Category: Sunday Email

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

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

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

The latest Covid situation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be prepared for the next spike

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

Self-isolate immediately if:

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

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

What is self-isolation?

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

How to self-isolate

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

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

Protect people in your household

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

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

When to get a test

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

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

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

Book a coronavirus test locally

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

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

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

Help and support while you’re staying at home

While you’re self-isolating:

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

Asenby Parish Council

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

Topcliffe Parish Council

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

Tell Julia what you think of her budget

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

Parcel delivery scam

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

What you need to do

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

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

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

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

News from The Elm Gallery

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

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

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

St. Columba’s Church

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

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

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

The Angel

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

www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

The Swan

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

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 4 January and 18 January 2021

• Recycling – Thursdays 14 and 28 January 2021

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

Harrogate (Asenby):

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

• Refuse – Mondays 11 and 25 January

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

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

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

The Angel at Home – Takeaway Menu.docx

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

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

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

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

A merry Christmas everyone!

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

Forming a Christmas bubble

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

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

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

The new virus variant

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

Vaccinations begin to roll out

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

Good response to appeal for volunteers

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

Book a Coronavirus test locally

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furlough Scheme extended by a further month

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

Santa’s Christmas Eve Jingle

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

Community Works looking for volunteers

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

Christmas Reading Challenge

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

Jigsaw Request

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

Free parking in Thirsk

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

Asenby Angel Trail

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

Christmas post deadlines

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

Online sing-along

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

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

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

Be vigilant when online shopping

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas at The Elm Gallery

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

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last minute gift idea

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

St. Columba’s Church – Christmas Services

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

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

Sunday 27 December: No services this Sunday

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

Covid-19 precautions and guidance for all services:

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

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

• Social distancing must be maintained at all times.

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

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

The Angel

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

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

Here are our opening hours over the festive period:

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

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

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

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

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

The Swan

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

Warm & Well in North Yorkshire

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

Brexit impact on travel plans

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

Passports

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

Border controls

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

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

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

Driving Documents

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

Mobile Roaming Charges

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

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

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

• Refuse – Mondays 4 January and 18 January 2021

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

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

Harrogate (Asenby):

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

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

• Green waste – subscriptions open in January 2021.

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

Hello and welcome to the 37th issue of this regular Sunday email.

The three-tier arrangements in England reach their first review date next Wednesday (16 December), so it will be interesting to see if there are many changes – either up or down. Here in North Yorkshire, which is tier 2, the rate of infection in recent weeks has dropped significantly, but there are still parts of the county where pockets of high infection remain. Whether the stabilised position is sufficient to see our area’s tier level drop from 2 to 1 is a matter of considerable conjecture. It’s suggested the government will err on the safe side and leave us in tier 2 for at least another fortnight and consider the situation at the second review in late December.

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. As usual, do get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Self-isolation to reduce from 14 to 10 days

Self-isolation for people who have come in to contact with those who have the virus, will be shortened from 14 to 10 days across the UK from Monday. The change will also apply to people instructed to quarantine after returning from high-risk countries. And it means anyone who has been self-isolating for 10 days or more will be able to end their quarantine on Monday. Revised advice is that people are most infectious around the time they first develop symptoms and by day 10, only about 2% will still be capable of passing on the virus to others. Speaking about the new rules, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said: “The science was based on a continuous accumulation of evidence through the pandemic. The tail end of an infection is the period someone was least likely to transmit infection, so allowing somebody out of self-isolation a short time before that is a reasonable balance between managing the risk to the public but allowing us not to intrude on their lives.”

Message from North Yorkshire County Council’s CEO Richard Flinton

In the coming days and weeks, we will see the NHS start to roll out the vaccine right here in North Yorkshire. This is without doubt extremely welcome news for very many people here. This programme will be carefully managed and phased, to ensure that the people who need to start their vaccination programme first are at the front of the queue. Amongst those people will be those who are over 80. It’s really important to understand how this will work so I hope this information is helpful. When it is your turn to get your first vaccination the NHS will contact you directly. That may be your GP or another NHS colleague. When you are contacted, you will be given an appointment. There will be a date and time and, of course, the venue. You are asked to help support the smooth running of the programme by not contacting your GP or going to a vaccination centre unless you have been contacted and invited. Once you have had your first jab, you will then need a second dose and you will be given all those details proactively too. If you cannot make your first appointment, you are asked to let the NHS know so that someone else can get their first dose.

It will take months, not weeks, to vaccinate everyone who qualifies. We can help our NHS colleagues manage this process as easily as possible here in North Yorkshire if we follow these instructions.

Christmas relaxation of restrictions

Here is a reminder of the relaxation in the rules this Christmas. The aim is to allow people to mix with a slightly wider circle of family and friends.

• People will be able to form ‘Christmas bubbles’ of three households over a five-day period between 23 and 27 December. The three households in a Christmas bubble can mix indoors and stay

overnight.

• Christmas bubbles will be allowed to meet each other in each other’s homes, at a place of worship or in an outdoor public space or garden.

• Christmas bubbles must be fixed, so you will not be able to mix with two households on Christmas Day and two different ones on Boxing Day.

• Households in your Christmas bubble can’t bubble with anyone else.

• There will be no limit to the number of people who can join a Christmas bubble – but obviously they will all have to be from within the allowed three households.

• Importantly, if you have already formed a support bubble with another household, that counts as just one household, so you can join with two other households in a Christmas bubble.

• People who are self-isolating should not join a Christmas bubble.

• If someone tests positive or develops coronavirus symptoms up to 48 hours after the Christmas bubble last met, everyone will have to self-isolate.

Despite the arrangements for meeting others over the festive period, you are not allowed to go with your Christmas bubble to hospitality settings, such as pubs and restaurants, or to entertainment venues.

But remember: the experts agree it is inevitable that the relaxation of restrictions, so that we can have Christmas with family and friends, will lead to an increase in infections and the potential for a spike in Covid cases in January. So only mix together, if you really must.

Book a Coronavirus test locally

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

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

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB
• Every day – Northallerton – The Forum, Bullamore Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP
• Sunday 13 December – Thirsk – Millgate Car Park, Thirsk, YO7 1PE
• Wednesday 16 December – Ripon – Coach Park, 3 Moss Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG
• Thursday 17 December – Catterick – Catterick Race Course, Catterick Bridge DL10 7PE
• Friday 18 December – Easingwold – Easingwold Town AFC, Stillington Rd, Easingwold, York, YO61 3DZ
• Sunday 20 December – Thirsk – Millgate Car Park, Marage Road, Thirsk, YO7 1PE

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

In certain cases, home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house. There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

The Tattler

All recipients of the weekly Sunday Email who live in either Topcliffe or Asenby should have received a copy of the full-colour village newsletter last week. It’s useful to check the comprehensiveness of the delivery arrangements now and again, so If you didn’t receive a copy please let me know – doug or 07785 223707.

Free parking in Thirsk

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

Christmas post deadlines

International Standard

Wednesday, 16 December ………Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland

Friday, 18 December………………. Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

UK

Friday, 18 December………………..2nd Class

Monday, 21 December…………….1st Class

Yorkshire features centre stage in Channel 5’s festive programming

• This year’s Yorkshire Vet at Christmas special – ‘A Christmas Carol’ – is on Tuesday 22 December at 8pm on Channel 5.

• The brand new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ festive episode will be shown at 9pm, on Tuesday 22 December also on Channel 5 (repeated on Boxing Day at 7.45pm). Series 2 has been commissioned and will shoot on location next year after having become Channel 5’s highest rated drama commission ever.

Could you be a Community Champion?

Neighbourhood Watch in North Yorkshire is looking for individuals to become Community Champions who can promote and develop a safer, stronger and more resilient community. These Community Champions would be expected to:

• Be an active partner in the community

• Willing to learn new skills

• Listen to the views of the community

• Adapt ways of working to engage with hard to reach communities

• Promote Neighbourhood Watch in the community

• Raise awareness of crime prevention.

It’s not clear how these Community Champions will interact with and relate to other community representatives such as Parish Councillors or the old-style Neighbourhood Co-ordinators, but no doubt that will be made clear once these new positions are filled. If you feel you would like to be part of this new scheme contact cheryl.spruce

Bird Life of Topcliffe

Quite a few years ago Karen Morley set up bird feeding stations among the trees along Winn Lane, just across the A168 bridge. Since then, Karen and husband Malc, have expanded the number of feeders and they’ve been amazed at how popular they are. The feeders, which are replenished every day, have attracted more and more birds and now the regular visitors include a greater spotted woodpecker, tree creeper, robins, long tailed tits, dunnocks and yellowhammers. And, because seed is left on the ground, pheasants have also become regular feeders. The birds are much easier to see now that the trees are bare. Malc is reusing old fencing, which Josh Barningham has removed at Winn Lane cemetery following an upgrade, to make more bird boxes and sparrow terraces which he intends to put up at suitable places round the village wherever there’s a suitable tree.

Drive-In Carol Service

Thirsk & District Churches Together are organising two drive-in Christmas carol services on Sunday 20 December. The details are in the attachment to this email.

Or fancy a sing-along online?

Hambleton Community Action is inviting everyone to join an online sing-along at 2.30pm on Monday 21 December. Their idea is that you should be prepared to join in the festive celebration with a mince pie, sherry or mulled wine. There’ll be some musical accompaniment and a screen-share of the words. There’s no obligation to join in by singing, you’re very welcome to simply join on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89670638715 and listen in, if you prefer.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials

How would you like to meet Santa and his many helpers whilst travelling on a heritage steam train from Pickering to Levisham and return? You can enjoy Jingle Bells radio whilst you and your family celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a festive journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Advanced booking required and the dates are 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December. Pickering Station departure times: 9.15am, 11.15am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm. Departs: Bookings, prices and more information at www.nymr.co.uk/santa-specials

Parish Vacancy

Topcliffe Parish Council would welcome applications from residents of the parish for a co-opted councillor vacancy. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in local matters, be available to regularly attend monthly meetings and actively participate in the work of the Parish Council. Interested parties should apply by email or in writing outlining the reasons they wish to be considered, including any skills and experience that they will bring. Please either email topcliffeparishcouncil@gmail.com or write to The Clerk, Topcliffe Parish Council, Wagtail Barn, South Otterington, Northallerton, DL7 9HW.

Thirsk Information Centre – Fortnightly Newsletter

The Information Centre publishes a newsletter every fortnight and the latest edition is out now. To sign up go to their website – www.VisitThirsk.uk/news

Dalton Airfield Plan Consultation

Developers preparing an outline planning application for a range of industrial building on a site at Dalton Industrial estate are seeking the views of local residents and businesses. The site, ‘Dalton 49 Thirsk’ is named after the A168 junction number and is on a scale similar to other recent developments by IPN and NTS. Topcliffe residents may have recently received a leaflet illustrating the type of development, proposed, including a new site entrance off Eldmire Lane. The leaflet states that the development will provide a range of job opportunities and a boost to the local economy. It adds that all vehicles will access the site via Eldmire Lane with no access via Dalton Lane. Heavy goods vehicles would be routed to the A168 only. Interestingly, it makes no direct reference to Topcliffe, which tends to feel the impact from any new and intensified development. Full details are at www.dalton49thirsk.co.uk To have your say, make any comments or raise any queries, contact Johnson Mowat Planning Ltd., Coronet House, Queen Street, Leeds LS1 2TW or email consultation@dalton49thirsk.co.uk All comments will be considered and inform the preparation of the planning application, which is expected to be submitted to Hambleton Council in January 2021. The council will undertake its own consultation on the application and is likely to make a decision by around April 2021.

Money saving support for people struggling to heat their homes this Winter

An incredible 24,500 households in North Yorkshire are believed to live in fuel poverty – that’s 10% of the region’s population. Many families, older people, single mums and young couples are living in a home that they cannot afford to heat adequately. This happens for lots of different reasons. It might simply be choosing to put food on their kids’ table rather than heating their home, it could be a broken boiler they can’t afford to fix, and often it is skyrocketing bills that are just no longer within their budget. ‘Warm and Well in North Yorkshire’ last year helped hundreds of people across the region to heat their home in a way they could afford. On average a homeowner will save £200 a year, but many people save more. This year they want to help more. If you are struggling or you know of other people who might need help with keeping their homes warm this winter due to money worries, call Warm and Well in North Yorkshire on 01609 767555. For more advice check out www.warmandwell.org.uk and Facebook @warmandwellnorthyorks

Christmas at The Elm Gallery

The gallery is opening 10am – 5.30pm almost every day up to and including Christmas Eve. Liz and Dave are happy to open by prior arrangement on an evening. Call 01845 577316 / 07709 223920 or email: lizanddave Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheElmGallery/ and website www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk for details about the wide range of lovely hand-made items and Christmas gift ideas.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

• Christmas vegetable and meat box orders are still being taken.

• Milk, cream, yogurts can be ordered up to 17 December.

• Christmas Day lunch boxes containing everything for your festive meal – final orders by 18 December.

• The last day for bread orders is 22 December.

• The last date for collection for turkeys and any vegetables, fruit and/or meat boxes is 23 December. The shop will be open 7am-7pm and will provide timed collections to keep everyone safe.

• Orders for Christmas hampers are again being taken.

• The shop will be closed 24, 25, 26 and 27 December. It will be open on 28, 29 and 30 December but only 9am to 1pm. We will be closed from 31 December through to 7 January. Call on 01845 400446 or check out the website at www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk

St. Columba’s Church – Christmas Services

20 December 6.30pm Carol Service: This will be a shortened service based on the traditional Carol Service, but with only six readings and seven carols. Sadly, no congregational carols are permitted but the choir will be singing a selection of your favourites and hopefully this will still raise Christmas spirits. Covid precautions (masks, hand sanitisation and social distancing) will be required at all times and this will limit the number of people that can admit to the service. Organisers will do their best to accommodate as many as safely possible and, while household bubbles are allowed to sit together, family groups outside these bubbles will have to be separated. If you know you are going to the service telephone or email (John Phillips 577034, johnphillips05@gmail.com) so that seating can be allocated based on ‘bubbles’. However, if you cannot let him know in advance, please do nevertheless turn up on the night and he and his colleagues will do their best to organise seating, but we hope you will understand if we cannot find space for you. We will provide an update in next Sunday’s email as to how spaces are filling up.

24 December Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass (First Eucharist of Christmas): This will be the only Christmas Eve/Christmas Day service this year. Covid and encouraged booking arrangements as described above will apply.

John says: “We very much look forward to greeting as many as possible to either or both of these Christmas services. Everyone is most welcome.”

Other December Services

Sunday 20 December: Please note, in view of the possible Covid safety implications of having two services on the same day, we have decided to cancel the morning service of Sung Matins at 10.45am

Sunday 27 December: No services this Sunday

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

The Angel

The new ‘substantial’ menu offering meals in the bar is proving popular. Dishes are priced between £4.50 and £5.50. Having a substantial meal allows customers to also consume alcoholic drinks. One current favourite is a ‘Michael Gove’ scotch egg and crisps meal at a promotional price of £1.50. All substantial meals are available daily from noon with last orders before 9.45pm, and 9pm on Sundays. The Monday to Friday lunch deal menu offers two courses for £15 and three for £19. There’s a take-away service Wednesday to Sunday for those who would rather eat at home. The Angel has a range of festive food and drinks options available throughout December to include a New Year’s Eve take out menu and midnight nibbles. Check the website www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk for the menus and follow The Angel on Facebook for updates.

The Swan

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

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling – Thursdays, 17 and 31 December and Thursday 14 January 2021

• Refuse – Saturday 19 December and Monday 4 January 2021

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

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Monday, 14 December, 28 December and 11 January

• Recycling – Saturday 19 December and Monday 4 January 2021

• Green waste – subscriptions open in January 2021.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay at home, keep safe and remain well.

Drive In Carol Service.docx

Hello and welcome to the 36th issue of this regular Sunday email.

I hope you find the email contents interesting and informative. As usual, 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

Tier 2 restrictions

From last Wednesday Hambleton and Harrogate have been in tier 2, which signifies a very high incidence of Covid-19 infections. The fact is that the number of infections in our areas has greatly reduced as a result of the four week lockdown and there was some surprise that we didn’t go back to tier 1, which is where we were pre-lockdown. Perhaps if things continue to improve we’ll be moved down the system from tier 2 to tier 1 at the first review which is scheduled for 16 December. In the meantime, here’s a reminder of the restrictions in force for both districts, which includes Topcliffe and Asenby.

• You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

• You can meet in a group of up to six outside, including in a garden or a public place such as a park, beach or countryside.

• Shops, gyms and personal care services that can guarantee Covid-secure access have now reopened.

• Pubs and bars can only open if they are operating as restaurants – serving substantial meals. Alcohol can only be served with that meal.

• Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to provide table service only and must take last orders for alcohol by 10pm.

• Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through.

• Sports can resume with up to 2,000 spectators, or 50% capacity (whichever is smaller).

• Collective worship can resume with restrictions.

• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events, such as wakes.

• Organised outdoor sport and physical activity and exercise classes can continue. Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing.

• You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim, where possible, to reduce the number of journeys you make.

• Non-essential foreign travel allowed, subject to quarantine rules. See the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for destinations advice and to check out the travel corridors list.

Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.

Christmas relaxation of restrictions

At Christmas, coronavirus restrictions will be eased to allow people to mix with a slightly wider circle of family and friends.

• People will be able to form "bubbles" of three households over a five-day period between 23 and 27 December. The three households in a "Christmas bubble" can mix indoors and stay overnight.

• Bubbles will be allowed to meet each other in each other’s homes, at a place of worship or in an outdoor public space or garden.

• The bubbles must be fixed, so you will not be able to mix with two households on Christmas Day and two different ones on Boxing Day.

• Households in your Christmas bubble can’t bubble with anyone else.

• There will be no limit to the number of people who can join a bubble – but obviously they all have to be from within the allowed three households.

• Importantly, if you have formed a support bubble with another household, that counts as one household, so you can join with two other households in a Christmas bubble.

• People who are self-isolating should not join a Christmas bubble. If someone tests positive, or develops coronavirus symptoms up to 48 hours after the Christmas bubble last met, everyone will have to self-isolate.

Despite the arrangements for meeting others over the festive period, you are not allowed to go with your Christmas bubble to hospitality settings, such as pubs and restaurants, or to entertainment venues.

The experts agree it is inevitable that the relaxation of restrictions so that we can have Christmas with family and friends will lead to an increase in infections and the potential for a spike in Covid cases in January. So only mix together if you really must and remember to continue to try and protect the more vulnerable – the message is don’t kill granny for the sake of a Christmas party!

The vaccines are coming

It has been reported that next week we could see a start on a mass vaccination as the NHS has received the first supplies of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine from labs in Belgium. This will happen as the UK becomes the first country in the world to approve mass use of a Covid vaccine for people aged 16 and over. Key NHS workers, hospital patients and some care home staff will be first priority and then the process will expand to cover people in high-priority groups in the following order:

• residents in a care home for older adults, and their carers
• everyone aged 80 and over, and other frontline health and social care workers
• everyone aged 75 and over
• everyone aged 70 and over, and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable
• everyone aged 65 and over
• people aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and death from Covid-19
• everyone aged 60 and over
• everyone aged 55 and over
• everyone aged 50 and over.

This order of priority makes it perfectly clear that it is still very much the case that the older you are, the higher your risk is of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus. After these ten priority groups, there will be a second phase of vaccination for younger groups in the population. People will be vaccinated twice – 21 days apart – and immunity starts seven days after the second dose. It’s anticipated that people will be invited to get a vaccine as soon as it’s their turn, probably by letter. GP surgeries will act as local vaccination centres, and plans are being made for sports stadiums and conference centres to act as mass vaccination hubs. The government has so far ordered seven different types of vaccine and expects to receive 355 million doses, including 100 million of the Oxford/AstraZeneca one, which is in final tests at the moment.

Book a Coronavirus test locally

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

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

• Every day – Harrogate – Dragon Road Car Park, Dragon Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DB
• Sunday 6 December – Thirsk – Millgate Car Park, Thirsk, YO7 1PE

• Monday 7 December – Stokesley – Stokesley Sports Club, Broughton Road, Stokesley TS9 5JG
• Tuesday 8 December – Catterick – Catterick Race Course, Catterick Bridge, North Yorkshire, DL10 7PE
• Wednesday 9 December – Ripon – Coach Park, 3 Moss Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG
• Thursday 10 December – Richmond – Round Howe car park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4T
• Friday 11 December – Easingwold – Easingwold Town AFC, Stillington Rd, Easingwold YO61 3DZ
• Sunday 13 December – Thirsk – Millgate Car Park, Thirsk, YO7 1PE

Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

In certain cases, home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house. There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Watch out for the latest Covid test scam

North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning that everyone should be aware of scam callers trying to take advantage of people’s fears about Covid and desire to get tested if they’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus. The scammer calls and states that you have been near a Covid positive case and asks you to purchase a test over the ‘phone, The caller requests payment details which is, of course, something we all have to be careful about providing to anyone. The advice is do not purchase a test. You don’t need to: tests are available free of charge from government testing centres. If you want more information about Covid issues contact 111.

Christmas post deadlines rapidly approaching

International Standard

Wednesday, 9 December………… Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Far and Middle East

Thursday, 10 December………….. Canada, Cyprus and Malta

Friday, 11 December………………. Greece, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Turkey

Saturday, 12 December………….. Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA

Wednesday, 16 December ………Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland

Friday, 18 December………………. Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

UK

Friday, 18 December………………..2nd Class

Monday, 21 December…………….1st Class

Christmas Decorations & Bake Sale

The Friends of Topcliffe Academy are holding a Christmas decoration and cake sale on Friday 11 December from 4.30 to 7pm. The stall will be positioned near the Chip & Fish van on Long Street. All funds raised will go to the school. See poster attached.

The Topcliffe Poor Fund

This charity (the name relates to the old parish of Topcliffe – not just the village) gives grants to Topcliffe and Asenby. The charitable representatives – known as feoffees – for each village distribute the cash to those they believe need it and will benefit. It’s understood that Topcliffe feoffees Anne-Marie Barningham and Amanda Jameson-Allen have finalised their plans for allocating the cash to over-80s this Christmas. However, Carole Ford who represents Asenby, is planning on awarding a gift to all over 75 year olds but she is thinking she might not now be aware of everyone who will qualify. If you have received a gift in the past you are already on Carole’s list but otherwise, if you would like to be considered, call Carole on 01845 577718 before the 15 December.

The Topcliffe Educational Fund

This fund offers grants to university and further education students to purchase study books or other educational aids agreed by the charity. The value of any single grant depends not only on the funds available to distribute but also on the number of successful applications. This fund is not allocated according to the applicant’s financial position. Tomorrow (7 December) the feoffees will consider applications received and make their decisions. There’s time to get a last minute application to them via the Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Hart at hartjre@hotmail.com

Green waste and Christmas trees

Garden waste collections have been suspended during the winter months and the regular service will resume mid-February. In Topcliffe there will be a green bin collection on 14 January, mainly for Christmas trees, but normal garden waste is accepted as well. This service is only for residents who subscribe to the green waste system. Trees must be chopped up and placed inside the green bin, trees left at the side of bins or protruding from bins will not be collected. There is no similar special collection in Asenby, so residents are just advised to cut up their tree and put it in the green waste bin. Non subscribing residents will have to dispose of their trees themselves – trees can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Sandholme Lane, Sowerby, which is open from 8.30am until 4pm. They are closed on 25, 26 December and 1 January and every Wednesday.

Subscriptions to both Hambleton’s and Harrogate’s fortnightly green waste collection service for 2021 will open in January.

How to help your neighbours during the continued ‘lockdown’

The past nine months of the pandemic have been miserable and difficult for everyone but it’s likely it has been much worse for our elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours. As we approach the festive season we have a chance to consider how we can help and support those in the community who might be dreading Christmas and the long days of winter. Normally the community organises a Christmas lunch at the Village Hall but because of Covid the hall is closed until at least March 2021. So we need to look at other little acts of kindness to show we care during the ongoing crisis. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Keep in touch with your neighbours – a quick chat on the phone or a message on social media will raise their spirits and yours. If you can, be the eyes and ears of your street or group of houses
• Check on neighbours to find out what they might need – you might already be doing a bit of shopping for them but is there some other way you could assist them?
• Could you prepare an extra plate of Christmas dinner for a neighbour living on their own?
• No one needs to go through this crisis alone. There is plenty of support out there – so jot down a list of numbers e.g. charities, your local council etc, who can give advice and make sure your neighbours know what help they can get.

Christmas Tattler

The December edition of The Tattler should be delivered door to door on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

Covid and Crime

Neighbourhood Watch and University College London are working together on some research to see how Covid-19 has impacted upon people’s routine and online activities, crime and their perceptions of it. As well as understanding how the pandemic has affected things to date, the aim of the survey is to understand how it might do so in the future. Your participation will be really valuable and help the researchers understand things that other data cannot. I’ll probably take about 15 minutes to complete the survey. Responses will be stored securely and you will not be asked for any information that would identify you as an individual. If you are willing to take part, please complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9LGPHDL

Thirsk Garden Centre – the Santa connection

Santa’s post box and wish tree at the garden centre opened yesterday and are awaiting messages from local youngsters. Santa may not be able to be in his grotto this year, but children can still let him know what they would like for Christmas. Letters to Father Christmas can be left during normal opening hours (9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sundays). Children shouldn’t forget to let Santa know their address so he can send a reply! The message is that Santa wishes everyone a safe and happy Christmas, and he wants to reassure everyone he’s keeping safe and well in the North Pole with all his reindeer…and getting ready for Christmas Eve.

Thirsk Garden Centre – coffee shop remains closed

The owners have made the decision not to reopen the coffee shop but will continue to operate a takeaway service only. This difficult decision at a time when the centre is usually very busy is intended to afford greater protection for both customers and staff. The priority is to safely manage customer volume, flow and queues to maintain social distancing. The situation will be constantly monitored and the coffee shop will be reopened as soon as it is felt safe to do so.

Christmas at The Elm Gallery

The gallery is opening 10am – 5.30pm almost every day up to and including Christmas Eve. Liz and Dave are happy to open by prior arrangement on an evening. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with if they can help you with gift ideas. Call 01845 577316 / 07709 223920 or email: lizanddave@the-elm-gallery.co.uk Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheElmGallery/ and website www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk for details about the wide range of lovely hand-made items and Christmas gift ideas.

The Milk Churn Farm Shop

Here’s an update from the ladies at the Farm Shop:

• There’s only a few Christmas trees left, so thankyou to all who have supported our Christmas campaign this year.
• There’s still time to order Christmas vegetable and meat boxes, so pop in or telephone 01845 400446.
• The last date for collection for turkeys and any vegetables, fruit and/or meat boxes is 23 December. We will be open 7am-7pm and will provide timed collections to keep everyone safe.
• Milk, Cream, Yogurts can be ordered up to 17 December. The last day for bread orders is 22 December.
• We are providing everything for the Christmas Day lunch, so get your orders in by 18 December to prevent disappointment.
• We still have the fabulous Burtree Christmas puddings available… but they are selling fast.
• We will start taking orders again for our hampers next week, as we have caught up with the amazingly high volume of orders that have been completed. Apologies to our hamper customers that we had to close our website this week because of this.
• The shop will be closed 24,25,26 and 27 December. It will be open on 28,29 and 30 December but only 9am to 1pm. We will be closed from 31 December through to 7 January to recharge our batteries and ensure that the shop has a freshen up for the New Year. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Made in Topcliffe

Nikki and Sam Keys are running a home-based business making candles, wax melts and reed diffusers from their home in Long Street, Topcliffe. Their company slogan is ‘environmentally conscious, luxury candles hand poured in North Yorkshire.’ Nikki said: “We have been overwhelmed with all the support our online candle business has received over the past year, especially with so many of our planned craft fairs having been cancelled and Christmas ones still undecided. As a big thank you we are offering a 10% discount on all orders up until the 20 December 2020. We offer contact-free collection if you’re local. So if you’re looking out for Christmas gifts check out our website at www.fotiacandles.co.uk and don’t forget to enter the promo code FOTIA10 at checkout.”

St. Columba’s Church

• Tonight at 6.30 pm, Choral Evensong

• Sunday 13 December at 10.45 am, Holy Communion led by Reverend Terry Dyer

• Sunday 20 December at 10.45 am, Sung Matins

• Sunday 20 at 6.30 pm, there will be a suitably Covid-safe shortened service using the traditional readings, but without congregational carols. It is hoped that the choir will be able provide some accompaniment.

• Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December at 11.30 pm, ‘Midnight’ Holy Communion led by Reverend Terry Dyer

• Sunday 27 December there will be no service.

The Angel

The Angel has introduced a new ‘substantial’ menu, with dishes between £4.50 and £5.50 to consume in the bar, which allows customers to also consume alcoholic drinks. They are currently offering a scotch egg and crisps meal to eat in the bar with your drinks at a promotional price of £1.50 since Michael Gove said it was a substantial meal! All substantial meals are available daily from noon with last orders before 9.45pm, and 9pm on Sundays. The internal layout has been re-arranged in order to serve food in the bar and lounge areas. The Angel’s lunch deal menu offers two courses for £15 and three for £19 and is available Monday to Friday lunch. The Angel at Home take away promotional food offers end today but we are still offering a take away service Wednesday to Sunday for those who rather eat at home. The Angel has a range of festive food and drinks options available throughout December to include a New Year’s Eve take out menu and midnight nibbles. Check the website www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk for the menus and follow The Angel on Facebook for updates.

The Swan

The Swan is serving drinks when a ‘substantial’ meal is ordered from the extensive and specially prepared menu. Take-away food is available from 5 to 9pm and 12 noon to 4pm Sundays. Jane, George and staff look forward to seeing you all and they thank everyone for being so supportive and understanding during this crisis.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Monday, 7 December; Saturday 19 December and Monday 4 January 2021

• Recycling – Thursdays, 17 and 31 December and Thursday 14 January 2021

• Green waste – The regular green waste collections are now suspended until 25 February (with the exception of a special Christmas tree collection on 14 January 2021). Subscriptions for green waste collections for 2021 open in January.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Monday 7 December, Saturday 19 December and Monday 4 January 2021

• Refuse – Monday, 14 December, 28 December and 11 January

• Garden waste – There are no more garden waste collections until March. Subscriptions for 2021 will open in January.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay at home, keep safe and remain well.

Thanks Doug. Christmas tree looks lovely. Keep safe.

Chris