Author: Doug Allan

Hello and welcome to the 47th issue of this regular Sunday email. This edition contains lots of information about the so-called roadmap that shows us a route out of lockdown. It’s going to be a relatively slow process but it certainly looks as though the government is showing great caution.

I hope you find this email’s 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

• There have been more than 4.2 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. Yesterday 7,434 cases were confirmed. The number of new cases of Covid fell by 17% compared to the previous week.

• 4,257,255 Covid tests were conducted last week.

• 1,111 people were admitted to hospital on a daily basis (8,452 in the week). Those figures are 22% down on the previous week. The number of Covid patients in hospital dropped from nearly 20,000

Last week to 14,808 this week.

• The R number – which takes into account cases, hospitalisations and deaths – has remained at between 0.6 and 0.9.

• Almost 20 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. So far, 768,800 second doses have been administered.

• Yesterday 290 UK deaths were reported. There were 2,341 in the seven-day period to Saturday. These two figures represent a 32% drop on the previous week, so the downward trend is continuing.

The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 122,705. Worldwide, the number of deaths is now over 2.46 million.

The government’s roadmap to recovery

The design of the roadmap has been guided by some important principles. Due to the current relatively uniform spread of the virus across the country, the four steps out of lockdown set out in the roadmap are designed to apply to all regions. Decisions on easing restrictions will be led by data rather than dates. It takes around four weeks for the data to show the impact of easing restrictions and the government will provide a further week’s notice to the public and businesses ahead of any further changes. For that reason, there will be at least five weeks between the steps in the roadmap. The indicative, ‘no earlier than’ dates in the roadmap are all contingent on the data and subject to change.

The Four Tests

1. The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan.
2. Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment.
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions.
4. New Covid variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions.

On 8 March

• All schools and colleges will reopen. University students can return for practical courses. There will be a review by the end of the Easter holidays for all other students.
• Face coverings are recommended in class for secondary school students (and possibly teachers) and also for parents and staff in primary schools.
• Wraparound childcare can also return for vulnerable pupils and where it is needed for parents or carers to go to work, support groups or to seek medical care.
• Two people from different households can meet outside for recreation, which can include "a coffee on a bench".
• One nominated person can visit care homes, but will need PPE, a lateral flow test and must "keep physical contact to a minimum".
• Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances.

On 29 March

• People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the "rule of six", including in private gardens.
• The stay at home rule will end but people should stay local as much as possible.
• Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts.
• Formally organised outdoor sports can also restart.
• Parents and children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors. Indoor groups can take place for vulnerable children and where parents need the groups to go to work.

No earlier than 12 April

• All shops allowed to open. Restaurants and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol.
• Gyms and spas can reopen.
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other "close contact services" can reopen.
• UK domestic holidays away from home permitted, with self-contained accommodation able to reopen for use by members of the same household.
• Children allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them.
• Libraries, community centres, village halls, theme parks, zoos and drive-in cinemas can reopen.
• Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place.

No earlier than 17 May

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.
• Six people or two households can meet indoors.
• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors.
• Up to 30 people can meet to celebrate weddings or other life events, like christenings.
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open.
• Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open.
• Performances and large events will be subject to limits though. For indoor events they can be at half capacity or 1,000 people, and outdoors they can be at half capacity or 4,000 people – whichever is lower. For large venues (at least 40,000 capacity) up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend.
• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen. You should only stay in the accommodation with a maximum of two households (with support bubbles) OR a maximum of 6 people from different households.
• International leisure travel may resume.
• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again.

No earlier than 21 June

• All legal limits on social contact will be removed.
• Limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events will be removed.
• Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen.

BUT – Don’t wreck it now

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer has warned everyone "do not wreck this now" as some areas have seen a rise in Covid infections. He said: Some areas of the UK are burning quite hot in terms of Covid infections. Although it is generally good news, I’m afraid it is better news in some places than in other places and it is not a battle we have won yet. Do not wreck this now, it is too early to relax. The rules still apply even if you have had the coronavirus vaccine. This is going all going very well, but there are some worrying signs that people are relaxing, taking their foot off their brake at the wrong time."

Progress with vaccination programme

The vaccine programme continues to progress extremely well. Everyone in the first four priority groups – those aged 70 and over, care home residents, healthcare workers and people required to shield – were offered a jab by mid-February. The rollout is now being expanded to include those aged 60 and above and those with underlying health conditions. The rest of the over-50s will follow, with the government aiming to offer everyone in priority groups five to nine a jab by 15 April. Once all the top nine priority groups have been offered at least one jab, it will be given to people according to age group, rather than profession, as follows:

• All those aged 40-49 years
• All those aged 30-39 years
• All those aged 18-29 years

Scientists and the government decided against giving priority to people in particular jobs, such as teaching, because they said this would be more complex to deliver and might slow down the vaccine programme.

Lateral Flow Tests for schools

Free Covid tests will be offered to the families of all pupils under plans to reopen schools from 8 March. Rapid test kits will be provided twice a week to pupils and anyone in their household or support bubble regardless of whether they have symptoms. They will also be available to adults who work with schools, such as bus drivers and after school club leaders. Lateral flow tests, which give a result within 30 minutes, will be available from tomorrow. Tests will be available in-person via workplace testing, at local authority testing sites or through a new ordering service that will allow people to order the kits online to collect from a local testing site. Home testing for secondary pupils will be twice weekly, with parents expected to carry out the testing at home after three tests in school.

Covid passports

Over the last few months the government has argued against the introduction of passports identifying those who have had their vaccines or tested negative for Covid. But this week the PM promised a review of the position but said there were "deep and complex issues" to consider. Covid passports would be like a status certificate or app you produce as you enter a pub or theatre, or even go abroad. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove will lead the vaccine passport review.

Transition from pandemic to endemic

Over time, scientists expect Covid to become endemic, meaning the virus will reach a stable, and hopefully manageable level. It may have seasonal surges. Scientists do not yet know how or when that transition will occur. Vaccines will be key to managing the transition from pandemic to endemic state. Like some strains of flu, Covid is a relatively mild illness for much of the population, but it is more dangerous to vulnerable groups. The government aims to ensure the country can live with the virus in the longer-term without imposing restrictions which bear heavy economic, social and health costs.

Building resilience to future pandemics

It’s now fairly obvious that this government and those that went before it, failed to invest and build resilience for pandemics. But according to recently published information the government is getting on track to create a new, powerful body – the National Institute for Health Protection. This new organisation, to be launched in April this year, will be responsible for monitoring, identifying and ensuring the nation’s readiness to respond to public health hazards in the future. It will combine the health protection capabilities of Public Health England with NHS Test and Trace, including the UK-wide Joint

Biosecurity Centre, and at a much more coordinated approach with local authorities and Directors of Public Health, at a local level.

Book a coronavirus test locally

Every day sites 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

Green Card required for European driving

Following the publication of the roadmap out of lockdown lots of us have started thinking about holidays. International travel may still be a while off, but after Brexit anyone planning to drive in the EU will need a Green Card. It’s best to be prepared and request one before you travel. You may also need an International Driving Permit, depending on where you’re travelling. When travelling you are advised to take all your important documents away with you, including your insurance certificate, and any Green Cards or permits if applicable. Check things out here – https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad

Budget Day – Wednesday 3 March

Next Wednesday is Budget Day when Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out the government’s plans to haul the UK economy out of the deepest recession in 300 years, but particularly how the government intends to support the recovery as Covid restrictions are eased. The Chancellor Rishi has said he will use the Budget to level with the British people about the state of the economy in the wake of the Covid crisis, adding that public finances face a "challenge".

Parish Council meetings

• The next Topcliffe Parish Council meeting will be via Zoom on Thursday 4 March at 7pm. Any members of the public wishing to join in electronically should contact the clerk for log in details by mid-day on the day of the meeting by email to topcliffeparishcouncil 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.
• The next Asenby Parish Council meeting will be held online at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 March 2021. Residents wishing to join this meeting should email the clerk at asenbypc for log in details.

Local Government Reorganisation.

Last October, two proposals were submitted to the Secretary of State for the reorganisation of local authority areas in North Yorkshire. There’s plenty to read about this subject on the internet. But in a nutshell, the proposals are:

• Six of the seven districts (all bar Hambleton) have proposed two unitary councils – East and West. The East would include Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby districts and the current unitary of York, and the West take in Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate and Richmondshire districts.
• North Yorkshire County Council has proposed a single unitary combining all seven districts operating alongside the existing unitary City of York Council.

The consultation on the two proposals has now been launched. It will last for eight weeks closing on 19 April 2021. https://consult.communities.gov.uk/governance-reform-and-democracy/northyorkshire/

Elections

As a result of the local government review consultation, the county council elections due to be held in May this year have been rescheduled to May 2022. The elections for local Police and Crime Commissioners will still take place on 6 May 2021. The Village Hall will act as the Polling Station in Topcliffe. I’ve asked where the Asenby polling station will be this year, but I haven’t the answer yet. I’ll let you know next week.

Postal or Proxy Voting

You don’t have to attend a polling station to cast your vote. And as the pandemic continues to haunt our lives, some might prefer voting another way rather visiting a polling station. So what are the options? To vote by post you must apply to the Electoral Registration office at your local council. Application forms can be downloaded from your council’s website. You then complete a couple of questions, sign it and send it off by post. You’ll hear back fairly quickly. You can also choose to vote by proxy – where you authorise another registered voter to cast your vote – if you are unable to attend at a polling station and haven’t applied for a postal vote. Again, you need to apply and explain your position.

• Write to Electoral Registration, Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton DL6 2UU – elecreg or call 01609 779977 or print off a form from www.hambleton.gov.uk/electoralregister
• Write to Electoral Registration, Harrogate Borough Council, Civic Centre, St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate HG1 2AE – call 01423 500600 or apply using the online form at

https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/voting-elections/postal-voting

Survey launched to gather views on dog theft in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, is inviting dog owners to complete a new national survey to better understand dog theft. The research comes after a spate of high-profile incidents nationally leading experts to believe criminals are exploiting the huge hike in prices and demand for puppies during the Covid restrictions. The Home Office is now reviewing pet theft nationally and considering additional options for enforcement, including harsher penalties for offenders. The results of the survey will help find out how widespread the fear of dog theft is, and whether there is support for tougher enforcement. The 60-second survey can be completed at http://bit.ly/DogTheftSurveyNY and will be open until 5pm on Friday 12 March.

Church Services

St Columba’s PCC will be holding the following services:

• Wednesday, 3 March at 7pm, Compline or Night Prayers, a short evening service (no more than 15 minutes) of prayers, readings and responses, providing a simple and peaceful way to close the day.

• Sunday, 7 March at 6.30 pm, Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 10 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday, 17 March at 7pm, Compline

• Sunday, 21 March at 10.45 am, Matins (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 24 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday 31 March 7pm, Compline

The PCC hope that Rev Terry Dyer will be able to come and conduct a service of Holy Communion for Easter, either on Saturday evening 3 April, or on Easter Sunday morning 4 April, but that of course will be subject to future government announcements about any lifting of Covid restrictions. As regards to Covid, the PCC does continually assess the risks and it operates ‘track and trace’ arrangement. All the usual precautions apply – please bring a face covering with you – and we will provide hand sanitiser for use before and after each service. Most importantly, for everyone’s sake, if you have any suspicion you might have contracted Covid-19, please don’t join us on that particular occasion.

The Tattler

The March edition of The Tattler is at the printers this coming week and will be distributed to all households in Asenby and Topliffe on 10 and 11 March.

Topcliffe Post Office

The current temporary opening hours are: 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.

From Monday 8 March the opening hours will revert to normal – Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Sunday closed.

The Angel at Topcliffe – Happy Mother’s Day treat

Please see the attachment to this email for the fantastic Mother’s Day menu on offer from The Angel on 14 March. What a wonderful treat for all the mums out there!

The regular ‘Dine at Home’ takeaway service menu can be found on The Angel website. 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

Local traders

• Fish and Chips – The Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• 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 – Until the lockdown restrictions end, the shop will close at 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays and Saturdays it will close at 1pm. Don’t

forget that the farm shop is operating a home delivery service to anyone in Topcliffe, Asenby or Cundall who is isolating. They are also making free deliveries to Dalton, Sessay and Husthwaite every

Tuesday and to Rainton, Dishforth and Ripon areas every Wednesday (£10 minimum order applies). Ring 01845 400446 to arrange a delivery. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Swan – The Swan is closed until further notice.

• The Tea Time Café – the Afternoon Teas for Mother’s day have completely sold out. Rosa Fothergill has asked me to give a huge thank you to everyone who has placed their order …and an apology to

anyone who wanted to order a tea but has missed out.

• Thirsk Garden Centre is open 10am to 4pm for all your gardening requirements. The coffee shop is closed. https://www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk/

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 1, 15 and 29 March

• Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 11 and 25 March

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 1, 15 and 29 March

• Refuse – Mondays 8 and 22 March

• Green waste – 25 March

Green waste will only be collected if you have paid the subscription for 2020-21.

• A Hambleton licence for the year 2021-22 will cost £40 per licence per bin. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

• A licence from Harrogate for 2021-22 will cost £41 per bin. To subscribe or for more information please visithttps://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service

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

Hello and welcome to the 46th issue of this regular Sunday email.

I am sure that, like me, you are all eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister’s announcement tomorrow regarding how we will move out of the lockdown. He has promised to set out a ‘roadmap’ showing how we will get back to normality, starting with schools reopening on 8 March. A huge amount rests on the right decisions being made, so let’s hope that whatever decision is taken it’s based on data not dates.

I hope you find this email’s 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

• There have been more than 4.1 million confirmed cases of Covid in the UK. Yesterday a further 10, 406 cases were confirmed.

• 3,516,595 Covid tests were conducted last week. The number of new cases of Covid fell by 20% compared to the previous week.

• 1,492 people were admitted to hospital on a daily basis (10,827 in the week). Those figures are 22% down on the previous week. But more than 18,000 Covid patients are currently in hospital.

• The R number – which takes into account cases, hospitalisations and deaths – has dropped again and is now between 0.6 and 0.9, which is again very encouraging.

• Nearly 17.3 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. So far, 606,0000 second doses have been administered.

• Yesterday 445 UK deaths were reported. There were 3,457 in the seven-day period to Saturday. These two figures represents a 28% drop on the previous week, so the downward trend is continuing.

The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 120,365. The number of deaths where Covid is actually mentioned on the death certificate has reached 129,498.

The number of deaths in North Yorkshire is now 1,031. Worldwide, the number of deaths is now over 2.46 million.

React study shows strong decline in levels of Covid

There has been a "strong decline" in levels of Covid infections since January, say scientists tracking the epidemic. Imperial College London’s React study found infections have dropped by two-thirds across England since lockdown began. But one in 200 people tested positive between 4 and 13 February, which is similar to levels seen in late September 2020. Although these are interim findings, based on more than 85,000 swab tests from randomly selected people, they suggest social distancing and restrictions are having an impact. Prof Paul Elliott, director of the programme at Imperial, said that the drop in infection rates was ‘really encouraging’.

This weekend Prime Minister Boris Johnson is busily checking new data on the effect of vaccines on the spread of Covid, ahead of Monday’s publication of a roadmap for easing the lockdown. Already the government has announced that care home residents will be allowed to pick one person to visit them regularly from 8 March. Visitors will be required to take a coronavirus lateral flow test before entry and personal protective equipment must be worn. Residents will be asked not to hug or kiss their relatives, though hand holding will be permitted. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the rule change was a ‘first step to getting back to where we want to be’. We’re also likely to hear about how people can socialise outdoors and moves allowing people to safely reunite with family members.

The key data that will be looked at to ease lockdown restrictions fall into six categories: the rate of new cases of coronavirus, the number of hospital admissions and patients, the success of the vaccine rollout, the level of deaths, the estimated number of infections within the community population and the estimated reproduction number (R), or growth, of the virus

Vaccinations

The UK government achieved its target of vaccinating 15 million people in the top four priority groups by 15 February. The next target is to have everyone in the next five priority groups to be offered their first dose by 15 April. That’s a further 17.2 million people in priority groups 5-9 (see below) to be immunised over a 10 week period.

• 5 – Those aged 65 and over (2.9 million)
• 6 – All individuals aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality (7.3 million)
• 7 – Those aged 60 and over (1.8 million)
• 8 – Those aged 55 years and over (2.4 million)
• 9 – Those aged 50 years of age and over (2.8 million).

The government has also promised that all UK adults will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of July.

Why there is up to 12 weeks between doses of the vaccine?

Both the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine provide high levels of efficacy after the first dose. By giving as many people as possible the first dose of the vaccine, the NHS is giving a greater number of people significant protection from the virus at a greater pace. This protects those who are most vulnerable and likely to suffer the worst effects of Covid. Simply put, every time a person is vaccinated for a second time, someone else cannot get a jab for the first time.

Why is it important to keep following the rules once you have been vaccinated?

The information available on the vaccines in use at this point is that they are highly effective. However, they are not 100% effective, so there is still a chance you can get infected with Covid, but it’s highly likely to be much less severe. It’s not known if the vaccines stop you from passing the virus onto others, so while they will offer significant protection to the individual, you could still pass on Covid to someone who has not been vaccinated. It is therefore important that even if you are vaccinated, you continue to follow the national guidelines to keep others safe and that if you are asked to, or someone in your household has symptoms or tests positive, you still self-isolate.

Book a coronavirus test locally

Every day sites 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

Latest on schools

The Prime Minister has told MPs that the government hopes to start reopening English schools on Monday 8 March, depending on factors including the rate of vaccination amongst priority groups. He said the government will tell teachers and parents when schools can reopen ‘as soon as we can’. But he would not guarantee that this would be before the Easter holidays. This is expected to be accompanied by a series of announcements on schools in the following days – with funding for catch-up classes, details of how testing will work and how cancelled GCSEs and A-levels will be replaced this summer. There could also be a campaign to build parental confidence in the safety of the return to school, with many pupils having been at home and studying online since the start of the Christmas holidays.

Hambleton Heroes wanted

There’s only a week left to nominate an individual or organisation for a Hambleton Hero award. If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to help other people during the pandemic and lockdown, why not put them forward? See the link to the webpage with a short and easy to complete nomination form. The deadline is 1 March 2021.

https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/community-action/hambleton-heroes

Help hold Crime Commissioner to account

North Yorkshire residents are being invited to the latest online meeting with the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. The meeting – starting 1.30pm on Tuesday 23 February – will focus on how the police deal with stalking and harassment and how the fire service defines and manages risk. It’s part of a public accountability series of meetings. Members of the public can send in their questions before or during the session. Julia Mulligan said: “These meetings give members of the public and staff the opportunity to understand the performance of both services and hear what they are doing to keep us safe and feeling safe. “I encourage everyone to join in and watch, and if you have a question, please ask it”. The agenda, along with presentations and reports are available on the Commissioner’s website here: http://bit.ly/PAM23Feb2021

To ask a question on this month’s hot topics in advance of the meeting, please send your question to info@northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk please include your name and address with your question.

You can watch the live broadcast at http://bit.ly/PAM23Feb2021 or watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kDtsucYByA0

Budget Day – Wednesday 3 March

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out the government’s plans to haul the UK economy out of the deepest recession in 300 years in his Budget speech in two weeks’ time. This will be his second budget since becoming Chancellor. He has said the budget will ‘deliver the next phase of our plan to support our recovery from coronavirus and protect jobs’.

Council Tax

It looks like Hambleton District Council will freeze local council tax for the next year. The proposal was considered at a recent online Cabinet meeting and members agreed unanimously to recommend the freeze to the full council at a meeting set to take place next Tuesday, 23 February. It is usual for council tax to increase year on year but due to the unprecedented strain this year has put on people financially, it seems the council feels it is only right to consider keeping the rate the same.

• Harrogate Borough Council has agreed their rates will increase by the maximum amount allowed by law before a referendum is required. That means a £5 increase on an average Band D property.
• Both Topcliffe and Asenby Parish Councils have agreed a standstill on their parish precepts.
• North Yorkshire County Council has agreed a rise of 3.49% and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has agreed an increase of 1.99%.

Watch out for those bills – with much more detail – arriving next month.

Topcliffe Parish Council

The next ordinary Parish Council will be meeting via Zoom on Thursday 4 March at 7pm. Any members of the public wishing to join in electronically should contact the clerk for log in details by mid-day on the day of the meeting by email to 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.

At an Extra Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council last week, councillors expressed views on two village planning applications submitted to Hambleton District Council. They supported the construction of a car port at Apple Tree House and proposals for a garage attached to the Methodist Chapel, though they expressed concerns about traffic safety.

Asenby Parish Council

The next Asenby Parish Council meeting will be held online at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 March 2021. Residents wishing to join this meeting electronically should email the clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com for log in details.

Dog dirt and litter

Has anyone else noticed that the amount of dog poo and litter on the streets and lanes around our two villages has increased again in recent weeks? Following appeals included in Sunday Emails last year the situation seemed to improve significantly, but now it seems people are falling back into old and inexcusable habits. It’s not difficult to clean up after your dog, nor is it difficult to take your litter home.

St. Columba’s Church

St Columba’s PCC has decided to hold the following services:

• Sunday, 21 February at 10.45 am, Matins (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 24 February at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday, 3 March at 7pm, Compline

• Sunday, 7 March at 6.30 pm, Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 10 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday, 17 March at 7pm, Compline

• Sunday, 21 March at 10.45 am, Matins (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 24 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday 31 March 7pm, Compline

Compline (Night Prayers) is a short evening service (no more than 15 minutes) of prayers, readings and responses, providing a simple and peaceful way to close the day – and is well worth a try!

The PCC hope that Rev’d Terry Dyer will be able to come and conduct a service of Holy Communion for Easter, either on Saturday evening 3 April, or on Easter Sunday morning 4 April, but that of course will be subject to future government announcements about any lifting of Covid restrictions. As regards to Covid, the PCC does continually assess the risks and it operates ‘track and trace’ arrangement. All the usual precautions apply – please bring a face covering with you – and we will provide hand sanitiser for use before and after each service. Most importantly, for everyone’s sake, if you have any suspicion you might have contracted Covid-19, please don’t join us on that particular occasion.

Local traders

• Thirsk Garden Centre is open 10am to 4pm for all your gardening requirements. The coffee shop is closed. https://www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk/

• Fish and Chips – The Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Topcliffe Post Office – The opening hours are: 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.

• 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 – Until the lockdown restrictions end, the shop will close at 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays and Saturdays it will close at 1pm. Don’t

forget that the farm shop is operating a home delivery service to anyone in Topcliffe, Asenby or Cundall who is isolating. They are also making free deliveries to Dalton, Sessay and Husthwaite every

Tuesday and to Rainton, Dishforth and Ripon areas every Wednesday (£10 minimum order applies). Ring 01845 400446 to arrange a delivery. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Angel – The Angel ‘Dine at Home’ takeaway service has a new menu. 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.

Plan ahead for Mother’s Day (Sunday 14 March)

The Tea Time Café is organising Afternoon Teas for Mother’s day. The menu is attached to this email. The teas are £16 per person and can be ordered online at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk or by telephone 01845 523869. Orders must be in by Monday 8 March.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 25 February and 11 and 25 March

• Refuse – Mondays 1, 15 and 29 March

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 22 February and 8 and 22 March

• Recycling – Mondays 1, 15 and 29 March

• Green waste – Thursday 11 and 25 March

Green waste will only be collected if you have paid the subscription for 2020-21.

• A Hambleton licence for the year 2021-22 will cost £40 per licence per bin. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

• A licence from Harrogate for 2021-22 will cost £41 per bin. 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 45th issue of this regular Sunday email. It’s Valentine’s Day and I hope that you have a very happy day with your loved ones…and if you know someone who is alone at this time, give them a call and say hello.

I hope you find this email’s 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

• 4,400,044 Covid tests were conducted last week. On average on a daily basis over the week, 13,300 people tested positive for Covid. 97.272 people tested positive over the seven-days. The number of

new cases of Covid again fell by 25% compared to the previous week.

• 1,741 people were admitted to hospital on a daily basis (13,852 in the week). Hospital admissions remain high in some areas though the signs are that the pressure lid has been lifted.

• The R number – which takes into account cases, hospitalisations and deaths – has dropped again and is now between 0.7 and 0.9, which is very encouraging.

• Nearly 14.6 million people have now had a first dose vaccination. So far, 535,0000 second doses have been administered.

• Yesterday 621 UK deaths were reported. There were 4,816 in the seven-day period to Saturday. This represents a 26% drop on the previous week. The total number of UK deaths is now 116,908. The

number of deaths in North Yorkshire has now passed 1,000. Worldwide, the number of deaths is now over 2.4 million.

Vaccinations

The vaccination programme has been extremely successful with nearly 14.6 million people receiving their first injection up to yesterday, meaning the government is likely to reach projected its target to vaccinate the vast majority of the most vulnerable people by Monday. Here in North Yorkshire more than 175,000 first doses have been administered.

The NHS is now planning to roll out the next stage of the biggest vaccination programme in the country’s history. The next group to be called for vaccination will be over 65s and 16-64 year olds with underlying health conditions. There’s about 7.3 million people in these two priority groups. After that those 60-64, 55-59 and 50-54 will be in turn invited for their jabs.

Right now, there’s a renewed drive to encourage people in the top four priority groups – people aged 70 and over, front-line health and social care workers, care home residents and the clinically extremely vulnerable – to get vaccinated. Also those who have declined a jab but have changed their mind, are invited to book a slot by calling 119 or going online – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/. Only people in the forementioned categories should enquire about their jabs – everyone else should wait until they are contacted by the NHS when it’s their turn to have the vaccine. It’s important not to contact the NHS or your doctor’s surgery for a vaccination before then. Topcliffe and Asenby patients will either be contacted by letter, text or telephone call from the surgery.

Children as young as six will be given the Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine as part of a clinical trial to test the efficacy in youngsters. Researchers will use 300 volunteers to assess whether the jab can produce a strong immune response in children aged from six to 17. Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity, and chief investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, said the study was "important to establish the safety and immune response to the vaccine in children and young people as some children may benefit from vaccination.“

Arthritis drug will help critically ill Covid patients

Severely ill Covid patients may soon be treated with arthritis drug Tocilizumab, after a newly published study shows it can decrease the risk of death. The drug is set to be recommended for all Covid-19 patients who require oxygen starting next week. Tocilizumab is a drug typically given to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It is administered to patients intravenously, as you would do with a bag of saline, and it is likely that it will be used alongside the steroid dexamethasone, which has been used to treat Covid patients for several months. Together, the combination of drugs helps the body’s defences against the disease. Scientists say the drug could save the lives of one in 25 patients admitted to hospital with Covid and reduce the need for a mechanical ventilator. Studies also found it could reduce the time spent in hospital by up to 10 days.

Restrictions and Lockdown

The government will review the existing restrictions tomorrow, 15 February, and week commencing 22 February it has promised to set out a ‘roadmap’ showing how we will get back to normality. But don’t get too excited yet as many scientific experts are warning the government not to end lockdown too soon or too quickly. Sir Jeremy Farrar, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said on Wednesday that "it doesn’t make any sense to set out plans to ease restrictions with arbitrary dates in March or April. The data has to drive the decision". He added that transmission is still very high and that cases needed to fall well below 10,000 a day before any easing of lockdown measures.

Infection rates across North Yorkshire are reducing but very slowly and the county is still seeing more than 125 new cases a day.

We are living through a life-altering event and we are all dealing with new and in many cases difficult ways of working, living and educating our children – plus really missing our family and friends. While there is certainly news to be positive about, it doesn’t make the reality of the pandemic any easier and it may become more tempting as we come out of the dark, cold winter months to get out and about and venture further from home. The more we resist this and stick to those stay-at-home rules the more we will see further improvements. The experts say that It is important to look after ourselves and those around us in these very difficult times and that by remaining vigilant we will protect people from catching the virus, drive down infection rates, reduce some of the pressure on the NHS and move closer to a more normal way of life.

But we are still in a national lockdown and the rule to stay at home remains in place, including over the February half-term break. There is no doubt that it is tough, but as lots of people may have time off and children have a break from school-work, it’s really important that we all stay local, do not travel around the country and don’t mix households. Travelling to second homes or holiday homes is still not permitted. Staying home and taking our daily exercise locally remain two of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus and help protect the NHS. Continuing to respect ‘Hands, Face, Space’ is also very important – washing hands frequently and as soon as you come in from the outside, wearing a face covering in all applicable settings and staying two metres away from people outside of your household wherever possible.

Most of us recognise the reasons for the restrictions. But not everyone it would seem wants to follow them. Incredibly last weekend was the busiest since the start of lockdown for police officers in North Yorkshire. Just short of 170 fines were issued across the area with nearly 100 of those to county residents – unbelievably of those 71 were for indoor gatherings – the very conditions in which we know the virus thrives. Included in these fines were two pubs, which opened and served alcohol to groups playing pool or watching the rugby on TV. There was also a group of 11 visitors who travelled from Manchester to visit Whitby Abbey. It is hard to understand what these people don’t understand about the reasons for lockdown and the danger they present to everyone else. We know that one in three people carry Covid-19 with no symptoms and that even if you feel fine you can still spread the virus. As half-term approaches, no doubt many families will be struggling with what to do to entertain children not at school or involved in remote learning. It may be tempting to mix with friends or head to the coast or dales. Please don’t – the risk is not worth taking.

Is children’s play a form of exercise?

The government has been attempting to clear up confusion around the Covid rules on children playing outside after two youngsters, who had been making a snowman, were reportedly told to go home by police. As most of us know, people should only go outside for essential reasons, such as to purchase food or to exercise. When asked whether children making snowmen was legitimate exercise, an official spokesman said: "Under the current lockdown, children’s play areas are allowed to remain open. The government considers children playing to be a form of exercise. So, going to the park with your kids is not only allowed, but perfectly reasonable.”

Employment in the health and caring sector

Last week the government launched an urgent campaign to recruit more health and social care staff to support care home residents and those being cared for at home. The ‘Care for Others. Make a Difference’ initiative is part of a huge effort to fill the gaps left by workers who have been forced to self-isolate due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is urging the unemployed, volunteers and people on furlough to register to fill in for short-term gaps in the social care sector. Opportunities include personal care – helping people to wash and dress – providing wellbeing support, collecting and delivering supplies, or helping with cooking and cleaning. The exact roles will be based on individual experience and local need and will be at the discretion of the local authority or care provider concerned. Candidates do not necessarily need previous experience in social care as training will be provided.

For the longer term, the government is also mounting a new advertising campaign to highlight the long-term career prospects in the social care sector. Under the strapline ‘We need you now. They need you always’, adverts will appear on TV, radio, social media and online to inspire people to make a difference now by working in social care. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that working in the sector offers “tough but rewarding” opportunities for those considering a career in caring for others. Almost 1.5 million people work in adult social care and there are many roles available for those looking to make a difference. People can find out more and search for jobs in our area by visiting the Every Day is Different website – https://www.everydayisdifferent.com/home.aspx

North Yorkshire County Council has its own recruitment programme called ‘Make Care matter’ offering a wide range of employment opportunities. We have all seen and read many wonderful stories of how people across health and social care sectors have been saving lives, changing lives and protecting our most frail residents. If you feel inspired, why not have a look here and see if there is an opportunity for you to join the 17,000 people working in the sector in our county? If you are considering working in the care sector check out the website – makecarematter

Book a coronavirus test locally

Every day sites 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

Latest on schools

Following the Prime Minister’s comments that he hoped schools can reopen from Monday, March 8, the county council is awaiting further details from the government. It is expected there will be two weeks’ notice prior to schools opening so that there’ll be a smooth and safe return to the classroom.

North Yorkshire families on low incomes, or struggling financially due to the pandemic, are set to receive continued support this half-term in the form of supermarket vouchers. These food voucher payments aim to ensure parents and carers hit hard by the pandemic can continue to provide children with essentials by helping meet the cost of food during the school holidays. As at Christmas, the vouchers, worth £15 per child, per week, will be reaching around 17,000 children and young people. For more information visit – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund

Claim tax allowance for working at home

Anyone whose employer requires them to work at home – even if was just for one day in the tax year – can claim a tax relief for increased costs such as heating and electricity for the whole tax year. Right now, because of Covid-19, many firms have closed workplaces requiring employees to work from home, even if it’s just for part of the week, and HM Revenue & Customs has confirmed that claims can be made. In recognition of the difficulty of apportioning extra costs HMRC has agreed a simple rate of £6 a week. To get the allowance you can ask your employer to pay you the £6 a week (£4 a week in 2019-20 tax year) extra tax-free or simply claim tax relief on tax forms. To make the process easy, you won’t need to keep receipts or prove information. Tax relief of £6 a week equates to a gain of £1.20 a week for a basic 20% rate taxpayer, £2.40 a week for a higher 40% rate taxpayer. If you believe you have higher increased costs than £6 a week, you can claim more, but you will need evidence of the cost increases and must be able to apportion these specifically to the fact you are working from home – and this becomes a much more laborious process. Check out the full details at:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home?_cldee=cm1hY2VAY2lvdC5vcmcudWs=&recipientid=contact-6e41caae3fc6e711810f70106faa2721-45ce5f497a7b42d08d1a190e6fa3ba53&esid=e16f84b5-7f79-ea11-a811-000d3a86d581

Did you notice anything special about 12 February?

Maybe Friday passed like most others during this pandemic, nothing exciting and very much like any other. But the date – 12 02 2021- was actually very special. That’s because it was both a palindrome and an ambigram! That means you could read it left to right, right to left and also upside down. That’s quite rare and the only time such a date will occur this century. The previous palindrome date in all formats came 910 years ago on 11 11 1111. The next will come in 100 years on 12 12 2121 and after that there will not be another until 03 03 3030. However, we won’t have to wait quite so long for another simple palindrome – that’s due later this year in December (12 02 2021).

Do you know a Hambleton Hero?

Hambleton District Council has launched Hambleton Heroes 2020. This is an opportunity for anyone to nominate an individual or an organisation who has gone above and beyond to help other people during the pandemic and lockdown. Please see the link to the webpage with a short and easy to complete nomination form. The deadline is 1 March 2021.

https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/community-action/hambleton-heroes

Topcliffe Parish Council

On Thursday 18 February at 6pm there will be an online Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council to discuss two planning applications, including one relating to the Methodist Chapel.

The next ordinary Parish Council will be meeting via Zoom on Thursday 4 March at 7pm.

In relation to both meetings, any members of the public wishing to join in electronically should contact the clerk for log in details by mid-day on the day of the meeting. 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.

Asenby Parish Council

The next Asenby Parish Council meeting will be held online at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17 March 2021. Residents wishing to join this meeting electronically should email the clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com for log in details.

Bitcoin-Related Scam Emails

I’m sorry to harp on about scams but these warnings keep arriving from the police, Neighbourhood Watch and Action Fraud, so I feel obliged to pass them on in the hope that reading them might save someone from the pain and difficulty associated with this odious crime. This message is a warning about unsolicited emails promoting cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) investment opportunities. Last week alone Action Fraud received over750 reports about Bitcoin-related phishing emails that use fake celebrity endorsements to try and lure victims into investment scams. The links in the emails lead to fraudulent websites that are designed to steal your money, as well as personal and financial information. The best advice to protect yourself includes 1) Don’t be rushed into making an investment: Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making a transaction on the spot. 2) Seek advice first: Speak with a trusted friend or family members and seek independent professional advice before making significant financial decisions. 3) Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

St. Columba’s Church

St Columba’s PCC has decided to hold the following services during Lent, which commences on 17 February.

• Sunday, 21 February at 10.45 am, Matins (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 24 February at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday, 3 March at 7pm, Compline

• Sunday, 7 March at 6.30 pm, Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 10 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday, 17 March at 7pm, Compline

• Sunday, 21 March at 10.45 am, Matins (Book of Common Prayer)

• Wednesday, 24 March at 7pm, Compline

• Wednesday 31 March 7pm Compline

Compline (Night Prayers) is a short evening service (no more than 15 minutes) of prayers, readings and responses, providing a simple and peaceful way to close the day – and is well worth a try!

The PCC hope that Rev’d Terry Dyer will be able to come and conduct a service of Holy Communion for Easter, either on Saturday evening 3 April, or on Easter Sunday morning 4 April, but that of course will be subject to future government announcements about any lifting of Covid restrictions.

As regards to Covid, the PCC does continually assess the risks and it operates ‘track and trace’ arrangement. All the usual precautions apply – please bring a face covering with you – and we will provide hand sanitiser for use before and after each service. Most importantly, for everyone’s sake, if you have any suspicion you might have contracted Covid-19, please don’t join us on that particular occasion.

Local traders

• Fish and Chips – The Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.

• Topcliffe Post Office – The opening hours are: 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.

• 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 – Customers are asked to come prepared in warm clothes in case they have to stand outside during the current cold spell. Until the lockdown restrictions end, the shop will

close at 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays and Saturdays it will close at 1pm. Don’t forget that the farm shop is operating a home delivery service to anyone in

Topcliffe, Asenby or Cundall who is isolating. They are also making free deliveries to Dalton, Sessay and Husthwaite every Tuesday and to Rainton, Dishforth and Ripon areas every Wednesday (£10

minimum order applies). Ring 01845 400446 to arrange a delivery. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/

• The Angel – The Angel ‘Dine at Home’ takeaway service has a new menu. 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.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 15 February and 1, 15 and 29 March

• Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 25 February and 11 and 25 March

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 15 February and 1, 15 and 29 March

• Refuse – Mondays 22 February and 8 and 22 March

• Green waste – Thursday 11 and 25 March

Green waste will only be collected if you have paid the subscription for 2020-21.

• A Hambleton licence for the year 2021-22 will cost £40 per licence per bin. To subscribe or for further information please visit www.hambleton.gov.uk/newbins

• A licence from Harrogate for 2021-22 will cost £41 per bin. 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.