Category: Sunday Email

Hello and welcome to the 19th issue of this regular Sunday email.

My introduction to this week’s email is short and sweet – a simple message that the pandemic is not over yet and that we should all do what we can to ensure we continue to stay safe. Maybe this message should be aimed in particular at younger people who appear to think they are immune to the dangers of the coronavirus. But they should note that the message in Preston this week is ‘don’t kill granny’. A stark message amid that city’s virus spike that youngsters themselves might be relatively safe but that they can transmit the disease to their loved ones with devastating consequences.

Further in to this week’s email you’ll be able to read about the forthcoming retirement of Dr Charles Parker from the Topcliffe Surgery. There are plans afoot to mark his departure and everyone’s invited to contribute their comments to a Memory Book that will be presented next month. Obviously, Dr Parker knows nothing about the plans and the organisers would like to try and keep everything secret from him at this stage so that the book is a surprise to him. So contribute by all means but remember to keep mum.

As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think village residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Latest government advice

Face coverings have become mandatory in more indoor settings following a recent spike in coronavirus cases. In addition to shops and public transport, they are now also required in indoor places of worship, museums and galleries, public areas in hotels and hostels, bingo halls, libraries, concert halls, cinemas, crematoriums, aquariums and indoor zoos.

From next Saturday, 15 August, a raft of measures originally intended to come into force on 1 August, but postponed because of concerns about increases in virus cases, will be put in place. The government has pointed out, however, that if it has any concerns about the level of virus infection, these relaxations could again be put on hold. We should see:

• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians offering facial treatments and make-up applications, starting to operate again.

• Live indoor theatre and concerts, with socially distanced audiences, resuming.

• Pilot sporting events proceeding with a limited number of spectators.

• Both wedding ceremonies and receptions with up to 30 guests again being allowed. Physical distancing rules will be essential.

From October, the government still intends to allow audiences to return to stadiums, but again this is subject to how the virus is being contained and how people are handling the restrictions on social distancing etc.

More Local Restrictions Imposed

It was announced last Friday that households in Preston will be banned from mixing indoors or in gardens. Households mixing in pubs and houses has been blamed for a rise in coronavirus cases in the city. Preston joins an increasingly long list of areas to have local lockdown restrictions imposed. Last weekend the same measures were brought in for residents in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire, as well as Leicester. The rules for these areas will remain in place for at least another week. There’s also a list of other areas being considered for local restrictions, including Bedford, Luton, Wrexham and Sheffield.

‘Please give me space’ – social distancing cards or badges

The government has introduced new ‘Please Give Me Space’ cards and lanyards which can be used by anyone who may have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing. They can be used to signal to others that they need to pay attention and be given space. There’s also a message that can be carried on a mobile phone. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/please-give-me-space-social-distancing-cards-or-badges

Book a coronavirus test

Key workers and anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms can have a test. As part of the national testing programme for coronavirus (Covid-19), drive-through Mobile Testing Units, run by the Department for Health and Social Care, will be operating in the following locations over the coming days:

• Monday 10 August – Northallerton – Allertonshire School, Brompton Road, Northallerton, DL6 1ED.
• Tuesday 11 August – Thornton Le Dale – National Trust Car Park, No.5. Chestnut Avenue, Pickering, YO18 7RR.
• Tuesday 11 August – Harrogate – Harrogate Old Education Offices, Ainsty Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 4AP.
• Wednesday 12 August – Scarborough – Scarborough Park & Ride, Seamer Road, Scarborough YO12 4LW.
• Thursday 13 August – Whitby – Whitby Park and Ride, Whitby, YO21 1TL.
• Thursday 13 August – Richmond – Round Howe Car Park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4T.
• Friday 14 August – Northallerton – Allertonshire School, Brompton Road, Northallerton, DL6 1ED.
• Friday 14 August – Harrogate – Harrogate Old Education Offices, Ainsty Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 4AP.

Before you attend you must book a test. There are two ways to do this depending on which testing group you are part of. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. 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. Home test kit availability will be initially limited, but more will become available.

There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing

Tollerton pub shuts because of virus case

The Black Horse pub in Tollerton, near Easingwold, closed on July 30 after one of its customers tested positive for coronavirus. In a Facebook statement, the owners said: "We have worked hard to put all the necessary measures in place to keep our staff and customers safe but regretfully we have been informed that a customer who is now Covid positive visited our premises on Thursday, 30 July. Subsequently a staff member has also shown symptoms and is now self-isolating for the mandatory period. We have taken the decision to temporarily close the pub as a result and a deep clean has taken place. We followed government guidelines and collected customer contact details, which we were able to hand over to the NHS Test and Trace team so they could contact all customers.”

More returning holidaymakers must isolate for 14 days

The situation relating to holidaymakers returning from certain countries where Covid-19 cases are again increasing continued to worsen last week. Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have now been joined by Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas on a list of countries with increasing cases of the virus and from which returning holidaymakers are now required to isolate for 14 days. And the odds are that more countries could be included in the days and weeks to come…with France being a top contender after it recorded a two-month high in Covid cases. Asked what the thousands of holidaymakers in France and those preparing to visit should do, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We’re in the midst of a global pandemic and that means there is always the risk of disruption to travel plans and people need to bear that in mind."

The risk of having to isolate for 14 days after taking a holiday is throwing the tourism industry into considerable disarray and making many people think twice about taking a trip abroad. There is so much uncertainty that many families are looking at so-called ‘staycations’ this year…but reports suggest that there are so many people thinking in a similar way that it is increasingly difficult to find accommodation anywhere in this country.

Eat Out to Help Out continues all this month

According to government reports, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme got off to a flying start last week with thousands of diners claiming their discounted meals…and helping hospitality businesses get going again. The promotion continues on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August and it gives people a discount of up to 50% when eating or drinking soft drinks in a participating restaurant or other food establishment. The maximum discount available is £10 per person when you eat or drink in. It is not available on take-away food or on alcohol. You can check out which venues have joined the scheme in our area by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

The Angel at Topcliffe

The Angel is taking part in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. Booking a table in the restaurant is highly recommended any day of the week as it has been very busy, especially at weekends. The garden is still operating on first come first basis for food and drinks. To book email manager@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or call 01845 578000.

The Swan

The Swan serves food at socially distanced tables and reservations are necessary. Takeaway meals to order. Times are: 5 to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday. Telephone 01845 595185.

Railings fixed at last

A long running saga in Topcliffe finally appears to have ended. Last December’s edition of The Tattler reported that necessary repairs to the safety barrier along the top of Mill Bank and Station Road had been reported many times and over several years, but it was proving extremely difficult to get things put right. Well, last week North Yorkshire County Council contractors were on site and the repair job has now been completed. All’s well that ends well.

The 2020 Produce Show

Just a reminder for those who may have missed an earlier announcement, the annual Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, 5 September, has been cancelled. It has become apparent that the arrangements for an event of this sort will be extremely difficult to organise and manage bearing in mind all the restrictions and rules governing the use of community facilities.

Tables covered!

In the March edition of The Tattler, Karen Morley appealed for donations of white tablecloths of any size, but particularly large ones, for use in the village hall. Then the coronavirus hit and all went quiet on the tablecloth front. But this week Karen has asked me to mention Colin and Jean Radcliffe of Long Street, Topcliffe who have kindly donated a number of lovely white tablecloths which will be perfect for use at a range of events. So, a big thank you to Colin and Jean. If you have any tablecloths that you are happy to donate, please contact Karen Morley on 577426 and she’ll make arrangements to pick them up.

Gas works cause road closure

The first section of the road from Asenby to Rainton, (Asenby Forge to Park Road), will be closed for five days from tomorrow, 10 August to Friday, 14 August for gas main works.

Dr Parker to retire from Topcliffe Surgery

As many of you will know, Dr Parker will be retiring as a GP Partner from Topcliffe Surgery at the end of September after 28 years in the post. Staff at the surgery are looking at ways to mark this milestone, and would like to invite patients and members of the community to contribute to a Memory Book to be presented to Dr Parker on his departure. One or two patients have already forwarded brief comments/responses/photos and these are being collected together to be put into the Memory Book. Additional written comments or cards can be forwarded in one of two ways:

• A folder will be available at the Post Office, courtesy of John Mulley. Any cards, photos or hand written notes can be delivered to the Post Office and will be collated to be passed on to the surgery.

• Email responses can be sent to Doug Allan (doug@dougallan.co.uk) who has kindly offered to collate and forward comments received this way and to forward them to the surgery.

It is hoped to present the Memory Book to Dr Parker at the end of September and with that aim in mind, all responses are requested by Friday, 11 September at the latest to allow sufficient time to put the finishing touches together. We hope to be able to prepare a short article, including photos of the presentation, for publication in a future Tattler. Thank you for your help.

PS: Dr Parker obviously doesn’t know about our plans, so please help us to keep this a secret from him.

Church meetings

Just a quick reminder that there is to be a meeting in St. Columba’s Church at 7pm on Monday, 17 August for the election of Churchwardens. This meeting may be attended by those whose names are on St. Columba’s Church electoral roll and all persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of local government electors by reason of such residence. This meeting will be followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and the first meeting of the Parochial Church Council.

St Columbas remains closed for services for the time being. Discussions are taking place to see how and when the church can reopen safely and an announcement will be made in due course.

Bags 2 School – reminder about next recycling event

The next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event will be on Monday, 21 September. So please start cleaning out your wardrobes and drawers. As last time, the event will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and the proceeds will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups. As a reminder, we would welcome any of the following items: – Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers). Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays 13 and 27 August

• Refuse –Mondays 17 and 31 August.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 10 and 24 August.

• Garden waste – Thursdays 13 and 27 August.

• Recycling – Mondays 17 and 31 August.

And Finally

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Good afternoon and welcome to the 18th issue of this regular Sunday email.

Two or three weeks ago the message from the Prime Minister was that, hopefully, we would be back to near-normality by Christmas. The direction of travel was one of lockdown easing, with pubs and restaurants reopening, as well as a feeling that we seemed to be getting through it. Now, there’s a real sense of the brakes beginning to go on. We saw it with the quick quarantine measures imposed on people returning from Spain… and now travellers returning from Luxembourg face restrictions too. Then we saw the reintroduction of certain restrictions across a wide swathe of northern England as Covid cases crept up again.

The number of confirmed infections is on the rise with the Office for National Statistics (which is regularly testing households in England) estimating that there are now around 4,200 new infections a day, compared with 2,800 a week ago. This is not a return to the height of the epidemic in March, when there was an estimated 100,000 infections every day, but it is telling. The government is clearly concerned that there’s a real danger of a big spike – or second wave – of the disease and there is significant apprehension that what is happening in other parts of Europe may happen here if we are not careful. To some extent, that has been the story of coronavirus: we have tended to follow what has emerged in mainland Europe. Let’s hope the government’s action is sufficient to curtail the virus…and also let’s hope that people living in these northern areas abide by the new rules…for all our sakes!

As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think village residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Just as they said it was safe to come out of the water!

We all know what happened to Leicester when there was a local spike in Covid-19 cases: they were thrown back into total lockdown. That city is just beginning to emerge from its enforced restrictions as new cases are not arising so fast. But now millions of people in parts of northern England are facing new lockdown restrictions, which ban separate households from meeting each other at home after a spike in Covid-19 cases. The rules impact people in Greater Manchester, east Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire (that’s getting a bit close for comfort). The health secretary, Matt Hancock, told the BBC the increase in transmission was due to people visiting friends and relatives. He said: “The government has had to take "targeted" action based on information gathered from contact tracing, which showed that "most of the transmission is happening between households visiting each other, and people visiting relatives and friends".

Interestingly, earlier in the week Thirsk & Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, circulated the attached map on Facebook which suggested Hambleton, Ryedale and Richmondshire had some of the lowest infection rates in the country. He said: “No reason for complacency, but this is really good news.”

Latest government advice

As of yesterday, 1 August:

• Employers have more discretion, in consultation with their employees, on how to ensure people can work safely in their workplace or continue working from home.

• The clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to follow advice on shielding, though should still take particular care to follow the social distancing guidelines when meeting people.

BUT, some measures to ease restrictions, which were supposed to come into force on 1 August, have now been put back until 15 August at the earliest:

• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians offering facial treatments and make-up applications.

• Live indoor theatre and concerts, which were due to resume with socially distanced audiences, will not take place.

• Pilot sporting events allowing limited numbers of spectators at Goodwood, the Crucible and The Oval, will not go ahead.

• Wedding receptions of up to 30 guests were to be allowed but they are not now permitted, though ceremonies with that number attending may still go ahead. Physical distancing rules must be followed. Receptions or parties after weddings should not take place, but small celebrations – with groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors – are allowed.

From October, the government still intends to allow audiences to return to stadiums, but of course this is subject to how the virus is being contained and how people are handling the restrictions on social distancing etc.

Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days

Last Thursday the government announced that people who test positive for Coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days. The change was made as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Until now, those showing key symptoms – a new continuous cough, a temperature or loss of taste or smell – have had to self-isolate for at least a week. The new advice is in line with World Health Organisation guidance. The chief medical officer said the change is "particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission".

A reminder about test and trace

I have included details of the government’s test and trace arrangements in earlier emails but it’s worth repeating the basics at this time as all around us the dangers of a fresh wave of the disease are apparent. This information is taken from North Yorkshire County Council’s website – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-testing – and in my opinion is well presented and easy to understand.

There are two parts to the NHS test and trace service.

Part 1: for someone with symptoms of coronavirus

• isolate: as soon as you experience coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate for at least 10 days. Anyone else in your household must self-isolate for 14 days from when you started having symptoms.
• test: order a test immediately.
• results: if your test is positive, you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation. Anyone in your household must also complete self-isolation for 14 days from when you started having symptoms. If your test is negative, you and other household members no longer need to self-isolate.
• share contacts: if you test positive the NHS test and trace service will send you a text, email or call you with instructions on how to share details of people with whom you have had close, recent contact and places you have visited. It is important that you respond as soon as possible. You will be told to do this online via a secure website or you will be called by a contact tracer.

Part 2: if you are contacted by the NHS test and trace service because you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus

• alert: you will be alerted by the NHS test and trace service if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. The alert will usually come by text, email or phone call. You should then log on to the NHS test and trace website, which is normally the easiest way for you and the service to communicate with each other – but, if not, a trained call handler will talk you through what you must do. Under-18s will get a phone call and a parent or guardian will be asked to give permission for the call to continue
• isolate: you will be told to begin self-isolation for 14 days from your last contact with the person who has tested positive. It’s really important to do this even if you don’t feel unwell because, if you have been infected, you could become infectious to others at any point up to 14 days. Your household doesn’t need to self-isolate with you, if you do not have symptoms, but they must take extra care to follow the guidance on social distancing and handwashing and avoid contact with you at home
• test if needed: if you develop symptoms of coronavirus, other members of your household must self-isolate immediately at home for 14 days and you must book a test. If your test is positive, you must continue to complete the remainder of your isolation and you will be asked about your contacts since they must also self-isolate. If your test is negative, you must still complete your 14-day self-isolation period because the virus may not be detectable yet – this is crucial to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

Book a Coronavirus test

Key workers and anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms can have a test. As part of the national testing programme for coronavirus (Covid-19), drive-through Mobile Testing Units, run by the Department for Health and Social Care, will be operating in the following locations over the coming days:

• Monday 3 August – Northallerton – Allertonshire School, Brompton Road, Northallerton, DL6 1ED
• Tuesday 4 August – Thornton Le Dale – National Trust Car Park, No.5. Chestnut Avenue, Pickering, YO18 7RR
• Wednesday 5 August – Scarborough – Scarborough Park & Ride, Seamer Road, Scarborough YO12 4LW
• Thursday 6 August – Whitby – Whitby Park and Ride, Whitby, YO21 1TL
• Thursday 6 August – Richmond – Round Howe Car Park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4T

Before you attend you must book a test. There are two ways to do this depending on which testing group you are part of. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. 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. Home test kit availability will be initially limited, but more will become available.

There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test.

Local mask retailer

Further to the information about face coverings in last week’s email, I’ve been told that the City Tailor in Finkle Street, Thirsk, is making a pleated style in a variety of fabrics and sizes, washable and very reasonably priced. There are some on display but you can also choose your own fabric to be made up. Colours include purple, dark navy, blue, bright red, wine red, apple green, turquoise, peach, red polka dot, hot pink, green, lilac, brown, dark brown and khaki. Sizes available: adults extra-large, £5 each or 4 masks for £15; adults large £5 each or 4 masks for £15; adults medium (ladies or skinny men) £5 each or 4 masks for £15; teenage between 13 and 18 years of age £2.50 each and kids between 4 and 12 years of age £2.50 each. Orders can be made on line or via the shop. Check out City Tailors on Facebook or ring 01845 525636

Better Health Campaign

A new national campaign is under way to encourage millions of adults to lose weight, improve their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including Covid-19. Public Health England is hoping for a national rethink about personal health as nearly two thirds (63%) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity. The campaign literature states: “Gaining weight is often a gradual process that takes place over a number of years and modern life doesn’t always make it easy. But this extra weight causes pressure to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now Covid-19. By reducing your weight within a healthy range, you can cut your risk of being critically ill with the virus. To improve health and wellbeing, individuals should aim to have a BMI below 25 and above 18.52 .

To support people to live healthier lives, Public Health England’s Better Health campaign will provide a variety of tools and apps to help individuals make healthier food choices, become more active and prevent future weight gain. One of these tools is a Weight Loss Plan app, which provides 12 weeks’ worth of content that can be personalised and tailored to the goals and needs of the individual. Physical activity can support weight loss which can help reduce risks. More information: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/

The silent pandemic: How lockdown is affecting future health

And as if to back up the need for a national health campaign, the latest research from the Covid Symptom Study app (which has been downloaded by 3.5 million people in the UK), shows that almost a third (29%) of those surveyed have gained weight since March 2020. This data suggests an average increase in body weight across the country being 0.78 kg (1.6 lbs), and up to 3 kg (6.5 lbs) in those who reported increased snacking have gained weight. The factors that may have contributed to weight gain during lockdown include increased snacking (35%), decreased levels of physical activity (34%), increased alcohol consumption (27%) and a less healthy diet (19%).

Holiday flights

Last week’s email contained details of the governments ‘shock’ announcement about holidaymakers returning from Spain having to go into 14 days of isolation. The last minute announcement not surprisingly caught out thousands of holidaymakers already in Spain and threw many more holiday plans in to disarray. The exclusion of Spain (including the Canaries and the Balearics) from the ‘holiday corridors’ scheme followed a surge in Covid-19 cases in many parts of the country. This week another country – Luxembourg – has been identified as a virus hotspot and anyone returning from there must isolate. Unfortunately there’s a growing number of European countries which might be next on our government’s quarantine hit list.

The good news is that ministers are also looking for a way to reduce the current 14-day quarantine period for arrivals to the UK, meaning that quarantine and self-isolation time periods could be standardised at 10 days.

Surgery consultations

Once we experienced the world of phone and video consultations with our doctors it was perhaps inevitable that the idea of continuing them after the pandemic would be put forward. Well, Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week said that there had been a "hugely positive" response to virtual appointments during the coronavirus pandemic and unless there is a clinical reason not to, they should continue. He said: “They worked particularly well in rural areas.” He told a meeting at the Royal College of Physicians: "From now on, all consultations should be tele-consultations unless there’s a compelling clinical reason not to. Of course if there is an emergency, the NHS will be waiting and ready to see you in person, just as it always has been. But if they are able to, patients should get in contact first via the web or by calling in advance. That way, care is easier to manage and the NHS can deliver a much better service. Not only will it make life quicker and easier for patients but free up clinicians to concentrate on what really matters." It will be interesting to see how this idea develops.

Eat Out to Help Out

Starting tomorrow diners will be able to get money off their bill on certain days in August to encourage a return to cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s hoped the scheme will provide a boost to the struggling hospitality industry, now that the national lockdown is easing. The promotion gives people a discount of up to 50% when eating or drinking soft drinks in a participating restaurant or other food establishment. It is valid all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August, in all parts of the UK that are not in a local lockdown. The maximum discount available is £10 per person when you eat or drink in. It is not available on take-away food. You can check out which venues have joined the scheme in our area by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

The Angel at Topcliffe

Greg Tassel, the General Manager at The Angel, has been in touch as he wants to inform villagers that The Angel is definitely taking part in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. Booking a table in the restaurant is highly recommended any day of the week as it has been very busy, especially at weekends. The garden is still operating on first come first basis for food and drinks. To book email manager@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or call 01845 578000.

Jobs on offer

Greg also wanted to let locals know that The Angel is currently looking to recruit a kitchen porter to work mainly Mondays and Tuesdays (lunch & dinner) as well as some weekends. They’re also looking for a night porter to work two nights a week – Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If interested contact Greg on 01845 578000 or email manager@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

The Swan says thanks to all its customers

In the month since The Swan reopened after lockdown, business has been extremely good says landlord George Lambert. “Our customers have been fantastic! They’ve been extremely supportive and understanding of the strict social distancing rules that we have had to introduce. Whether coming in for a drink, visiting our restaurant or just calling to collect a takeaway meal, everyone has been wonderful and it has been a pleasure to welcome back old customers and a few new ones too.” The Swan serves food at socially distanced tables and reservations are necessary. Takeaway meals to order. Times are: 5 to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday. Telephone 01845 595185.

Gas works cause road closure

The first section of the road from Asenby to Rainton (Asenby Forge to Park Road) will be closed for five days from Monday, 10 August to Friday, 14 August for gas main works.

Church meetings

There is to be a meeting in St. Columba’s Church at 7pm on 17 August for the election of Churchwardens. This meeting may be attended by those whose names are on St. Columba’s Church electoral roll and all persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of local government electors by reason of such residence. This meeting will be followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and the first meeting of the Parochial Church Council.

St Columbas remains closed for services for the time being. Discussions are taking place to see how and when the church can reopen safely and an announcement will be made in due course.

Neighbourhood Watch – ‘Safety in Neighbours’ burglary campaign

Now that we’re all starting to ease out of lockdown, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe. More people out and about means burglary is expected to rise, which is why the Neighbourhood Watch has launched a new social media campaign, in partnership with the Home Office, to warn everyone to be on their guard and provide practical tools to prevent burglary. Those of you who make use of social media will see the eye-catching campaign and have the chance to watch a range of videos showing how neighbours can help keep others safe. The campaign hashtag is #SafetyInNeighbours

The ‘WIDE’ combination of security measures reduces your risk of burglary nearly 50 times more than an alarm? Find out how to get your home WIDE safe at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime-prevention/crime-prevention-toolkits/burglaries

The Lifestyle Challenge

North Yorkshire Police’s popular Lifestyle Challenge competition is back and better than ever for 2020! The challenge is open to all 8 – 18 year olds who are resident in York or North Yorkshire. It’s more difficult this year because of Covid-19, but the basic idea is for up to six friends to join together – either virtually or in person (adhering to social distancing guidance) – to think up a project and then do it! The project could benefit a specific road or street, your village community or your environment. It’s entirely up to you. It just needs to make a difference in your community.

The project needs to be based on one of the five following categories:

• Volunteer Hero – Choose a charity that means something to you and support them. This can be through fundraising or volunteering in the work they do. The organisers would particular like to see you support charities who have helped our communities get through the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Community Challenge – You could identify some vulnerable or isolated people within your community and help them. Perhaps you could raise awareness and understanding of mental health in the community, or do something that creates a feel good factor in your community and reduces anti-social behaviour.

• Crime Buster Challenge – Design and deliver a project which prevents or reduces crime in your community. Maybe you could create a video which raises awareness of fraud and cybercrime or online exploitation. Perhaps there are certain groups in your community who are susceptible to certain crime types and you could help to protect them against being targeted?

• Care & Respect Challenge – You could design and deliver a project which educates people about bullying or the harm and damage hate crime can cause?

• Educating Others Challenge – Your project could help educate and prevent children and adults getting involved in drug and alcohol abuse, county lines, or how to stay safe online, how to care for their mental health or the issues around missing young people and exploitation.

To find out more go to: https://northyorkshire.police.uk/what-we-do/public-campaigns/lifestyle/

Bags 2 School – reminder about next recycling event

The next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event will be on Monday 21 September. So please start cleaning out your wardrobes and drawers. As last time, the event will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and the proceeds will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups. As a reminder, we would welcome any of the following items: – Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers). Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse –Mondays 3, 17 and 31 August.

• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays 13 and 27 August

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 3 August, 17 and 31 August.

• Refuse – Mondays 10 and 24 August.

• Garden waste – Thursdays 13 and 27 August.

MESSAGES & INFORMATION FROM EARLIER EMAILS, BUT WORTH MAINTAINING FOR REFERENCE

• Local Facebook sites: ‘Top Residents’, ‘Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall’ and ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’.

• Parish Councillors and Parish Clerks remain available to deal with any urgent matters. Details are on the two parish council websites – www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net

• Asenby Bus Shelter Library – a ‘community hub’ with library exchange.

• Asenby Playing Field – The playing field continues to be open for exercise purposes, but the Parish Council is keeping the playground section (swings, slide, roundabouts etc.) closed until further notice.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Good afternoon and welcome to the 17th issue of this regular Sunday email.

The main news this week is that the wearing of face coverings in shops and other covered indoor places is now mandatory and that experts have started talking about the danger of a winter flu epidemic. One such expert said: “If a flu epidemic collides with the Coronavirus pandemic it could be a catastrophic for the UK”. The thought of an epidemic and a pandemic at the same time is definitely a worrying thought. I wonder if that’s ever happened before? Anyway, the flu problem might be quelled if those entitled to a flu jab get one. It seems odd that only 3 in 5 of those entitled to one last winter actually took advantage of the offer. Let’s hope the numbers will improve this time around.

Detailed ‘Shopping’, ‘Take away food’ and ‘Places to Visit’ information lists are in a separate Word attachment (there have been some changes made to this week’s information). As most places are now open again and operating ‘as normal’, I intend to drop this attachment from future emails. So if you think the document is worth keeping for reference, please save or copy it.

As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think village residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Latest government advice

Sports facilities and venues, including indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, are now able to reopen.

From Saturday, 1 August, subject to rates of transmission and in line with Covid-secure guidelines:

• Employers will have more discretion, in consultation with their employees, on how to ensure people can work safely in their workplace or continue working from home.

• The clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer need to follow advice on shielding, though should still take particular care to follow the social distancing guidelines when meeting people.

• Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians, will be allowed to reopen. Live indoor theatre and concerts will be able to resume with socially distanced audiences.

• Small wedding receptions – sit-down meals for no more than 30 people – can take place.

• All remaining close contact services – such as facial treatment and make up application – will start to re-open.

From October, the government intends to allow audiences to return to stadiums.

Cover your face

The government now says that evidence suggests that when used correctly, face coverings may reduce the chance of infecting others. So, last Thursday the government announced new rules on wearing face masks and coverings. They are now mandatory in enclosed public spaces including supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks, building societies and post offices. Face coverings are also needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are advised to be worn in care homes. Individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures.

Face coverings must also be worn when buying takeaway food and drink, although they can be removed in a seating area. You are allowed to remove a face covering in certain situations, for example to prove identification in banks or when buying age restricted products.

Masks are not mandatory in indoor venues which have other safety measures in place, including eat-in restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and salons, gyms and leisure centres, cinemas, concert halls and theatres, and visitor attractions like museums.

There are exemptions for children under 11, those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering. Public Health England has warned parents not to buy coverings for babies and young children because of the risk of choking or suffocation. It is not compulsory for shop workers to wear face coverings, but there is strong advice that they too should wear a mask.

If you are eligible, you can carry an official exemption card or phone screen. Download them, respectively, from https://tinyurl.com/exemptionprint or https://tinyurl.com/exemptionphone

Those who break the rules could face a fine of up to £100, though there is much controversy about who will enforce the new rules. The government said it was the responsibility of individuals to wear a face covering, although businesses are encouraged to take steps to encourage customers to follow the law, such as with signs. Police will have powers to enforce the rules, although forces have said this will be a last resort and officers will not be patrolling premises.

What is an acceptable face covering?

A face covering is defined by the government as “something which safely covers the nose and mouth”. You can wear single use face coverings, reusable face coverings or can opt for a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth face covering, according to government advice.

Can I wear a face shield instead of a mask?

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that it is currently unknown whether face shields do very much in the way of protecting others from the spread of respiratory particles. They say: “we do not recommend the use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings. If someone opts to use a face shield instead of a face covering, then it should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend below the chin”. In several countries face shields can be worn with masks to further enhance your own protection.

The fact is that while the government has emphasised the importance of following the new rules and wearing face coverings in public, there has been no official guidance about whether a face shield or visor can be worn as an alternative to face coverings in England. Since there is no specific guidance from the government, you should be prepared for shops and public transport to potentially refuse you service or entry.

Where can I buy face masks and shields?

Online retailers like eBay and Amazon, plus countless other retailers, have plenty of face masks and face shields to choose at a wide range of prices.

Why not make your own?

Rather than print loads of detail in this email, I would recommend the Which? website as a site worth looking at. Here’s a link to it: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/face-masks-where-to-buy-them-and-how-to-make-your-own

REMEMBER – Face coverings do not replace social distancing. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, and/or high temperature, and/or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste, you and your household must isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19. It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.

Review of holiday flights – midnight shocker!

As of midnight last night anyone arriving back from Spain must undertake a two-week isolation. The ‘shock’ announcement has caught out thousands of holidaymakers already in Spain and thrown many more holiday plans in to disarray. The removal of Spain from the holiday corridors scheme follows a surge in Covid-19 cases in many parts of the country. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has also advised against travel to Spain and so travel insurance is now likely to be invalid. UK holidaymakers continue to have to quarantine for 14 days on their return from Portugal. The government has rejected Portugal’s bid to be added to a “safe” list of over 70 countries and territories exempt from UK quarantine. On the brighter side, as of next Tuesday, 28 July, five new countries will be added to the list of countries with an air corridor with the UK. They are Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Flu Vaccine

In England about 30 million are to be offered a free flu vaccine this year. It is to prepare for a winter that could see the annual flu season coincide with a surge in Coronavirus. Flu, which can be deadly or need hospital treatment, poses additional threats during the pandemic. There is some evidence a double infection with Coronavirus and flu is more deadly than either alone and a big flu season combined with Coronavirus could overwhelm hospitals. If lots of NHS or care-home staff are sick with flu, then it may not be possible to respond to Covid-19 in the same way as during the peak in spring. But it is impossible to predict how big a flu season we will have. Social-distancing and hygiene measures in place to stop Coronavirus should, in theory, also have an impact on the amount of flu going around.

Those who will be offered a vaccine include:

• people who were required to shield from coronavirus and anyone they live with
• people with some medical conditions including diabetes, heart failure and asthma
• pregnant women
• pre-school children over the age of two
• all primary school children, as last year, and, for the first time, Year 7 pupils
• initially all people over 65, before the programme is extended to the over-50s.

The NHS will get in contact with those who are eligible. It wants to ensure the highest risk patients are at the front of the queue when the immunisation programme starts in September. Last year around 15 million people in England were vaccinated as part of the NHS campaign, though 25 million doses were available. This year more than 30 million doses have been ordered. The vaccine will also be available privately in pharmacies and some supermarkets to adults who are not eligible for an NHS jab. It usually costs around £20.

Thirsk Leisure Centre reopens

Thirsk Leisure Centre (and those at Northallerton, Bedale and Stokesley) has now reopened, but pre-booking is essential. The gym, group fitness classes and Toning Suite opened yesterday. The swimming pool also opened to clubs yesterday, and there will be public swimming from tomorrow, Monday 27 July. At each centre there is a range of safety and hygiene measures in place. You can pre-book and see the guidelines for use at https://tinyurl.com/leisureopen

The Swan

The Swan is now serving food at socially distanced tables. Reservations are necessary. The pub is also providing takeaway meals to order. Times are: 5 to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday.

Bags 2 School – date set for next recycling event

Don’t forget that the next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event will be on Monday 21 September. So please start cleaning out your wardrobes and drawers. As last time, the event will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and the proceeds will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups. As a reminder, we would welcome any of the following items: – Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers). Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays 30 July, 13 and 27 August

• Refuse –Mondays 3, 17 and 31 August.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 27 July, 10 and 24 August.

• Garden waste – Thursdays 30 July, 13 and 27 August.

• Recycling – Mondays 3 August, 17 and 31 August.

MESSAGES & INFORMATION FROM EARLIER EMAILS, BUT WORTH MAINTAINING FOR REFERENCE

• Local Facebook sites: ‘Top Residents’, ‘Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall’ and ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’.

• Parish Councillors and Parish Clerks remain available to deal with any urgent matters. Details are on the two parish council websites – www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net

• Asenby Bus Shelter Library – a ‘community hub’ with library exchange.

• Asenby Playing Field – The playing field continues to be open for exercise purposes, but the Parish Council is keeping the playground section (swings, slide, roundabouts etc.) closed until further notice.

• St Columbas will remain closed for the time being. Discussions are taking place to see how and when the church can reopen safely and an announcement will be made in due course.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

SUNDAY EMAIL ATTACHMENT.docx

Good afternoon and welcome to the 16th issue of this regular Sunday email.

It has been an interesting week on the virus front, with more relaxation of restrictions and new advice about the diseases symptoms. Last Sunday, you may recall, I hinted at the possibility of the government possibly making it mandatory for us all to wear face coverings in enclosed public places, like shops and malls. Well, that’s now happened. The Prime Minister has announced that the wearing of a face covering in shops will be compulsory from next Friday, 24 July.

It might appear as if things have returned pretty much back to normal, but we shouldn’t forget that worldwide deaths have now passed the 600,000 mark. The medical advice is that we should continue to be on our guard and follow sensible precautions to stay safe by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask at appropriate times and continuing to wash our hands regularly. Hardly a big price to pay if we want to stay safe.

Detailed ‘Shopping’, ‘Take away food’ and ‘Places to Visit’ information lists are in a separate Word attachment (there have been some changes made to this week’s information).

As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think village residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Research identifies skin rashes as diagnostic signs of Covid-19 (https://tinyurl.com/rashonskin)

Data collected daily from the nearly four million people completing the King’s College London Covid Symptom Study shows that characteristic skin rashes and ‘Covid fingers and toes’ should be considered as key diagnostic signs of the disease, and can occur in the absence of any other symptoms. After noticing that a number of participants were reporting unusual skin rashes, the researchers focused on data from around 336,000 regular UK app users. They discovered that 8.8% of people reporting a positive swab test had experienced a skin rash as part of their symptoms, compared with 5.4% of people with a negative test result. Similar results were seen in a further 8.2% of users with a rash who did not have a test, but still reported classic Covid-19 symptoms, such as cough, fever or loss of smell.

To investigate further, the team set up a separate online survey, gathering images and information from nearly 12,000 people with skin rashes and suspected or confirmed Covid-19. The team particularly sought images from people of colour, who are currently under-represented in dermatology resources. 17% of respondents testing positive reported a rash as the first symptom of the disease. And for one in five people (21%) who reported a rash and were confirmed as being infected with the virus, the rash was their only symptom.

The rashes associated with Covid-19 fall into three categories:

1. Hive-type rash: sudden appearance of raised bumps on the skin which come and go quite quickly over hours and are usually very itchy. It can involve any part of the body, and often starts with intense itching of the palms or soles, and can cause swelling of the lips and eyelids. These rashes can present quite early on in the infection, but can also last a long time afterwards.
2. ‘Prickly heat’ or chickenpox-type rash: areas of small, itchy red bumps that can occur anywhere on the body, but particularly the elbows and knees as well as the back of the hands and feet. The rash can persist for days or weeks.
3. Covid fingers and toes (chilblains): reddish and purplish bumps on the fingers or toes, which may be sore but not usually itchy. This type of rash is most specific to Covid-19, is more common in younger people with the disease, and tends to present later on.

Although Covid-19 is often thought of as a disease that affects the respiratory system, rashes had been reported in a number of cases of people in China and Europe who had been hospitalised with severe symptoms of the disease. However, this is the first and largest study to systematically gather data about skin rashes in milder cases in the wider population.

Showing the symptoms? Then book a test immediately

The symptoms of Coronavirus are high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change to the sense of smell or taste…and now the skin rash mentioned above. Anyone who is showing these symptoms should book a swab test on the NHS website. People without internet, or who have difficulty online, can ring 119 to book their test. Do not wait – ask for the test as soon as you or someone you live with has symptoms. Book at the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a–test

Types of tests

This is a summary of government guidance on the different types of testing available, including which types of test you should use and when, and what you should do when you receive a test result. Tests are used to find out whether someone has a current or past infection. There are two categories of tests: virus tests and antibody tests.

A virus test – is used to check if you currently have the virus. Different terms are often used interchangeably to refer to these virus tests, including being referred to as an antigen test. Having a virus test involves a swab

sample being taken. Once you have received your test result, you should follow the guidance on test results at https://tinyurl.com/whatresultmeans People who do not have symptoms (‘asymptomatic’ people) are tested for the virus only in specific circumstances.

An antibody test – is used to tell if a person has previously been infected. It is not clear if being infected in the past means a person is immune and they cannot get infected again in the future. Scientists are working to understand how a person’s immune system responds to the virus, including if a person is immune after they’ve been infected with the virus and if so, for how long this might last.

The full updated testing guidance is at https://tinyurl.com/typesoftest

Test and Trace

Last week a government spokesperson said that the UK has a world-beating test and trace system in place. Not everyone agreed with that analysis. One top medical adviser suggested that if our system was a world leader, then heaven help the rest of the world!

Generally, the information I can offer here is much the same as in previous weeks. NHS Test and Tracers could contact you at any time if they identify that you’ve recently been in ‘prolonged’ contact with an infected person. If they call you, you will be obliged to self-isolate for 14 days, whether sick or not. You won’t be tested and the rest of your household will not need to isolate. However, anyone who develops symptoms of the virus must isolate for seven days and the rest of their household for 14 days. Everyone with symptoms should call 119 or go online to arrange a test. If the test is negative, everyone in the household can go back to normal. But if positive, the person will receive a text, email or phone call to discuss where the person has been and with whom they have been in contact. If NHS Test and Trace calls you by telephone, the service will be using a single phone number 0300 0135 000. The only website the service will ask you to visit is https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk

­Latest government advice

On Friday the government confirmed or announced a number of new guidelines and relaxations.

• The wearing of face masks in shops, supermarkets and malls will be mandatory from next Friday (24 July). There isn’t any guidance yet on how the rules will be applied, but those who ignore the rules could face a fine of £100 though it’s not clear who will actually police the situation.

• Sports facilities and venues, including indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, will be able to open from Saturday 25 July.

• From 1 August, bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians, will be allowed to reopen. Live indoor theatre and concerts will be able to resume with socially distanced audiences.

• From October, the government intends to allow audiences to return to stadiums.

• The official advice for employees to work from home, which has been in place since the start of the lockdown in March, is going to be dropped. From 1 August, firms will be given more leeway over safety measures so they can get more workers back into factories and offices. However, the new advice stops short of ordering anyone to return to work. Instead, it sets out a roadmap of how staff can get back to workplaces over time.

• The government has intends to change the official guidance that tells people to avoid using public transport for all but essential travel. It had to do this if it wants people to return to their workplaces. Travelling during the morning rush hour is likely to still be advised against. The focus instead will be about travelling off-peak, hand washing and mask use, which is mandatory. We’ll still be advised to drive, walk and cycle instead during busy periods. This advice will obviously be more relevant to those living or working in the bigger towns and cities.

• Councils in England have been given new powers to close shops, cancel events and shut outdoor public spaces to manage local outbreaks. The PM said the move would enable councils to authorise ‘lightening lockdowns’ in response to local outbreaks "where speed is paramount". Ministers are also to receive additional powers to "close whole sectors or types of premises in an area" and advise people in specific postcodes to stay at home.

• The Prime Minister has committed to holding an independent inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic but there are no details on when it would begin.

Advice about face masks

Now that the wearing of face masks is becoming mandatory in more and more places (hospitals, public transport and now shops), there is a clamour for information about which face coverings are best, where they can be bought, how they can be made at home, which materials are most effective…and much more. Rather than print loads of detail in this email, I would recommend the Which? website as a site worth looking at. Here’s a link to it: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/face-masks-where-to-buy-them-and-how-to-make-your-own

This is not a return to normal

Professor John Edmunds, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), this week told the BBC that a return to pre-lockdown normality was a long way off. "If what you mean by normality is what we were used to pre-March this year – go to work normally, travel on the buses and trains, go on holiday without restrictions, meet friends, shake hands, hug each other and so on – that’s a long way off, unfortunately," he said. "We won’t be able to do that until we are immune to the virus, which means until we have a vaccine that is proven safe and effective. If we return to those sorts of normal behaviours, the virus will come back very fast."

Village Hostelries

The three hostelries in our two villages are now back in business:

• The Swan is now open but for drinks only. Customers must book a table in advance. To book a table call 01845 595185.

• The Angel’s bars, restaurant, gardens and rooms reopened last Wednesday and is back operating the pub’s normal service hours. There’s a few things to note if you’re planning on popping in: please enter only through the side door in the car park and exit only through the front door; follow all social distancing measures put in place and use the sanitising stations throughout the venue. No advance booking required for bar and garden visits, where customers will be served on a ‘first come, first served basis’. Reservations for meals/rooms can be made between 10am and 5pm by calling 01845 578000 or emailing info@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

• Crab Manor – the hotel, started taking guests the week before last and the Crab & Lobster restaurant opened to the public on Friday last, for lunch and dinner, but strictly by reservation. Call 01845 577286.

Bus Stop Library, Asenby

You can tell that things might be getting back to normal when people start asking for the bus stop to be returned to its original use. Bus users are asking to have more access to seating and that means cutting back the library space. This coincides with a reduction in use of the library, especially children’s books, games and magazines. So now Heather Allon, who has done a sterling job of organising the library throughout lockdown, is introducing a few changes and from now on only books will be accepted. Heather has asked me to thank everyone for their support with this project, it has been very successful.

Thirsk Information Centre

The information centre in the middle of Thirsk Market Place, is now opening initially just on market days (Saturday and Monday) 10am-noon and 12.30pm-2.30pm. It is the place to get walks and visitor attraction leaflets. There are Yorkshire and Thirsk souvenirs as well as maps, books, flags and postcards on sale. You can view the Market Place webcam at www.visitthirsk.uk/webcam or find what you need to know on the website at

www.visitthirsk.uk

St Columbas Church

St Columbas will remain closed for the time being. Discussions are taking place to see how and when the church can reopen safely and an announcement will be made in due course.

Bags 2 School – date set for next recycling event

Don’t forget that the next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event will be on Monday 21 September. So please start cleaning out your wardrobes and drawers. As last time, the event will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and the proceeds will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups. There’ll be more detailed information in emails nearer the day. As a reminder, we would welcome any of the following items: – Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers). Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

Social Media for Beginners

There is a free, two hour online course – Social Media for Beginners – being organised at 1pm on Tuesday 28 July by the Adult Learning and Skills Service. You can learn about different social networks, how to connect with people and share pictures, videos and messages online and how to stay safe when using social media. Delivery will be over Zoom, giving learners the opportunity to ask the tutor questions and speak to others across the county. If you know anyone who could benefit from an introduction to social media please tell them about this free course. To book a place visit north.adultlearning@northyorks.gov.uk or call 01609 532536.

Easingwold Maize Maze

This popular seasonal venue opened again last Saturday. It’s operating under social distancing rules. The 16 acre site features the famously confusing Maize Maze along with football golf, sandpits and games area including badminton, football and netball. There is an animal enclosure to enjoy while the site also features a fenced off dog exercise area. An ice cream van selling the award winning Brymor ice cream is also on site. Visitors are encouraged to take a picnic, which can be eaten under cover or outdoors. All admissions are £5, free for children aged 2 and under. The attractions are open every day from 10am to 4pm until Sunday 6 September.

www.easingwoldmaize.co.uk

Carlton Lodge Activity Centre

The centre, operated by North Yorkshire Youth from Carlton Lodge Activity Centre at Carlton Miniott, has announced its Safe Summer Holiday Activity Days, which could be a boon to families during the forthcoming school

summer holiday break. Managers report that they have prepared a Covid-safe plan for reopening and the new service provides a safe activity programme for children aged between 8 and 14 years. Places are available in two groups of five children plus an instructor. Two families of five can also be accommodated. Each day includes four outdoor activities including archery, challenge course, bush craft and tree climbing. The times are 9am to 4.30pm each day and the cost is £40 per person per day. The new arrangements begin next Wednesday, 22 July and continue on Friday 24, Monday 27, Wednesday 29 and Friday 31 July. More details and booking available at https://bit.ly/Summer20CL

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse –Mondays 20 July and 3 August.

• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays 30 July and 13 August

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 20 July and 3 August.

• Refuse – Mondays 27 July and 10 August.

• Garden waste – Thursday 30 July and 13 August.

MESSAGES & INFORMATION FROM EARLIER EMAILS, BUT WORTH MAINTAINING FOR REFERENCE

• ‘Top Residents’ and ‘Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall’ Facebook sites have lots of useful information and chat about what’s going on during lockdown. Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community

Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• Our two Parish Councils are not meeting during the crisis. However, our Parish Councillors and Parish Clerks remain available to deal with any urgent matters. Details are on the two parish council websites –

www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net

• Asenby Bus Shelter Library – a ‘community hub’ with library and games exchange. Organiser, Heather Allon, also runs a magazine and book loan scheme in the village for the housebound or those in lockdown. Telephone her on 01845 595080.

• Asenby Playing Field – Although the playing field itself continues to be open for exercise purposes, the Parish Council has decided that the playground section (swings, slide, roundabouts etc.) will continue to be closed until further notice.

• Sowerby Waste & Recycling Centre – the site is now back to operation at its normal hours and days – 8:30am to 5pm six days a week. Closed on Wednesdays.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Good afternoon and welcome to the 15th issue of this regular Sunday email.

As everyday life begins to look a bit more normal, it’s easy to forget that we are still in a very dangerous place, with relatively high levels of new Covid-19 infection in many places and a threat that is still as deadly as ever. Naturally we have been keen to get back to living our lives in a more conventional manner but it’s still very important to stay alert and control the virus. There is still some strong government guidance about what we can and shouldn’t do, but increasingly the advice is that we should all take personal responsibility and practice sensible precautions to stay safe. Ministers say they will trust people to continue to do everything possible to reduce the risk of transmission, whether they are at work, leisure, or using public services, by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask at appropriate times and continuing to wash our hands regularly. As the restrictions ease it would be dangerous to also relax our safety first precautions, so let’s hope that we can all live up to that trust.

One safety first precaution that might be coming our way is the compulsory wearing of masks in enclosed spaces, such as shops. Many experts have long argued that it would be beneficial and the fact that last Friday we saw the Prime Minister wearing one – possibly for the first time – suggests that the rules might be about to change. Leading infectious diseases expert, Professor Peter Piot, the director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said he did not understand why the government had only ordered their use on trains, tubes and buses in England. Face masks should be compulsory for adults in all public and enclosed spaces, he added. Watch this space!

This week I have again included ‘Shopping’, ‘Take away food’ and ‘Places to Visit’ information in a separate Word attachment. This helps cut the size of the Sunday email and means you only need open the attachment if you have reason to access the information it contains.

As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think village residents might like to hear about.

Doug

07785 223707

Lockdown relaxations now in place

• Two households (your support bubble counts as one household) can now meet in any location – public or private, indoors or outdoors. You can meet with different households at different times. However, it remains the case – even inside someone’s home – that you should socially distance from anyone not in your household or bubble. When you are outside you can continue to meet in groups of up to six people from different households, again following social distancing guidelines.

• Those in a support bubble (i.e. those in single adult households) can continue to have close contact as if they live with the other people in the bubble, but should not change who they have formed a support bubble with.

• You can stay overnight away from your home with your own household or support bubble, or with members of one other household (where you need to keep social distancing).

• If you or someone in your household or support bubble are showing Coronavirus symptoms, everyone in your household or support bubble should stay home. If you or a member of your support bubble is contacted as part of the test and trace programme, the individual contacted should stay at home. If the individual becomes symptomatic, everyone in the support bubble should then isolate.

• You can spend time outdoors, including for exercise, as often as you wish. There is guidance on group sizes and on staying safe outside your home.

• We are all advised to avoid using public transport, and should aim to walk, cycle, or drive instead. We shouldn’t share car journeys with people outside our household or bubble. Anyone who must use public transport must wear a face covering. It continues to be important to avoid large crowds where it may not be possible to socially distance.

What does the review of 2m mean in practice?

We all knew what was meant when the rule was that we should stay 2m apart from other people, but what should we make of a ‘1m plus’ rule? Apparently it doesn’t mean one metre plus a number of centimetres – it actually means one metre plus mitigations. Hands up all those who know what one metre plus mitigations entails. Well I’ll tell you, it means a range of things depending on where you are – it could be the need to wear a face covering on public transport as it is not always possible to stay 2m apart. In other spaces, mitigations could include having screens, ensuring people face away from each other, having handwashing facilities available, or even simply minimising the amount of time you spend with people outside your household or bubble, or being outdoors. Got that?

Clinically vulnerable people (over 70s and pregnant women) and clinically extremely vulnerable people (those who are ‘shielding’)

It is likely there are quite a few residents in Topcliffe and Asenby who are classed as clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable, two groups of people who have had more comprehensive guidance to help them stay safe. So although this general information has been included before, I feel it is appropriate to again spell out how the guidelines are changing this month and next.

• Clinically vulnerable people are now able to meet other people, both indoors and outdoors, but they are advised to be especially careful and be diligent about social distancing and hand hygiene.

• Clinically extremely vulnerable people can now spend time outdoors in a group of up to 6 people (including those outside of their household). This can be in a public outdoor space, or in a private garden or uncovered yard or terrace. Those shielding no longer need to observe social distancing with other members of their household and they can create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household, as long as one of the households in the bubble is a single adult household (either an adult living alone or with dependent children under 18). All those in a support bubble are able to spend time together inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without needing to maintain social distancing. This follows the same rules on support bubbles that apply to the wider population. Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised to take extra care to minimise contact with others by maintaining social distancing and by practicing strict hand hygiene.

Holiday flights

From last Friday, it is no longer necessary for people travelling in both directions between the UK and a list of around 75 nominated countries to self-isolate (but if in the preceding 14 days you have stopped off in any country not on the list you will have to isolate). This means that holiday destinations are effectively open for business again. The list includes the popular destinations of France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Austria, Croatia and Italy. Greece will allow Brits in from Wednesday. Portugal is still excluded. The list will be constantly reviewed as agreements are reached with more countries. The travel quarantine for people arriving in the UK from other destinations, including the USA, Brazil, Russia, China and India, remain in place. The Foreign Office’s advice against taking a cruise holiday remains in place. Not surprisingly, travel agents report that whilst they are seeing increased demand for short-haul destinations, there is considerable confusion among travellers about restrictions both in the UK and abroad.

The relaxations continue

As the government continues to ease restrictions a range of new activities become possible again.

• You can now participate in team and other grassroots sports where the sports’ governing body has issued guidance on how to do so safely.
• You can now go to an outdoor swimming pool or water park, or attend an outdoor performance as part of a live audience (indoor rehearsals can take place in Covid-19 secure venues).

From tomorrow (13 July):

• Close contact services, such as nail bars, salons, tanning booths, spas, massage parlours, tattoo parlours and body piercing studios, can open. Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – will be made available. This means that, for the time being, treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments, will not be provided due to the much greater risk of transmission.

From 25 July:

• Sports facilities and venues, including such as indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, will be able to open – subject to evidence closer to the time.

Test and Trace

The position relating to Test and Trace is unchanged from last week. NHS Test and Tracers could contact you at any time if they identify that you’ve recently been in ‘prolonged’ contact with an infected person. If they call you, you will be obliged to self-isolate for 14 days, whether sick or not. You won’t be tested and the rest of your household will not need to isolate. However, anyone who develops symptoms of Coronavirus must isolate for seven days and the rest of their household for 14 days. Everyone with symptoms should call 119 or go online to arrange a test. If the test is negative, everyone in the household can go back to normal. But if positive, the person will receive a text, email or phone call to discuss where the person has been and with whom they have been in contact. If NHS Test and Trace calls you by telephone, the service will be using a single phone number 0300 0135 000. The only website the service will ask you to visit is https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk

Topcliffe’s two pubs

• The Swan is now open but for drinks only. Customers must to book a table in advance. There is no standing or sitting at the bar. To book a table call 01845 595185.

• The Angel’s bars, restaurant, gardens and rooms – will reopen for business at 4pm on Wednesday 15 July. Reservations for rooms and meals can be made between 10am and 5pm by calling 01845 578000 or emailing info@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk

St Columbas Church

Although churches are now able to reopen for acts of worship, St Columbas will remain closed for the time being. Discussions are taking place to see how and when the church can reopen safely and an announcement will be made in due course. As explained last week, our Church Wardens are not convinced that they have the resources available to undertake the necessary cleaning to guarantee visitors safety. Even when the church does reopen there will be ongoing restrictions – for example, no singing will be allowed, there’ll be no ‘social interaction’ or mingling before or after services, and there’ll probably be limits on both numbers attending and the length of services.

Village Hall remains closed

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will remain closed at least until Tuesday 1 September. The committee will meet again in August to review the situation and decide whether the hall can be opened safely at that time or if a further delay is needed.

Bags 2 School – date set for next recycling event

This is just to let you all know that the date has been agreed for the next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event. It’s between 8.30am and noon on Monday 21 September – which is well into the distant future, but make a note in your diary and start cleaning out your wardrobes and drawers. As last time, the event will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and the proceeds will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups. There’ll be more detailed information in emails nearer the day.

As a reminder, we would welcome any of the following items: – Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers). Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.

Pollards of Thirkleby

Here’s a message from Ruth Pollard who regularly sells chickens and other meat products to homes in Topcliffe and Asenby. “Hello to all our lovely chicken customers. We have some exciting news on the chicken front. Over the next few weeks we will have some chicken products for you. As our duck business has suffered over the Coronavirus lockdown, we have had more time in our lives to welcome back our original feathered friends. We have been growing two batches of chickens and the aim was to be able to offer pretty much all our usual produce, and even to put together a chicken box with a bit of everything. That hasn’t quite happened as our big chickens, used for all our products like sausages, burgers and meatballs, are quite clearly ready before our smaller chickens which will be the oven readies. This means that we are preparing some of our products, which you can order and collect from the farm in a socially distanced way. Or we can arrange a delivery for those of you who are still shielding. Besides whole chickens, we offer sausages – farmhouse, tomato & basil, apple & honey:

burgers – original and different (slightly spicy) and meatballs – Italian and spicy (all made using gluten free rusk). Please get in touch if you would like to put in an order – pollardsofthirkleby@hotmail.com

Beau Fraise Soft Fruit Farm

The farm is open for pick your own fruit or simply buy pre-picked, including strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants. Full social distancing measures in place and timed slots available. It is great fun for all the family. Beau Fraise is prepared to deliver soft fruit to vulnerable residents in local villages to help during lockdown. The farm is on Dishforth road towards Sharow, 500 yards from the A1 junction 49 and A168 interchange YO7 3DB. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, except Wednesday and Saturday 10am-8pm. For more details call 07985 693692 or visit www.facebook.com/P.Y.Ofruitfarm

Thirsk Community Library

Yesterday, the library reopened with limited hours. Click and Collect and deliveries are still available for all those who need them – you still don’t need to come to the library in person. For the first phase of reopening the library will be open to the public – Monday, Thursday and Friday: 10am-noon, 2-4pm: Tuesday: 2-4pm: Saturday: 10am-noon; closed Wednesday and Sunday. Entry is via the side door only. You can browse and borrow books, and use the PCs. There’s no need to make an appointment or warn us you are coming. There is a one way system and changes in the way books are issued and returned. www.thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk

Social Media for Beginners

There is a free, two hour online course – Social Media for Beginners – being organised at 1pm on Tuesday 28 July by the Adult Learning and Skills Service. You can learn about different social networks, how to connect with people and share pictures, videos and messages online and how to stay safe when using social media. Delivery will be over Zoom, giving learners the opportunity to ask the tutor questions and speak to others across the county. If you know anyone who could benefit from an introduction to social media please tell them about this free course. To book a place visit north.adultlearning@northyorks.gov.uk or call 01609 532536.

Drainage works on Whaites Lane, Asenby

The drainage works on Whaites Lane, the Asenby to Cundall road, should start tomorrow, 13 July, and will last five days. The works, which will be on the section around Poplar Hill Farm, will be controlled by traffic lights on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but then the road will be closed on Thursday and Friday. As with all county council roadworks, we are warned that these dates may change due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The Great Yorkshire Show

A quick reminder that this week – Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 July – you can virtually attend the Great Yorkshire Show. There’ll be three days of entertainment and video footage will be available free on the show’s site – https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/ Attractions include TV stunt performers Atkinson Action Horses, a cook-off between top chefs Rosemary Shrager and Stephanie Moon, a Q&A with the stars of The Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright and Julian Norton, and a behind the scenes tour with Olympic showjumper Graham Fletcher. Livestock, farriery, beekeeping, cheesemaking and many other events will be showcased alongside performances by sporting soprano Lizzie Jones and the Leyburn Band. There will also be a chance for retail therapy with a directory of businesses who would have welcomed show visitors to their trade stands in the past.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays 16 July and 30 July.

• Refuse – 20 July and 3 August.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 13 July and 27 July.

• Garden waste – Thursday 16 July and 30 July.

• Recycling – Mondays 20 July and 3 August.

MESSAGES & INFORMATION FROM EARLIER EMAILS, BUT WORTH MAINTAINING FOR REFERENCE

• ‘Top Residents’ and ‘Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall’ Facebook sites have lots of useful information and chat about what’s going on during lockdown. Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community

Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• Our two Parish Councils are not meeting during the crisis. However, our Parish Councillors and Parish Clerks remain available to deal with any urgent matters. Details are on the two parish council websites –

www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net

• Asenby Bus Shelter Library – a ‘community hub’ with library and games exchange. Organiser, Heather Allon, also runs a magazine and book loan scheme in the village for the housebound or those in lockdown. Telephone her on 01845 595080.

• Asenby Playing Field – Although the playing field itself continues to be open for exercise purposes, the Parish Council has decided that the playground section (swings, slide, roundabouts etc.) will continue to be closed until further notice.

• Sowerby Waste & Recycling Centre – the site is now back to operation at its normal hours and days – 8:30am to 5pm six days a week. Closed on Wednesdays.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.