Category: Sunday Email

Doug
07785 223707

• TODAY – 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• 29 January – No service (5th Sunday).

Harrogate Borough Council will determine if and when another advertisement for parish nominations will be placed. Until then the three remaining councillors will do their best to manage village business. In the meantime, if any eligible resident is interested in being co-opted (rather than elected) to the Parish Council, please get in touch with the Acting Parish Clerk, Peter Palmer 01845 578057.

Last week 43 meals were served and £170 was raised of which £50 was donated to the Thirsk branch of the British Legion, with the remainder going into the Community Warm Up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

But unfortunately, there can only be three events in each area of the county and the demo planned locally in Thirsk on Thursday 26 January is 100 per cent over-subscribed. The Stronger Communities unit has been asked if it will stage a slow cooker event in Topcliffe and it has agreed to keep the village in mind if extra funding can be found to organise more demonstrations. 

Because I never entirely cancelled my involvement, I continue to receive occasional newsletters from the Neighbourhood Watch and starting today I intend to include them in the Sunday Email so that those who have an interest in protecting their own property and watching out for their neighbours, can get the latest information and advice.

This edition covers articles on the new government emergency alerts system, some advice on preventing burglary, how to protect yourself and friends from romance fraud, understanding how to ‘secure by design’, how to avoid Amazon scams, and how to find a trusted locksmith.

The January newsletter can be viewed here – https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2023-01/Jan%202023%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf

Here’s a reminder of the items that are welcomed: men’s, ladies and children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewelry – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow-cases and duvet covers).

The following items can’t be accepted: duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts or yarns.

It’s easy! Simply count the birds you see from your garden, balcony or local park for an hour, then go online to tell the RSPB what you saw. You can watch from inside with a cuppa or wrap up warm and sit quietly with the birds outside.

Independent Thirsk Traders is a trading group holding craft fairs throughout the year. Most of its traders hand craft their individual creations which include jewellery, cards, cushions, bags, crystals, pictures, sweet hampers, wood turned clocks, floral display pieces and many more. They are all local people bringing their talents to share with others in villages around Thirsk.

• Saturday 28 January – 10.30am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – Just bring your fabric item – denim jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. 
• Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
• Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Price £25/£28. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• To Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (on matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
• Friday 27 January to Thursday 2 February (matinee on Wednesday 1 February) – Tom Hanks is ‘A Man Called Otto‘. 
• Friday 3 to Thursday 9 February (matinee on Wednesday 8 February) – Empire of Light.
• Matinees only on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February –  Matilda – The Musical (Singalong version).

Prices: Adult – £6, concession – £5 (14 and under, over 60s and matinees). 
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Refuse – Mondays 16 and 30 January
• Recycling – Thursday 26 January.
• Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023. There is still no indication of the price that will be charged from 1 April 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 16 and 30 January.
• Refuse – Monday 23 January. 
• Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service are now open and the cost is £43.50 for 19 fortnightly collections starting mid March. http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service

Doug
07785 223707

• TODAY – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
• 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• 29 January – No service (5th Sunday).

Since highlighting this problem (but really not claiming any credit) there has been a big improvement: in the week Friday 30 December to 5 January, the practice had only ten appointments wasted due to non-attendance. Still far too many, but much better than previous weeks. 

Surgery managers realise that In an ever-busy world, there will be occasions when it’s impossible to keep to an arranged time and date, but they appeal to anyone who can’t keep an appointment to let the surgery know. This enables staff to offer the slot to another patient.

1. Meeting cancelled
The meeting of the Parish Council scheduled for tomorrow, 9 January has been cancelled because of illness. The unavailability of one of the three remaining members of the council means the meeting would be inquorate. 

2. Parish Council vacancies
As reported in recent Sunday Emails, there are two vacancies on Asenby Parish Council. The formal closing date for nominations is 5pm Monday 9 January. It’s hoped that eligible village residents will put their names forward by the closing date. If two eligible persons apply to join the Parish Council they would be automatically ‘elected’, but if more than two step forward, an election would be held no later than 14 March 2023.

If nobody puts their name forward, eligible residents can be co-opted onto the council…but right now no potential co-optees’ names have been put forward.

Bus fares capped at £2
Passengers using local buses should see a maximum fare of £2 charged until the end of March. Most bus operators, including Reliance, have joined the Get Around initiative to promote the government-subsidised fare. This includes these services: 19, 19M, 29, 30, 30X, 30SE, 31X, 40 and 70. Fares lower than £2 and free concession passes are unchanged.

The scheme will help families, commuters and other passengers save money this winter, backed by £60 million of government investment to cap single tickets at £2 until 31 March. The scheme seeks to get more commuters on buses and help to reduce emissions and congestion by taking an estimated 2 million cars off the roads.

Full government information on this and other Yorkshire bus companies’ £2 fares is at http:// https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap#yorkshire-and-the-humber

Last week’s lunch raised £101.50 of which £50 was donated to The Blue Cross animal rescue service in Topcliffe, with the remainder going into the Community Warm Up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start on 9 January and run until 7 February. 10am to 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works of which you can be proud. 
• Saturday 30 January – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques for creating your own vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – denim jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. 

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

It’s hoped that a new committee will be formed. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

There isn’t a similar special collection for Harrogate residents so those living in Asenby will have to make arrangements to dispose of their tree at a local Household Waste Recycling Centre. The nearest is located near Thirsk (Ox Moor Plantation Lane, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 1FA) and it’s open everyday except Wednesdays.

Here’s a reminder of the items that are welcomed: men’s, ladies and children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewelry – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow-cases and duvet covers).

The following items can’t be accepted: duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts or yarns.

Independent Thirsk Traders is a trading group holding craft fairs throughout the year. Most of its traders hand craft their individual creations which include jewellery, cards, cushions, bags, crystals, pictures, sweet hampers, wood turned clocks, floral display pieces and many more. They are all local people bringing their talents to share with others in villages around Thirsk.

It’s easy! Simply count the birds you see from your garden, balcony or local park for an hour, then go online to tell the RSPB what you saw. You can watch from inside with a cuppa or wrap up warm and sit quietly with the birds outside.

• To Thursday 12 January (matinee Wednesday 11 January) – Aftersun.
• Friday 13 to Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – 
https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• The Flying Oysters rock and pop band will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Tickets will go on sale soon. Reserve tickets on Top Residents Facebook page.
• The date of this year’s Deer Shed Festival has been announced. It’s on Friday 28 to Monday 31 July. 

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Recycling – Thursdays 12 and 26 January.
• Garden waste – the Christmas tree collection is on Thursday 12 January. Other green waste can be included.
• Refuse – Mondays 16 and 30 January
• Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 9 and 23 January. 
• Recycling – Mondays 16 and 30 January.
• Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023. 
• Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service open on Monday 9 January 2023.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Doug
07785 223707

• TODAY – New Year’s Day – no service.
• 8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
• 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• 29 January – No service (5th Sunday).

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start on 9 January and run until 7 February. 10am to 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works of which you can be proud. 
• Saturday 30 January – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques for creating your own vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. 

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

It will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 January at the home of Siobhan Gifford at Green End Cottage, Asenby. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

There isn’t a similar special collection for Harrogate residents so those living in Asenby will have to make arrangements to dispose of their tree at a local Household Waste Recycling Centre. The nearest is located near Thirsk (Ox Moor Plantation Lane, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 1FA) and it’s open everyday except today (New Year’s Day) and Wednesdays  8.30am to 4pm.

Raise funds for Great Ouseburn School
Maybe you would be happy to pay £5 to have your tree collected and disposed of? SEK Handyman & Removals is taking bookings now and half the proceeds of each tree will be donated to Great Ouseburn community primary school to help build a new classroom. Check them out on Facebook.

The constellation of Orion will dominate this event: its majestic presence in the south sky, harbours wonders including a great nebula where stars are born. You’ll also take a trip around the other great sky patterns of winter and keep an eye on the planet Mars, still riding high at this time of year.

The Star Hub provides a warm indoor space and a perfect viewing area. Tickets at £16 for adults and £10.50 for children are available online at 
http://www.gostargazing.co.uk/events

Here’s a reminder of the items that are welcomed: men’s, ladies and children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewelry – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow-cases and duvet covers).

The following items can’t be accepted: duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts or yarns.

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

• To Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see above) – Strange World.
• Friday 6 to Thursday 12 January (matinee Wednesday 11 January) – Aftersun.
• Friday 13 to Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – 
https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

There’s also an amazing range of meats and vegetables, plus ready meals, which are ideal as a standby for those days when you’ve run out of ideas about what to prepare.

Email hello@cattonkitchen.co.uk or go on the Catton Kitchen Facebook page and send a message.

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Refuse – Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
• Recycling – Thursdays 12 and 26 January.
• Garden waste – no further collections until the so-called Christmas tree collection on Thursday 12 January. Other green waste can be included.
• Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Monday 2 January.
• Refuse – Mondays 9 and 23 January. 
• Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023. 
• Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service open on Monday 9 January 2023.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

Doug
07785 223707

• TODAY – Christmas day – no service.
• New Year’s Day – no service.
• 8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
• 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

• TODAY – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
• Monday 26 December (Boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

Organiser, John Phillips, said a huge thankyou is due to everyone who attended and to those involved on the night, including the St Columba’s Choir, the Barber family, from Church Street, who provided brass accompaniment, and John Hewlett who supported them on the trombone, Thanks also go those who generously took food to the hall to share and to the Village Hall Committee and the Parish Council who provided financial support.

Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall on Wednesdays between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The next lunch is on Wednesday 4 January.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

• To Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see above) – Strange World.
• Friday 6 to Thursday 12 January (matinee Wednesday 11 January) – Aftersun.
• Friday 13 to Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – 
https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques for creating your own vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking, further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Recycling – Friday 30 December (one day later than normal).
• Refuse – Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
• Garden waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.
• Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal).
• Recycling – Monday 2 January.
• Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023. 
• Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service open on Monday 9 January 2023.

I considered not issuing a Sunday Email on the next two Sundays as they are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but I decided to issue anyway even though the news may be light and you’ll all be busy enjoying your festive celebrations. Missing two Sundays just seems like a long gap and breaks the regularity of the messages.

Doug
07785 223707

Check out the photographs behind these numbered links: 1,  2,  3,  4,  5.  6.  7. 

A big thank you to lunch organiser Judith Lowe and to all the volunteers, including Karen and Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson who prepared the meals, and to Peter Lowe, Steve & Liz Hall, Clare Phillips and Doug Allan who served on.

• TODAY: at 10.45am – Matins.
• TODAY at 6.30pm a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
• Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
• Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.
• Christmas day – no service.

And in the New Year:

• New Year’s Day – no service
• 8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
• 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

• TODAY – to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
• TODAY – (and also on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December) – 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
• Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
• Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
• Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
• Monday 26 December (Boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

Last Wednesday 43 meals were served and £104 was raised, of which £50 was donated to the local branch of the Salvation Army. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund, which will be used to buy food for future lunches. 

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

• To Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.

•  Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

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

The wonderful volunteers working at the Yorkshire to Ukraine project in Thirsk are still collecting items that might make someone’s life in that country just a little more bearable. They urgently need donations of items such as duvets, bedding, warm clothes, tinned food, personal health products. The collection point is, Teasdale Motorcycles Long Street, Thirsk YO7 1AU.

The tradition of performing a Mummers’ Play goes back many centuries and nobody knows for certain when, where or why they started. There are three existing traditional plays in this area: one from Ripon known as the sword dancers’ play (lthough there has not been a sword dance accompanying it within living memory!). Another is from the nearby village of Skelton-on-Ure and the third is from Topcliffe. All three plays are of the ‘Blue Stots’ tradition, named after the plough boys who performed around Christmas or New Year in order to cadge some extra money for the festive season.

Mummers’ costumes are fairly simple – a tatter-coat and a hat decorated with ribbons and other ornaments and with the actors’ faces only crudely disguised with black or white make-up. The original reason for blacking the faces is supposed to be to make the actors anonymous. The mumming tradition demands that proper acting is kept to a minimum, since the words are more important than the actors themselves. Lines are spoken in rhyme, which keeps the play moving along at a brisk pace whilst telling the story. A short Morris dance usually follows each performance of the play.

• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Refuse – Monday 19 December and Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
• Recycling – Friday 30 December (one day later than normal).
• Garden waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.
• Garden waste licences for the next period of service will go on sale in March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 19 December and 2 January (this is a Bank Holiday but it is what the council’s website shows – it may be worth checking nearer the date to see if this date remains or is changed).
• Refuse – Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal).
• Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023.