Category: Sunday Email

Hi

Welcome to this week’s Sunday email – the 9th edition since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. Last week I suggested that as lockdown eases and life begins to return to normal it might not be necessary to have a weekly email. Quite a number of you got in touch to say that you would like the email to remain a regular weekly village communication, so I am happy to keep going for the time being. There’ll be another email next Sunday so If you have any information that you would like me to include please feel free to contact me.

Doug

07785 223707

A degree of freedom!

Groups of up to six people from different households will be able to meet outside from tomorrow. They can meet in gardens – in addition to places like parks – as long as households keep two metres apart. The advice is that you should try not to see people from too many households in quick succession to help to avoid the risk of transmission from lots of different families.

The great reopening begins

It started with garden centres last week. From tomorrow department stores, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to reopen. From 15 June all non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen. This includes chemists, hardware/homeware stores, fashion shops, shoe shops, bookshops, electronics, mobile phone shops, charity shops, betting shops, tailors, car dealerships, auction houses, antique stores, retail art galleries, craft fairs, photography studios, gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites. All these premises must be able to meet new social distancing and hygiene measures to protect customers and staff from the virus.

NHS England and the Chief Dental Officer have now confirmed that dental practices can provide face-to-face patient care from 8 June. This could see varying levels of treatments made available, with individual practitioners exercising their professional judgement on the pace of change.

There is still no news about when hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants, clubs, cafes, cinemas, theatres or places such as hairdressers, beauty salons, caravan parks, hotels, holiday accommodation or libraries will get the all-clear to reopen, though some lobbying is taking place to bring forward dates when they might reopen.

Advice for over 70s

The current government advice for those aged 70 and over continues to be that they should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household. If they do go out more frequently, they should be careful to maintain distance from others. They and everyone should continue to comply with any general social distancing restrictions. Those aged 70 and over can be absolutely fit and healthy and it’s not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or an underlying disease, but unfortunately, it’s also known that as you get older, there is a higher risk of coronavirus having a more serious impact with infection. Complications and deaths are more common in the elderly, even those without pre-existing conditions.

And those advised to shield

Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.

Track and Trace

The government announced that it’s Track and Trace scheme got underway last Thursday. Contact tracing is a system used to slow the spread of coronavirus, or other infectious diseases. The long-awaited initiative will see a team of 25,000 contact tracers tracking down people who have been near those testing positive for coronavirus. The infected person will be asked to list all the people with whom they’ve recently been in ‘prolonged’ contact. Those people will then be obliged to self-isolate for 14 days, whether sick or not. You will not be tested and the rest of the household need not isolate. Also, anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus – a persistent cough, fever or a sudden loss of taste or sense of smell – must isolate for seven days and the rest of their household for 14 days. From now on, everyone with symptoms should ask for a test online or telephone 119 to arrange a test. Under 5s can also now be tested too. If the test is negative, everyone in the household can go back to normal. But if positive, the NHS Test and Trace or local public health will get in touch via text, email or phone to discuss where the person has been and with whom they have been in contact. The requirement to self-isolate isn’t enshrined in law, but complying is described as a civic duty.

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.

Later on, an app will be available which will tell people if they have been near to someone with the disease and may need to self-isolate. The app will be a much more sophisticated system able to identify people an infected person may have been close to in a crowded place, such as on a bus or a train. I guess once the restrictions on our freedoms are lifted, we’ll all have to start keeping a list of the places we’ve been and the names of anyone we meet.

Clapping for heroes

Last Thursday was the 10th and final week of official clapping for our heroes… though I note from Facebook that many people are enthusiastically calling for informal clapping to continue. The weekly event has been a tremendous national demonstration of our support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers…unlike any outpouring of public support ever seen before. I guess individuals and neighbours will have to decide for themselves what they do this coming week and beyond.

Louise calls it a day

After weeks of tireless effort to help support a number of village residents…and having provided over a hundred afternoon teas on VE Day, Louise Bumby has decided to take a break and concentrate on other pressing matters (supplying food banks in Thirsk and Northallerton) as well as her day job – being a chimney sweep. She finished on high last Sunday with mince and dumplings, followed by apple crumble, for those who had a full meal, and with a range of cakes and custard tarts for those who received her little Sunday treats. It’s clear that Louise has been one of Topcliffe’s outstanding heroes during this pandemic and I am sure you’ll all join me in saying a big THANK YOU to her.

News from Topcliffe Surgery

• Surgery Staff changes: dispensary team member, Leanne, has gone off on maternity leave this week. Leanne, whose baby is due in late August, will be back at the surgery next Summer. In the meantime two new members of staff – Fiona and Michelle – will be joining the dispensary and reception teams in June.
• New Service: Social Prescribing Link Workers are a new service in the Hambleton area. Two Social Prescribers – Anneli and Victoria – will be supporting Topcliffe Surgery, offering a wide range of support to all patients and families from bereavement to wellbeing. They will also be able to direct you to activities and community led services which may help you. If you are struggling with anything at all, they will be able to give help and support and guide you in the right direction. Please call the surgery and ask to be put in touch with either Anneli or Victoria.

Bags 2 School – bring out your textiles for recycling

Just a reminder about the ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event being staged on Wednesday 10 June. Topcliffe Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups are organising the event to raise funds for the two organisations. You are encouraged to have a cupboard and wardrobe sort out and bag items that you are prepared to donate. On this occasion we won’t be delivering bags to every house – please just use black bags. On the 10 June please deliver your bags to the village hall garden between 9am and 12 noon. If you are unable to deliver bags yourself because you are elderly or still in lockdown, the organisers will provide a home collection service – ring Doug Allan on 07785 223707 to request a pick up.

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.

Bus Shelter Library Expands

Last week we appealed for the donation of an extra bookcase to cater for the ever-expanding collection of books and games in Asenby’s bus shelter library. Well thanks to Claire Phillips and Geoff Varley there’s now all the

extra capacity required. The new arrangement also frees up the seats in the bus stop. The village library and games exchange has been a remarkable success. Please note that users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up. Heather Allon also organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.

Car maintenance during lockdown

Charge your battery – your battery worked extra hard during winter but now it’s probably not being used as much. So, keep an eye on your battery and if it’s running down, give it a charge. If your battery keeps going flat, you may want to consider replacing it or getting it checked – especially if you’re using your car for essential work during these challenging times.

• Turn your engine over – most of us are only using our cars for essential trips such as food shopping, collecting medicines, work and volunteering. These trips are usually sufficient keep your battery charged. Even if it’s a quick drive to the shops for some milk, any trip can help in maintaining good engine performance. If you’re not going out, you can keep battery issues at bay by turning the engine over until your vehicle is up to working temperature, while stationary in a parking space or on your drive. If you do this and notice any engine warning lights come on, many garages are still open to carry out essential work.
• Check your car and tyres – make sure your lights, rear reflectors and both indicators are clean and working and that no lenses are cracked. Regularly checking your tyres is always important, no matter how often you use your car or how far you drive. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre and around its circumference. However, you should replace your tyres well before they get to the legal standard.

So, while we’re all spending more time at home and less time in our cars, let’s not neglect them. Give them a clean, check their essentials and look forward to the day when you can get in and head out for a drive to meet your loved ones or visit your favourite places.

Hambleton Council Business Survey

Anyone running a business in Hambleton is invited to complete a survey about the impact the coronavirus outbreak has had. The council wants to understand how local businesses have managed so that they can assess how to help with economic recovery. Please complete the survey at https://tinyurl.com/ybdue5ym by Friday 5 June 2020.

North Yorkshire Adult Learning

There’s currently a wide range of online courses e.g sewing machine skills, basic sign language, bookkeeping and lots more, available free of charge from NYAL. For more details telephone 01609 780780 or checkout the website at www.facebook.com/NorthYorkshireAdultLearning or email: north.adultlearning@northyorks.gov.uk

Rural Arts takes a crafty approach to lockdown

Rural Arts is inviting residents of Topcliffe and Asenby to get involved with three initiatives they have launched this week.

1. Tuesday Talks – every Tuesday via its social media sites Rural Arts shares a talk or tutorial about art, culture or something to do with wellbeing (like Yoga!). Now they want to extend this to ‘live’ chats with anyone who is feeling lonely and fancies a good talk. This could be a one-off or weekly, it’s completely up to you. You can arrange this by emailing Sorcha McCabe at sorcha@ruralarts.org or by leaving an answerphone message on the main telephone number – 01845 526 536.
2. Craft Packs – Rural Arts believes is really important that people can stay creative during this time. They are posting workshops on their Facebook page every Wednesday. Now they are offering to send craft packs, containing a wide range of materials and instructions, and a link to a video for participants to watch and follow. These would be completely free and the contents will depend on what materials are available and can be easily posted, but might include origami, collage, printing, drawing, painting, textiles and calligraphy. To sign up to receive one of these, follow this link and fill out the form: https://bit.ly/CraftPackHC If you don’t use the internet, please leave a message on the answerphone – 01845 526 536 – and it will be sorted for you.
3. Online Exhibition – Rural Arts was due to have its first Hearts and Crafts exhibition from the 7th – 14th May but it had to be postponed due to the pandemic. There’s still a commitment to having a ‘real life’ exhibition at The Courthouse, Thirsk once things return to normal, but for now there are plans for an online exhibition to try and create a feeling of togetherness, even though everyone’s still apart. So the organisers are asking interested parties to submit one piece of work that’s either: something they’re particularly proud of creating over the last year or a piece of work created that responds to the theme ‘The World In Which We Are Living’. This could be lots of things – the view from your window, a portrait of loved ones, or a representation of something that makes you hopeful or happy during this time. You can submit as much or as little information about the work as they want, and it can be submitted anonymously if they would like. Simply take a picture of your work and email it to sorcha@ruralarts.org by Monday 29th June. It’s hoped the works can be exhibited from Monday 13th July to Sunday 26th July (Subject to change).

Bin Collections

• Hambleton – collections are now back to normal – recycling and green bins Thursday 4 June, refuse Monday 8 June.

• Harrogate – collections are now back to normal – refuse Monday 1 June, garden waste 4 June and recycling Monday 8 June.

Roll of Honour

This week the following people have been added to the villages’ Roll of Honour:

• Richard Byas of Topcliffe as an acknowledgement of his unstinting effort on behalf of parishioners.

• Donna Fleming of Alanbrooke Barracks for coming up with the idea and helping organise the Bags2School recycling event and fundraiser.

Topcliffe Post Office

John Mulley has announced that the Post Office will go back to normal opening hours from tomorrow (Monday 1 June). Social distancing rules will still be in place. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed. Tel: 01845 577517.

Chip n’ Dales

Paul and Karen Bumby will be back in Topcliffe serving their fish & chip suppers next Friday between 5 to 7.30pm. Customers are pleased ask to adhere to social distancing with only one person at a time at the counter. They are still not taking advance or telephone orders.

Thirsk Garden Centre Now Open

The garden centre is now open Monday – Saturday 10am -5pm. The later start time is to allow staff time to stock up the shelves and water the plants before the public arrive. The online contactless Click and Collect service Monday – Friday is continuing for customers who would prefer not to enter the centre. The coffee shop and Edinburgh Woollen Mill Clothing remain closed. Toilets are closed to customers. Strict social distancing guidelines apply, along with a one-way system. The number of people in the centre at any one time will be limited, so it is possible customers may have to queue. At the till you will be asked to park your trolley and then move back two metres so the member of staff can scan the items in the trolley. Trolleys will be sanitised between uses. Staff will be on hand to help answer any questions and explain how the new system works. Card and contactless payments only at this time.

Just Plants

Just Plants (Thirsk) is a new retail business selling high quality bedding and perennial plants produced on-site by one of the UK’s leading growers. They offer garden plants for all seasons and will be open weekends 10am-4pm for the next few months. They’re located at the A19 towards York, just outside Thirsk. Email contact@justplantsthirsk.co.uk or phone 07375 352737

Opening times for Local Shops (please note, there are changes in this section since last week)

This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy, Post Office and other outlets in our area. It includes opening times, and it priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known.

• Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay – take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your

address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. tel: 07743 870205.

• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.

• Boots Pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.

• Boots Pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.

• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk

• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.

• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.

• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.

• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.

• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.

• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.

• Kristinas Gift Shop, Thirsk will deliver to Topcliffe a range of ethical, Fair Trade and sustainable products, including washing up liquid, hand wash and laundry liquid. The range is eco, vegan and cruelty free. There’s also

a range of gifts – from baby clothes to homeware. Deliveries on an evening or a Saturday or Sunday. Call 01845 574573, email kristinas@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website at www.kristinas.co.uk

• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – orders for milkshakes and cakes must be in by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.

• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am. Morrison’s offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to

vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5

to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.

• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.

• Occasions, Thirsk – an independent card and gift store is operating through their online website offering a wonderful selection of gifts, homewares and cards. Gifts by Joma Jewellery, Ashleigh and Burwood, Inis

fragrance to name but a few. Secure online payment with free delivery. Contact on 07946 404492, via Facebook, by email to occasionthirsk@btconnect.com, or online at www.occasions2celebrate.co.uk

• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS

and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.

• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Thirsk Garden Centre is now open for click & collect. Orders taken on their webshop – www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk Staff will ring you to confirm day and time to collect from their car park. Operating days initially are

Monday to Friday. Any orders taken over the weekend period will be picked on Monday and we will ring you to arrange collection Monday/Tuesday.

• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.

• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.

If you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.

Take Away Food (please note, there are some changes in this section since last week)

• Bagels & Bakes, Kirkgate, Thirsk – takeaway open from 10am for bagels, salads, coffees, ice cream milkshakes, smoothies. Friday is Burger Night 5-8pm. Pre order only on 07989 753420.

• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.

• Bianco Ristorante, Thirsk – takeaways, 4-9pm Wednesday to Sunday. Pizza, pasta, burgers and chicken are available. NHS workers have 10% discount on production of ID. Order online by Messenger at

m.me/biancothirsk or phone 01904 412405.

• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584

633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.

• Fantinos Italian, Sowerby – takeaway wood oven pizzas available on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 9pm. Italian beers and wines also available. For menu check them out on Facebook and Instagram or call 01845

523655.

• Grand India, Long St, Thirsk – takeaway service 6 to 11pm every day. 01845 526917 / 526866

• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333

• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.

• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777

• Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk is offering take aways and deliveries – 01845 524265. There is a 50% discount for NHS and emergency worker staff who can provide ID.

• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331

• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of take away meals on offer.

• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website

at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk

• Uno Momento, Thirsk – takeaway pasta, pizza, chicken, burgers and more. 4-10pm. Card payment only. Message Facebook page to order or call 01845 591777.

• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm

• White Horse Café – Fish & chips – open Monday to Friday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 8pm, and Saturday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 7.30pm.

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.

• 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

• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about

leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.

• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown enroute to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.

• Freecycle Stall – every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more.

Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handling the items.

• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) co-ordinate volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.

• Asenby Village Trails have been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.

• Asenby Bus Shelter Library – has become a ‘community hub’ with village library and games exchange. Please note that users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.

• Heather Allon organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.

• Sowerby Waste Site – Only for the disposal of waste that is a risk to be kept at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).

That’s all until next Sunday. Try to stay at home. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Hi

Welcome to this week’s Sunday email – the 8th edition since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As restrictions on our movements ease up and we gradually begin to return to some form of ‘normal’, the need for a weekly email is likely to reduce and it may be sensible to have a fortnightly or “as required” message. It’s difficult to tell exactly what will be needed but I’ll keep the Sunday Email’s future under review.

There’ll definitely be a Sunday email next week, so If you have any information that you would like me to include please feel free to contact me.

Doug

07785 223707

Coronavirus tests open to everyone over 5 years of age

Anyone over the age of five with symptoms of coronavirus can now ask for a test to check if they have the virus. This is called an antigen test. (Note: another type of test (antibody test) that checks if you’ve already had the virus is not available yet).

You can ask for a test – for yourself or for someone you live with if you or they have coronavirus symptoms. If you’re asking for a test for someone else and the person is aged 13 or over, you must check they’re happy for you to ask for a test for them.

When to ask for a test – you need to have the test in the first 5 days of having symptoms but it’s best to ask for the test in the first 3 days, as it may take a day or two to arrange.

What the test involves – the test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.

Will I get a test? – there is a very high demand for tests at the moment. People in hospital and essential workers, including NHS and social care staff, are getting priority. Even if you are successful in requesting a test, you might not get one. It depends on how many tests are available each day in different parts of the country.

How do I ask for a test? – you can ask for a test online. You will be asked how you want to get the test – you may be able to choose between driving to a regional testing site or getting a home test kit. You’ll also be asked to provide details such as your name, mobile telephone number and address.

Important – please help the NHS and only ask for a test if you or someone you live with has symptoms now. These are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Remember – no symptoms=no test. If you have symptoms, apply for a test at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

Essential workers have different arrangements. See www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers

Bags2School – bring out your textiles for recycling

As mentioned in the special mid-week message last Thursday, Topcliffe Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups, who in normal times are regular users of the hall, have joined forces to organise a ‘Bags2School’ recycling event. Residents of our two villages are encouraged to have a cupboard and wardrobe sort out and bag items that they are prepared to donate. On this occasion we won’t be delivering bags to every house – please just use black bags.

The earliest date we have been able to get from the collecting company is Wednesday 10 June. On that day please deliver your bags to the village hall garden between 9am and 12 noon. We’ll also provide home collections for any elderly or vulnerable resident in self-isolation or lockdown – ring Doug Allan on 07785 223707 to request a pick up. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups.

Start sorting now! 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 Tuesday 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday). Back to normal collection the following week – recycling and green bins Thursday 4 June, refuse Monday 8 June.

• Harrogate (Asenby) – recycling Tuesday 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday). Back to normal collection the following week – refuse Monday 1 June, garden waste 4 June and recycling Monday 8 June.

Asenby Bus Stop

It’s funny how a bus stop can become the centre of a village, but that’s exactly what has happened in Asenby. The village’s only bus shelter has always had notice boards but since the start of the pandemic it has become a ‘community hub’, a place where lots of other things happen too. The village library and games exchange has been a remarkable success, so much so that it has outgrown the bookcase installed and now the search is on for extra storage facilities. Heather Alon, one of the organisers said: “I’d like to offer a massive thank you to all the wonderful people in Asenby for their overwhelming contribution of books, including children’s books, games and jigsaws. Everyone’s been just amazing. It has been a fantastic success, so much so that we need another small bookcase, so if anyone has one that could be borrowed, please get in touch.”

Please note that users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.

Heather Allon also organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.

Yorkshire Vet special

The Peter Wright story will be on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 26 May at 8pm.

Richard’s Pew Sheet

Since the retirement of the Vicar, Susanne Jukes, at the end of April the Richard Byas has bravely and uncomplainingly taken some of the roles that make the local Benefice, which includes four parishes, tick over. As Reader of the Benefice, Richard normally supports the Vicar, but now he is having to take the lead and help congregations at Topcliffe, Baldersby, Skipton-on-Swale and Dalton churches.

Richard is licenced to preach and lead non-Eucharistic services, but he now has to work harder than any would have expected to provide a focus for the church during the Covid-19 pandemic. As churches are not allowed to open for services, Richard produces a weekly publication called ‘Pew Sheet’ which he prepares and circulates to all to all churchgoers in the Benefice. Initially this provided a prayer and two or three readings for the upcoming Sunday, together with a homily or reflection on those. But in the last few weeks the Pew Sheet has expanded to include thoughts, poems, pictures, recipes and useful sources to look at in books and on the internet.

Richard is more than happy to add anyone interested in receiving a copy to his regular Thursday mailing – email at richard@sandhillvet.co.uk He has also set up a network to deliver hard copies to those who do not have internet access, so ring 01845 578710 to be added to his list.

Topcliffe and Asenby Tidy Ups

In Topcliffe regular Tidy Up days are held so that villagers can help keep the village clean and tidy. On the last few tidy up days teams of volunteers of all ages from 4 to 80 have made a massive impact and their efforts have been widely welcomed. Unfortunately plans for a recent tidy up event had to be shelved due to the Coronavirus pandemic and it could be sometime before working parties can again tackle problem areas.

In Asenby, there are normally a couple of litter picks each year, but again because of the pandemic, it hasn’t been possible to hold one recently. Both Parish Councils have endeavoured to maintain their grass cutting operations, but neither Hambleton or Harrogate councils have been able to maintain normal maintenance operations, including street sweeping. So here’s an idea. Let’s all take some responsibility for the stretch of pavement and gully outside our own house and property. A bit of weeding and a quick sweep every now and again will make a massive difference and we’ll all feel better for seeing our villages looking spic and span.

Roll of Honour

This week the following people have been added to the villages’ Roll of Honour:

• Richard Byas of Topcliffe as an acknowledgement of his unstinting effort on behalf of parishioners.
• Donna Fleming of Alanbrooke Barracks for coming up with the idea and helping organise the Bags2School recycling event and fundraiser.

Thirsk Garden Centre is now open for click & collect

Although under the government’s rules, it would now be allowed to open, Thirsk Garden Centre will not be physically opening its doors for public access just yet. To start off with, they have launched a non-contact click and collect service with orders only taken on their webshop – www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk Once orders have been taken, staff will ring you to confirm day and time to collect from their car park (they are aiming to have orders within two days). Operating days initially are Monday to Friday. Any orders taken over the weekend period will be picked on Monday and we will ring you to arrange collection Monday/Tuesday. They are operating in this way to protect their team and customers and to give the centre plenty of time to prepare its store for social distancing.

Northdale Horticulture

Northdale will be open to customers from tomorrow, Monday 25 May, with restrictions on the number of cars allowed in and strict social distancing. www.northdale.org.uk

Chip n’ Dales

Paul and Karen Bumby apologise to customers who were disappointed that they had to cancel last Friday’s session in Topcliffe due to a vehicle problem. But they’ll be back next Friday between 5 to 7.30pm to serve their tasty fish & Chips. For the time being, there’ll be no advance or telephone orders.

Herbs Unlimited – Pop-Up Shop

This pop up shop has visited Topcliffe and Asenby on the last three Thursdays and enjoyed some great business supplying fruit and veg boxes, herbs and plants. They’ll be back this coming week – 28 May – at 10am in Topcliffe (near the Post Office) and 11am in Asenby (near bus stop).

Opening times for Local Shops (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy, Post Office and other outlets in our area. It includes opening times, and it priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known. It’s possible that times may change on the Bank Holiday (25 May).

• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.

• Boots Pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.

• Boots Pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.

• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk

• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.

• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.

• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.

• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.

• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.

• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.

• Kristinas Gift Shop, Thirsk will deliver to Topcliffe a range of ethical, Fair Trade and sustainable products, including washing up liquid, hand wash and laundry liquid. The range is eco, vegan and cruelty free. There’s also

a range of gifts – from baby clothes to homeware. Deliveries on an evening or a Saturday or Sunday. Call 01845 574573, email kristinas@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website at www.kristinas.co.uk

• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – orders for milkshakes and cakes must be in by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.

• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am. Morrison’s offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to

vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5

to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.

• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.

• Occasions, Thirsk – an independent card and gift store is operating through their online website offering a wonderful selection of gifts, homewares and cards. Gifts by Joma Jewellery, Ashleigh and Burwood, Inis

fragrance to name but a few. Secure online payment with free delivery. Contact on 07946 404492, via Facebook, by email to occasionthirsk@btconnect.com, or online at www.occasions2celebrate.co.uk

• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS

and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.

• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.

• Topcliffe Post Office, Long Street, Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.

If you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.

Take Away Food (please note, there are some changes in this section since last week)

A whole host of food companies continue to provide ‘take aways’ and deliveries. Here’s a few that residents have recommended:

• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.

• Bianco Ristorante, Thirsk – takeaways, 4 to 9pm Wednesday to Sunday. Pizza, pasta, burgers and chicken are available. NHS workers have 10% discount on production of ID. Order online by Messenger at

m.me/biancothirsk or phone 01904 412405.

• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584

633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.

• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333

• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.

• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777

• Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk is offering take aways and deliveries – 01845 524265. There is a 50% discount for NHS and emergency worker staff who can provide ID.

• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331

• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of take away meals on offer.

• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website

at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk

• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm

• White Horse Café – Fish & chips – open Monday to Friday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 8pm, and Saturday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 7.30pm.

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.

• 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

• Topcliffe Post Office – John Mulley is maintaining services at the PO, though he has restricted opening times and introduced social distancing rules. The PO (01845 577517) continues to operate post offices services, as

well as the sale of newspapers and the usual product lines. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about

leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.

• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown enroute to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.

• Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay – take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your

address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. tel: 07743 870205.

• Freecycle Stall – every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more.

Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handling the items.

• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) co-ordinate volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.

• Asenby Village Trails have been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.

• Sowerby Waste Site – Only for the disposal of waste that is a risk to be kept at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).

Clapping for our heroes

Last Thursday was the 9th consecutive week of clapping to show support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers. The public demonstration of support is a massive tribute to their selfless commitment. There’ll be another clapping next Thursday evening at 8pm.

That’s all until next Sunday. Try to stay at home. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Hi

Welcome to this week’s Sunday email. There continues to be lots of information and news to share with you all.

If you have any information that you would like me to include in next Sunday’s email please feel free to contact me.

Doug

07785 223707

Latest Government Advice

The new government slogan is: Stay Alert; Control the Virus: Help Save Lives. The government states we can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly
• definitely stay at home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

The new rules are too long and complicated to include in this newsletter, but you can see exactly what you can and can’t do by visiting this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Thinking about the end game

For a few weeks now there has been a bit of background noise about how the end of Covid-19 should be celebrated. Chat has ranged from a do in the village hall to a garden party to beat all garden parties on Topcliffe playing field. The latter idea seems to be getting the most support but others may have additional ideas to throw in the melting pot. Nobody can be sure when a party of any kind will be able to take place but that doesn’t stop us all thinking about it…and even setting things in motion one day soon. There’s no organiser in charge of this idea…and nor should it fall on any one individual, whoever that may be, do all the work. Maybe sometime fairly soon a small group of interested residents could come together – virtually, if necessary – and start to put some thoughts together. Any takers?

Fantastic scrubs effort

I thought you would all like to hear about the total tally of items the North Yorkshire Scrubs teams, including those in Topcliffe and Asenby, have made and presented to local hospitals, including The Friarage, Harrogate General and James Cook. The figures just released are: scrubs 1,350, hats 282, scrub bags 1,800, headbands 60, era-savers 30 and eye masks 1,515. Well done everyone who has contributed to this marvellous effort.

Bin Collections

All bin collections across Topcliffe and Asenby are back to normal this week but look out for a further alteration Bank Holiday week at the end of the month.

• Hambleton (Topcliffe) – Thursday 21 May, recycling and green bins: Tuesday 26 May, refuse (note change because of Bank Holiday).

• Harrogate (Asenby) – refuse on Monday 18 May; green waste on Thursday, 21 May and then recycling on Tuesday, 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday).

The Lockdown Memory Album

The fact that Joanne Brierley, a professional photographer living in Topcliffe, has been actively capturing images of families on their doorsteps and in their gardens has been mentioned several times in these Sunday emails.

Joanne thought it would be nice to create something to remind us how well we have coped during Covid-19 and how we celebrated VE Day. Her album has now been published on Top Residents and the result is brilliant. Hopefully the presentation will feature in a photographic presentation at an event in the village hall after the virus is subdued. You can message Joanna via Top Residents on Facebook or call her on 07732 941758 if you are interested in being included in her community album. By contacting her you are agreeing that any photographs she takes can be published as described.

A168 roadworks – between Thirsk and Topcliffe

Essential resurfacing works on the A168 Trunk Road between A167 Topcliffe and B1448 Warren Farm are continuing each night between 8pm and 6am. Signed diversions are in place. The southbound carriageway of the A168 will be closed to main through southbound traffic between the A19/A170 interchange at Thirsk and the A167 Interchange at Topcliffe. Local traffic is directed along the A170 into Thirsk and then west along the A61 to the Busby Stoop roundabout. Traffic can re-enter the A168 southbound at Asenby. The work should be completed this coming week.

Sowerby Waste Site – opening hours

The Household Recycling Centre at Sowerby is now open…but just for the disposal of waste that is a risk to be kept at home. It should only be used if absolutely necessary and where waste materials cannot be stored safely at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).

Northdale Horticulture

I have been asked to extend a big thank you to everyone who ordered plants from Northdale. There was a terrific response locally and your support has helped ensure that a good deal of this year’s stock has been sold, despite the lockdown. Northdale will be open to customers from Monday 25 May, with restrictions on the number of cars allowed in and strict social distancing.

Chip n’ Dales

Paul and Karen Bumby will be back next Friday between 5 to 7.30pm to serve their tasty fish & Chips. For the time being, there’ll be no advance or telephone orders.

Kindness

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 18 to 24 May. The theme is ‘kindness’ and the main focus will be to push for wider community support for people severely affected by mental illness.

The dangers associated with Isolation and lockdown may well have a significant impact on the mental health of some people. If you want any advice during this period go to: www.mentalhealth.org.uk , www.nhs.uk/Mental/Health or www.mind.org

Access to footpaths on farmland

I think some people have puzzled over notices that have been put up restricting access to farmland at various points along the road from Asenby towards Rainton. The notices state that this is private land and access is prohibited. Permissive walking rights were removed in 2018 so walkers have no rights of access. However, the notice goes on to state that permission to walk during the pandemic will be granted to those wishing to take exercise, but only if approval is sought by calling David, the farmer. I have been walking those fields and I have found the walks most enjoyable, so I was surprised when the notices first went up. But I called David and asked why he had posted them and was upset to hear that he had witnessed all sorts of activity that is totally unacceptable, like dog walkers throwing balls into the crops for their dogs to retrieve, bikers riding into crops, walkers cutting across fields regardless of the crops…and of course, the usual problems of litter and dog poo. So David is reacting to unreasonable behaviour and who can blame him? The good news is, that if you ring David and seek permission to walk the paths, he will grant it if he is happy that you will act responsibly.

Herbs Unlimited – Pop-Up Shop

This pop up shop has visited Topcliffe and Asenby on the last two Thursdays and enjoyed some great business supplying fruit and veg boxes, herbs and plants. The good news is that Herbs Unlimited will be back this coming week – 21 May – at 10am in Topcliffe (near the Post Office) and 11am in Asenby (near bus stop).

Opening times for Local Shops (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy, Post Office and other outlets in our area. It includes opening times, and it priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known. It’s possible that times may change on the Bank Holiday (25 May).

• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.

• Boots Pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.

• Boots Pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.

• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk

• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com. Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.

• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.

• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.

• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.

• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.

• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.

• Kristinas Gift Shop, Thirsk will deliver to Topcliffe a range of ethical, Fair Trade and sustainable products, including washing up liquid, hand wash and laundry liquid. The range is eco, vegan and cruelty free. There’s also

a range of gifts – from baby clothes to homeware. Deliveries on an evening or a Saturday or Sunday. Call 01845 574573, email kristinas@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website at www.kristinas.co.uk

• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – orders for milkshakes and cakes must be in by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.

• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am. Morrison’s offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to

vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5

to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.

• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.

• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS

and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.

• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.

• Topcliffe Post Office, Long Street, Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.

If you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.

Take Away Food (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

A whole host of food companies continue to provide ‘take aways’ and deliveries. Here’s a few that residents have recommended:

• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.

• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584

633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com. Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.

• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333

• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.

• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777

• Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk is offering take aways and deliveries – 01845 524265

• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331

• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of take away meals on offer.

• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website

at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk

• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm

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.

• 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

• Topcliffe Post Office – John Mulley is maintaining services at the PO, though he has restricted opening times and introduced social distancing rules. The PO (01845 577517) continues to operate post offices services, as

well as the sale of newspapers and the usual product lines. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about

leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.

• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown enroute to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.

• Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay – take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your

address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. tel: 07743 870205.

• Northdale Horticulture, a Northallerton-based charity that provides training for people with learning difficulties, is providing a ‘mail order’ service. There will be a deliver to Topcliffe and Asenby, probably clumping

orders together. Their web address is www.northdale.org.uk where you can check out what’s available. The site has separate lists of different types of plants (these change as plants sell out!) and an order form too,

which you can print off, complete and email to northdalehort@aol.com

• Freecycle Stall – every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more.

Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handling the items.

• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• The Asenby bus stop library continues to be very popular. Villagers are welcome to borrow or supply books. Users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.

• Asenby resident, Heather Allon, organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.

• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) co-ordinate volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.

• A range of Asenby Village Trails has been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.

Clapping for our heroes

Last Thursday was the 8th consecutive week of clapping to show support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers. The public demonstration of support is a massive tribute to their selfless commitment. There’ll be another clapping next Thursday evening at 8pm. But please, no fireworks as it upsets and traumatises our pets.

That’s all until next Sunday. Stay at home (preferably). But if not, stay alert, keep safe and keep well.

Hi

Welcome to this week’s Sunday email. There continues to be lots of information and news to share with you all.

Congratulations to everyone who got involved in Friday’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The Coronavirus prevented us from celebrating this important event in the way we originally planned, but as usual the people of Topcliffe and Asenby were determined to make the most of the day: they created a celebration that appropriately remembered the heroes of the Second World War and then partied into the night. It was a wonderful effort all round and the day will long be remembered as a very special anniversary.

If you have any information that you would like me to include in next Sunday’s email please feel free to contact me. Continue to stay well and stay safe.

Doug

07785 223707

Latest Government Advice

After seven weeks of advice stating that we must stay at home it is now apparent that we are getting some freedoms…but not too many and not too soon! Tonight, the Prime Minister will set out the roadmap to easing the restrictions we face but it’s clear the government will proceed with "maximum caution" and immediate changes will be "modest, small, incremental and very carefully monitored”. Media pundits are speculating that some workers will be encouraged to return to work, garden centres will be allowed to reopen and that some relaxation of the time allowed for and the form of exercise will be given. However, the crucial message will be about ensuring that the country doesn’t waste all past effort and risk a second spike in the disease. The government’s announcement will be live at 7pm on BBC One.

‘Hear to Help’ support line to help with anxiety around COVID-19

Just ‘B’, a service operated by Saint Michael’s Hospice and Herriot Hospice Homecare, has launched a helpline to provide support and advice to those who are feeling anxious or struggling with their emotional wellbeing as a result of Covid-19. ‘Hear to Help’ is available between 8am-8pm, seven days a week, and is staffed by specialist support workers. Anyone needing a moment to talk should call 01423 856 799. Calls are charged at local rates and may vary dependent on the time of day or even be included within call packages. Saint Michael’s Chief Executive Tony Collins said: “We know the current, ever-changing situation is very stressful and emotionally draining for many. As a charity committed to helping local people with their emotional wellbeing and mental health, we are here to give people space and time to talk through their anxieties and be listened to. This service has been set up to help our local community and we hope it may also relieve some of the pressures on our colleagues in the NHS.”

North Yorkshire Police Report

During the week I watched a live virtual meeting with leaders of North Yorkshire CC and the Police talking about the response to the Coronavirus pandemic and discussing how they are going about their duties. I was particularly interested in what the spokespersons for North Yorkshire Police had to say about unnecessary journeys, fines and crime. In a nutshell, the police are following the four Es – Engage, Explain, Encourage (people to go home) and Enforce. It was stated that over 500 fines have now been issued to people, particularly drivers, who have been found to have made unnecessary journeys, such as to beauty spots and to take exercise. This means they are among the top 6 forces for dishing out fines. It was reported that large volumes of traffic have been identified in our national parks and particularly at places like Sheep Wash near Osmotherley and Mallam Cove. Car parks have been full and cars have overflowed on to adjacent roads. All of this is totally unacceptable and drivers have been told to go home. It was suggested that peoples’ perception and tolerance to the rules has begun to change and too many are beginning to ignore them. Again this is not acceptable – the rules apply to everyone. The Police’s advice remains crystal clear – exercise near your home. Do not make long journeys unless it’s an

emergency.

Interestingly, the police report a large increase in the number of cycling accidents and plenty of injuries caused by riders not wearing proper safety equipment, or riding bikes that are in a poor state mechanically. Cyclists are tending to go for longer rides than they should – the rules are for one hour of exercise – and they are often seen ignoring social distancing rules – keeping 1.5m apart.

Finally, I was amazed to hear that since lockdown started, 500 stop and searches have been carried out and 132 arrests related to drugs have been made, both of local people and those travelling to North Yorkshire from elsewhere to carry out their despicable trade. The public have assisted in reporting suspicious behaviour and we are asked to continue to contact the police if we have suspicions about any activity.

Bin Collections…

All bin collections across Topcliffe and Asenby will be back to normal from tomorrow but look out for a further alteration at the end of the month.

• Hambleton (Topcliffe) – the schedule for the next couple of weeks is – Monday, 11 May, refuse; Thursday 21 May, recycling and green bins: Tuesday 26 May, refuse (note change because of Bank Holiday).
• Harrogate (Asenby) – recycling will be collected on Monday 11 May; refuse on Monday 18 May; green waste on Thursday, 21 May and then recycling on Tuesday, 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday).

…and applause for our binmen

Last week Dovecote Mews residents placed a “thank you very much” message on a line of bins across the cul-de-sac as a way of thanking our refuse collectors for their dedication and commitment throughout the pandemic.

VE day Celebrations were a big hit

Many residents held “Stay at Home Street Parties” last Friday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. There were picnics and BBQs in gardens and many houses were decorated in red, white and blue. Residents observed a two-minute silence at 11am and later many watched The Queen’s televised address to the nation and sang songs from the war years, including a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s classic We’ll Meet Again. It may have been a party in isolation, but it certainly went with a swing.

Louise – the catering superstar

Louise Bumby, who has been a catering star for elderly and vulnerable residents throughout this pandemic, excelled herself last Friday by supplying 105 mouth-watering afternoon teas to families celebrating VE Day in Asenby and Topcliffe. In lieu of a charge Louise asked for donations to Help for Heroes and she was over the moon to raise around £1,000. (see the acknowledgements below).

On Facebook, Louise said: “My final words are from the heart. Life is tough at present but if we all work together and help one another where we can we will come out at the other side stronger and more determined than before. We British never give in and one day we will put the Great back into Britain.”

The Lockdown Memory Album

Hello everyone. My name is Joanne Brierley and I am a professional photographer and I live in Topcliffe. I thought it will be nice to have a little something to remind us how well we have coped during this strange time and I came up with the idea of creating a photo album for our community. It will be something we can keep in our chronicles and cherish through generations. I have taken photographs over recent weeks and particularly last Friday as Asenby and Topcliffe were celebrating VE Day. I walked the villages and took many photographs of families on their doorsteps or partying in their front gardens. All these images will be published on Top Residents and hopefully in a photographic exhibition after the virus is subdued. I’m still happy to take photos of families, so If you are interested, please send me a message via Top Residents on Facebook. By contacting me you are agreeing that any photographs I take can be published as described. Let’s stay positive. We can do it together.

More good deeds acknowledged

The roll of honour recognising the good deeds of villagers during the pandemic continues this week. All names on the list from this and previous weeks will be saved in case there’s an opportunity to say a collective thank you at an appropriate event once the crisis is over. So continue to let me have your nominations.

• This is a second mention for catering star, Lousie Bumby, who on VE Day provided amazing afternoon teas for 105 villagers at over 50 households in Asenby and Topcliffe.

• Chris Bumby, Jenny Bumby and Lynn Wallis who gave up a substantial part of their day to deliver Louise’s afternoon teas to villagers in Topcliffe and Asenby. And to Wendy Jefferies, Florence Bumby, Aron Bumby and

Millie Hird, his girlfriend, who helped Louise prepare the food.

• Debbie Eames who supplied the chocolate eclairs for Louise’s afternoon teas.

• To Kieran Young in Asenby and everyone else who ordered teas from Louise and made a donation to Help for Heroes.

• To Topcliffe Parish Council for agreeing to make a contribution towards Louise Bumby’s costs of supplying meals throughout the pandemic.

• Joanne Brierley in recognition of her photographic efforts to record the community during lockdown and on VE Day.

• Kevin Young for taking the time to put on his full-dress military uniform to perform the Exhortation and lead the two minutes silence in Dovecote Mews on VE Day.

• Nikki, Gary and Samantha Key for selling surplus tomato plants to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

• AND everyone else who decorated their homes and our villages to make the marking of VE Day such a poignant and memorable event. A big THANK YOU to you all.

Farm Shop Plans Approved

Planning approval has been received for our farm shop at 81 Long Street, Topcliffe. It will be named the Milk Churn Farm Shop and will provide fresh meat, fish and vegetables, specialist cheeses and charcuterie…as well as artisan breads and cakes. Customers will be able to order vegetable and meat boxes, as well as weekend boxes for a full English and/or Sunday lunch, any of which will be delivered to local homes, if required. Our aim is to cater for vegetarians, vegans and those requiring gluten free products.

For now, work is progressing well, with social distancing between tradesmen taking priority. First fix electrics have been completed, walls knocked out and steelwork put in place. The plasterer will be in this week, then painting and decoration can begin. There’s no date for opening as yet, but we are extremely busy sourcing suppliers for fresh fruit and veg, fish and meat…all of which will be local.

Debbie Roberts, Kerry Parker and Hannah Alderson

Roadworks around Asenby

North Yorkshire County Council carried out re-surfacing and pot-holing repairs at the southern end of Asenby around the slip roads onto and off the A168 last week. There may still be post-Bank Holiday works ongoing along Cundall Road to Thornton Bridge but everywhere else is now clear.

And proposed works on A168 – between Thirsk and Topcliffe

Autolink, the company responsible for the operation and maintenance of the A168 Trunk Road on behalf of Highways England, will be undertaking essential resurfacing works between A167 Topcliffe and B1448 Warren Farm. The works will be carried out during night time closures of the A168 between the hours of 8pm and 6am and traffic will be required to follow signed diversions. The works will start on the evening of Wednesday 13 May for approximately two weeks. During the works the southbound carriageway of the A168 will be closed to main through southbound traffic between the A19/A170 interchange at Thirsk and the A167 Interchange at Topcliffe. Local traffic will be directed along the A170 into Thirsk and then west along the A61 to the Busby Stoop Roundabout. Local traffic can re-enter the A168 southbound at Asenby. Anyone requiring clarification or further information, should contact Highway Engineer, Tony Smith, at t.smith@srm.com

Sowerby Waste Site Reopens

Last week saw the reopening of the Household Recycling Centre at Sowerby. The county council has stated they would be instantly closed if the site looked like being overwhelmed. The rules in place are:

• To avoid overcrowding there’ll be a queuing system for vehicles.
• There will be a cut-off point for the queues into the centre so you may be asked to go back at a different time if the queue becomes too long.
• Only one person will be allowed out of the vehicle to dispose of waste to keep the number of people on the site to a minimum.
• To maintain social distancing, staff will not be able to help you dispose of waste so please only take what you can manage yourself.
• Trailers will not be allowed into the centre during this time and commercial waste will not be accepted.
• The normal rules will apply for non-commercial chargeable waste and payments will only be accepted using cards, contactless where possible.
• The government’s guidance on social distancing and staying at least 2m apart at all times, will apply.

NYCC Chief Executive Richard Flinton said that they were reopening sites only so people could dispose of waste that was a risk to be kept at home. He added: “We will be learning lessons from this and how these sites get back up and running. We will be shutting every other bay and have extra staff managing the sites. If the queues get too long we will turn people away and stop them joining the queue. You should only use them if absolutely necessary and waste materials cannot be stored safely at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).

Chippy returns

Paul and Karen Bumby made a welcome return to Topcliffe with their fish and chip van last Friday evening. The van was actually applauded as it arrived in the village and as it was prepared for business, which was really nice. Customers were asked to maintain social distancing rules with only one person at a time at the counter. Paul and Karen will be back next Friday between 5 to 7.30pm. For the time being, there’ll be no advance or telephone orders.

Kristinas Gift Shop, Thirsk

Kristinas shop in Kirkgate is physically closed at the moment but the owners have started delivering goods to people around the area who need it and don’t want to leave home. The shop sells a range of ethical, Fair Trade and sustainable products including washing up liquid, hand wash and laundry liquid. Normally the shop does refills but that’s not possible at the moment. However, pre-filled containers are now available. The range is eco, vegan and cruelty free. Kristinas also provides a range of gifts – from baby clothes to homeware – and will deliver to your home on an evening or a Saturday or Sunday. Call 01845 574573, email kristinas@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website at www.kristinas.co.uk

Herbs Unlimited – Pop-Up Shop

I know lots of residents visited the pop up shop when it visited Topcliffe and Asenby last week. I know this because I was talking to the guy who ran it and he told me he had virtually sold out! Well the good news is that Herbs Unlimited will be back this coming week – 14 May – at 10am in Topcliffe (near the Post Office) and 11am in Asenby (near bus stop). It will be selling salad boxes, veg boxes, plants and herbs.

Local shop opening times (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy and Post Office opening times, including priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known. It’s possible that times may change on the Bank Holiday (25 May). If you’ve anything to add or correct please email me – doug@dougallan.co.uk

• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS

and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.

• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.

• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.

• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.

• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am.

• Boots pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.

• Boots pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.

• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.

• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.

• Topcliffe Post Office, Long Street, Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

Shopping pick-ups and deliveries (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

Morrison’s continue to offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5 to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.

Other local home delivery services include:

• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk

• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com. Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.

• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.

• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.

• K E Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.

• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – orders for milkshakes and cakes must be in by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.

• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.

Preferred method of payment for most dealers is by card over the telephone when ordering.

If you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.

Take Away Food (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)

A whole host of food companies continue to provide ‘take aways’ and deliveries. Here’s a few that residents have recommended:

• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.

• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584

633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com. Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.

• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333

• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.

• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777

• Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk has now reopened and is offering take aways and deliveries.

• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331

• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of meals on offer.

• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website

at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk

• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm

It’s likely lots more food outlets will be reopening this week and offering both ‘take aways’ and deliveries. Check details on the internet or Facebook.

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

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

• 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

• Isolation and lockdown may well have a significant impact on the mental health of some people. If you want any advice during this period go to: www.mentalhealth.org.uk , www.nhs.uk/Mental/Health or

www.mind.org.uk

• Topcliffe Post Office – John Mulley is maintaining services at the PO, though he has restricted opening times and introduced social distancing rules. The PO (01845 577517) continues to operate post offices services, as

well as the sale of newspapers and the usual product lines. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about

leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.

• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown enroute to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.

• Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay – take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your

address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. tel: 07743 870205.

• Northdale Horticulture, a Northallerton-based charity that provides training for people with learning difficulties, is providing a ‘mail order’ service. There will be a deliver to Topcliffe and Asenby, probably clumping

orders together. Their web address is www.northdale.org.uk where you can check out what’s available. The site has separate lists of different types of plants (these change as plants sell out!) and an order form too,

which you can print off, complete and email to northdalehort@aol.com

• Freecycle Stall – every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more.

Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handling the items.

• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• The Asenby bus stop library continues to be very popular. Villagers are welcome to borrow or supply books. Users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.

• Asenby resident, Heather Allon, organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.

• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) co-ordinate volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.

• A range of Asenby Village Trails has been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.

Clapping for our heroes

Last Thursday was the 7th consecutive week of clapping to show support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers. The public demonstration of support is a massive tribute to their selfless commitment. There’ll be another clapping next Thursday evening at 8pm. But please, no fireworks as it upsets and traumatises our pets.

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

Hi

Welcome to this week’s Sunday email. I hope that you are happy with what you read. If you have any information that you would like me to include in next Sunday’s email please feel free to contact me.

Stay at home, stay well and stay safe.

Doug

07785 223707

Staying at home continues to be the key to defeating the virus

After at least five weeks of lockdown there are signs that an easing of the stay at home policy may be on the cards. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK is “past the peak” of the Coronavirus outbreak, but has stressed that the country must not risk a second spike. An announcement is scheduled on Thursday, the day the current extended restrictions end. Who knows what the future holds for us all, but it’s looking as though some social distancing will be needed until at least the end of the year to prevent fresh outbreaks of coronavirus. Interestingly, research this week shows that 60% of people feel much safer and more secure under lockdown and they will be very reluctant to go back to normal too quickly. No doubt, there’ll be more to report next Sunday.

Have you signed up to help with COVID-19 research?

In the last email I provided information about research that scientists at King’s College London are undertaking to identify how fast the Coronavirus is spreading and who is most at risk, locally and nationally. It’s one of the most clinically detailed studies being undertaken in the world and you can be part of it, along with over 2.5 million people who have already sign up. All you have to do is download an app and report in each day. It takes less than 30 seconds. With your help the scientists will be able to better understand the national picture – how the disease presents itself to different people and how it progresses. No information you share will be used for commercial purposes. Download at: Android: https://tinyurl.com/wd5sspr, iPhone/iPad: https://tinyurl.com/vrhbpb4

NHS Volunteer Responders

If you require help from a Volunteer Responders you can find out more by looking at the website: https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal

If you meet the necessary criteria and need help collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies or just want a telephone ‘check in and chat’ to help prevent loneliness, please call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm).

Two local volunteers are on hand to help but so far have not had any formal alerts. But they are prepared to assist villagers with or without an official alert. They are Mary Manning of Topcliffe (07776 531415) and Charlie Halshaw from Asenby (07768 664780). They can help with: • delivering medicines from pharmacies • driving patients to appointments (non-wheelchair only) • bringing patients home from hospital (non-wheelchair only)

• making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home • transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS.

Final Reminder: Bank Holiday Bin Collections…and applause for our binmen

All bin collections across Topcliffe and Asenby will be affected by the changes in this year’s May Day bank holiday. The bank holiday has been moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to coincide with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), which marks the 75th anniversary of the formal end of World War II. In Hambleton (Topcliffe) collections during the week will move forward one day, so recycling and garden waste will be on Wednesday 6 May. In Harrogate (Asenby) refuse will be collected on Monday 4 May and garden waste on Thursday 7 May.

News of residents of Stokesley applauding their refuse collection team this week has prompted Dovecote Mews residents to do similar. They’ll be sticking a “thank you” message on the bins and greeting the binmen when they visit on Wednesday 6 May. It would be wonderful if other residents of Topcliffe joined in on the day.

VE Day – Friday, 8 May 2020

It’s understood that quite a few residents are planning “Stay at Home Street Parties” on Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. There appears to be enthusiastic support for the idea of celebrating by picnicking in gardens and decorating houses in red, white and blue. Party time is 4 ‘til 6pm, but no doubt some will want to extend on these hours.

Armed forces charity Royal British Legion has launched a “Tommy in the Window” campaign aimed at encouraging everyone to put a specially-designed figure of a soldier in a window. It would be nice to see our two villages really making an effort to make this an anniversary to remember.

Here’s an image that can be easily copied by anyone wishing to support the campaign.

Nationally, there’ll be a moment of Remembrance at 11am with a two-minute silence and it would be nice if everyone would stand on their front doorstep for this.

There’ll be a “Toast to the Heroes of World War 2” at 3pm when everyone is invited to watch a famous Winston Churchill speech on the BBC and simultaneously toast our war heroes. And at 9pm, the exact moment her father, King George V1, gave a radio address 75 years ago, The Queen will commemorate the occasion with a televised address to the nation. This will be broadcast on the BBC and afterwards there’ll be songs from the war years and a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s classic We’ll Meet Again, which everyone is invited to join in and sing. Here are the words:

We’ll meet again, Don’t know where, Don’t know when, But I know we’ll meet again, Some sunny day

Keep smiling through, Just like you always do, ‘Till the blue skies chase, Those dark clouds far away,

And I will just say hello, To the folks that you know, Tell them you won’t be long, They’ll be happy to know, That, as I saw you go, You were singing this song

We’ll meet again, Don’t know where, Don’t know when, But I know we’ll meet again, Some sunny day

And I will just say hello, To the folks that you know, Tell them you won’t be long, They’ll be happy to know, That, as I saw you go, You were singing this song

We’ll meet again, Don’t know where, Don’t know when, But I know we’ll meet again, Some sunny day.

Clapping for our heroes

Last Thursday saw the sixth consecutive week of clapping to show support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers. The public demonstration of support is a massive tribute to their selfless commitment. There’ll be another clapping next Thursday evening at 8pm. But please, no fireworks as it upsets and traumatises our pets.

Scrubs ‘hub’ in Asenby

Liz Hall reports that she and her husband Steve are now running a fabric ‘hub’ in Asenby for distributing ready-cut fabric to volunteers who are sewing scrubs and scrub bags. Liz says she currently has three huge rolls of fabric on her dining room table which she’ll cut up into required sizes for the next stage of the production of much-needed items. Steve delivers these pieces of fabric to the volunteers in Northallerton, Ripon, Thirsk and villages in between. Steve and Liz volunteered to help out when the “scrubs co-ordinator” in Thirsk was over-run with work trying to organise the making o0f garments for the NHS.

There are lots of other local people involved in this invaluable work and their dedication and commitment has been reported in earlier emails. Anyone wanting to know more about Yorkshire Scrubs should check out their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/Yorkshirescrubs/

Topcliffe scrubs team are amazing

I’ve reported before on the sewing work undertaken by a dedicated team in Topcliffe but I’m sure you’d all like to know the latest. Debbie Roberts, Liz Marsh, Sandie Wright and Fran Eckersley have gathered together a huge collection of fabrics so that they can make scrubs and scrub bags. CB Furnishings donated the thread. In a post on Top Residents on Friday, Debbie stated that the team has just supplied 33 pairs of scrubs and 60 scrub bags to The Friarage Hospital. Well done everyone.

Yes please, Louise

Every week since the launch of this newsletter it has been reported that Louise Bumby has cooked and baked for a number of elderly and vulnerable villagers in Topcliffe. Today, Louise is baking cakes, using the eggs her own chickens lay, and all other ingredients at her own expense. They’ll be delivered around the village during the afternoon. Until now Annemarie Barningham has been doing the deliveries but we all know that she is already busy enough without these extra responsibilities, so now Jenny Bumby and her mum, Lynn Wallis, are taking over delivering whatever Louise prepares.

More good deeds acknowledged

The roll of honour recognising the good deeds of villagers during the pandemic continues this week. All names on the list from this and previous weeks will be saved in case there’s an opportunity to say a collective thank you at an appropriate event once the crisis is over. So continue to let me have your nominations.

• Steve Hall who has taken on the responsibility of delivering fabric to many of the sewers making scrubs and scrub bags for local hospitals.

• Linda Nuttall and Fran Eckersley who have joined local teams making the scrubs and scrub bags.

• Jenny Bumby and Lynn Wallis who have taken over the job of delivering Louise Bumby’s meals and cakes to needy residents.

• AND everyone else who has helped in any way. A big THANK YOU to you all.

Topcliffe Post Office

John Mulley is continuing to maintain services at the Post Office though he has had to restrict opening times and introduce social distancing rules. He said: “In an attempt to follow government rules and keep customers safe, only one person at a time is allowed inside the shop. Space is limited and it is impossible to maintain safe distancing in any other way. It can be difficult to see if there is already someone else in the shop, so I ask customers to stop at the door to check: if there’s nobody in then please proceed, but f you see someone inside stay back and give that customer space to safely leave. It might be a bit of a nuisance but it’s in every bodies best interest.” The PO (01845 577517) continues to operate post offices services, as well as the sale of newspapers and the usual product lines. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

Burglars never sleep!

You might have thought that thieves and burglars should, like the rest of us, be staying at home and making no essential journeys. But regretfully that’s not the case, as a householder in Asenby learned recently. Burglars don’t follow the same rules as the rest of us – if they did, of course, they wouldn’t be burglars in the first place. The fact is they are still busy stealing during lockdown so everyone should be on their guard and keep windows and doors locked, even during the day, and especially if you’re out in the back garden.

Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay

Take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. Facebook Messenger: m.me/AdamJacksonPlants, tel: 07743 870205.

Northdale Horticultural, Northallerton

There’s still time to order garden and greenhouse plants and vegetables from Northdale Horticulture for delivery in the next week or so. Northdale Horticulture, a Northallerton-based charity that provides training for people with learning difficulties, is providing a ‘mail order’ service. There will be a deliver to Topcliffe and Asenby, probably clumping orders together. Their web address is www.northdale.org.uk where you can check out what’s available. The site has separate lists of different types of plants (these change as plants sell out!) and an order form too, which you can print off, complete and email to northdalehort@aol.com

Northdale is working through orders already placed and will be in touch with people soon to take payment and indicate when orders will be delivered.

Community Support in Asenby

• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is going strong keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.

• The bus stop library continues to be very popular. Villagers are welcome to borrow or supply books. Users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.

• Heather Allon continues to organise her magazine and book loan arrangement in the village. Anyone who can’t get out of the house because of infirmity or lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her

on 01845 595080.

• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) are co-ordinating a team of volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.

• A range of Asenby Village Trails has been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.

Watch Out for Roadworks around Asenby

It is understood that North Yorkshire County council are planning re-surfacing works on the following roads starting Tuesday 5 May. The proposals, which will require several road closures, would appear to be:

1. The road through Cundall towards Thornton Bridge will be closed from Tuesday 5 to Tuesday 12 May.

2. The off-slip road of the A168 from the A1/Dishforth direction towards the Crab and Lobster crossroads will be closed on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May (diversion via Topcliffe).

Parish Chairman Peter Palmer said: “We haven’t received any formal notification about the roadworks, nor have any notices being put up or circulated to local residents. And I am certain the sign erected at the roadside is in the wrong place. As far as I can ascertain the above roads and junctions will be affected and alternative routes will be required, but I am convinced that access from Asenby to the A188 on slip will not be closed for seven days. It would appear from the county’s information that the whole of the Crab and Lobster crossroads and Whaites Lane, which leads from the crossroads up on to the bridge over the A168 and hence to the on-slip road joining the A168 towards the A1/Dishforth will be closed on 6 and 7 May, but the roadside sign would persuade motorists that it is closed for much longer, to the 12 May. Before the weekend I tried to get fuller information, and clarification about certain contradictions, from county highways officials, but unfortunately the engineer in charge failed to ring me back. If this contradiction is solved on Monday, I will ask Doug Allan to circulate a quick clarification on this point. But then, if past experience is anything to go by, all of the above may well change before next week anyway.”

Chippy to reopen?

If the government eases the rules on companies reopening for business this week, Paul and Karen Bumby are planning to be frying fish and chips from their regular site in Topcliffe this Friday evening (8 May). Obviously social distancing rules will apply and customers will be asked to form an orderly queue, with only one at a time at the counter. Opening times will be 5 to 7.30pm. They apologise, but they’ll be unable to take advance or telephone orders at this time.

Freecycle Stall

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more. Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handing the items.

Local shop opening times

This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy and Post Office opening times, including priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known. It’s possible that sometimes may change on the Bank Holidays (8 May). If you’ve anything to add or correct please email me – doug@dougallan.co.uk

• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS

and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.

• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.

• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.

• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.

• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am.

• Boots pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.

• Boots pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.

• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.

• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.

• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.

• Topcliffe Post Office, Long Street, Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.

Shopping pick-ups and deliveries

Morrison’s continue to offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5 to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.

Other local home delivery services include:

• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk

• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com. Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.

• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.

• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.

• K E Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.

• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – needs orders for milkshakes and cakes by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.

• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.

Preferred method of payment for most dealers is by card over the telephone when ordering.

And I have just been informed that if you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.

Take Away Food

A whole host of food companies continue to take away pick-ups or deliveries. Here’s a few that residents have recommended:

• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.

• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584

633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com. Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.

• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333

• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.

• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777

• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331

• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of meals on offer.

• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website

at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk

• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm

Please note that the Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk is closed for at least another week. Please check on the internet because supply details are always subject to change.

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

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

• 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

• Isolation and lockdown may well have a significant impact on the mental health of some people. If you want any advice during this period go to: www.mentalhealth.org.uk , www.nhs.uk/Mental/Health or

www.mind.org.uk

• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about

leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.

• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown on route to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.

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