global death toll from Covid is almost 3.3 million.

The Roadmap out of Lockdown

As of tomorrow, Monday 17 May, the following further relaxations include:

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.

• Six people or two households can meet indoors.

• Domestic overnight stays allowed with people not in your household or bubble.

• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors.

• Up to 30 people can attend weddings and more than 30 can attend funerals

• Outdoor entertainment still subject to restrictions, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas, can now open.

• Indoor entertainment including museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open.

• Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers.

• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.

• International leisure travel can resume (see item below).

• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart.

• People should continue to work from home where they can.

• Advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging, will be updated (but may not come into effect at this point).

But the roadmap faces a challenge

After months of good news, including falling Covid cases and a hugely successful vaccination campaign, the tone has shifted. The spread and prevalence of the Indian strain of the virus is an increasing problem and it’s threatening to disrupt the roadmap governing the lifting of restrictions. Government scientific advisers are concerned about the rise in cases of the Indian variant and are closely monitoring the situation in parts of England, particularly the North West. Easing restrictions on Monday and a more transmissible variant means the virus will move even faster. One top scientist warned lifting restrictions on 21 June is now in doubt. Continuing relaxation of restrictions relies on four factors, one of which is infection rates must be under control before any further restrictions will be lifted. We seem to be getting everything promised for 17 May, but the relaxation of all measures on 21 June will depend on whether infections don’t increase too much, the health service is not put under pressure and how well the vaccine programme continues to rollout.

Why the Indian variant could create a problem?

There are a few Indian variants, but one appears to be spreading more quickly than the other two in the UK. It is now being seen in lots of places, with few cases linked to travel, and some scientists think numbers have been grossly underestimated. Surge testing is being used to identify these infections, but it may not be stopping the spread. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was anxious about the variant and has not ruled out reintroducing regional restrictions. In parts of Lancashire, over-18s can now book a Covid jab after the Indian variant was found there and the army has been mobilised to help with Covid testing.

The Indian variant could be a problem despite the fact that the vaccination programme is doing so well. The issue is that we are only part way through the programme even though those most at risk have been prioritised. Another factor is uncertainty about how transmissible the new variant is. Modelling by the University of Warwick has estimated a 30%-40% more transmissible variant, combined with relaxing restrictions in May and June, could lead to more hospital admissions than in the first wave. The government, businesses and many members of the public would find that prospect very difficult to accept. We are in the delicate phase where restrictions are being eased as the vaccine is taking over the burden of suppressing the virus, so making the right decisions is going to be critically important.

One option being considered nationally is closing the gap between the first and second doses of the vaccination. This would give vulnerable people, who have already been offered their first jab, extra protection more quickly. However, there could be a trade-off as studies suggest the current 12-week gap between doses leads to a better immune response than the originally planned three-week gap. In areas most affected by the variant, the government is allowing local health authorities greater flexibility, including vaccinating younger people in multi-generational households.

Despite that, let’s hug!

The advice on hugging is changing from Monday, meaning close physical contact with people from other households is allowed. Experts say there are real benefits to hugging – it lowers stress and blood pressure – but the government is urging people to be cautious. So how can you give a cautious hug? Here’s how to hug safely.

• Be selective – restrict hugging to family members and not beyond. You should take extra care with those vulnerable to Covid, and maybe choose not to hug elderly relatives – especially if either hugger is not vaccinated, don’t hug too many people one after the other.
• Make it quick – longer periods of close contact increase the risk of transmission but remember that even brief contact can spread Covid.
• Don’t hug face to face – turn your heads slightly away. Wear a mask if one of you is vulnerable.
• Do it outside – the risks from Covid are lower outside.
• Get tested – to make close contact safer, you should test yourself regularly – even if you don’t have symptoms. Test kits are free to order for anyone who wants one (see below).

Jabs save lives!

Coronavirus vaccines have saved 11,700 lives and stopped 33,000 people becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 in England, research suggests. The Public Health England analysis, up to the end of April, found people in their 70s and 80s had seen the biggest fall in deaths and hospital admissions.

Traffic lights are green for Portugal

In last week’s email the ’traffic light’ system was described and the 12 countries on the green list were listed. Of those, only Portugal could be described as a main European holiday destination. And until Friday there was even doubt that Brits could travel there, though the Portuguese government has now given the all-clear, despite objections from the EU. From Monday UK residents with a negative Covid test can travel there and this is despite the fact that Portugal extended its own domestic lockdown restrictions last week.

Just to remind you, the traffic light system is as follows:

• GREEN – people coming from green list countries will have to provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure and then pay for a PCR test on or before their second day back in the UK.

• AMBER – people returning from an amber country will have to quarantine at home for 10 days. They will have to take a pre-departure test and two PCR tests when back, on days two and eight.

• RED – people returning from red countries must quarantine for 10 days in government-approved hotels at their own expense, as well as the pre-departure test and the two tests once back.

As concerns increase about Covid variants, travellers are being reminded not to book trips which do not include a refund. Favourite summer destinations like France, Greece, Italy and Spain are still on the amber list for now. The vast majority of countries are on the red list. All lists will be reviewed every three weeks.

Covid Testing

A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Seen as a significant step forward, the test kits can be obtained to use twice a week. One in three people with Covid do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Volunteers Required

The Community Works charity based in Thirsk is looking for volunteer van drivers to pick up furniture, they will be assisted by helpers who would do much of the lifting. Days required are Monday to Thursday, but volunteers can generally choose which day or time suits them best. If you can help out please contact Helen Ashworth Volunteer Co-Ordinator at Community Works on 01845 524494 or e-mail helen

Dalton development

There has been a significant response from residents to the plans for a major development at Dalton Industrial Estate. They have added their comments to the planning application on Hambleton District Council’s planning portal making it clear that any new developments must be accompanied by enforceable rules preventing HGVs and other traffic travelling through Topcliffe and Asenby. It has been an impressive community response to a new threat to our villages, but there’s still time for more villagers to add their views. It’s easy to access and add your comments, simply go to:

https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=QO7ZETHUHHI00 insert the reference number 21/00331/HYB in the search box and follow the instructions. The more public comments added to the application, the more likely it is that planners and councillors will listen to the concerns of local people.

Parish Council meetings

• Asenby Parish Council’s Annual Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19 May 2021 in the main hall at the Village Hall. For more information go to www.asenby.net

• The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 June in the main hall at the Village Hall. Check out the website at topcliffeparishcouncil

Covid safety arrangements will be in place at the Village Hall for both meetings.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

The Village Hall will begin to reopenthis coming week. Initially, only those hirers that were using the hall at the time the pandemic started, will be able to restart their activities. Bookings for new activities and for events such as parties will be possible from 21 June. The Village Hall’s Annual General Meeting was held via Zoom last Wednesday (12 May). It was followed by an ordinary meeting of the Village Hall Committee. The Minutes of both meetings are available on the village website – www.topcliffe.org.uk

Committee members agreed that existing hirers will have free use of the hall until 31 December 2021. It was also agreed that free use of the hall would be available to new group activities (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). This is intended to encourage a new range of activities to get going after the fourteen months of closure due to the pandemic.

Confirmed bookings so far:

• Asenby Parish Council – AGM – 7.30pm, Wednesday 19 May
• Pammy’s Pilates – 6 to 7pm, starting Thursday 20 May and then every Thursday evening.
• My Time Yoga – 12.30 to 4pm (two classes) – believed to be starting Monday 24 May and then every Monday afternoon.
• Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm, Thursday 3 June.

Looking further ahead, the popular soup and sweet lunches will start again on Wednesday 23 June and then fortnightly thereafter, and the annual Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held on Saturday 28 August. Events planned for last year that had to be postponed due to the pandemic will be rescheduled in due course. Watch out for details of the Big Race Night, Challenge Quiz and Attic Auction.

The Tattler – June edition

The summer edition of The Tattler is currently being prepared and it will be published and distributed around the 2 June.

Plant Sale

Karen and Malc Morley are holding a plant sale outside their home on Back Lane today starting 10am and lasting until everything has gone!. There’ll be tomatoes, cucumbers and a few bedding plants. Anyone who wants one or two can leave a donation and all money raised will go to support the Jennyruth Workshops in Ripon.

Who wants an end of term treasure hunt?

That’s the question being asked by Karen Hotham who likes to organise this type of event for local children and raise funds for FOTS (Friends of Topcliffe School) at the same time. Karen organised the extremely successful Easter Egg Trail and she is now putting out feelers to gauge the interest in a trail with a different theme – perhaps a treasure hunt and prizes for best dressed pirates – but any other ideas will be considered. The Milk Churn Farm Shop has again agreed to support any event organised. An extra idea being explored for the day is a table-top sale with stalls selling cakes, toys, books and bric-a-brac. There could also be raffles and games such as splat the rat and count the sweets in a jar. Before Karen takes these ideas further, please let her know that there’s support within the community. Contact her via her own or Top Residents Facebook pages or ring 07875 331277.

Call to action against Himalayan Balsam

There was an interesting post on the Top Residents Facebook page this week. Dr Sarah Barbour, who lives in Church Street said that since moving to Topcliffe last summer she had noticed that there’s a huge amount of Himalayan Balsam established on the banks of the Swale, along the footpath opposite the caravan park, in the little wood on Catton Lane and at the Sheepwash. For those that don’t know, this plant is an invasive species and, once established, it takes over to the exclusion of all other plant species (except it seems to be best friends with nettles!). So, while the flowers in late summer might look cheerful, this plant is actually a pernicious weed that causes huge problems to our native wildlife, including the water vole which is an endangered species. Sarah would like to appeal to Top Residents to help try to get it under control. I’m not unrealistic – total eradication is probably a lifetime’s work! But it can be slowed down to give the native plant- and animal-life a chance. Because it’s very shallow rooted it can be pulled up at the roots with no effort at all, which is actually very satisfying and quite addictive once you get going. This has to be done before the seed pods develop and pop in August/September. So, in fact, now is a really good time to get started, and before the nettles get so tall that you can’t get to the balsam. If everybody that regularly walks along our beautiful footpaths could spend just five minutes on every walk pulling up 10-20 plants, it would make an enormous difference. If anyone wants to get together for a balsam-pulling party let Sarah know – she’ll bring the cake! If we all pull together (pun most definitely intended) we can make a difference. Don’t forget your gloves and please, please don’t fall in the river trying to reach it! Sarah can be contacted on 07885 386557.

Horizon parking at Tesco

Here’s another interesting piece extracted from Top Residents Facebook page. Rob Roberts, who lives on Front Street, posted that on Friday he received a letter from parking contractors Horizon stating that he had parked longer than the agreed time at Tesco in Thirsk. He says he contested the claim and is now issuing a warning to all shoppers who use the store that if you get one of these letters it’s not a penalty charge notice and photographs they supply as evidence have no date and time on them. He believes Horizon are ‘chancing their hand’ to see who might pay up. So please be aware.

St Columba’s Church

Services planned are:

• Sunday, 16 May, 10.45am – Sung Matins

• Whit Sunday (Pentecost), 23 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion

• Trinity Sunday, 30 May – Service details yet to be announced.

The Elm Gallery

Things will remain as previously stated at the Elm Gallery. Opening times are: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements are in place with two households/bubbles in the gallery at any one. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan will be back to normal hours from Monday and George, Jane and the team are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new for drinks, meals and good company.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

The café will be opening on Monday 24 May, providing a selection of hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, traybake and scones. Wheelchair access is available at the rear of the property. Customers are still required to keep to social distancing rules so the cafe is providing tables with just three chairs as the seating area is too small to have more. Masks must be worn unless you are sitting down to eat or drink. All customers will be asked to sanitise their hands on entering and leaving the shop/café. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake is still available. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5pm. Thursday and Saturday 9-1pm. Check out our Facebook page for information about new lines in fresh and frozen foods. 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

The Angel at Topcliffe

The Angel will be re-opening indoors tomorrow and back to normal hours, seven days a week. There’ll be a new menu, which will be uploaded to website Monday morning.

• Breakfast will be served 8-10am to non-residents every day from Tuesday.

• Monday to Friday, lunch will be served 12noon to 2.30pm and dinner 5 until 9pm.

• The restaurant will be open 12noon to 9pm on Saturdays and 12 noon to 8pm on Sundays. Please call to book your indoor table.

• The Angel team is very much looking forward to welcoming you for a drink in the bar Monday to Thursday, 12 noon to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 12 noon to midnight; Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm.

• The tents and gazebos in the garden are being retained for a few more weeks, so those who are still reluctant to eat inside can still enjoy a meal.

• The Angel at Home service will continue until further notice Wednesday to Sunday (please try to book in advance and check the new menu before ordering).

• Comedy Night is planned to resume on 6 July, tickets will be available next week (£10 in advance, £12 on the day).

Finally, The Angel is looking for front of house staff to work evenings and weekends. Anyone interested please call Greg or Steve on 01845 578000 for more details.

Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.

Other local traders

• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Both closed on Sundays.

• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. Only one customer at a time can be in the salon so business will be a little slower than normal. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.

• The Thirsk Food Bank now has a collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The following foodstuffs are welcomed: tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.

• John Aston Flooring Ltd – operating from The Old Hatchery in Asenby. There’s a large selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes. Appointment only. 01845 421111 – info

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & green waste – Thursday 20 May and Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

• Refuse – Monday 24 May and 7 June

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Monday 17 and Tuesday 1 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 14 and 28 June

• Garden waste – Thursday 20 May and Friday 4 June (one day later than normal due to Bank Holiday)

• Recycling – Monday 24 May and 7 and 21 June

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Welcome to the 57th issue of this regular Sunday Email.

As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

The week’s Covid statistics

• 35.2 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. The number of second doses is almost 17.2 million. 67% of the adult population has now had the first jab and 33% the second.

• There have been more than 4.5 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. The daily average number of new cases last week was 2,047. Over 6 million Covid tests were conducted last week.

• An average of 101 people were admitted to hospital with Covid last week. Hospital admissions continue to fall week on week.

• There were 5 deaths reported in the UK yesterday. There were 79 in the seven-day period to Saturday.

• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at over 127,603. Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have been nearly 152,000 deaths

registered in the UK where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. Worldwide, the global death toll from Covid is almost 3.275,014.

Under 40s to be advised to get Pfizer or Moderna vaccines

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has announced a change to its guidance about under-40s receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. The AstraZeneca vaccine carries with it a slightly increased risk of blood clots. The UK has seen 242 clotting cases and 49 deaths, with 28.5 million doses of the vaccine administered. In older age groups, the risk is far outweighed by the risk of dying from Covid. For younger people, who are less likely to become ill and die of Covid, the risk-benefit calculation is finer – especially when case numbers are low. Previously, the age cut-off for having AstraZeneca was set at 30, but as the UK’s epidemic has increasingly come under control, the JCVI is erring on the side of caution in recommending 30-39-year-olds also choose another of the available vaccines. The committee is also able to come to this decision because there are good supplies of Pfizer and Moderna in the country, meaning this change shouldn’t cause any delay in people getting the jab. The UK’s drug regulator continues to emphasise that the benefits of all of the vaccines outweigh the risks in almost all cases.

The Roadmap out of Lockdown

By now you will all be very familiar with the current rules that have been in place since 12 April and earlier, so there’s no need for the details to be repeated here. On Monday 17 May we reach the next point in the government’s roadmap and from then the following further relaxations include:

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.

• Six people or two households can meet indoors.

• Domestic overnight stays allowed with people not in your household or bubble.

• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors.

• Up to 30 people can attend weddings and more than 30 can attend funerals

• Outdoor entertainment still subject to restrictions, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas, can now open.

• Indoor entertainment including museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open.

• Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers.

• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.

• International leisure travel can resume (see item below).

• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart.

• People should continue to work from home where they can.

• Advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging, will be updated (but may not come into effect at this point).

In its roadmap plan, the government says it hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact in England by step four – which comes into force on 21 June. But that decision is subject to a review, led by science, health, business and economic experts.

International travel and holidays

Last week the government clarified the position about foreign travel and, as predicted, there’ll be a ’traffic light’ system with every country being placed on either a green, amber or red list. There’ll be a different set of rules attached to each grouping for people to follow when returning to the UK.

• GREEN – people coming from green list countries will have to provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure and then pay for a PCR test on or before their second day back in the UK.
• AMBER – people returning from an amber country will have to quarantine at home for 10 days. They will have to take a pre-departure test and two PCR tests when back, on days two and eight.
• RED – people returning from red countries must quarantine for 10 days in government-approved hotels at their own expense, as well as the pre-departure test and the two tests once back.

Initially only a very limited number of countries are on the green list and most of them, with the exception of Portugal, are not your normal holiday destinations. They are Portugal, Israel, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Iceland, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Tristan de Cunha and Ascension Island. But beware, some of the countries on the green list (Australia, New Zealand and Iceland) are not allowing visitors from the UK, so anyone looking to travel overseas should check any restrictions. Travellers are also advised not to book trips which do not include a refund should the Covid situation change. It was reported on the news on Saturday that a trip to South Georgia could cost as much as £5,000, there’s no hotel accommodation and it’s -10 degrees at this time of year!

Favourite summer destinations like France, Greece, Italy and Spain are on the amber list for now. The vast majority of countries are on the red list. All lists will be reviewed every three weeks.

Quote of the week

President Vladimir Putin said Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine is as "reliable as a Kalashnikov assault rifle".

The Covid Testing

A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Seen as a significant step forward, the test kits can be obtained to use twice a week. One in three people with Covid do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Dalton development

There’s still time to add your views to the “Dalton 49 Thirsk” planning application at: https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=QO7ZETHUHHI00

Insert the reference number 21/00331/HYB in the search box. The more public comments added to the application, the more likely it is that planners and councillors will listen to the concerns of local people.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Visits can be made by appointment to the ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site, which is virtually on our doorstep. The maximum number of visitors is often not reached and when that happens the National Trust place a notice on their website indicating that visits can be made without appointment at that time.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden

Parish Council meetings

• Topcliffe Parish Council’s AGM was held online last Thursday (6 May 2021). Check out the website at topcliffeparishcouncil

• Asenby Parish Council’s Annual Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on 19 May 2021 in the Village Hall. Covid safety arrangements will be in place. For more information go to www.asenby.net

Changes on Topcliffe Parish Council

At last Thursday’s parish council Jamie Moores was elected chairman and Roy Beckwith was re-elected as vice chairman. Malc Morley, who had been chairman for the last two years, was thanked for his work on behalf of the community. Garry Key has resigned from the council after 20 years’ service. Thanks were offered by the council for his many years of commitment to the village. The process of finding a replacement parish councillor has begun. At the meeting before (April), Ben Collard was co-opted as a member of the council.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

• Plans are well in hand to reopen the Village Hall to existing hirers (those that were hiring sessions prior to the pandemic) from Monday 17 May. New bookings for events such as parties will not be possible until 21 June.
• The Village Hall’s Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom at 7pm on Wednesday 12 May. The meeting is open to members of the public to attend. Please contact the chairman, Andrew Eckersley at alieneck4000 to be sent an invitation to join the Zoom meeting.
• An ordinary meeting of the Village Hall Committee will follow the AGM.

New Police & Crime Commissioner

Philip Allott, a former pupil of St James’ School at Knaresborough, a PR and marketing specialist and former Harrogate District councillor, has been elected as North Yorkshire’s new Police & Crime Commissioner. He received 83,737 of the first and second round preference votes. He takes up the role next Thursday.

St Columba’s Church

Services planned are:

• Sunday, 9 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion will be led by the Rev’d Canon Adrian Botwright.

• Sunday, 16 May, 10.45am – Sung Matins

• Whit Sunday (Pentecost), 23 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion

• Trinity Sunday, 30 May – Service details yet to be announced.

The PCC continually assesses the Covid risks and it operates a ‘track and trace’ arrangement. All the usual precautions apply – please bring a face covering with you – and we will provide hand sanitiser for use before and after each service. Most importantly, for everyone’s sake, if you have any suspicion you might have contracted Covid, please don’t join us on that particular occasion.

Local Traders

• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Both closed on Sundays.

• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. Only one customer at a time can be in the salon so business will be a little slower than normal. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.

• The Elm Gallery – opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements are in place. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk

• The Milk Churn Farm Shop – open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5pm. Thursday and Saturday 9-1pm. Covid safety arrangements are in place. There are many new lines in fresh and frozen foods. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake have resumed. Why not enjoy a walk and call in for a freshly made hot chocolate, other hot drink or an ice cream? Or order in advance on 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Thirsk Food Bank now has a collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The following foodstuffs are welcomed: tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.

• The Swan – now open for drinks and food in an outdoor setting. There’s a reduced menu available and the take-away service is again on offer.

• John Aston Flooring Ltd – operating from The Old Hatchery in Asenby. There’s a large selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes. Appointment only. 01845 421111 – info

• The Angel at Topcliffe – The Angel’s garden is taking bookings for outdoor dining and drinking. Tables are available for up to six people and there are marquees over each table to protect customers from inclement weather. Don’t forget your coat or your blanket. Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 10 and 24 May.

• Recycling & green waste – Thursday 20 May

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 10 and 24 May

• Refuse – Monday 17 May

• Garden waste – Thursday 20 May

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Welcome to the 56th issue of this regular Sunday Email.

In recent Sunday emails, a lot of detail has been provided about the planning application for a major development on Dalton Industrial Estate. Yes, it is great that around 1,000 new jobs will come with this development but so will a lot of traffic, including lots of heavy lorries. Our villages already have great concern about the number of HGVs ignoring the weight limits on local roads. Your parish councils have done a brilliant job of raising safety concerns and other issues with our district and county councils and, of course, they have been speaking on our behalf.

The Dalton planning application will be considered by Hambleton District Council and it is clear that local concerns will carry more weight if more of us raised our concerns. It’s easy enough to do. Details of how to set about it are shown further down this email. And if anyone would like to voice their opinion but maybe need a bit of help with the IT, please do give me a call and I’ll try to help.

As a community we might be supportive of the new economic opportunities, but this is our only chance to make sure that if approved the planning permission includes conditions on the developer about mitigating all the identified negative impacts on our villages not only traffic but other issues such as noise and pollution.

As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

The week’s Covid statistics

• 34.5 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. The number of second doses is almost 15 million.

• There have been more than 4.5 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. The daily average number of new cases last week was 1,907. Nearly 7 million Covid tests were conducted last week.

• 160 people were admitted to hospital with Covid yesterday (994 in the week). Hospital admissions continue to fall week on week.

• There were 7 deaths reported in the UK yesterday. There were 107 in the seven-day period to Saturday.

• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at over 127,524. Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have been over 152,000 deaths

registered in the UK where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. Worldwide, the global death toll from Covid is almost 3.2 million.

The Roadmap out of Lockdown

Most of us will know what we can and can’t do at this point in the roadmap, but just as a reminder these are the current rules:

• We can meet outdoors with up to five other people from different households (that’s the Rule of 6), and two households totalling more than six people are also able to meet outdoors. We’re still not

allowed to meet others indoors.

• Outdoor sport and leisure can operate with any number of children and adults allowed to participate. Indoor leisure, including gyms and spas, can now open for use individually or within household groups.

• Children are allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them.

• All retail shops and ‘close contact services’ are now allowed to open. Restaurants and pub gardens are allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors.

• Domestic holidays and overnight stays in the UK are now permitted, with self-contained accommodation able to reopen for use by members of the same household. The advice is to minimise domestic

travel…it’s a matter of personal judgment what is reasonable! International travel and holidays are still not allowed at this stage.

• Libraries, community centres, outdoor attractions, theme parks, zoos and drive-in cinemas can now reopen.

• Funerals (30 attendees), wakes, weddings and receptions (15 attendees) are able to take place.

• People should continue to work from home where they can.

• We should maintain social distance, exercise hand hygiene and wear face coverings where required.

The next key set of relaxations to the restrictions will take place on 17 May. There’ll be more on the details in next week’s email.

A single dose of vaccine halves transmission

A Public Health England study has shown that a single dose of a coronavirus vaccine can reduce household transmission of the virus by up to half. Those given a first dose of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines – and who became infected three weeks later – were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on than unvaccinated people. This is the latest piece of evidence to indicate that vaccines are slowing the transmission of the virus as well as saving lives. Households are among the most likely places for infection to spread, so these sets of results are particularly encouraging. It’s expected similar results would be found in other high-risk settings, such as shared accommodation and prisons. All this bodes well for the continued easing of restrictions, especially as the vaccination campaign is making good progress into younger age groups who are more likely to spread the virus. And it also gives further reassurance to those concerned about the fact that children will not be vaccinated – and so might bring infection into households.

A cause for concern, though, is whether newer variants of the virus, which might be more resistant to vaccines, might cause a new surge in infections. But the expert opinion is that the current vaccines will provide a significant degree of protection, especially against severe illness.

First vaccines are now being offered to people aged 40 and above in England.

The rules on social interaction post-vaccination

Now that so many of us have received vaccines, it raises questions about whether we can ignore some of the rules on social interactions, and how we should behave around unvaccinated friends and family… Here is an experts’ guide to etiquette for the newly vaccinated.

• Don’t assume you’re protected until you’ve received both doses. Even once you’ve had two doses, you’re not invincible. You can still get the disease and you can still transmit it.
• Just because your older relatives have been jabbed, doesn’t mean you don’t need to be. Younger people are less susceptible to serious illness but can sill get it.
• Hugging another vaccinated person is unlikely to kill you – but it may lengthen the pandemic. Some experts advise that it is safe for two fully vaccinated people to hug, but others advise caution.
• If you do hug, be mindful of local infection rates. Close physical contact is likely to be safer if the number of infections in our local area are low…and they are low at the moment. But it’s also worth considering where you’ve been and who you’ve seen in recent days.
• Don’t assume your peers have been vaccinated as well. Often people that you would assume would be vaccinated have reservations and have declined the vaccination.
• Indoor family reunions, which are allowed from 17 May, should be treated with caution. If you’re confident that everyone has been fully vaccinated, a small group of you could gather indoors with relative impunity. However, you should be more careful when mixing with unvaccinated family members or friends.
• When indoor public gatherings are allowed again, physical distancing and masks will still be essential. With larger crowds, the risks of transmission are amplified so it will be important that people mask up and keep physically distanced in indoors.
• Outdoors is still safest but wear a mask if it’s busy. Even fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks at crowded outdoor events such as live performances, parades, or sports events.
• International travel will be risky for everyone. Trips to many places will have to be treated with serious caution, as this brings with it the risk of importing new coronavirus variants into the UK.

The Covid Testing

A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Seen as a significant step forward, the test kits can be obtained to use twice a week. One in three people with Covid do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery

Dalton development

In the coming week, parish councillors are having meetings with the developers and then afterwards with Hambleton District Council planners to look at responses to the consultation and how the issues raised should be addressed. So clearly to have maximum impact on what happens to the plans and to our villages there is a ‘time’ imperative to express views as soon as possible. You can add your views to the planning application at: https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=QO7ZETHUHHI00 Insert the reference number 21/00331/HYB in the search box. You might want to use the key points listed in the attached “Make sure your voice is heard” to construct your comment.

Roadworks underway on main route into Thirsk

Now that Sowerby Gateway is well underway, the developers are fulfilling a requirement to undertake road improvement works within the town centre of Thirsk. These works include the widening of Topcliffe Road to provide additional parking capacity, the widening of the Castlegate/Kirkgate junction to provide a dedicated right-hand turn lane to ease congestion, and widening of the lanes at the Town End

roundabout to increase capacity. This work has started and it is anticipated it will take until the end of July to be completed. During this time, traffic management will be in operation and there’s likely to be delays and some inconvenience.

World of James Herriot

Thirsk’s famous museum in Kirkgate reopens on Monday 17 May. It will have a fascinating new All Creatures Great and Small Exhibition. The TV programme All Creatures Great and Small was originally screened by the BBC in the 1980s and it remained on our screens for 12 years. The new Channel 5 series is bringing a whole new audience to discover the timeless stories that Alf Wight (James Herriot) penned about life as a rural vet, making him the world’s most famous vet. https://worldofjamesherriot.com/

Parish Council meetings

• Topcliffe Parish Council – the AGM will be held online on Thursday, 6 May 2021. Check out the website at www.topcliffe.org.uk

• Asenby Parish Council – the Annual Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on 19 May 2021 in the Village Hall. Covid safety arrangements will be in place. For more information go to www.asenby.net

Parish clerk vacancy

After many years of dedicated service, Alex Little, the clerk to Topcliffe Parish Council has submitted her resignation. The salaried position is now open for applications. Anyone who would like to know more can get in touch with Alex and she’ll explain what the job entails. Alex can be contacted at: topcliffeparishcouncil

Election of Police & Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner election will take place next Thursday, 6 May. The Village Hall will be the Polling Station in Topcliffe. Asenby residents will have to travel to Rainton Village Hall to vote.

Plans to reopen the Village Hall

Plans are well in hand to reopen the Village Hall to existing hirers (those that were hiring sessions prior to the pandemic) from Monday 17 May. New bookings for events such as parties will not be possible until 21 June. The use of the hall for polling purposes on 6 May is a special one-off booking. The Committee has been in touch with all existing hirers to check their plans for restarting their activities and to advise them about the Covid safety arrangements that will be in place when activities recommence.

St Columba’s Church

Services planned are:

• Sunday, 2 May, 6.30pm – Choral Evensong sung to settings by Thomas Tallis and also including the glorious evening anthem ‘Abendlied’by Josef Rheinberger.

• Sunday, 9 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion will be led by the Rev’d Canon Adrian Botwright.

• Sunday, 16 May, 10.45am – Sung Matins

• Whit Sunday (Pentecost), 23 May, 10.45am – Holy Communion

• Trinity Sunday, 30 May – As is usual, there will be no service on the fifth Sunday of the month.

The PCC continually assesses the Covid risks and it operates a ‘track and trace’ arrangement. All the usual precautions apply – please bring a face covering with you – and we will provide hand sanitiser for use before and after each service. Most importantly, for everyone’s sake, if you have any suspicion you might have contracted Covid, please don’t join us on that particular occasion.

Local Traders

• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Both closed on Sundays.

• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. Only one customer at a time can be in the salon so business will be a little slower than normal. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.

• The Elm Gallery – opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements are in place. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk

• The Milk Churn Farm Shop – open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9-5pm. Thursday and Saturday 9-1pm. Covid safety arrangements are in place. There are many new lines in fresh and frozen foods. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake have resumed. Why not enjoy a walk and call in for a freshly made hot chocolate, other hot drink or an ice cream? Or order in advance on 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Thirsk Food Bank now has a collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The following foodstuffs are welcomed: tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.

• The Swan – now open for drinks and food in an outdoor setting. There’s a reduced menu available and the take-away service is again on offer.

• John Aston Flooring Ltd – operating from The Old Hatchery in Asenby. There’s a large selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes. Appointment only. 01845 421111 – info

• The Angel at Topcliffe – The Angel’s garden is taking bookings for outdoor dining and drinking. Tables are available for up to six people and there are marquees over each table to protect customers from inclement weather. Don’t forget your coat or your blanket. Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & green waste – Friday 7 May (one day later than usual because of the early May Bank Holiday) and Thursday 20 May

• Refuse – Mondays 10 and 24 May.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Garden waste – Friday 7 May (one day later than usual because of the early May Bank Holiday) and Thursday 20 May

• Refuse – Tuesday 4 May (one day later than usual because of the early May Bank Holiday) and Monday 17 May

• Recycling – Mondays 10 and 24 May

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Make sure your voice is heard.docx