Sunday Email – Page 46 – Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 29 May 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 110

Welcome to the 110th issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Here’s the full programme of events in Topcliffe & Asenby over the Platinum Jubilee weekend. If you want to print off a copy of the leaflet produced by the village jubilee celebrations group, follow this link.

Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June

Street and House Decorations – It’s hoped that all Topcliffe & Asenby households will embrace the party vibe and help transform the two villages into a brightly decorated royal wonderland with bunting flags and other decorations. It’s suggested that house decorations should go up by Wednesday 1 June and remain in place until at least Tuesday 7 June, but longer if you wish. The best decorated house in each village will be chosen on Saturday 4 June, starting at 9am and there’ll be a prize for the winners.

Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June

The Angel celebrates the Platinum Jubilee – There’ll be a special celebration at The Angel between 12 noon and 5pm on Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June. Activities will include a bouncy castle, treasure hunt, games and live music. Vintage harmony duo, The Cherry Tones, will perform songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s incredible reign. These promise to be a family-friendly, feel-good days out. Free Entry for all.

Saturday 4 June

Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park – This is the main event of the weekend and will be held on the Playing Field in Topcliffe. There’ll be live music, an inflatable assault course, family fun… and an ice cream van will be on site. Families will be invited to take part in a flat green bowls competition at the adjacent bowling green. Those attending are invited to make a donation towards the cost of putting on the event. Collection boxes will be positioned at the gate.

Gazebo pitches can be pre-booked for a fee of £10 via Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

It will start at 2pm and everyone is invited to come along with their own picnic and drinks to enjoy an afternoon of fun.

Wendy and Louise Bumby are preparing afternoon teas for those who would prefer not to have to make up their own picnic. The teas must be pre-ordered by Wednesday 1 June and a form is included in the leaflet recently delivered to each home, or on Top Residents Facebook page. Forms can be left in the box outside Jenny Bumby’s house at Rangimarie, Long Street. Or call 01845 577358. The price is £5 per head and the tea will consist of sandwiches, a savoury, scone and cake.

Children are invited to attend the party in their own homemade monarch’s crown and there’ll be a competition to find the best on the day.

Saturday 4 June

A view from the tower – Throughout the afternoon there’ll be an ‘open-church’ event at St Columba’s for visitors to look around the church and enjoy refreshments. The church tower will be open for guided tours for those who wish to see how the village looks from above in its Platinum Jubilee colours.

Sunday 5 June

Platinum Jubilee Sunday Brunch – Brunch will be served in the Village Hall from 10am to 12 noon. There’ll be a full range of breakfast buns, cakes and a plentiful supply of hot and cold drinks. There’ll be Sunday newspapers available and all money raised will go to help maintain the Village Hall.

Paintings on a royal theme by children attending Topcliffe Academy (and any other children who care to enter) will be on display and they’ll be judged to pick winners from each age group. The best crowns will also be on display.

Sunday 5 June

Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong – A service bringing the Platinum Jubilee Weekend to a close will be held at St Columba’s Church at 6.30pm. The service will be followed by refreshments. It’s hoped that our two villages might find this a nice way to close the extended weekend’s celebrations. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.

Platinum Jubilee: Main National Events

Thursday 2 June: Queen’s birthday parade and Trooping the Colour takes place as Platinum Jubilee Beacons across 2,000 towns and cities light up.
Friday 3 June: National Service of Thanksgiving is held at St Paul’s, London. Ringing of Great Paul, the restored biggest church bell in the country.
Saturday 4 June: The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse and BBC Platinum Party at the Palace.
Sunday 5 June: Big Jubilee Lunch and street parties. Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a procession and performance in central London, involving 10,000 people and the Gold State Coach.

Asenby Platinum Jubilee Legacy Project
Last week there was an article about the plan to construct an ironwork bench around the base of the old chestnut tree on the green at the north end of Asenby village. The Asenby Institute has now released this sketch of the bench and confirmed that it has been commissioned. The cost is being partly met by a grant from Harrogate Borough Council. The chestnut tree was planted in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Topcliffe Post Office – Jubilee opening times
Here are the opening times for the Post Office over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend:

Thursday, 2 June – 7am to 5pm.
Friday, 3 June – 8am to 4pm.
Saturday, 4 June – Closed (sorry but there’ll be no papers on sale. The staff are being given the day off so that they can enjoy the Jubilee celebrations with their family and friends).
Sunday, 5 June – Closed.

The Tattler
The next edition of The Tattler will be published on Tuesday 31 May and delivered door to door in our two villages over the following couple of days. It will carry a full programme for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

St Columba’s services

TODAY – Sunday 29 May – No Service.
Sunday 5 June at 6.30pm – Jubilee Service of Choral Evensong
Sunday 12 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 19 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
Sunday 26 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

All services conclude with refreshments and time to linger.

Yorkshire to Ukraine
The raffle to raise funds for Yorkshire to Ukraine raised a whopping £6,500 – an amazing amount that will be invaluable in supporting aid trips to the war-torn country. The draw was held Friday evening and a full list of winners – including a couple in Topcliffe – will be posted on Facebook in due course.

Changes to Topcliffe Surgery clinical systems
The surgery has asked for the information about forthcoming system changes to be repeated this week.

The surgery is updating its computer systems and patients will need to take action to ensure they can access medical services via their Apps and to obtain their medications on time. The “Patient Access” App will soon stop working altogether and instead everyone should download and use the “NHS” App to order their medication. Patients won’t be able to order medication on the “NHS” App unless they also link their app to the Surgery. Help about how to do this can be found at https://help.login.nhs.uk

The main changes to the clinical systems will take place in July and patients will be unable to order their regular prescription whilst the changeover is taking place. So, requests for June and July medication should be made as soon as possible in June so that requests can be fulfilled ahead of the change. Patients can also order their medication or submit enquiries via the Surgery’s website www.topcliffesurgery.co.uk

Changes like the one being planned will improve arrangements at the surgery, but it will be complicated and take time to complete, so everyone is asked to be patient (excuse the pun) during the transition.

Knit and Natter
The next Knit & Natter session at the Milk Churn Farm Shop is on Wednesday 1 June between 1.30 and 3.30pm. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, this is about enjoying an afternoon chatting and maybe trying something different whilst making new friends, or meeting old ones. A drink and cake is included in the price of £3. Bring your knitting or crocheting and share your knowledge or just come along to natter. Please ring the shop to confirm your seat 01845 400446.

Tractor Fest
The UK’s largest vintage tractor and engine show will take place at Newby Hall over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend – Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June. Each year the show attracts over 1,600 exhibits as well as in excess of 12,000 visitors who also get access to the award winning gardens and other attractions. 10am-5pm. £50 family, £16 adult, £12 child. Tickets: 01423 322583 or via the website at http://bookings.newbyhall.com

Northallerton Male Voice Choir
The choir will perform their Summer & Platinum Jubilee concert at The Forum, Northallerton on Saturday 4 June at 7.30pm. The choir will be joined by special guests, The Vintage Belles, an all female vocal group who sing songs with a twist of swing, boogie-woogie and jazz. Tickets: 01609 776230 or via website – http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

Farmers’ Market at Thirsk
The Northern Dales Farmers’ Market is once again visiting Thirsk Market place – Sunday 5 June from 9am until 2pm. There’ll be lots of stalls and you’ll be buying from some of the very best food and drink producers in
the country. And they’re all local small independent family businesses.
http://northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 8 June at 12 noon. Last week’s lunch raised £158 for the Royal British Legion.

Village Hall meeting
The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June in the Village Hall – www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Club will be held at The Angel on Tuesday 7 June. Doors open 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance and £12 on day of the show. Call 01845 578000.

The Ritz Cinema

To Thursday 2 June – Downton Abbey: A New Era (Proceeds from the shows on 28 & 29 May will be donated to The Red Cross in aid of Ukraine)
Friday 3 to Thursday 9 June – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 June (Matinees only) – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Friday 10 to Thursday 16 June – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (This film contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy)

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

Rugby summer taster sessions
Thirsk Athletics Club is holding a series of rugby taster sessions over the summer to give youngsters from two to 17 an introduction to the game. They’re on Sundays 5 June, 10 July and 14 August between 9.30 and 11.30am. The club is based in Newsham Road (YO7 1QP). You can check out the club at http:// thirskrufc.co.uk

Rural Arts classes
The next Rural Arts ‘Hearts and Crafts’ class will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 10am on Tuesday 21 June. The subject is silk printing. The final class in this series will be held on Tuesday 19 July, when the topic will be fused glass. You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided.

The Great Yorkshire Show
Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 July and entry is by pre-paid ticket only. Local vet Peter Wright will appear every day, whilst Adam Henson will be there on Tuesday 12 July; J B Gill on Wednesday 13 July; Matt Baker on Thursday 14 July and Amanda Owen on Friday 15 July. Tickets from http://www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Deer Shed Festival
The 12th Deer Shed Festival, Baldersby Park is taking place between 29 and 31 July. Full ticket details are available at http://deershedfestival.com

Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk
For information on classes and workshops, and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:

Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.

The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe. https://www.chipndales.co.uk
The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953.
Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Recycling & Garden Waste – Wednesday 1 June (one day earlier than usual) Thursdays 16 June and 30 June.
Refuse – Tuesday 7 June (one day later than usual) and Monday 20 June.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Refuse – Monday 30 May.
Garden waste – Thursday 2 June*
Recycling – Monday 6 June.

* Dates taken from Harrogate Borough Council’s website. 2 June is a Bank Holiday so either their teams are working as normal or the website hasn’t been updated!

The week’s UK Covid statistics
• The R number range remains at 0.7 to 0.9 meaning that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 9 other people.
• There have been 177,977 UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test and 195,347 deaths that had Covid mentioned on the death certificate.

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

Posted on 22 May 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 109

Welcome to the 109th issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

Sion Hill Hall plant fair
TODAY – Sion Hill Hall is opening its gardens and holding a plant fair in the stable yard. There’ll be huge choice of plants and garden accessories, plus refreshments. The Hall is surrounded by five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a formal garden based on a parterre, plus colourful herbaceous borders, a woodland walk, and a traditional kitchen garden. The Hall, close to Kirby Wiske, opens at 11am. Entrance is £5 cash at the gate. http://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk

St Columba’s services

TODAY – Sunday 22 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 May – No Service.
Sunday 5 June at 6.30pm – Jubilee Service of Choral Evensong
Sunday 12 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 19 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
Sunday 26 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

All services conclude with refreshments and time to linger.

Yorkshire to Ukraine
Tickets for the raffle to raise funds for Yorkshire to Ukraine are still on sale at the Post Office in Topcliffe. They are £2 a ticket or a book of five for £10. There are some fantastic prizes. The raffle draw will take place on 27 May at the Frankland Arms in Thirsk from 4.30pm.

Asenby Parish Council
Last Wednesday’s Asenby Parish Meeting was the last one involving Councillors Peter Palmer, Judith Lowe, Mel Arkley, Dave Allon and Parish Clerk, Joyce Palmer. These residents have now stepped down and as nobody put themselves forward to replace them, the council cannot operate in the normal way. Harrogate Borough Council will appoint representatives to deal with village affairs. It’s not too late for any eligible villager to get involved as individuals will be able to put themselves forward to be co-opted onto the Parish Council in due course.

Anyone who puts themselves forward to represent their community deserves a big thank you from everyone else, so I’m sure all Asenby villagers will wish to thank Peter, Judith, Mel, Dave and Joyce for their unstinting years of service.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The first meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council since the election earlier this month took place last Tuesday. Councillor Jamie Moores was again elected as Chairman and Councillor Ben Collard was elected Vice Chairman.

The Tattler
The next edition of The Tattler goes to the printer this week and will be published and delivered door to door in our two villages on or around Tuesday 31 May. This edition will carry a full programme for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Changes to Surgery Apps
The IT Systems at Topcliffe Surgery are being updated and patients will need to take action to ensure they can access medical services via their Apps.

Very soon the “Patient Access” App will soon stop working altogether and instead everyone should download and use the “NHS” App to order their medication. Patients won’t be able to order medication on the “NHS” App unless they also link their app to the Surgery. Help about how to do this can be found at https://help.login.nhs.uk

Patients can also order their medication or submit enquiries via the Surgery’s website www.topcliffesurgery.co.uk

The change in IT Systems will allow better communication with local services, improving efficiency and optimising patient care. Surgery staff thank you for your patience during this important transition.

Commissioner’s Plans
North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has published her Police and Crime Plan and Fire and Rescue Plan for 2022 – 2025. The plans have been developed following extensive consultation within the emergency services, partners and members of the public through a series of events, surveys and engagement sessions over the past year. The consultation heard from thousands of people with dozens of organisations also having their say and has directly influenced the priorities put forward.

Overall, 87 per cent said they were happy with policing where they lived and 90 per cent said they were satisfied with the fire and rescue service, but the lowest satisfaction for both was regarding their visibility in communities. This element is a key focus for the coming three years.

The plans set out the priorities for the Commissioner’s Office, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and are based around the principles of caring about the vulnerable, developing ambitious collaboration and enhancing our service for the public.

You can read the full plans on the Commissioner’s website at https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/plan/

Phone Calls from Bogus Police Officers
This scam problem was last raised in the Sunday Email in January, but the matter continues to be an issue. Recently, Topcliffe resident Linda Carver nearly fell victim to fraudsters and she asked if the potential threat of scamming could be raised yet again. It’s also clear that the problem continues to be high on the agenda for North Yorkshire Police’s financial abuse unit, so hopefully Linda’s scare and this warning will hopefully save at least one person from falling into the scam trap.

North Yorkshire Police continue to receive reports from people who have been called by a male claiming to be a police officer, often linked to Scotland Yard. They ring potential victims stating that they have arrested someone who has supposedly taken significant sums from their bank account. They are very plausible, offering a name and incident number, before going on to explain that the victim must get in touch with their bank via a secure link they provide.

Often, the victim is instructed to attend their bank to withdraw money which will then be collected for safekeeping in order to protect them. The victim is further told that they must lie to the bank if they are challenged and say the money is to purchase a car or for building work or some other plausible excuse. This is of course false.

Remember, the police or your bank will never contact you and ask you to move or transfer money. If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately, do not engage with the caller. Make sure the telephone line is clear (i.e. the scammer is no longer on the line) and call 101.

Another scam to look out for
Fraudsters are always coming up with new scams that fit in with real issues going on around us. They never miss a trick! This week Action Fraud received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information. View a screenshot of the fake emails here.

Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.

Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 25 May at 12 noon. Donations raised at this lunch will go to the Royal British Legion.

Topcliffe Post Office – Jubilee opening times
Here are the opening times for the Post Office over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend:

Thursday, 2 June – 7am to 5pm.
Friday, 3 June – 8am to 4pm.
Saturday, 4 June – Closed (sorry but there’ll be no papers on sale. The staff are being given the day off so that they can enjoy the Jubilee celebrations with their family and friends).
Sunday, 5 June – Closed.

Asenby Platinum Jubilee Legacy Project
Not many people will know that the venerable old chestnut on the green at the north end of Asenby village was planted in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Now another special royal occasion will see an ironwork bench constructed around the base of this historic tree to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee this year.

The project is being organised by Asenby Institute, which has been awarded a grant by Harrogate Borough Council towards the cost. Arrangements have been made to commission the bench and there’ll be more news when it is to be installed.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
For the next couple of weeks, the full programme of events in Topcliffe & Asenby over the Platinum Jubilee weekend will be included in the Sunday Email.

Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June

Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June

Saturday 4 June

Gazebo pitches can be pre-booked for a fee of £10 via Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

It will start at 2pm and everyone is invited to come along with their own picnic and drinks to enjoy an afternoon of fun.

Children are invited to attend the party in their own homemade monarch’s crown and there’ll be a competition to find the best on the day.

Saturday 4 June

Sunday 5 June

The Ritz Cinema

To Thursday 26 May – The Lost City
Friday 27 to Thursday 2 June – Downton Abbey: A New Era (Proceeds from the shows on 28 and 29 May will be donated to The Red Cross in aid of Ukraine)
Friday 3 to Thursday 9 June – The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June (Matinees only) – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Friday 10 to Thursday 16 June – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (This film contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy)

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

Rugby summer taster sessions
Thirsk Athletics Club is holding a series of rugby taster sessions over the summer to give youngsters from two to 17 an introduction to the game. It’s an opportunity for any young people interested in taking up the sport to meet coaches, plus past and current players.

The club is based in Newsham Road (YO7 1QP) and the dates are Sundays 5 June, 10 July and 14 August between 9.30 and 11.30am. You can check out the club at http:// thirskrufc.co.uk

The Great Yorkshire Show
This year’s show takes place at the Great Yorkshire showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 July and entry is by pre-paid ticket only. There’ll be all the usual features that help make the show so ‘great’, but this year there’ll be a brand new stage for presentations from well-known farming stars. Local vet Peter Wright will appear every day, whilst Adam Henson will be there on Tuesday 12 July; J B Gill on Wednesday 13 July; Matt Baker on Thursday 14 July and Amanda Owen on Friday 15 July. Tickets from http://www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Deershed Festival
The 12th Deer Shed Festival will be staged at Baldersby Park between 29 and 31 July. There’s a fantastic range of music, comedy, arts, science and sport planned for people of all ages. Full ticket details are available at http://deershedfestival.com

Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk
For information on classes and workshops, and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:

Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.

The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe. https://www.chipndales.co.uk
The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953.
Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Monday 23 May, Tuesday 7 June (one day later than usual) and Monday 20 June.
Recycling & Garden Waste – Wednesday 1 June (one day earlier than usual) Thursdays 16 June and 30 June.

Harrogate (Asenby)

Recycling – Monday 23 May.
Refuse – Monday 30 May.
Garden waste – details next week!

The week’s UK Covid statistics
• The R number range remains at 0.7 to 0.9 meaning that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 9 other people.
• There have been 177,890 UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test and 194,550 deaths that had Covid mentioned on the death certificate.

Fourth jab
The UK rolled out fourth doses of Covid vaccination to over-75s and the most vulnerable in April. Millions more people could be in line for the second booster jab in the autumn if the government accepts advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The committee says another booster may be necessary in order to maintain the “protection” of certain groups throughout the winter. Their current view is that a second booster should be offered to residents and staff in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, all those 65 years of age and over and adults aged 16 to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group. A decision is likely quite soon.

Covid infections continue to fall
The number of people infected with Covid continues to fall week by week. In the week to 13 May one in 50 people in the UK are believed to have had Covid, meaning around 1.27 million were infected – down 14% from the week before. Although there are still high numbers of infections, very few people get seriously ill.

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

Posted on 15 May 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 108

Welcome to the 108th issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

Platinum Jubilee Tidy Up and Litter Pick
The tidy up day held in Topcliffe yesterday was a great success. The 30 volunteers worked in glorious sunshine tackling tasks such as litter-picking the whole village, weeding and tidying the beds at Jubilee Gardens, weeding pavements and kerbs, sweeping and cleaning both sets of steps to the church, painting fences and John Pearson did some general strimming around the village. Everyone was then treated to some delicious bacon sandwiches, cakes and drinks back at the Village Hall. A thank you to Karen Morley and both Lindas who worked hard in the kitchen.
Tidy up 1
Tidy up 2
Tidy up 3
Tidy up 4
It was fantastic to see so many children helping from the Topcliffe primary school. Many thanks to all who helped out.

Topcliffe grass cutting update – verges, playing field and cemetery
Message from the Parish Council

Due to a change of contractor, the first cut of the grass took place late a couple of weeks ago. The grass is scheduled to be cut during the last seven days of every month, April – October.

If the grass is growing quickly we will programme a mid-month cut, pending the contractors availability and the weather.

The playing field grass will be cut 18/19 May and again 3 to 4 days before the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The verges and cemetery have recently been cut.

Any questions on the grass cutting, please email Parish Councillor Ben Collard bcollard80@gmail.com

Yorkshire to Ukraine
Tickets for the raffle to raise funds for Yorkshire to Ukraine are now on sale at the Post Office in Topcliffe. They are £2 a ticket or a book of five for £10. There are some fantastic prizes. The raffle draw will take place on 27 May at the Frankland Arms in Thirsk from 4.30pm.

Yorkshire to Ukraine, based at Unit 7, Martree Business Park, Sowerby, continues to collect donations of aid. The important things still needed are bottles of water, hygiene products, sanitary wear, new underwear, baby milk, baby bottles, baby nappies and wipes, footwear, children’s colouring books and crayons, children’s entertainment, warm clean clothing, dried foods, tinned foods, sleeping bags and pet food.

Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Council’s AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The previous council has ceased to exist – all the office holders have all retired. However, the chairman must organise the AGM as there is still a legal requirement to hold this final meeting. As nobody came forward to stand as a councillor, the Parish Council will not be able to operate in the normal way in the future. The next step will see Harrogate Borough Council appoint representatives to deal with village affairs. At that point, local people will be able to be co-opted on to the Parish Council, if they wish.

Scarecrow Festival – local winners!
The winners of the Platinum Jubilee Scarecrow competition have been announced. They are:

Asenby: Kez Appleton with Dairy Queen
Topcliffe: Daniel and Charlotte Burdett with The Mount Guard

Jenny Bumby, who chairs the Friends of Topcliffe School and who organised the scarecrow trail in Topcliffe and Asenby said: It was our first competition and it went extremely well. I’d like to give a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to make a scarecrow and all those who went to see them and donate their cash. Thanks also to the Friends of Carlton Miniott School for letting our two villages link in to their competition and to the Milk Churn Farm Shop and The Angel for handing out the trail maps. A total of £228.23 was raised to support our village school.”

St Columba’s services

TODAY – Sunday 15 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 22 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 May – No Service.

Rural Arts classes
The next Rural Arts ‘Hearts and Crafts’ class will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 10am this Tuesday (17 May). The subject is mixed media and illustration. Future dates and subjects are:

21 June – Silk printing
19 July – Fused glass

You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided.

Knit and Natter
The next Knit & Natter session at the Milk Churn Farm Shop is on next Wednesday (18 May) between 1.30 and 3.30pm. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, this is about enjoying an afternoon chatting and maybe trying something different whilst making new friends, or meeting old ones. A drink and cake is included in the price of £3. Bring your knitting or crocheting and share your knowledge or just come along to natter. Please ring the shop to confirm your seat 01845 400446.

Applegarth Community Garden
There’ll be a stall on Northallerton market next Saturday (21 May) from 9am for gardeners to swap seeds and plants…and the community garden will be selling surplus plants.

Sion Hill Hall plant fair
Sion Hill Hall is opening its gardens and holding a plant fair in the stable yard next Sunday (22 May). There’ll be huge choice of plants and garden accessories, plus refreshments. The Hall is surrounded by five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a formal garden based on a parterre, plus colourful herbaceous borders, a woodland walk, and a traditional kitchen garden. The Hall, close to Kirby Wiske, Opens 11am. Entrance is £5 cash at the gate. http://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk

Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 25 May at 12 noon. Donations raised at this lunch will go to the Royal British Legion. The last lunch raised £90 which has gone to support the Village Hall.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
A leaflet presenting details of all the activities planned in Topcliffe is being delivered door to door in Topcliffe and Asenby in the next day or so. Below is a list of the main points.

Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June

Street and House Decorations – It’s hoped that all Topcliffe & Asenby households will embrace the party vibe and help transform the two villages into a brightly decorated royal wonderland with bunting flags and other decorations. It’s suggested that house decorations should go up on Wednesday 1 June and remain in place until at least Tuesday 7 June, but longer if you wish. The best decorated house in each village will be chosen on Saturday 4 June, starting at 9am and there’ll be a prize for the winners.

Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June

Saturday 4 June

Gazebo pitches can be pre-booked for a fee of £10 via Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

It will start at 2pm and everyone is invited to come along with their own picnic and drinks to enjoy an afternoon of fun.

Wendy and Louise Bumby are preparing afternoon teas for those who would prefer not to have to make up their own picnic. The teas must be pre-ordered by Wednesday 1 June and a form is included in the leaflet being delivered to each home, or on Top Residents Facebook page. Forms can be left in the box outside Jenny’s house at Rangimarie, Long Street. Or call 01845 577358. The price is £5 per head and the tea will consist of sandwiches, a savoury, scone and cake.

Children are invited to attend the party in their own homemade monarch’s crown and there’ll be a competition to find the best on the day.

Saturday 4 June

Sunday 5 June

Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong – A service will bring the Platinum Jubilee Weekend to a close will be held at St Columba’s Church at 6.30pm. The service will be followed by refreshments. It’s hoped that our two villages might find this a nice way to close the extended weekend’s celebrations. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.

Parish & Village Hall meetings
•   Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May in the Village Hall – www.asenby.net
•   Topcliffe Parish Council will next meet at 7pm on Thursday 19 May 2022 in The Angel (conservatory) – www.topcliffe.org.uk
•   Village Hall Committee – The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June in the Village Hall – www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

The Ritz Cinema

To Thursday 19 May – Operation Mincemeat
Friday 20 to Thursday 26 May – The Lost City
Friday 27 to Thursday 2 June – Downton Abbey: A New Era (Proceeds from the shows on 28 and 29 May will be donated to The Red Cross in aid of Ukraine.)

Subtitles
For a trial period, subtitles are now used on films presented on Sunday evenings.
Updates
Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk
For information on classes and workshops, and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:

Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.

The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe. https://www.chipndales.co.uk
The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953.
Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Bin Collections .

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 19 May.
Refuse – Monday 23 May.

Harrogate (Asenby)

Refuse – Mondays 16 and 30 May.
Garden waste – Thursday 19 May.
Recycling – Monday 23 May.

The week’s UK Covid statistics
• The R number range remains at 0.7 to 0.9 meaning that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 9 other people.
• There have been 176,708 UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test and 193,713 deaths that had Covid mentioned on the death certificate.

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

Posted on 8 May 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 107

Welcome to the 107th issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

Spectacular Scarecrow Festival
Anyone who took the time last weekend to drive around the four villages participating in the scarecrow festival, or just walked around Topcliffe, will have been amazed at the creativity of those who entered the competition.

There were some fantastic ‘royal’ scarecrows on display and it’s expected that a significant amount was raised for the two organising groups – the Friends of Topcliffe School and the Friends of Carlton Miniott School.

All the entries can be viewed on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofCarltonMiniottSchool/

The winners hadn’t been announced as this email was being finalised, so they’ll be mentioned next week.

Well done to everyone who made the effort to enter a scarecrow and a big thank you to all those who viewed them and donated cash.

Topcliffe’s new Parish Council
Congratulations to the five candidates elected last Thursday to serve as Topcliffe Parish councillors:

Roy Beckwith – 147
Chris Bumby – 170
Ben Collard – 125
Jamie Moores – 137
Debbie Roberts – 203

Commiserations to Paul Bumby who gained 124 votes, but was pipped at the post.

North Yorkshire Council election
Mark Robson, who has represented Topcliffe for many years on Hambleton Council, failed to be elected as our new councillor on the new North Yorkshire Council. The seat was taken by Green Party candidate Dave Whitfield who got 1090 votes, compared to Mark Robson’s 1010.

In Harrogate’s Wathvale & Bishop Monkton ward, which includes Asenby, Nick Brown won the seat for the Conservative Party with 1334 votes. Hannah Corlett, Green Party received 455 and Chris Knight, Liberal Democrats got 559.

Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Councils AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. That will be the final meeting of the existing council. As no nominations to stand as councillors have been received the Parish Council will not be able to operate in the normal way. The next step will see Harrogate Borough Council appoint representatives to deal with village affairs. At that point, local people will be able to be co-opted on to the Parish Council, if they wish.

Welcome for Natalie
We have a new resident in Topcliffe! Nataliia, a refugee from Ukraine safely arrived in the village on Thursday evening after a long journey from her homeland. She is now a guest of Liz and Dave Marsh at the Elm Gallery in Topcliffe. Along with her parents and older sister, Nataliia fled from the family’s apartment in Kyiv. Nataliia, who speaks perfect English, is looking forward to living in Topcliffe and to meeting other villagers over the coming weeks and months. There’s no doubt that Topcliffe will give Nataliia the warmest of welcomes.

Yorkshire to Ukraine Raffle
Tickets for the raffle to raise funds for Yorkshire to Ukraine are now on sale at the Post Office in Topcliffe. They are £2 a ticket or a book of five for £10. There are some fantastic prizes, including a gift hamper, afternoon teas, ten pin bowling tickets, pet portrait, £25 vouchers, restaurant & pub vouchers, local artwork and many, many more! The raffle draw will take place on 27 May at the Frankland Arms in Thirsk from 4.30pm.

The funds raised from the raffle will help pay for the seventh articulated lorry to travel to the border of Ukraine carrying urgently needed supplies. Please don’t forget that local volunteers are still wanting donations. Sadly, the invasion of Ukraine is intensifying and its people need our help more than ever, so the Yorkshire to Ukraine depot at Unit 7, Martree Business Park, Sowerby continues to collect donations of aid. The important things still needed are bottles of water, hygiene products, sanitary wear, new underwear, baby milk, baby bottles, baby nappies and wipes, footwear, children’s colouring books and crayons, children’s entertainment, warm clean clothing, dried foods, tinned foods, sleeping bags and pet food.

St Columba’s services

TODAY – Sunday 8 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 22 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 May – No Service.

Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 11 May at 12 noon. Donations raised at this lunch will go to the Village Hall.

Platinum Jubilee Tidy Up and Litter Pick
The date of the pre-Platinum Jubilee village tidy up in Topcliffe has been set as Saturday 14 May. It is being organised by Topcliffe Parish Council. Ben Collard and Malcolm Morley are taking the lead and on the day volunteers are asked to gather at the Village Hall at 8.45am for a 9am start. Consideration is being given to what jobs need to be tackled and volunteers will be allocated to work teams on the day. Bacon butties and drinks will be served at 11.15am as a thank you to all volunteers.

Rural Arts classes
Rural Arts ‘Hearts and Crafts’ classes will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 10am on Tuesdays over the coming months, the next is on 17 May and will look at mixed media and illustration. In later months the programme includes:

21 June – Silk printing
19 July – Fused glass

You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided.

Knit and Natter
The next Knit & Natter session at the Milk Churn Farm Shop will be on Wednesday 18 May between 1.30 and 3.30pm. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, this is about enjoying an afternoon chatting and maybe trying something different whilst making new friends, or meeting old ones. A drink and cake is included in the price of £3. Bring your knitting or crocheting and share your knowledge or just come along to natter. Please ring the shop to confirm your seat 01845 400446.

Sion Hill Hall plant fair
Sion Hill Hall is surrounded by five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a formal garden based on a parterre, plus colourful herbaceous borders, a woodland walk, and a traditional kitchen garden. The Hall, close to Kirby Wiske, is opening its gardens and holding a plant fair in the stable yard on Sunday 22 May. There’ll be huge choice of plants and garden accessories, plus refreshments. Opens 11am. £5 cash on the gate. http://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk

The Angel celebrates the Platinum Jubilee
There’ll be a special celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at The Angel between 12 noon and 5pm on Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June. Activities will include a bouncy castle, treasure hunt, games and live music. Vintage harmony duo, The Cherry Tones, will perform songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s incredible reign. These promise to be a family-friendly, feel-good days out. Free Entry for all.

Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park
The main event of the Platinum Jubilee weekend in Topcliffe will be Party in the Park, which will be staged on the village playing field. It will start at 2pm on Saturday 4 June and everyone is invited to come along with their own picnic and drinks. Arrangements are being made for afternoon teas to be available by pre-order. More details and price to follow.

The organisers will put on an inflatable assault course, children’s games, live music and arrange for an ice cream van to be present. There’ll also be a flat green bowls competition at the adjacent bowls club. Families can pre-book a pitch on which they can erect their own gazebo. It will be £10 a site and bookings can be made via Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

Will you help?
Volunteers will be needed to help organise activities on the day and generally help to get the playing field ready beforehand and make sure it’s clean and tidy afterwards.

A view from up above!
On the afternoon of Saturday 4 June there’ll be an ‘open-church’ event at St Columba’s for visitors to look around the church and enjoy refreshments. The church tower will be open for guided tours for those who wish to see how the village looks from above in its Platinum Jubilee colours.

Platinum Jubilee Sunday Brunch
This event will take place in the Village Hall from 10am to 12 noon on Sunday 5 June. There’ll be a full range of breakfast buns, cakes and a plentiful supply of hot and cold drinks. There’ll be Sunday newspapers available and all money raised will go to help maintain the Village Hall.

The plan is to have the paintings on a ‘royalty and crowns’ theme (prepared by pupils of Topcliffe Academy) on display and they’ll be judged to pick winners from each class or age group.

Bringing the Platinum Jubilee Weekend to a close
St Columba’s Church is organising a Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong, with the full choir, at 6.30pm on Sunday 5 June. The service will be followed by suitable refreshments. It’s hoped that our two villages might find this a nice way to close the extended weekend’s celebrations. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.

Catton Kitchen
The Catton Kitchen’s current opening times are Friday and Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday 10am to noon. This is for market garden sales and the takeaway service.

The Ritz Cinema

To Thursday 12 May – The Outfit
Friday 13 to Thursday 19 May – Operation Mincemeat
Friday 20 to Thursday 26 May – The Lost City
Friday 27 to Thursday 2 June – Downton Abbey: A New Era (Proceeds from the shows on 28 and 29 May will be donated to The Red Cross in aid of Ukraine.)

Subtitles
Starting Sunday 15 May all Sunday evening films will have subtitles for a trial period.
Updates
Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk

Monday Makers – Every Monday to 23 May. 10am – 1.30pm. Develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.
Wednesday 11 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – A Taste of Art: Decorative Bunting – All materials are provided.
For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:

Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.

The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe. https://www.chipndales.co.uk
The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953.
Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Bin Collections .

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Mondays 9 and 23 May.
Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 19 May.

Harrogate (Asenby)

Recycling – Mondays 9 and 23 May.
Refuse – Mondays 16 and 30 May.
Garden waste – Thursday 19 May.

LATEST INFORMATION & NEWS ABOUT COVID

The week’s UK Covid statistics
• The R number range remains at 0.7 to 0.9 meaning that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 9 other people.
• There have been 176,212 UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test and 192,464 deaths that had Covid mentioned on the death certificate.

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

Posted on 1 May 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 106

Welcome to the 106th issue of the Sunday Email.

It was a great relief to hear that Neil Brown of Swale View arrived home safely on Saturday having been missing for several days.

If you know anyone who would like to receive the weekly village email, please direct them to DougAllan.co.uk where they can register to receive it and see an archive of previous emails.

Doug
07785 223707

Vandals attack Topcliffe Academy
It is very sad to learn that over the Easter Bank Holiday vandals broke into several out-buildings at Topcliffe Academy and caused considerable damage to property and equipment. They also left disgraceful graffiti on several walls, some of which named teachers, suggesting that the culprits may well have been former pupils of the school. The police are investigating the break-in and will hopefully have some success in identifying those who did this.

James Halliday
James Halliday’s funeral will take place at 11am on Friday 6 May at St Columba’s Church, Topcliffe. The family has indicated that everyone who knew James is welcome to attend to remember him and help his family celebrate his life.

Scarecrow Festival
Have you been out and about scarecrow spotting this weekend? You can follow the ‘royal’ scarecrow trail which takes in Topcliffe, Catton, Skipton on Swale and Carlton Miniott. Obviously, you can follow the trail in either direction. If you haven’t already got a route map, you can download one here. As you travel along the trail you can vote for your favourites with donations. The word on the street is that there are some amazing scarecrows to see and some big surprises! The trail is officially open until Bank Holiday Monday evening (weather permitting).

A big thank you to the local businesses that have helped this event and supported our local schools: Carlton Miniott Post Office; The Dog and Gun Carlton Miniott; Truly Scrumptious Tea Garden, Sandhutton; Busby Stoop Garage; Catton Kitchen; the Milk Churn Farm Shop; Topcliffe Post Office and The Angel at Topcliffe.

Sunday Brunch
The Sunday Brunch held last week, whilst poorly attended by normal standards, still raised £100 for Call for Back Up, a charity that offers mental health support to blue light emergency services personnel, including fire fighters, police officers, ambulance drivers and paramedics. Thanks to all who attended and gave their support.

Topcliffe Parish Council election
The election for Topcliffe Parish Council will be held on Thursday 5 May. Voting will take place at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The six candidates standing for five seats are: Roy Beckwith, Chris Bumby, Paul Bumby, Ben Collard, Jamie Moores and Debbie Roberts.

North Yorkshire Council election
Candidates for the new North Yorkshire Council are:
Hambleton: In the Sowerby and Topcliffe ward (one seat) there will be two candidates:
– Mark Robson – The Conservative Party
– Dave Whitfield – Green Party
Harrogate: In the Wathvale & Bishop Monkton ward (one seat) there will be three candidates:
– Nick Brown – The Conservative Party
– Hannah Corlett – Green Party
– Chris Knight – Liberal Democrats

Topcliffe residents should vote at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, whilst Asenby residents should go to Rainton Village Hall.

Asenby Parish Council
The latest deadline for candidates to hand in their nominations to stand as councillors on Asenby Parish Council passed last Thursday and, sadly, no names were put forward. That means that after the current council holds its AGM on 18 May, and all the existing councillors retire, the Parish Council will not be able to operate in the normal way. The next step will see Harrogate Borough Council appoint representatives to deal with village affairs. At that point, local people will be able to be co-opted on to the Parish Council, if they wish.

Yorkshire to Ukraine Raffle
The raffle to raise funds for Yorkshire to Ukraine will be launched on Friday 6 May. Tickets will be available locally and details of price and where to buy them will be posted on the Top Residents’ Facebook page as soon as possible. There’s over forty great prizes, including a gift hamper, afternoon teas, ten pin bowling tickets, pet portrait, £25 vouchers, restaurant & pub vouchers, local artwork and many, many more! The raffle draw will take place on 27 May at the Frankland Arms in Thirsk from 4.30pm.

Welcome for Natalie
There’s not much good news coming out of Ukraine at the moment but Liz and Dave Marsh, of the Elm Gallery in Topcliffe, had a little bit to share this week. They are happy to announce they will shortly be welcoming a Ukranian refugee into their home. The visa application scheme is fraught with difficulties and delays, but Liz and Dave are confident that their guest, Nataliia, will soon be arriving in Topcliffe.

Along with her parents and older sister, Nataliia fled from the family’s apartment in Kyiv. She will be leaving Ukraine tomorrow and will travel to Poland, though that journey is not without great risks. From Poland, Nataliia will fly to Stansted Airport where she will be met and driven to Topcliffe.

Nataliia, who speaks perfect English, has been told what a lovely place Topcliffe is and that she will be made very welcome. There’s no doubt that Topcliffe will give Nataliia the warmest of welcomes.

Topcliffe Post Office
Tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, the shop will be open in the Post Office between 8am and 4pm. But the Post Office counter will be closed. Papers should be as normal and have been ordered.

Fish & Chips
Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van will not be in action between 4 and 18 May as the proprietors will be on holiday. That means there’ll be no service in Topcliffe on Friday 6 or 13 May.

Bags2School
A massive thank you to everyone who brought their bags of textiles to the Village Hall last Thursday as part of the spring Bags2School recycling event. Dozens of bags were donated weighing a total of 450kg. This raised £180, which has been shared equally between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts.

May Bank Holiday BBQ & Band – TOMORROW
The Angel’s May Bank Holiday BBQ with live music will be held tomorrow. Entry is free! The BBQ includes prawn skewers, vegetable skewers, burgers and sausages with bread rolls and freshly prepared salads. There’s more information at:
https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/may-bank-holiday-bbq-band/

St Columba’s services

TODAY – Sunday 1 May at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 8 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 22 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 May – No Service.

The Annual Church Meeting
The Annual Church Meeting will take place on Tuesday 3 May in St Columba’s church at 7pm. This is a public meeting and everyone is warmly invited to attend to hear how the year has gone for the parish. There is also the election of Church Wardens, other church officers and of the Parochial Church Council.

Cross Talk
The May edition of the church magazine Cross Talk has been published. You can read it here.

Catton Kitchen
The popular Catton Kitchen’s current opening times are Friday and Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday 10am to noon. This is for market garden sales and the takeaway service. This month the aim is to open on a Thursday too, and there’ll be some publicity when that change happens.

Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Club will be held at The Angel on Tuesday 3 May. Doors open 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance and £12 on day of the show. Call 01845 578000.

Knit and Natter
The next Knit & Natter session at the Milk Churn Farm Shop will be on Wednesday 4 May between 1.30 and 3.30pm. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, this is about enjoying an afternoon chatting and maybe trying something different whilst making new friends, or meeting old ones. A drink and cake is included in the price of £3. Bring your knitting or crocheting and share your knowledge or just come along to natter. Please ring the shop to confirm your seat 01845 400446.

Parlez-vous francais?
Would you like to learn or practice French? Rural Arts, based at The Courthouse in Thirsk, are running two courses, each of eight classes. The first is for post GCSE/Improvers starting on Thursday 5 May, 7 to 9pm. Cost: £80. The second is ‘Almost Beginners’ starts on Monday 9 May, 2 to 4pm. Cost: £80. For details ring 01845 522342 or email thirsk.evening.classes.french@gmail.com

Sports Cars in the Park
One of the largest gatherings of sports cars in the north of England, with over 500 vehicles on display, will take place at Newby Hall on Sunday 8 May between 10am and 4pm. It should be a fantastic day out for the whole family, with a great atmosphere and the ticket price includes entry into Newby Hall’s amazing grounds with its legendary adventure playground. 10am to 4pm. £16 per adult, £12 per child, £50 family (2+2). Book online http://www.sportscarsinthepark.co.uk or buy at the gate on the day.

Thirsk Hall garden open for viewing
The gardens at Thirsk Hall will be open as part of the National Open Garden Scheme on Sunday 8 May between 11am and 5pm. The 20 acre grounds include lawns, herbaceous borders, kitchen gardens, sculpture garden, walled paddocks and parkland. The present layout and planting are the result of a sensitive restoration, blending formal and informal beds, shrubbery, and mature trees. Wheelchair access. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please note that there is no parking on site, parking can be found in the market square or in the Millgate Car Park. Entry is £6. Book online at http://www.thirskhall.com

Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 11 May at 12 noon. Donations raised at this lunch will go to the Village Hall. The last lunch raised £103 for the Blue Cross animal shelter near Topcliffe.

Platinum Jubilee – planning group meeting
The sub group taking forward plans for the Jubilee Bank Holiday celebrations will meet at 7pm on Sunday 8 May at The Angel. It’s not a public meeting as such, but anyone who is interested in supporting the celebrations and helping out at the various events, is more than welcome to attend.

Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park – Saturday, 4 June
Preliminary details of what’s planned for the main village event during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations have been announced. You can see a poster here. In essence, the plan is to have a party on the playing field in Topcliffe, starting at 2pm, and everyone is invited to come along with their own picnic and drinks. Arrangements are being made for afternoon teas to be available by pre-order. More details and price to follow.

Families can pre-book a pitch on which they can erect their own gazebo. It’ll be £10 a site and bookings can be made via Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

Volunteers needed
Volunteers will be needed at the party in the park to help organise activities and generally ensure get the playing field ready beforehand and make sure it’s clean and tidy afterwards.

The plan is to have the paintings on a ‘royalty and crowns’ theme (prepared by pupils of Topcliffe Academy) on display and they’ll be judged to pick winners from each class or age group.

21 June – Silk printing
19 July – Fused glass

You can simply turn up on the day – it’s free to attend and materials are provided.

The Ritz Cinema

To Thursday 5 May – Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Friday 6 to Thursday 12 May – The Outfit
Friday 13 to Thursday 19 May – Operation Mincemeat
Friday 20 to Thursday 26 May – The Lost City
Friday 27 to Thursday 2 June – Downton Abbey: A New Era (Proceeds from the shows on 28 and 29 May will be donated to The Red Cross in aid of Ukraine.)

Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk

Monday Makers – Every Monday to 23 May. 10am – 1.30pm. Develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.
Wednesday 4 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Summer Collage with Ink and Pen – Bring pressed flowers, fabrics, found objects (such as feathers), buttons, train tickets, photographs, newspaper clippings that you would like to use, although a large selection of items will be available.
Wednesday 11 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – A Taste of Art: Decorative Bunting – All materials are provided.
For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:

Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.

The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe. https://www.chipndales.co.uk
The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953.
Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Mondays 9 and 23 May.
Recycling & Garden Waste – Friday 6 May (one day later than usual), Thursday 19 May

Harrogate (Asenby)

Refuse – Tuesday 3 May (changed due to Bank Holiday), then Monday 16 May.
Garden waste – Friday 6 May (changed due to Bank Holiday), then Thursday 19 May
Recycling – Mondays 9 and 23 May.

LATEST INFORMATION & NEWS ABOUT COVID

The week’s UK Covid statistics
• 54 million first doses given – that’s 92.5% of the population aged 12+.
•   49.7 million second doses given – that’s over 86.5%.
•   39.2 million booster or third jabs given – that’s 68.2% of those eligible.
• The R number range remains at 0.7 to 0.9 meaning that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 9 and 9 other people.
• In total, there’s been over 22 million confirmed cases of Covid. There were 105,331 cases confirmed in the last seven days
• 9,493 people were admitted to hospital with Covid in the week to 22 April.
• 1,560 deaths in the last seven days.
• 174,912 UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
•   191,277 UK deaths had Covid mentioned on the death certificate.
•   6,260, 033 death worldwide.

From next Sunday this regular listing of Covid information will be reduced to a couple of key statistics.

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