Author: Doug Allan

Hello and welcome to the 41st issue of this regular Sunday email. I hope you find its contents interesting and informative. 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 (Saturday 16 January)

• 41,346 people in the UK tested positive for Coronavirus. Almost 340,000 people tested positive over a seven-day period. Both figures are significantly lower than the previous week.
• Last week 4,532 people a day were admitted to hospital (29,412 in the week). There’s a record 37,500 Coronavirus patients in hospital. These figures show an increase on the previous week. The peak in admissions is expected in a seven to ten days’ time.
• The R number – which takes into account cases, hospitalisations and deaths – is estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.3, compared with 1 and 1.4 last week.
• Coronavirus patients are now regularly being moved from areas where there is a strain on hospitals to hospitals in other parts of the country, including the north east and Yorkshire.
• 695,000 Coronavirus tests were undertaken on 15 January and 4,178,802 during a seven-day period to 15 January.
• On Saturday 1,295 UK deaths were announced. There were 7,722 in the seven-day period to Saturday. Both these figures are increases on the previous week. So far during the pandemic, close to 88,600 deaths have been recorded.
• Worldwide, the number of deaths passed the two million mark – 2,000,905.
• From tomorrow, special air travel corridors will close and everyone arriving in the UK will have to present a negative Covid-19 test before they board a plane, train or boat bound for the UK. The test will need to have been taken within 72 hours of the start of the journey. All travellers will have to quarantine for 10 days, unless they test negative after 5 days.
• Also, from Monday, all flights from South America and Portugal to the UK have been halted in an attempt to stop a particularly virulent strain of the Brazilian Covid from arriving here.

Vaccinations proceed at a pace

Over 3.5 million people have had the first dose vaccination. Locally, Topcliffe Surgery is working with seven other surgeries in the Hambleton to run the centre at The Forum in Northallerton. The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It’s important not to contact the NHS or Topcliffe Surgery for a vaccination before then. Topcliffe patients will either be contacted by letter or telephone call from the surgery.

Experts have warned that some people may still get Covid despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe. It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions – practice social distancing, wear a face mask, wash your hands carefully and frequently, as well as follow local restrictions – to avoid infection and protect those around you.

Statement from Richard Flintoff, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council (13 January)

The number of people we have lost In North Yorkshire to Covid-19 since the pandemic began is 841. That’s 841 families who have lost a person they loved – a mum or dad, brother or sister, a son or daughter, a grandparent, a best friend. More than 30 people have died here in the last week alone. In a personal and professional capacity, I share the sense of grief and determination to drive this virus out of our county and today I am asking you to show that team spirit and resolve like never before to help that happen. North Yorkshire’s frontline NHS staff are now treating 85 more patients in the hospitals which serve our residents than in the first wave. Thirty more people who need hospital care have been admitted over the last 48 hours alone. Our NHS colleagues are using words we hoped not to hear. They are facing ‘unprecedented demand’: they are in ‘a dangerous place’. The new variant, which we know is much easier to catch than the original strain, is widespread across North Yorkshire and York and doing its best to drive infection still further here. And even though we are seeing the first small reductions in the rates of infections across the county there is a delay of around 10 to 14 days between someone testing positive for Covid and developing the more serious symptoms, which may require hospital treatment. Therefore, a reduction in rates now will not translate into any relief for NHS staff for some time to come. Only by acting collectively and consistently and making the right decision every day can we make the difference that will turn the tide on this and see us edge towards a better place.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who continue to do the right thing and who are staying at home. For the tiny minority who think it’s OK to have a birthday party at home with friends or drive unreasonable distances to take their daily exercise I would warn that they should expect a word from our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police. Because whilst officers have been incredibly patient in explaining the rules to people, they are equally clear that those choosing to flout them deliberately can expect a fine.

Exercising and meeting other people

The argument continues about the clarity or otherwise of government rules relating to leaving our homes for exercise. The media has regularly reported apparent breaches of the regulations and there were accusations that even the Prime Minister travelled too far from home for exercise purposes. Fortunately, the two Derbyshire ladies fined for being out walking at a beauty spot whilst drinking coffees have had their £200 fines cancelled. And in the section above, North Yorkshire County Council’s CEO warns that the county’s police are on the lookout for anyone flouting the rules. So, what are the rules? The government maintains the following guidelines should be sufficient for us all to make sensible decisions.

The main point is that you should minimise time spent outside your home. It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

You can exercise in a public outdoor place:

• by yourself
• with the people you live with
• with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
• in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
• or, when on your own, with one person from another household.

Public outdoor places include:

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
• the grounds of a heritage site
• playgrounds.

But be prepared for changes to these rules. At the end of last week the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said the government could not rule out further measures being announced any time soon. It is thought ministers are considering measures like requiring the wearing of masks outside and allowing people to exercise only with people from the same household.

Think carefully when going shopping

There’s been much in the news this last week about peoples’ concerns about going shopping in supermarkets…and the big chains have reacted quickly to reintroduce firmer safety rules governing the wearing of masks, one-way routes and numbers allowed in the shop at any one time. So, what is the best advice for those of us that must continue to do the shopping?

First, we have to remember that Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air. These can cause an infection if they are breathed in, or potentially if you touch a surface they have landed on. So, going shopping and mixing with other people does carry a risk. That is why social distancing – keeping at least 2m (about 6ft) from others – is so important. The experts agree that supermarkets can provide an ideal setting for virus transfer. They recognise that many people are touching and replacing items, as well as touching checkout belts, baskets, trolleys, cash cards, car park ticket machine buttons, ATM buttons and paper receipts. Not to mention being in the proximity of lots of other people.

There are ways to offset these risks:

• Shop at quieter times when fewer shoppers are about.
• Make use of any priority shopping arrangements on offer, for example if you qualify to use special slots NHS workers and those for vulnerable people.
• Always wear your mask…and consider wearing gloves.
• Make use of sanitisation materials supplied at entrances.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand sanitiser before and after shopping.
• Treat surfaces as if they may be contaminated, meaning you avoid touching your face after handling anything mentioned above.
• Use contactless payment methods.

There’s always the option of shopping online with home deliveries. There’s high demand for slots but look around and there’ll be availability at one or other main supermarkets. And don’t forget that the Milk Churm Farm Shop in Topcliffe can provide veg, fruit and fresh meat boxes…and deliver them vulnerable villagers in Topcliffe and Asenby.

Book a coronavirus test locally

These are government operated ‘every day’ sites close to where we live. They operate 8am to 8pm. The full list of other sites operating in North Yorkshire can be viewed on the county council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB

• Every day – Northallerton – The Forum, Bullamore Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Asenby Parish Council

Just a reminder that Asenby Parish Council will meet remotely on Wednesday 20 January. The meeting is at 7.30pm. Residents wishing to join this meeting should email the Parish Clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com for log in details.

Fish and Chips

The Fish & Chip van will be back in action between 4 and 7pm on Friday 22 January.

Topcliffe Post Office

Here’s a reminder of the current opening hours: weekdays 7.30am – 3:30pm for the shop and 8:30am – 3.30pm for the post office counter. Saturdays – 8.30 – 11.30am. Sunday closed.

Stamp collection

Topcliffe resident Samantha Key is taking up philately but she won’t be sticking the stamps she has into an album…instead she is collecting used stamps to support her favourite charity. She is supporting Support Dogs for Autism, for Epilepsy and for Disability, a registered national charity dedicated to increasing independence and quality of life for people with various medical conditions. It provides, trains and supports specialist assistance dogs to achieve this. Sam is prepared to act as a ‘stamp collector’ for Topcliffe and Asenby and is hoping villagers will support her by collecting any stamps – UK or international. They just need to be cut out with about a 1cm of envelope left around the edge. Anyone willing to help can collect stamps at home and at convenient times, when passing, drop them through the letterbox at Cliff House, Long Street (next door to The Angel).

Topcliffe Surgery – Round-Up

• Text Messaging – The recently launched text messaging service is proving to be very popular. The service enables surgery staff to provide patients with test results and other important information by text to your mobile. This includes being able to let you know when your medication is ready to collect. For this service to run well, it is important that the surgery has the correct contact details for all patients. If any of your contact details have changed recently please let the surgery know.
• Advice on weight gain and fitness- In January many of us start to think about the changes we’d like to make in the coming months. With almost a year of social distancing and restrictions, some of us have got fitter and lost weight. For others, they’ve lost fitness or gained weight. Lockdown places new limits on what we can do, but if you’d like to do something about it, why not consider the NHS weight loss plan? It’s a free 12-week plan, and with over 7 million downloads, you’ll be in good company. Additionally, surgery staff advise that if you’re trying to lose weight, a low-fat diet could help you. Fat is higher in calories than protein or carbohydrate per gram, so changing what you eat can make a big difference over time. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, losing weight can make a huge difference to your overall health. Restrictions have meant that many of us haven’t exercised how and where we normally would. If you’re missing out on the gym, the NHS has a brilliant suite of fitness videos for you to follow at home. From aerobic to strength training, there’s something for everyone.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan/

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/low-fat-diet.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/

• Dry January – If you think you might be drinking a bit more alcohol than you should, you might want to consider some of the tips the NHS has to offer to help you cut down. Alcohol can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. For others, just cutting down won’t be enough. You might have decided to cut alcohol out of your life completely. For some people, it’s not a lifestyle choice: it’s a necessity. ‘Drink Aware’ has advice about removing alcohol from your life safely. This is particularly important if you’re drinking heavily on a regular basis. If you think you might be dependent on alcohol and could use some support, please ask to speak to one of the GPs at the surgery. They’re always there to help support positive changes. If you think a temporary change in alcohol consumption might be just the ticket as a reset after the festive season, take a look at Alcohol Change UK’s ‘Dry January’ website. We might be halfway through the month but it’s never too late to consider a change in drinking habits. Participants report a wide range of benefits such as saving money and improved sleep.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice…nking/how-to-stop-drinking-alcoholcompletely

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/dry-january

• Brew-up to support The Samaritans – For many of us, 2020 was a long, challenging year! Now in the midst of winter we are experiencing shorter, darker days. These things can have a negative impact on mental health and resilience. Sometimes just hearing a friendly voice is all you need when you’re feeling down. That’s why The Samaritans are asking us to reach out to relatives, friends and neighbours who might be finding things difficult. Even if we can’t meet easily for a cuppa, we can arrange to have a virtual cuppa and put the world to rights together. After all, they do say that a problem shared is a problem halved. The surgery is supporting a brew-up on Monday 20 January and it’s hoped that lots of us will take part and help raise a few pounds for the charity. For more information about how to get involved and contribute go to: https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/
• Flu vaccination for patients aged 50 to 65 years – the surgery still has some flu vaccines available for patients in this age group. It is important that those who are eligible for the jab make an appointment to receive it. If you have not had your flu vaccination yet, please call 01845 577297 to make an appointment.

Yarnbombers in action in Topcliffe

Mystery yarnbombers have been leaving knitted momentos around Topcliffe this past week or so. Lovely little messages attached to knitted flowers, rainbows and owls have mysteriously appeared in all sort of places for anyone to find and take home. Of course, you’re not allowed to know whodunit! That’s secret and the names of yarnbombers are rarely revealed.

Thirsk Community Library

The library has launched a new jigsaw loan scheme. This is operating alongside the popular Library at Home and Click and Collect book, audiobooks, music and DVDs borrowing services. You can choose the type of jigsaw picture and the number of pieces either by telephone 01609 534589 or by email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk . It’s £1 for a four-week loan or 50p for children’s jigsaws.

Thirsk-based charity Community Works is doing the home deliveries of library books as well as shopping and prescription deliveries if anyone is in need of assistance. Queries about any of these services or helping with volunteering to drive people for their vaccinations or doctor’s appointments, can be made to Helen Ashworth on helen@communityworks.uk

RSPB’s annual birdwatch

If you want to participate in the RSPB’s annual bird watch don’t forget to make a note on your calendar – it will take place between 29 and 31 January. 375,000 people have already signed up to take part. Anyone can join in and all you have to do is pick an hour during which you will monitor and count the birds in your own garden. All you have to do is count the birds that land in your garden…but you should ignore any birds that are still in flight. The results can be submitted online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 29 January until 19 February. Every count is important so, even if you don’t see anything you are asked to tell the RSPB. Apparently, finding out which birds don’t visit your area is as important as understanding those which do!

Safer Internet Day – 9 February

To mark Safer Internet Day, North Yorkshire Police will be hosting another of the popular online ’Ask the Experts’ evenings, this time to offer some insight into the tricks scammers use to manipulate their victims. The event will be conducted using Microsoft Teams and those registering to take part will be emailed a link prior to the date. You do not need to have Microsoft Teams installed on your computer to participate, just a good internet link.

To register for the event please click on this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/internet-safety-day-ask-the-experts-north-yorkshire-police-tickets-135979661829

News from The Elm Gallery

The gallery remains closed. Liz and Dave will continue to promote items on the gallery’s Facebook page and website. Collection of purchases at the gallery door can be arranged. More information can be found on their website at www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk and they can be contacted on 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

The farm shop is open but no takeaway drinks are being served during lockdown. Fresh bread arrives daily. Customers can only enter the shop one at a time, they must wear a mask and are asked not to handle products they don’t intend to buy. For their part, the staff will clean the baskets, door handles and other surfaces on a regular basis. Meat, fruit and vegetable baskets can be delivered to any Topcliffe and Asenby residents who are isolating or collected in person by arrangement. Telephone 01845 400446 to order and agree a time. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

St. Columba’s Church

Following a recent online meeting of Topcliffe St Columba’s PCC it has been agreed that the following services will be held:

• Matins today at 10.30am.
• Evensong at 6.30pm on Sunday, 7 February at St Columba’s Church, Topcliffe.
• No services will be held on Sunday 24 January or Sunday 31 January.

A great deal of work has been done on risk assessments for these services and strict measures will be in place for wearing of face masks, hand sanitisation before and after each service, and social distancing. Please observe spaced time of arrival and departure to avoid mingling. Any changes in the rules or legislation regarding church opening and services will be included in a future email.

The Angel

Because of the lockdown The Angel has had to close its doors. The Angel at Home takeaway service is operating with a new menu and reduced prices. Take away times are Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30-8pm, with orders taken from 3.30pm and Sundays 12-6pm, with orders taken from 11am. Call 01845 578000 to place an order or book a time slot in advance. Check out the details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan is closed until further notice…hopefully, not too long!

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 18 January and 1 February 2021.

• Recycling – Thursday 28 January 2021

• Green waste – collections recommence Thursday 22 February 2021

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 18 January and 1 February (subject to weather conditions)

• Refuse –

• Green waste – suspended until mid-March

Green waste licence renewal

Subscriptions for new licences from both councils for 2021-22 are now being taken

The Hambleton licence expires on 26 March 2021. Subscriptions for a new licence will cost £40 per licence per bin. The 2021-22 service runs from 29 March 2021 to 25 March 2022. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

Subscriptions for a new licence from Harrogate District Council will cost £41 per bin. The 2021-22 service runs from mid-March 2021 to November 2021. This year we have held the price of a garden waste licence at £41. You will receive nineteen fortnightly collections – great value at around £2 per collection. To subscribe or for more information please visit https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service

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

Hello and welcome to the 40th issue of this regular Sunday email. As one avid reader pointed out, it is the ruby edition!

I hope you find its contents interesting and informative. 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

Covid situation round-up

It has been a truly awful week with the number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths massively increasing – and the situation proving worse than at the height of the spring 2020 lockdown. The post-Christmas spike that was predicted is now coming into play and the new UK variant is hugely increasing the rate of transmission in almost every part of the country. Here are a few other statistics and snippets that sum up the situation:

• The Office for National Statistics reckons that nearly half the households in the UK formed a Christmas bubble, whether they were allowed to or not.

• On Friday last, 68,053 people in the UK tested positive for coronavirus. Over 415,000 tested positive over a seven-day period to Friday.

• Last week it was announced that one in 50 people were infectious…and in some areas as many as one in 20.

• Around 3,870 people a day last week were admitted to hospital (23,400 in the week).

• 620,000 coronavirus tests were undertaken on 7 January and 3,403,714 during a seven-day period to 7 January.

• On Friday 1,325 deaths were announced. There were almost 5,700 in the seven-day period to Friday. So far during the pandemic, close to 80,000 deaths have been recorded.

• Two types of vaccine are now being used. They are being given to the most vulnerable first, as set out in a list of nine high-priority groups, covering around 30 million people in the UK. Around 1.5 million people in the UK have had at least one dose of Covid vaccine so far. That includes almost a quarter of those aged over 80 in England.

• A third Covid vaccine has been approved for use in the UK. It is made by the company Moderna and works in a similar way to the Pfizer one that is already being offered on the NHS. However, supplies of the new jab are not expected to be available until the spring. The UK has now pre-ordered 17 million doses.

• From next week, all international arrivals, including UK citizens, will have to present a negative Covid-19 test before they board a plane, train or boat bound for the UK. The test will need to have been taken within 72 hours of the start of the journey. People arriving from countries which are not on the government’s ‘Travel Corridor list’ will still have to self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their test result.

Local restrictions

As North Yorkshire is in a national lockdown we must now stay at home and follow the restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, to protect the NHS and to save lives. We must not leave or be outside of our homes except when we have a reasonable excuse. You can leave home to/for:

• Work – where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home

• Volunteer – to provide voluntary or charitable services.

• Essential activities – to buy things at shops or obtain services. You may also do these things on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating.

• Education and childcare – for education, registered childcare and supervised activities for children where they are eligible to attend.

• Meeting others and care – to visit people in your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one), to provide informal childcare for children under 14 as part of a childcare bubble, or for respite care where that care is being provided to a vulnerable person or a person with a disability, or for a short break in respect of a looked-after child.

• Exercise – to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. You should maintain social distancing.

• Medical reasons – including to get a Covid-19 test, for medical appointments and emergencies.

• Harm and compassionate visits – to be with someone who is giving birth, to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm (such as domestic abuse). You can also leave home to visit someone who is dying or someone in a care home (if permitted under care home guidance), hospice, or hospital, or to accompany them to a medical appointment.

• Animal welfare reasons – such as to attend veterinary services for advice or treatment.

• Communal worship and life events – to attend or visit a place of worship for communal worship, a funeral or event related to a death, a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a wedding ceremony. You should follow the guidance on the safe use of places of worship and must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when attending a place of worship. Weddings, funerals and religious, belief-based or commemorative events linked to someone’s death are all subject to limits on the numbers that can attend, and weddings and civil ceremonies may only take place in exceptional circumstances.

Book a coronavirus test locally

These are government operated ‘every day’ sites close to where we live. They operate 8am to 8pm. The full list of other sites operating in North Yorkshire can be viewed on the county council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB

• Every day – Northallerton – The Forum, Bullamore Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Note from Topcliffe Surgery

Please see the attached communication from the team at Topcliffe Surgery.

Help available to anyone who needs it

Many residents will be shielding again as part of the national lockdown but no-one in either of our villages should ever be alone or without help. In most cases neighbours are happy to provide essential support with such things as shopping, collecting prescriptions or just to have a chat. But if a more formal approach is preferred North Yorkshire County Council can assist. Since the beginning of the pandemic the authority has been working alongside district councils and in partnership with community organisations to coordinate volunteer support hubs. These hubs are a single point of contact within the community that can provide a safety net of support for people during this latest lockdown. More than 1,500 volunteers have helped thousands of people each week with shopping, hot meals and prescriptions, as well as checking on people’s health and wellbeing. If you don’t have anyone you can turn to for help give them a call and they will get you the support you need. Call 01609 780780 between 8am and 5.30pm seven days a week.

Clap for Heroes

Did you take part in the first Clap for Heroes last Thursday evening? The weekly doorstep applause for NHS and care workers that was so popular in the early days of Covid has returned under a new name and to thank a wider range of deserving workers who have kept going throughout the pandemic. By all accounts the public didn’t respond to this fresh call for applause in the way they did last year, but maybe the idea will gather momentum in the weeks to come. The plan is to have doorstep applause each Thursday evening at 8pm.

Asenby Parish Council

Just a reminder that Asenby Parish Council will be meeting remotely on Wednesday 20 January 2021. The meeting is at 7.30pm – not 7pm as suggested last week. Residents wishing to join this meeting electronically should email the Parish Clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com for log in details.

Topcliffe Parish Council

The Parish Council met remotely last Thursday. The Minutes will be published online at www.topcliffe.org.uk

Margaret’s Tipping Point

Last October (Issue 29 of the Sunday Email) I mentioned that former Topcliffe resident Margaret Whitaker was due to make an appearance on the ITV quiz programme Tipping Point that week. Well, it didn’t happen! But the recorded appearance is due to be broadcast at 4pm this Friday (15 January). Margaret, who was the school secretary at Topcliffe School for some years but moved to Seaton Carew after her retirement, sadly died not long after the programme was recorded.

Fish and Chips

Both Karen and her dad Paul have recently had operations and I’m pleased to report both are recovering well. It’s anticipated that the Fish & Chip van will be back in action between 4 and 7pm on Friday 22 January. The time and date will be confirmed or otherwise in next week’s email.

Ice treatment

We’ve had some pretty severe weather over the last few weeks and our drives and paths have been treacherous to walk on. So, it’s timely that Josh Barningham is selling bags of white rock salt to treat surfaces. The 25kg bags are available at £6 (reduced from £10). He can deliver to both villages. Telephone 07716 334211.

Post Office opening times have changed

Topcliffe Post Office has announced that it is reducing its opening times during the current lockdown. Until further notice it will close at 3:30pm. The opening times are now 7.30am – 3:30pm for the shop and 7:30am – 3.30pm for the post office counter.

RSPB’s annual birdwatch

The RSPB’s annual bird watch will take place between 29 and 31 January. Anyone can take part and all you have to do is pick an hour during which you will monitor and count the birds in your own garden. In other years you could select another location such as a park or allotment, but during lockdown it’s best to stick to your own garden. You can be an early bird checking out what goes on before most of us are out of bed or a night owl if you think there’s any nocturnal activity where you live. All you have to do is count the birds that land in your garden…but you should ignore any birds that are still in flight. To avoid double-counting, just record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not a running total. The results can be submitted online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 29 January until 19 February. Every count is important so, even if you don’t see anything you are asked to tell the RSPB. Apparently, finding out which birds don’t visit your area is as important as understanding those which do!

Police, Fire & Crime budget and council tax bill

There’s still a few days to tell Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan about your thoughts on the size of the budget allocated for services she oversees and the impact on your council tax bill next year. The consultation closes Wednesday 13 January. The survey can be completed at www.telljulia.info

Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households across North Yorkshire will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. Census day will be on March 21. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. This census will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter in early March with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. It’s important for everyone to take part as the information gathered is used to ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. Although this year’s census is principally an online affair, there will be paper questionnaires for those that need them. There’ll be more about the census in future Sunday emails and the spring Tattler.

Scammers try it on with vaccines

It doesn’t take long for scammers to catch on to the latest opportunities to try and defraud us. Neighbourhood Watch this week warned about a new scam that is doing the rounds using a genuine looking website. It starts with a text seemingly from the NHS inviting the intended target to apply for the new vaccine. If you click on the link you are redirected to a website that looks believable and asks for a load of personal information. But it’s all a con and alarm bells should ring because, as we all know, the vaccine is free. Follow the usual advice and do not click on links in unknown texts or emails and never give out your personal details.

Safer Internet Day – 9 February

With more people working from home and children now having their school lessons online, the need to use the internet more safely and securely has never been greater. To mark Safer Internet Day, North Yorkshire Police will be hosting another of the popular online ’Ask the Experts’ evenings. There’ll be presentations from the Cyber Crime Unit and Online Abuse & Safeguarding Units, and an insight will be given into the tricks scammers use to manipulate their victims. As usual there will be the opportunity to ask questions of our panel of experts. This event will be conducted using Microsoft Teams and those registering to take part will be emailed a link prior to the date. You do not need to have Microsoft Teams installed on your computer to participate, just a good internet link. To register for the event please click on this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/internet-safety-day-ask-the-experts-north-yorkshire-police-tickets-135979661829

News from The Elm Gallery

The gallery remains closed. The gallery didn’t have to close, but Liz and Dave decided they would now feel much safer if it did. They will continue to post things on the gallery Facebook page and, just as they did during the last lockdown, collection of purchases at the gallery door can be arranged. More information can be found on their website at www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk and they can be contacted on 01845 577316 or 07709 223920. The gallery will re-open when infection rates fall and/or when Liz and Dave have had their vaccinations.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

Debbie and her team would like to thank all of their customers for accepting the changes they have had to make due to the Covid lockdown.

The farm shop is now open again after a well-deserved extended festive break, but no takeaway drinks are being served. The shop is well-stocked with fresh food and drink. If there is a specific vegetable, fruit or meat product that any customer wants, the staff are more than happy to order it from their suppliers. They are getting fresh bread daily but unfortunately are unable to get sourdough throughout lockdown. Because of the lockdown restrictions and worrying high numbers of infections in Hambleton, customers will be required to be in the shop one at a time, to wear their mask and not to handle products they don’t intend to buy – the names and prices are all clearly presented. For their part, the staff will clean the baskets, door handles and other surfaces on a regular basis. Meat, fruit and vegetable baskets can be delivered to any Topcliffe and Asenby residents who are isolating or collected in person by arrangement. Telephone 01845 400446 to order and agree a time. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

St. Columba’s Church

The Communion Service scheduled for today (10 January) will not take place as the Rev’d Terry Dyer has decided not to continue with services under the present circumstances. The congregation offers its heartfelt thanks to Rev’d Dyer and Churchwarden, Chris Hewlett, for their dedication and professionalism in supporting church activities to date. The possibility of holding future services will be risk assessed under the Covid regulations and a further announcement made in due course.

The Angel

Because of the tier lockdown The Angel has had to close its doors. However, Greg and his team are keeping positive and look forward to a brighter spring. In the meantime, the Angel at Home takeaway service is operating with a new menu and reduced prices. Take away times are Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30-8pm, with orders taken from 3.30pm and Sundays 12-6pm, with orders taken from 11am. Call 01845 578000 to place an order or book a time slot in advance. Check out the details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan is closed until further notice…hopefully, not too long! George and Jane would like to thank everyone who has supported them throughout the recent difficult and confusing times and they look forward to the time when customers can again visit for drinks and meals.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling – Thursdays 14 and 28 January 2021

• Green Waste – 14 January – this special collection is for subscribing members only. It’s primarily for Christmas trees, which must be cut up and placed completely inside the bin. Other green waste can also be included. The current 2020/21 licences expire 26 March 2021. Subscriptions for the Hambleton 2021-22 garden waste service can now be purchased. Subscriptions cost £40 per licence per bin. The 2021-22 service runs 29 March 2021 to 25 March 2022. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins Residents who don’t subscribe to the green waste collection services can take trees to the Recycling Centre in Sowerby. It’s open from 8.30am until 4pm but closed every Wednesday.

• Refuse – Mondays 18 January and 1 February 2021.

Important Note from Hambleton Council: Low temperatures and continuous spells of wintry weather have resulted in ice remaining on many roads and paved surfaces. Conditions are expected to continue in some area across the district for some time. Whilst additional vehicles and staff have been deployed to assist with collections, the conditions in some areas have not improved enough to allow safe access and collection teams may not be able to work as normal. If this is the case, additional waste to the equivalent of one missed collection will be collected with your next scheduled collection – waste must be left in black sacks.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Due to the current weather conditions, collections this coming week will be a day later than planned. This schedule may change if the adverse weather continues.

• Collections due on Monday 11 January will now be collected on Tuesday 12 January

• Recycling – Mondays 18 January and 1 February (subject to weather conditions)

• Green waste – currently suspended. Subscriptions for 2021-22 open this month. To subscribe or for more information please visit https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service

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

Topcliffe Surgery Update.pdf

Hello and welcome to the 39th issue of this regular Sunday email. Despite the Covid restrictions, I hope you had a good Christmas and I wish you all a very happy, healthy and better New Year.

Hopefully the year will improve quite quickly as the vaccination process proceeds but it starts on a bad note. We are now in tier 3 which tightens the restrictions on our lives and the experts tell us we are likely to have a third spike of the virus this month because of the relaxation of rules over Christmas that allowed us to have contact with others. It’s suggested that the mixing of households on Christmas Day, together with the threat from the new strain of Covid, will lead to an increase in infections. The good news last week was that the authorities have approved AstraZeneca’s vaccine and 100 million doses – enough to vaccinate 50 million people – will be available with roll out starting Monday. Apparently, this vaccine, the second in use in the UK, is easier to store and distribute. It can be kept at normal fridge temperature unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech jab that has to be kept at -70C. There’s now enough vaccine available for the whole population so let’s hope the authorities can get this organised and that the beginning of the end is now in sight.

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. 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 latest Covid situation

Last Wednesday the government announced the latest restrictions imposed on the population to help fight a massive increase in Covid infections. You’ll all realise by now that here in North Yorkshire we are now in tier 3 (very high Covid alert) whilst millions more people now live under the toughest tier 4 restrictions as case numbers continue to rise across the country.

Here’s a reminder of what tier 3 means to us (to check the details on each of these categories by going to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert

• Indoor social contact – no mixing of households indoors.
• Outdoor social contact – you must not meet socially (in a private garden or at most outdoor public venues), with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with. However, you can see friends and family in some outdoor public places, in a group of up to 6. This limit of 6 includes children of any age. These outdoor public places include parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotments, the grounds of a heritage site, outdoor sports courts and facilities, and playgrounds. You can continue to meet in a group larger than 6 if you are all from the same household or support bubble. (check out the exemptions via the link above).
• Overnight stays – are advised against, other than with household or support bubble.

• Travel and transport – avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Reduce the number of journeys where possible. Plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. You should avoid sharing a car with those outside of your household or support bubble.

• Working from home – everyone who can work from home should do so.
• Places of worship – open but members of the congregation cannot interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble.
• Weddings and funerals – 15 guests for weddings and wakes; 30 for funerals. Wedding receptions not permitted.
• Hospitality – all hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services.
• Accommodation – hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close (though there are some exemptions – see link above).
• Shopping and retail – remains open.
• Indoor leisure – remains open, but group activities and classes should not take place.
• Sport and exercise – classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but people should avoid higher-risk contact activity. Group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or bubble. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
• Large events – events should not take place. Drive-in events permitted.
• Entertainment and tourist attractions – indoor venues closed.
• Education – early years settings, schools, colleges and universities can open, but there’s much controversy about the dangers of re-opening so watch out for separate announcements from the government about arrangements.
• Childcare – registered and wraparound childcare is open. Supervised activities are permitted in private homes. Children’s groups are permitted. Childcare bubbles for under 14s.
• People who are clinically extremely vulnerable – there is special guidance covering these people. Check the details via the above link.

If you break the rules the police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines. You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.

Be prepared for the next spike

If the experts are correct, we can expect a post-Christmas spike in infections any day now, so here’s a reminder of the basic guidance around infection control.

Self-isolate immediately if:

• you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).
• you’ve tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus.
• someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive.
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms and you’ve been in close contact with them since their symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.
• someone in your support bubble tested positive and you’ve been in close contact with them since they had the test or in the 48 hours before their test.
• you’ve been told you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive.

You may want to tell people you’ve been in close contact within the past 48 hours that you might have coronavirus.

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (Covid-19). This helps stop the virus spreading to other people. Self-isolation is different to social distancing – general advice for everyone to avoid close contact with other people and to shielding – advice for people at high risk from coronavirus. It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. You could be fined if you do not self-isolate.

How to self-isolate

You must not leave your home if you’re self-isolating.

• do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can.
• do not go on public transport or use taxis.
• do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home.
• do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care.
• do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one.

Protect people in your household

If you have symptoms, you should stay away from other people you live with as much as possible. If you can:

• stay on your own in one room as much as possible and keep the door closed
• avoid using shared spaces (such as the kitchen) at the same time as other people – eat your meals in your room
• use a separate bathroom – otherwise, use the bathroom after everyone else and clean it each time you use it, for example, by wiping the surfaces you’ve touched.

When to get a test

Get a test as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus or if you are directed to do so by NHS Test and Trace or other health services. The symptoms are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

The test needs to be done in the first 8 days of having symptoms. You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.

Book a coronavirus test locally

These are government operated ‘every day’ sites close to where we live. They operate 8am to 8pm. The full list of other sites operating in North Yorkshire can be viewed on the county council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB
• Every day – Northallerton – The Forum, Bullamore Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Help and support while you’re staying at home

While you’re self-isolating:

• you can get help with everyday tasks, like collecting shopping or medicines, from an NHS volunteer. They can even arrange to give you a call if you want to chat to someone. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, everyday) to arrange help from a volunteer.
• you might be able to get sick pay or other types of financial support if you’re not able to work. Tell your employer if you cannot work while you’re self-isolating. They should tell you if you’re covered by their sick leave or special leave policy. If you cannot get sick pay from your employer, you might be able to get Statutory Sick Pay or another type of financial support. If you’re on a low income and you’re asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, you may be able to get a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. https://www.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payment

Asenby Parish Council

The Parish Council will be meeting remotely on Wednesday 20 January 2021 at 7pm. Residents wishing to join this meeting electronically should email the Parish Clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com for log in details.

Topcliffe Parish Council

The Parish Council will be meeting remotely on Thursday 7 January 2021 at 7pm. Any members of the public wishing to join this meeting electronically should contact the clerk for log in details – topcliffeparishcouncil@gmail.com There is a period of 10 minutes at the beginning of each meeting set aside to receive questions and comments from members of the public.

Tell Julia what you think of her budget

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is asking for your view on the amount to be invested in local policing and fire and rescue services from your council tax bill next year. One of Julia Mulligan’s responsibilities is to set the precept – the amount dedicated to policing, fire and rescue from every household. As part of her commitment to ensuring the opinions of residents are reflected, every year she holds a consultation which is then part of the recommendation put to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel. The survey runs until Wednesday 13 January. It can be completed at www.telljulia.info

Parcel delivery scam

Sorry to present more worrying news about scammers, but I think this one is worth drawing your attention to. At a time when many of us are shopping more and more online it seems that fraudsters are using fake DPD (parcel delivery) messages to lure victims into a phishing scam. The messages state that the recipient has missed two attempted deliveries of a parcel and includes instructions on how to arrange another delivery. The links in the messages lead to fraudulent websites that request a small payment to rearrange the delivery. If the victim makes this payment, they receive a phone call within a few days from someone purporting to be from their bank to inform them about suspicious transactions on their account. They may also receive text messages also purporting to be from their bank, confirming these transactions. The victim is informed that their bank account may be compromised and is instructed to transfer their money to what they believe is an alternative secure account in order to prevent further losses. In other cases, suspects have gained enough personal details and security information during the phone call with the unsuspecting victim, to enable them to take out a loan in the victim’s name. The fraudsters then transfer the loan to an account under their control. Fraudsters are able to use a tactic called ‘spoofing’ to make the call or text appear genuine by cloning the phone number, or sender ID, used by the bank.

What you need to do

• There is an easy way to check the email or text is safe, only emails sent from one of three DPD email addresses are genuine. These are dpd.co.uk, dpdlocal.co.uk or dpdgroup.co.uk.

• Your bank, or other official organisations, will never ask you to share personal or financial information over the telephone, or via text or email. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact them directly.

• If you have received an email which you’re unsure about, report it by forwarding it to report You can report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

• If you have acted upon a message you have received, and you think you may be a victim of a fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to North Yorkshire Police on 101 or Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

News from The Elm Gallery

Following recent rises in Covid-19 in Hambleton, Liz and Dave have decided to close the gallery temporarily to protect themselves and their customers. The gallery didn’t have to close, but Liz and Dave decided they would now feel much safer if it did. They will continue to post things on the gallery Facebook page and, just as they did during the last lockdown, collection of purchases at the gallery door can be arranged. More information can be found on their website at http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk and they can be contacted on 01845 577316 or 07709 223920. The gallery will re-open when infection rates fall and/or Liz and Dave have had their vaccinations.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

Farm shop staff are taken a much-needed break after a very busy pre-Christmas period. The shop will be open again on 8 January. Because of the tier 3 restrictions customers will be required to be in the shop one at a time, to wear their mask and not to handle products they don’t intend to buy – the names and prices are all clearly presented. For their part, the staff will clean the baskets, door handles and other surfaces on a regular basis. Meat, fruit and vegetable baskets will be on offer again and can be delivered to any Topcliffe and Asenby residents who are isolating or collected in person by arrangement. Telephone 01845 400440 to order and agree a time.

St. Columba’s Church

The church authorities locally have decided that despite the heightened transmissibility of the new virus strain and the rising number of cases in Hambleton, the risks of holding church services still remain at an acceptable level. Of course, masks must be worn and social distancing observed. The situation will be monitored and the covid risk recalculated regularly throughout January. Should the government advice change, or things reach a level where it is considered the risk is unacceptable, then services will be cancelled, maybe at short notice.

• Sunday 3 January – 6.30pm Choral Evensong
• Sunday 10 January – 10.45am Holy Communion led by Rev’d Terry Dyer
• Sunday 17 January – 10.45am Sung Matins
• Sunday 24 January – 10.45am Holy Communion led by Rev’d Terry Dryer
• Sunday 31 January – No service

Note from John Phillips: “I hope people are enjoying the floodlighting of the church tower over the festive period. This will continue until 6 January (Twelfth night). John Blair has provided the floodlighting for many years and we thank him once again for organising this spectacle.”

The Angel

Because of the tier 3 restrictions, The Angel has had to close its doors. However, Greg and his team are keeping positive and look forward to a brighter spring. In the meantime, the Angel at Home takeaway service is operating with a new menu and reduced prices (see attached). Take away times are Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30-8pm, with orders taken from 3.30pm and Sundays 12-6pm, with orders taken from 11am. Call 01845 578000 to place an order or book a time slot in advance. Greg and his staff wish everyone a very happy new year and thank all customers for their continued support.

www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

The Swan

The Swan is closed until further notice….hopefully, not too long! George and Jane would like to thank everyone who has supported them throughout the recent difficult and confusing times and they look forward to the time when customers can again visit for drinks and meals. Hopefully 2021 will bring a brighter year which can be celebrated in style. A very happy new year from the team at The Swan.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 4 January and 18 January 2021

• Recycling – Thursdays 14 and 28 January 2021

• Green Waste – 14 January – this special collection is for subscribing members only. It’s primarily for Christmas trees, which must be cut up and placed completely inside the bin. Other green waste can also be included. The current 2020/21 licences expire 26 March 2021. Subscriptions for the Hambleton 2021-22 garden waste service can now be purchased. Subscriptions cost £40 per licence per bin. The 2021-22 service runs 29 March 2021 to 25 March 2022. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Tuesday 5 January 2021 (date changed due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 18 January and 1 February

• Refuse – Mondays 11 and 25 January

• Green waste – subscriptions for 2021-22 open this month. To subscribe or for more information please visit https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service.

Residents who don’t subscribe to the green waste collection services can take trees to the Recycling Centre in Sowerby. It’s open from 8.30am until 4pm but closed every Wednesday.

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

The Angel at Home – Takeaway Menu.docx

Hello and welcome to the 38th issue of this regular Sunday email.

It’s not often that significant parts of the Sunday email have had to be completely rewritten at the last minute…but all the prepared text about Covid and the Christmas restrictions had to be ditched and new copy prepared this morning. All because the government yesterday changed its stance on allowing people to celebrate Christmas together and has backtracked on what will be allowed in different parts of the country. In some parts the changes are dramatic – there’ll be no household mixing at all, whilst here in North Yorkshire mixing together on one day only – Christmas day – will be allowed. The changes nationally come about because of the ever-increasing number of cases stemming from a new Covid variant which threatens to overwhelm the NHS and see many more infections and deaths. Christmas isn’t exactly cancelled up north, but it will certainly be a much quieter celebration…if everyone obeys the rules to keep us all safe and well.

This week I heard that the Swaleside Holiday Park is changing hands and its managers Amanda Kenney and Andrew Balderson are moving on to pastures new early in the New Year. The ninety-seven-unit park has been sold by York House Leisure to the Maquire family who own caravan parks across North Yorkshire, County Durham and Northumberland. Amanda and Andrew, who have been great friends of Topcliffe and big supporters of Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall, are staying with York House Leisure and taking on a larger holiday park, Galeforth Park near Selby. They will be greatly missed and I for one wish them every success and happiness in the future.

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. 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

A merry Christmas everyone!

The government has scrapped plans to relax Covid rules at Christmas and here in Topcliffe and Asenby Christmas bubbles will only be allowed on one day – Christmas Day, rather than the five days we had previously been told. That’s bad enough but things are worse for London and much of south-east England, where new tier four restrictions are in force and Christmas relaxations have been scrapped altogether. In these places, residents will only be allowed to celebrate Christmas with members of their own household and support bubbles. They will not be allowed to travel to other tiers to see family and friends.

Forming a Christmas bubble

There’s a lot of confusion about bubbles and what they can and cannot do. So here is a simple guide. Christmas day bubble, support bubbles and childcare bubbles are all different things and have their own specific rules. The rules on bubbles are enforceable in law.

Here in North Yorkshire, which is in tier two, you are permitted to form a Christmas day bubble but:

• keep your Christmas day bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target.
• do not join a Christmas day bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area.
• if you have formed a support bubble with another household, that counts as one household when forming a Christmas day bubble.
• stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your Christmas day bubble.
• only meet your Christmas day bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces. You cannot go to the pub with members of your Christmas day bubble.
• only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible.
• stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area.
• when seeing your Christmas day bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes meeting outdoors where possible, ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible, making space between members of different households wherever you can, washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, and following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.
• people who are self-isolating should not join a Christmas day bubble.
• If someone tests positive, or develops coronavirus symptoms up to 48 hours after the 25th December, everyone has to self-isolate. And you must not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is feeling unwell or self-isolating.

The new virus variant

Scientists have warned that a new variant of the coronavirus is more infectious and spreading more rapidly leading the government to change its method of defence. Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, said they alerted the government on Friday that the new variant – first identified in the middle of October – was spreading faster than other viruses circulating and that there was also evidence that people with the new strain had "higher viral loads" – which meant they were more infectious.

Vaccinations begin to roll out

Last week saw the first roll-out of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in four locations across North Yorkshire. The over 80s, those in care homes and care home staff were at the head of the queue. By the middle of next week there’ll be eight vaccination sites operating in the county. As expected, getting these sites up and running smoothly has been a logistically complex operation but a great start has been made. People need two doses of this particular vaccine, so all those being vaccinated at the moment will be called back again in three weeks’ time for their second dose. A big development will come when the Oxford vaccine, which is simpler to use, is made available in the near future. It can be taken to more places and administered at greater speed and at that point the whole vaccination programme will really accelerate. Until then the authorities are asking that we do everything we can to keep Covid infection rates down as another surge will only serve to hamper the vital vaccination programme.

Good response to appeal for volunteers

Last week an appeal was made for volunteers to come forward for marshalling duties at the latest permanent vaccination centre opened at The Forum in Northallerton. Dr Rachel Doswell from Topcliffe Surgery says the appeal was a great success and that plenty of volunteers put their names forward. Proves the village ‘tom tom’ works!

Book a Coronavirus test locally

Testing sites in North Yorkshire are operated and managed by the Department of Health and Social Care and private contractors employed by them. The Department is asking the public only to get a test if they are directed to do so by NHS Test and Trace or other NHS services – OR – if they have symptoms. This is important to ensure that those people who need tests the most can be prioritised.

This list only shows the testing sites closest to where we live. These are government operated sites and they are open between 11am and 3pm, except the ‘every day’ sites which are open 8am to 8pm. The full list of North Yorkshire sites can be viewed on the county council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB

• Every day – Northallerton – The Forum, Bullamore Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP

Other sites are listed on North Yorkshire County Council’s website at – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ In certain cases, home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house. There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Furlough Scheme extended by a further month

The furlough scheme has been extended for an extra month until the end of April, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced. Under the furlough scheme the government pays 80% of the salary of employees for hours not worked. Employers only have to cover National Insurance and pension contributions.

Santa’s Christmas Eve Jingle

Fancy letting the bells ring out for Christmas? If so, join the Christmas Eve bell ringing event on your own doorstep at 6pm.

Community Works looking for volunteers

Do you have some spare time to help do shopping, collect prescriptions or deliver Meals on Wheels for those who are stuck at home during Covid? Community Works is looking for volunteers and would be delighted to hear from anyone who can help. To find out more email helen@communityworks.uk or telephone the office 01845 524494

Christmas Reading Challenge

Children aged up to 11 years of age are invited to take part in Thirsk Community Library’s free Christmas Reading Challenge. All they have to do is borrow four books and they’ll receive a free Christmas craft pack. Parents wishing to sign up their children can email the library at library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk or phone 01609 534589 or sign up via Facebook.

Jigsaw Request

From January 2021 you will be able to borrow jigsaws as well as books from Thirsk Community Library. The library is looking for donations of spare jigsaws. Anyone with any jigsaws at home that they are finished with are asked to donate them to the library at Meadowfields, Chapel Street, Thirsk.

Free parking in Thirsk

Just a reminder that Hambleton District Council car parks in Thirsk are free of charge until 1 January 2021. Parking in the Market Place remains restricted to two hours, whilst Marage, Millgate and Nursery car parks are free all day. The free parking also applies in Northallerton and other towns in Hambleton District. However, please remember that parking organised by North Yorkshire County Council is not free. This includes, for example, the on-street parking in Kirkgate, where you still need a disc.

Asenby Angel Trail

Asenby – you were brilliant with the rainbows and the teddies, you were exceptional with the pumpkins, now it’s time to make your angels shine! Make, draw, paint, be inspired… and put an angel in your window this Christmas. Get out there and see how many angels you (and their mums and dads) can spot in the last few days before Christmas.

Christmas post deadlines

Chances are that anything posted 2nd class from now on may fail to arrive in time for Christmas. Monday (21 December) is the final date for 1st Class postings.

Online sing-along

Hambleton Community Action’s virtual sing-along takes place tomorrow at 2.30pm. Get your mince pie and glass of wine at the ready and be part of the festive celebration. There’s no obligation to join in the singing but the words will be shown on screen to help if you want to join in. Everyone is welcome on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89670638715

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Following outbreaks of Avian Influenza over the last few weeks in various areas of the country an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020, and additional bird housing measures came in to force from 14 December 2020. The AIPZ means all bird keepers in England, whether they have pet birds, including chickens, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, are required by law to keep their birds indoors except in very specific circumstances. Failure to comply with the AIPZ Declaration may be an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and subject to an unlimited fine on summary conviction and up to 3 months’ imprisonment per offence. Avian influenza A viruses usually do not infect people. For further details and biosecurity advice go to the APHA website and look for Avian influenza (bird flu).

Be vigilant when online shopping

As more of us are shopping online this Christmas, North Yorkshire Police are warning residents to be vigilant against criminals looking to defraud them by posing as parcel delivery companies. It’s understood criminals are sending out phishing emails, purportedly from well-known delivery companies, which claim that they have been unable to deliver parcels, packages or large letters. Other approaches include phone calls and texts impersonating delivery companies, as well as fake delivery notices posted through letterboxes. These scams ask for a fee, advance payment or for customers to provide information that is later used to defraud them. Customers are typically tricked into clicking on links to seemingly genuine websites requesting personal and financial information such as their address, date of birth, mobile number or bank details, which are then used to commit fraud. In some cases, victims later receive a call from the criminal pretending to be from their bank’s fraud team, trying to persuade them to move their money to a safe account or reveal their pass codes. Customers are advised to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign:

• Remember that criminals will send out phishing emails with links leading to fake websites used to steal personal and financial information. These emails may appear to be from trusted organisations and may use official branding to convince you they’re genuine. Always access websites by typing them into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in emails.

• Remain vigilant and check delivery notifications very carefully to ensure they are genuine. Emails, texts or cards through your letterbox may look very similar to those that are genuine but may use generic greetings, such as Dear Sir/Madam, or include spelling errors.

• Always question claims that you are due goods or services that you haven’t ordered or are unaware of, especially if you have to pay any fees upfront. Consider whether you’re expecting a delivery from the company named on the card.

• If you receive a delivery card through your letterbox which you do not believe is genuine and which asks you to dial a premium rate number, contact the company direct, using a number you know to be genuine.

• Customers can report suspected scam texts to their mobile network provider by forwarding them to 7726, and forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) suspicious email reporting service.

Christmas at The Elm Gallery

The gallery is opening 10am – 5.30pm almost every day up to and including Christmas Eve. Liz and Dave are happy to open by prior arrangement on an evening. Call 01845 577316 / 07709 223920 or email: lizanddave@the-elm-gallery.co.uk Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheElmGallery/ and website www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk for details about the wide range of lovely hand-made items and Christmas gift ideas. Liz and Dave hope that in this very strange year, everyone is able to enjoy Christmas and spend time with at least some of their family and friends. They hope readers will have a healthier and happier 2021.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

• The shop is unable to take any more orders for Christmas vegetable and meat boxes. Similarly, no further orders can be accepted for Christmas hampers.

• The last day for bread orders is 12 noon on 22 December.

• The last date for collection for turkeys and any vegetables, fruit and/or meat boxes is 23 December. The shop will be open 7am-7pm. It has not been possible to organise a collection rota so come at

any time but please be patient as only two people can be allowed in the shop at any one time. The staff will be serving mulled wine to those queueing, which hopefully won’t be for too long! On

arrival please can you give your name to the assistant at the counter, as a few minutes are needed to get orders from the refrigerated storage.

• The shop will be closed 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 December. It will be open on 29 and 30 December but only 9am to 1pm. We will be closed from 31 December through to 7 January.

• Call on 01845 400446 or check out the website at www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk

These are trying times and the rules and restrictions are testing everyone’s patience. However, it is vital that shops follow the government guidelines aimed at keeping customers and staff safe. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing whilst in the shop. We apologise for the inconvenience of only being allowed to admit two people at once…but it’s for your own and our safety. If people are unsure how many are in, then just pop your head through the door to check. It is regrettable that on rare occasions we have experienced rude and abusive behaviour. This will not be tolerated and customers unable to be civil will be politely asked to shop elsewhere.

Debs, Hannah and Kerry would like to thank all customers for their tremendous support, especially through these difficult Covid times. Happy Christmas and all the best for a much-improved New Year.

Last minute gift idea

If anyone is stuck for last minute Christmas gifts Fotia Candles might be able to help you out. The Topcliffe business still has some gorgeous burner and melts sets and candles that will keep your home smelling festive. And they are offering a special 10% discount for readers of this email until midnight on Tuesday 22 December. Free collection or local delivery is available in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area. Check out their website www.fotiacandles.co.uk or just get in touch with Samantha or Nikki Key via Facebook or call 07879 624705.

St. Columba’s Church – Christmas Services

Tonight at 6.30pm – This Carol Service will be a shortened service based on the traditional Carol Service. The organist will be Matthew Atherton and he’ll be giving a musical treat before and after the service. Sadly, there’ll be no congregational singing, but the choir will offer a selection of your favourite carols. The number of people that can be admitted to the service will be restricted. There are just a six or seven spaces still available, more if people come as bubbles. If you want to attend and book your place in advance, especially if you come as a bubble, please telephone or email John Phillips – 577034, johnphillips05. If you cannot let him know in advance, please do nevertheless turn up and he and his colleagues will do their best to organise seating, but there are no guarantees.

24 December Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass and Holy Communion: This will be the only Christmas Eve/Christmas Day service this year. Covid rules and encouraged booking arrangements as described above will apply.

Sunday 27 December: No services this Sunday

Sunday 3 January 2021: Looking forward to 2021, the year is started with Choral Evensong at 6.30pm

Covid-19 precautions and guidance for all services:

• Please use the hand sanitiser on entry on leaving and when going up for communion.

• Masks must be worn except for cases of medical exemption.

• Social distancing must be maintained at all times.

• There can be no socialising before or after the meeting.

• Please try to stagger arrival times and void close queueing on entry or exit.

The Angel

The substantial menu is available in the bar area for those who wish to come for a drink. There is a special holiday offer on the Scotch Egg at £1.25, instead of £1.50 (sorry no sharing).

It is highly recommended to book a table in the restaurant when wanting to order from the main menu.

Here are our opening hours over the festive period:

• Christmas Eve: Food 12 noon – 2.30pm and 5 – 9pm, bar 12 noon – 10pm
• Christmas Day: Restaurant reservation only, bar 12 noon – 5pm
• Boxing Day: Food 12 noon – 5pm, bar 12 noon – 7pm
• Sunday 27: Food 12 noon – 8pm, bar 12 noon – 9.30pm
• Monday 28: Food 12 noon – 6pm, bar 12 noon – 9pm
• New Year’s Eve: Food 12 noon – 2.30pm and 5 – 9pm (bookings only), bar 12 noon – 10pm
• New Year’s Day: Food 11am – 5pm (Brunch menu), bar 11am – 7pm

The Angel is pleased to be able to welcome you and your household for drinks on Christmas Day in the bar and bar lounge (refurbished pool room). The substantial menu available to have alongside your drinks will consist of: Nachos £4.50; Scotch egg, rocket and crisps £1.25; Christmas day special: Pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and gravy at £2pp.

Please ring the team now to book your table (one hour slot from 12.30pm). Takeaway will be available Wednesday – Sunday following the restaurant food serving times (however not available on 25th). If you are thinking of staying home this New Year’s Eve, why not pre-order from the special New Year’s Eve takeaway menu to be collected ready to eat or to warm up at home.

http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/new-years-eve-at-home-take-out.html

Greg and the team wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued support.

The Swan

The Swan is serving drinks when a ‘substantial’ meal is ordered from the extensive and specially prepared menu. Take-away food is available from 5 to 9pm and 12 noon to 4pm Sundays.

Warm & Well in North Yorkshire

All kinds of people from all walks of life are living in a home they won’t be able to afford to heat adequately over the winter period. It’s estimated that over 24,000 households in North Yorkshire are living in fuel poverty. Switching to a new energy supplier is one of many ways they can turn this situation around. And in doing so, households can save an average of £200 a year. But many people find this process daunting; they don’t know how to do it or where to start. That’s one of the reasons the Warm & Well in North Yorkshire service exists. It’s a helpline anyone in the region can call to make steps to reduce their energy bills to ensure their home is warm and cosy over the cold winter period. Energy saving advice and practical tips are given over the phone, but Warm & Well also have a team of energy saving experts who can visit people in their own home and go through all the steps they need to switch suppliers and start saving money. The service is totally free, and very friendly. If you are struggling with keeping your home warm this winter due to money worries, call 01609 767555.

Brexit impact on travel plans

The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end in twelve days’ time. There are things to do with travel in 2021 that may need your attention.

Passports

• Now is the time to check that your passport hasn’t run out or is about to expire. If you have plans (or dreams) of travelling to the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland from 1 January 2021, on the day of travel, your passport must be less than ten years old and have at least six months left
 on it.
• These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
• If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can still use it after 1 January 2021 as long as it has enough time left on it.
• It takes up to three weeks to get a passport if you apply online. It takes longer if you apply by post. It costs £75.50.

Border controls

• As a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.
• Travel to Ireland will not change from 1 January 2021. You’ll also be able to work in Ireland in the same way as before.
• You will not be able to take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries from 1 January 2021.
• You’ll need a certificate to take certain plants and plant products into EU countries from 1 January 2021.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• The EHIC is no longer valid after 31 December 2020 so it is important that travel insurance with healthcare cover is taken out before travelling.
• It’s particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Driving Documents

• You may need extra documents from 1 January 2021.
• You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. If driving your own vehicle, you’ll also need a ‘green card’ and a GB sticker.

Mobile Roaming Charges

• The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end on 31 December 2020. Check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges you might get from 1 January 2021.
• A new law means that you’re protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without your knowing. Once you reach £45, you need to opt in to spend more so that you can continue using the internet while you’re abroad. Your phone operator will tell how you can do this.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling – Thursdays, 31 December and Thursday 14 and 28 January2021

• Refuse – Mondays 4 January and 18 January 2021

• Green Waste – 14 January (this special collection is primarily for Christmas trees, which must be cut up and completely inside the bin. Other green waste can also be included.

Current 2020/21 licences expire 26 March 2021. Subscriptions for the Hambleton 2021-22 garden waste service can now be purchased. Subscriptions cost £40 per licence per bin. The 2021-22 service runs 29 March 2021 to 25 March 2022. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Tuesday, 29 December (date changed due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 11 and 25 January

• Recycling – Tuesday 5 January 2021 (date changed due to Bank Holiday) and Mondays 18 January and 1 February

• Green waste – subscriptions open in January 2021.

There’ll be no email next Sunday 27 December. In the meantime keep safe and remain well. And a very happy Christmas to you all.