Author: Doug Allan

As there are six candidates and just five seats, there will have to be an election. It will be held on Thursday 5 May. Voting will take place at the Village Hall.

It is expected that Harrogate Borough Council will again seek nominations and arrange a further election at a date to be agreed. Unless at least three candidates come forward, which would make it quorate, Harrogate councillors will be appointed to run village affairs. The absence of local residents as parish councillors is most unfortunate for the village and a real knock for local democracy. 

Voting deadlines imminent
To vote in the elections on 5 May, you must be on the electoral register by Thursday 14 April 2022. Those who are 18 or over on polling day, should be making sure they are registered to vote. Help with electoral registration is available at Hambleton District Council (for Topcliffe residents) and at Harrogate Borough Council (for Asenby residents). Those who are on the electoral register will have received a polling card in recent weeks.

North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning saying that within the last week or two a number of people have fallen victim to the scam. Recipients of the message are sent a link from a friend which claims to offer a free chocolate product, such as an Easter chocolate hamper. The message is a phishing scam, where the fraudster aims to obtain personal details of the victim. Cadbury has made it clear that the offer is not genuine and social media users should be extra careful to avoid being scammed.
* If you receive a similar message – delete it and don’t open the link. 
* If you have opened the message, don’t provide any information.
* If you have provided information, which includes your financial information, contact your bank. 

All you have to do is create a scarecrow or group of scarecrows with a royal theme and display them in front of your home or in your garden over the designated weekend. 

All the details about registering an entry, joining the scarecrow trail and fundraising can be viewed here.

At the next stage, more information, including a map showing the location of all the scarecrows in all of the villages, will be available from Topcliffe Post Office and the Milk Churn Farm Shop.

Got any old paper notes at home?
If you have any old paper £20 or £50 notes at home please be aware that there’s only six months left before they stop being legal tender. The Bank of England has urged people to spend or deposit these old notes before they stop being legal tender. The Bank is replacing the paper notes with more durable plastic ones featuring artist JMW Turner and mathematician Alan Turing. More than £17bn worth of paper notes remain in circulation. After 30 September, people will not be able to use the paper notes for payments in shops and other businesses, though anyone with a UK bank account will still be able to deposit them into their account.

• April 12 – Harrogate and Knaresborough (Panel members: Wallace Sampson, Chief Executive Harrogate Borough Council and Neil Irving of NYCC).
• April 14 – Thirsk and Malton (Panel members: Stacey Burlet, Chief Executive Officer of Ryedale District Council, and Richard Flinton, Chief Executive Officer of NYCC).

To access the meetings, which will be held between 6.30 and 8pm, go to:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/new-council-virtual-roadshow,

• TODAY – Sunday 10 April, Palm Sunday, at 10.45am – the scheduled Holy Communion has been cancelled as the priest has gone down with Covid. Instead, there will be Sung Matins and the service will include the distribution of palms and the ‘dramatic’ reading of the Passion.
• Wednesday 13 April at 7pm – Service of Compline.
• Saturday 16 April, Easter Eve, at 7.30pm – Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter. This is perhaps the most glorious service in the church’s year, starting in near darkness with readings and unaccompanied singing by the choir, then the lighting of the Easter fire, the Paschal candle and candles throughout the church, and concluding with a special Holy Communion for Easter. After the service refreshments including finger food and wine will be served.
• Sunday 17 April at 9am – Easter Day Service (not Holy Communion. The Easter Eve Service concludes with our Easter Eucharist).
• Sunday 24 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday 1 May at 6.30am – Choral Evensong.

• 19 April – Mosaics
• 17 May – Mixed media and illustration
• 21 June – Silk printing
• 19 July – Fused glass

You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided. 

• Children’s author James Harris will be signing his new books ‘Happytown must be destroyed’  and ‘The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory’ on Friday 22 April between 11am to 12.30pm.

• TODAY – Sunday 10 April from 10am to 12.30pm – Sahra Raynor will show you how to make a garden obelisk, using her home-grown willow, for flower and vegetable climbers. £40 per person including refreshments.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open – Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Throughout April – Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm – Cafe Artist of the Month – born and bred in Ryedale, artist Jennifer Weston’s recent work is part of the ‘Scenes from Scarborough’ public art commission and highlights the decline of marine life in the North Sea.
• Monday Makers – Every Monday to 23 May. 10am – 1.30pm. Develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.
• Tuesday 12 to Friday 22 April, 10am to 4pm – Nel Hume exhibition, ‘Let the Light Back In’ – 
  a young artist living in North Yorkshire which, together with the Northumberland coastline, inspires her abstract expressionistic paintings that capture the essence of light and space.
• For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – [email protected] – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 11 April and 25 April.
• Recycling & Garden Waste – Friday 22 April (one day later than normal).

Harrogate (Asenby)
All garden waste, recycling and refuse collections will take place as normal the week commencing Monday 11 April. Week commencing Monday 18 April all collections will be a day later than usual. Normal collections will resume on Monday 25 April.

• Recycling – Mondays 11 April and 25 April.
• Refuse – Tuesday 19 April (one day later than normal) and 2 May.
• Garden waste – Friday 22 April and Thursday 5 May.

Covid guidance
Now that free testing has been scrapped for the majority of people in England a new set of guidance has been issued on what to do if you have Covid symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for the virus. The focus is on treating coronavirus as if it’s any other respiratory infection, like flu or a common cold.

There are now no rules on isolating if you get Covid, only guidance. If you have Covid symptoms, and a high temperature or do not feel well enough to carry on as normal, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can still leave your home, but guidance recommends wearing a face covering, avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding exercise indoors or in crowded spaces, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and washing hands. The same advice stands for avoiding giving others you live with your infection, as well as opening windows for ventilation and regularly cleaning surfaces.

Covid symptoms

Nine new signs of illness have been added to the official list of symptoms – long after the World Health Organisation and other countries extended their lists. The traditional symptoms of a fever, new or persistent cough and loss or change in taste or smell have been extended to include shortness of breath, – feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, a headache, a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhea and feeling or being sick. 

From April 1, those not classed as vulnerable have had to pay for a lateral flow test in order to find out if they have the virus or not. This change came as the number of cases of Covid reached record levels last week.

In the Covid section at the end of this email, the latest statistics are provided and there’s an article indicating that free lateral flow testing has now ended. It’s really quite worrying that these two things have clashed. On the same day free tests stopped being provided the number of UK Covid cases was 4.9 million, the highest weekly figure ever recorded. 

Doug
07785 223707

The festival will be staged on the Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May.

The theme, not surprisingly, will be royalty, so there’s lots of opportunity to create an individual or group of scarecrows reflecting the monarchy, royal family…and even the corgis! You can register your scarecrow free of charge and request an information pack from [email protected]

The poster recently posted on Facebook can be viewed here:
https://www.facebook.com/1670647703190754/posts/3105495006372676/?d=n

At the next stage, more information, including a map showing the location of all the scarecrows in all of the villages, will be available from Topcliffe Post Office and the Milk Churn Farm Shop.

Mr Bateman, who is a former mayor of the Harrogate district, often attended Asenby Parish Council meetings. He worked for many years at Plumb Centre in Ripon and has been very active in charitable work in the area. 

In order to meet a tight schedule to add this by-election to those being organised for 5 May, the arrangements for selecting a new councillor have been squeezed considerably. Nomination papers must be with the Returning Officer at Harrogate Borough Council by 4pm on Tuesday, 5 April. 

Voting deadlines imminent
To vote in the elections on 5 May, you must be on the electoral register by Thursday 14 April 2022. Those who are 18 or over on polling day, should be making sure they are registered to vote. Help with electoral registration is available at Hambleton District Council (for Topcliffe residents) and at Harrogate Borough Council (for Asenby residents). Those who are on the electoral register will have received a polling card in recent weeks.

• April 12 – Harrogate and Knaresborough (Panel members: Wallace Sampson and Neil Irving of NYCC).
• April 14 – Thirsk and Malton (Panel members: Stacey Burlet, Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council, and Richard Flinton, CEO of NYCC).

They will be held via Microsoft Teams between 6.30 and 8pm. To access the meetings go to:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/new-council-virtual-roadshows

Under the plans, the current county, district and borough councils in North Yorkshire will be replaced by a single council in April 2023. Until then, services will continue to be provided by North Yorkshire County Council and the seven district and borough councils. From April 2023, the new unitary authority will deliver all services across the whole of the current county footprint.

• TODAY  Sunday 3 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
• Wednesday 6 April at 7pm – Service of Compline.
• Sunday 10 April, Palm Sunday, at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language).
• Wednesday 13 April at 7pm – Service of Compline.
• Saturday 16 April, Easter Eve, at 7.30pm – Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter. This is perhaps the most glorious service in the church’s year, starting in near darkness with readings and unaccompanied singing by the choir, then the lighting of the Easter fire, the Paschal candle and candles throughout the church, and concluding with a special Holy Communion for Easter. After the service refreshments including finger food and wine will be served.
• Sunday 17 April at 9am – Easter Day Service (not Holy Communion. The Easter Eve Service concludes with our Easter Eucharist).

• 19 April – Mosaics
• 17 May – Mixed media and illustration
• 21 June – Silk printing
• 19 July – Fused glass

You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided. 

•   Village Hall Committee – 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April. The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June. www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/
•   Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm on Thursday 7 April – www.topcliffe.org.uk
•   Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May – www.asenby.net  

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Photographer Lucy Saggers will hold a book signing session between 6.30pm and 9pm on Thursday 7 April. Her book ‘Ford of the Sorrel’, was shortlisted at the Belfast Photo Festival 2022. Books can be pre-ordered now and they’ll be personally signed on the night. Tickets £3, redeemable against a copy of her book. Light refreshments available. Email: [email protected] or telephone 01845 524353.
• Rob & Dave of Channel 5’s Cannon Hall Farm will be signing their book ‘Springtime at Cannon Hall Farm’ on Saturday 9 April. The book has all the animal antics but also tales of bygone days when traditional skills, crafts and daily practices shaped life in the countryside. Pre-orders taken and books will be personally signed on the day.
• Children’s author James Harris will be signing his new books ‘Happytown must be destroyed’  and ‘The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory’ on Friday 22 April between 11am to 12.30pm.

• TODAY – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Tuesday 5 April – doors open 7.30 for 8pm – Hilarity Bites Comedy Night – £10 in advance or £12 on the night.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with former Topcliffe resident, Diane West, there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £40 per person. Just a few places still available.
• Sunday 10 April from 10am to 12.30pm – make a garden obelisk for flower and vegetable climbers. With Sahra using her homegrown willow £40 per person – @willowviewfarm
• Hot or cold drink and cake is part of all classes held.
• Vouchers are available if anyone wishes to gift the cost of the above events to a friend or family member.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open – Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Throughout April – Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm – Cafe Artist of the Month – born and bred in Ryedale, artist Jennifer Weston’s recent work is part of the ‘Scenes from Scarborough’ public art commission and highlights the decline of marine life in the North Sea.
• Monday Makers – 28 March to 23 May. 10am – 1.30pm. Free ten week course but you can still join.  From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.
• Tuesday 12 to Friday 22 April, 10am to 4pm – Nel Hume exhibition, ‘Let the Light Back In’ – 
  a young artist living in North Yorkshire which, together with the Northumberland coastline, inspires her abstract expressionistic paintings that capture the essence of light and space.
• For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy. It should be an hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award-Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – [email protected] – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 7 April and Friday 22 April (one day later than normal).
• Refuse – Mondays 11 April and 25 April

Harrogate (Asenby)
All garden waste, recycling and refuse collections will take place as normal the week commencing Monday 11 April. Week commencing Monday 18 April all collections will be a day later than usual. Normal collections will resume on Monday 25 April.

• Refuse – Monday 4 April, Tuesday 19 April (one day later than normal) and 2 May.
• Garden waste – Thursday 7 April, Friday 22 April and Thursday 5 May.
• Recycling – Mondays 11 April and 25 April.

The provision of universal free tests in England has ended. As of last Friday those not classed as vulnerable have to pay for a lateral flow test as free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing ended for the general public. The PM said testing had become “less valuable in preventing serious illness” because the dominant Covid variant – Omicron – is less severe, but critics suggest the financial impact of testing on the UK is the real reason the government wants to stop free provision. Universal free testing for almost two years has come at an astronomical cost to the taxpayer – the testing regime had a bigger budget than the Home Office last year and it cost £2 billion in January alone.

Limited symptomatic testing will be available for a small number of at-risk groups, however the government has not yet set out exactly who will be eligible. It is suggested people aged 80 and above are likely to be in that group, as well as NHS and social care staff. 

Mother’s Day is very special and I hope all mums reading this have really wonderful day.
Doug
07785 223707

Yorkshire to Ukraine is currently desperate for:
– Medical supplies, eg: first-aid bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines, life saving equipment.
– Food that can be eaten straight away, eg: biscuits, crackers, crisps, cereals, jelly pots, items that have a good date on them – tinned food like tuna fish etc. that doesn’t need cooking. Also needed are drinks, especially water.
– For children, eg: soft toys, books, crayons, colouring books & pens. Baby stuff, eg: nappies, new bottles,
dried baby milk, baby slings.

Address: 7 Marrtree Business Park, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 3H. Follow the Facebook page for live updates from drivers delivering to the Ukraine border, updates on collection points, what is needed, volunteer roles and where to donate money: facebook.com/yorkshiretoukraine

Topcliffe Post Office continues to collect items to take to Ukraine. Items currently required are as above and cash donations to help meet fuel costs are also welcome. 

Emilia also raises cash for Ukraine
Ten year-old Emilia Brierley, who lives in East Lea, Topcliffe, has unlocked a load of cash for Ukraine by making keyrings. Despite her busy school work and other commitments, Emilia wanted to play a part and do something positive to help. So far she has raised £180 and she’s looking to boost that amount. If anyone would like to purchase one of the blue and yellow keyrings for £3 – or whatever you can afford – please call her Mum, Joanna, on 07732 941758.

All applications must be submitted by noon on Friday 8 April 2022. Applicants will be informed of the outcome week commencing Monday 25 April 2022.More details are on the council’s website – https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/grants/platinum-jubilee-community-grants

• TODAY  Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this special occasion.
• Sunday 3 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday 10 April, Palm Sunday, at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language).
• Saturday 16 April, Easter Eve, at 7.30pm – Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter. This is perhaps the most glorious service in the church’s year, starting in near darkness with readings and unaccompanied singing by the choir, then the lighting of the Easter fire, the Paschal candle and candles throughout the church, and concluding with a special Holy Communion for Easter. After the service refreshments including finger food and wine will be served.
• Sunday 17 April at 9am – Easter Day Service (not Holy Communion. The Easter Eve Service concludes with our Easter Eucharist).

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s are hosting Lent Lunches at 12 noon every Wednesday in March. Donations at all of the lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. 

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

• Best community group – awarded to groups carrying out voluntary activity/activities in North Yorkshire.
• Volunteer of the year – awarded to individual volunteers carrying out voluntary activity/activities in North Yorkshire.
• Making a difference – helping rural communities to flourish – awarded to individual or groups who have through their voluntary activity/activities made a real difference to a rural area of North Yorkshire. This award recognises unique, innovative, enterprising or resilient approaches to overcoming rural issues, challenges or disadvantage that have impacted on people, communities and/or the environment.

For more information and to make nominations go to: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-awards The deadline is 6 May

Voting deadlines approach
The deadline for submission of nomination papers for candidates for parish elections in Asenby and Topcliffe is 4pm on Tuesday 5 April. There are five seats on both parish councils. If either parish election is contested (ie more candidates than seats), the polls will take place on Thursday 5 May.  If there are no more than five candidates, there won’t be the need for an election and all candidates will form the councils.

To vote in the elections on 5 May, you must be on the electoral register by Thursday 14 April 2022. Those who are 18 or over on polling day, should be making sure they are registered to vote. Help with electoral registration is available at Hambleton District Council (for Topcliffe residents) and at Harrogate Borough Council (for Asenby residents). Those who are on the electoral register will have received a polling card or letter last week or will get one this week.

If you know that you will not be able to get to the polling station on 5 May, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. You will need to complete and return your application by 5pm on Tuesday 19 April.

A proxy vote is when you apply for someone you trust to vote for you, but they must be eligible to vote in the election themselves. If you apply for a proxy vote, the person voting on your behalf can go to the polling station to cast your vote or can apply to vote for you by post. You will need to complete and return your application by Tuesday 26 April.

• Photographer Lucy Saggers will hold a book signing session between 6.30pm and 9pm on Thursday 7 April. Her book ‘Ford of the Sorrel‘, was shortlisted at the Belfast Photo Festival 2022. Books can be pre-ordered now and they’ll be personally signed on the night. Tickets £3, redeemable against a copy of her book. Light refreshments available. Email: [email protected] ot telephone 01845 524353.
• Rob & Dave of Channel 5’s Cannon Hall Farm will be signing their book ‘Springtime at Cannon Hall Farm’ on Saturday 9 April. The book has all the animal antics but also tales of bygone days when traditional skills, crafts and daily practices shaped life in the countryside. Pre-orders taken and books will be personally signed on the day.
• Children’s author James Harris will be signing his new books ‘Happytown must be destroyed’  and ‘The Unbelievable Biscuit Factory’ on Friday 22 April between 11am to 12.30pm.

•   Village Hall Committee – 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April. The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June. www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/
•   Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm on Thursday 7 April – www.topcliffe.org.uk
•   Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May – www.asenby.net  

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Tuesday 5 April – doors open 7.30 for 8pm – Hilarity Bites Comedy Night – £10 in advance or £12 on the night.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with former Topcliffe resident, Diane West, there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open – Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.
• Wednesdays starting 30 March – 10.30am to 12.30pm – Boats in Acrylic – With all materials included and each workshop suitable for beginners, these Wednesday morning Taste Of…sessions give the perfect introduction to a range of artistic styles and techniques. £12.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy. It should be an hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award-Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – [email protected] – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April and Friday 22 April (one day later than normal).
• Refuse – Mondays 28 March, 11 April and 25 April

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Refuse – Mondays 4 and 18 April and 2 May.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 7 and 21 April and 5 May.
• Recycling – Mondays 28 March and 11 April and 25 April.

The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme will contact people when it is their turn to be vaccinated again and, once they have an invitation, they will be able to book their appointment through the National Booking System either online or by calling NHS 119. The fourth jab will be made available to more people later in the year.

At last Wednesday’s lunch in the Village Hall I was very surprised to be presented with several gifts from recipients of the weekly email. The afternoon tea in a box and bottle of wine were very much appreciated. As were the reams of paper to help towards my costs for printing off a dozen, six-page emails each week for delivery to those in the village who don’t have access to PCs or smartphones. I’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who was involved.

Doug
07785 223707

• Bedding, duvets, pillows, sheets, blankets, camp beds, sleeping mats, yoga mats. 
• Tinned and dried food.
• Hygiene products, including nappies, babies dried milk, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, disinfection items, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
  shaving kits)
• Electronics (power banks, torches, batteries).
• Candles, plastic cutlery and bowls, hand and foot warmers.
• First Aid (Bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines).
• Children’s colouring books, crayons and pencils.

Cash donations to help meet fuel costs are also welcome. 

• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this special occasion.

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s are hosting Lent Lunches at 12 noon every Wednesday in March. Donations for all of these lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. 

Some of you will have heard that Linda Carver, who helps Malcolm and Karen Morley in the kitchen at these events, took a tumble a few days ago and broke her arm, has bruises like an artist’s palette and a cut on her head. She wants you all to know that she is fine and in future she won’t be challenging youngsters to a race! Anyway, her absence won’t affect the lunches, which will continue as planned.

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

•   Village Hall Committee – 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April. The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June. www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/
•   Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm on Thursday 7 April – www.topcliffe.org.uk
•   Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May – www.asenby.net  

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Thursday 24 March – Pizza Night.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with a small local business there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 24 March  (Sunday 20 March – matinee show only) – Uncharted – Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open – Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy. It should be an hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award-Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – [email protected] – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April
• Refuse – Mondays 28 March and 11 April

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Refuse – Mondays 21 March and 4 April.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Recycling – Mondays 28 March and 11 April

• Hambleton:  The cost is £40. New and existing customers can sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.
• Harrogate: The cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Meanwhile, hospital admissions rates have increased among all age groups, but are highest among over-85s. But vaccines are still helping to stop many severe cases, say experts.

All Covid restrictions on travel lifted 
Going on holiday from the UK to a foreign country became a lot easier last Friday, as the government scrapped all remaining coronavirus travel restrictions. The law on filling out passenger locator forms for those arriving in the UK was lifted, as were all testing testing requirements for those arriving in this country. The changes apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. However, anyone travelling abroad from the UK will still have to comply with the Covid measures in place at their destination.

Covid inquiry: draft terms of reference published
The government has published its draft terms of reference for the public inquiry into how the Covid pandemic was handled. The main topics of the inquiry will be to examine the response to the pandemic and its impact in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – and to produce a factual narrative account of what happened.

Representatives of the Covid-19 Inquiry will visit towns and cities across the UK over the next few weeks to meet with people impacted by the pandemic and to get their views on what should be examined. The inquiry team also plans to identify the lessons that can be learned so it can inform the UK’s preparations for future pandemics. A consultation on the terms of reference has commenced and runs until 7 April. The easiest way to submit views is at http://covid19.public-inquiry.uk

Doug
07785 223707

• Scarecrow Competition with a royal theme – Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May – organised jointly with Topcliffe Academy and Carlton Miniott Schools. Scarecrows will be registered and identified on village maps.
• Village Litter Picks and Tidy Ups – to be considered in conjunction with parish councils, with dates agreed so that the two villages are looking pristine in time for the celebrations. Scouting groups are keen to be involved and Topcliffe Academy may wish to be involved.
• Street and House Decorations – it was agreed that this activity is one that individuals within the villages need to consider. A leaflet outlining the idea will be prepared and distributed to all households encouraging them to decorate their home on a royal/jubilee theme.
• Party in the Park – the afternoon of Saturday 4 June. It will be a bring your own food and drink event. Consideration is being given to some children’s entertainment and games, stalls and perhaps a band. The Bowling Green will be open for a family competition. Children will be encouraged to arrive in a homemade crown and prizes will be available for the best. A sub-group has been set up to consider the details and get things organised.
• Sunday Brunch – 5 June at the Village Hall. Judith Lowe has agreed to get a group of volunteers together to organise.
• Children’s Art Competition – Topcliffe Academy is being approached to encourage pupils to submit artwork on a royal theme. The artwork will be displayed, judged and prizes presented at the Sunday Brunch.
• Platinum Jubilee Walkway – on the banks of the Swale between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby. This is being considered by Asenby Parish Council at its meeting on 16 March. Hambleton Brewery has already indicated it will help fund the initiative.
• The Queen’s Green Canopy – it’s hoped that throughout the year lots of trees might be planted in the two villages – in private gardens and on public land.

The following events will not take place unless someone comes forward to take the lead on making them happen:

• Village Beacons.
• Supper and entertainment in the Village Hall on Friday 3 June.
• Royal photographic competition.
• Royal fancy dress competition.
• Vintage vehicle display.
• Jubilee Stroll.

——————————————————————————————————–
Tree Planted in Topcliffe
Last Friday (the 70th day of the 70th year of The Queen’s reign) our local district councillor, Mark Robson, planted a lime tree on the grassed area at the front of Topcliffe Academy. Cllr Robson personally purchased the tree and arranged for a plaque to be made which states that the tree was planted to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. He was ably assisted by children from the school. See photograph here. More photographs are available on the Top Residents Facebook page.
———————————————————————————————————
Extra Plans in Asenby
Asenby residents were invited to the two community meetings recently held in Topcliffe and the aim is that they will be involved in any events held in Topcliffe during the celebrations. In addition, Asenby Institute is looking at two suggestions raised privately by individuals, namely: 
1.  A commemorative mug to be given to every Asenby child up to and including age 16. Asenby Institute would be happy to organise and pay for the commemorative mugs if that is thought to be a good idea.
2.  A tea party on Asenby’s playing fields during Platinum Jubilee week. The Institute would offer some sponsorship money to the organisers of a party.  
 
Anyone wishing to suggest other ideas or offer feedback on the ideas above, please contact Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or [email protected] or contact her on Asenby Institute Facebook page.

Thank you for your email of 16 February regarding Topcliffe Bridge; having consulted with colleagues I am now able to respond to your enquiry. Please accept my apologies I was not able to send this response in time for your meeting yesterday (6 March).
 
Notwithstanding, as you are aware temporary barriers have been in place for quite some time replacing the concrete post and steel rail fence which had been damaged by vehicles.  You will also be aware of the wider package of improvements on the A167 including the northbound approach to the bridge that were delivered through the Safer Roads Fund project to reduce the number and severity of collisions. Pleasingly, collision data shows it has had the desired positive effect.  The final part of that project was to identify a solution to replace the concrete post and steel rail fence with a suitable barrier to reduce the risk of an errant vehicle from leaving the highway and entering the river embankment. 
 
Working with our partners WSP, a detailed study was carried out looking at various engineering options.  The most practical solution being an extension of the stone bridge parapet.  The design work for that has now been completed and work is progressing to get the necessary approvals from English Heritage as it is a listed structure as well as from the Environment Agency (as the construction work will require use of the river bank).  Applications have been made and a positive response has been received from English Heritage but at the time of writing this reply we still await a response from the Environment Agency.
 
Work is also progressing to finalise the programme for the construction works and it is hoped that work will commence on the bridge in June subject to receiving the final approvals and ordering of materials.  The construction time is expected to take in the region of 2 weeks. Please be assured every effort is being made to deliver the works at the very earliest opportunity and should it be possible to start on site sooner, then arrangements will be made to do so.

Okay, so the repairs might not happen in time for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but at least the work is getting the attention it deserves.

Men and women of all ages can join the club and Vice Captain Richard Wallis says: “There’ll be a very warm welcome to anyone who thinks they’d like to give it a go. Bowling is often seen as a sport for the more elderly but that is an outdated view as many younger people are taking part and having lots of fun. 
There’s also the pleasure of meeting new friends and taking part in very enjoyable social gatherings”.

The club plays from April to August on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

If you fancy seeing what’s involved why not pop along to try a game and meet some of the regulars at an open day. You’ll need to be wearing flat sole shoes or trainers if you want to play. A date is yet to be confirmed but the club will be holding a bowls meeting in The Angel Hotel on Monday 14 March 2022 at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Anyone who would like a chat about the sport, can call Club Secretary Richard Wallis on 01845 577437, Chairman Paul Bumby on 01845 524551.

The Post Office will be starting a further collection tomorrow – Monday 14 March. Items currently required are:

• Bedding, duvets, pillows, sheets, blankets, camp beds, sleeping mats, yoga mats, 
• Tinned and dried food.
• Knives to spread butter – there’s a huge shortage.
• Hygiene products, including nappies, babies dried milk, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, disinfection items, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
  shaving kits)
• Electronics (power banks, torches, batteries)
• Candles, plastic cutlery and bowls, hand and foot warmers.
• First Aid (Bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines)

If you would rather make a donation the Post Office can now accept money which goes direct to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Ukraine.

• TODAY Sunday – 13 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language)
• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this this special occasion.

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s, with the help of Linda Bumby and Karen Morley, are hosting Lent Lunches every Wednesday in March. Donations for all of these lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. The first lunch last Wednesday was a terrific success, raising £231.

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

New much tighter rulings come into force on Friday 25 March aimed at preventing drivers using loopholes to escape punishment if caught using their mobile phone. Motorists caught handling a device will be automatically punished with six points on their licence and a £200 fine. Previously, drivers have been able to use excuses such as using phones for video purposes. The current law says motorists can only be prosecuted by existing laws if they are found to have been making calls or sending messages specifically.  

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The Government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

The development of a £1.6m full-sized all-weather pitch and changing facilities is now underway at Sowerby’s new sports village. The ‘village’ is being built in phases and already has gardens, allotments, grass football pitches and a 1km running track along with an access road and two car parks. 
It is being funded by the Football Foundation, housing developers and Hambleton District Council.

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Thursday 24 March – Pizza Night.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with a small local business there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• The Catton Kitchen is looking for a chef who is passionate about how food is produced and can produce creative seasonal dishes. Get in touch if the idea of working in this exciting venture is for you.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.
• Friday 18 to Thursday 24 March  (Sunday 20 March – matinee show only) – Uncharted – Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open -Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Tuesday 15 March (10am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 3.30pm) – Copper Wire Hare – Cost £37.Learn how to manipulate copper wire to create a stunning hare sculpture – the perfect decoration for your home!
• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy, and together they will take a hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – [email protected] – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Recycling – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now required. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Refuse – Mondays 21 March and 4 April.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now due and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk