Category: Sunday Email

At last Wednesday’s lunch in the Village Hall I was very surprised to be presented with several gifts from recipients of the weekly email. The afternoon tea in a box and bottle of wine were very much appreciated. As were the reams of paper to help towards my costs for printing off a dozen, six-page emails each week for delivery to those in the village who don’t have access to PCs or smartphones. I’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who was involved.

Doug
07785 223707

• Bedding, duvets, pillows, sheets, blankets, camp beds, sleeping mats, yoga mats. 
• Tinned and dried food.
• Hygiene products, including nappies, babies dried milk, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, disinfection items, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
  shaving kits)
• Electronics (power banks, torches, batteries).
• Candles, plastic cutlery and bowls, hand and foot warmers.
• First Aid (Bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines).
• Children’s colouring books, crayons and pencils.

Cash donations to help meet fuel costs are also welcome. 

• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this special occasion.

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s are hosting Lent Lunches at 12 noon every Wednesday in March. Donations for all of these lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. 

Some of you will have heard that Linda Carver, who helps Malcolm and Karen Morley in the kitchen at these events, took a tumble a few days ago and broke her arm, has bruises like an artist’s palette and a cut on her head. She wants you all to know that she is fine and in future she won’t be challenging youngsters to a race! Anyway, her absence won’t affect the lunches, which will continue as planned.

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

•   Village Hall Committee – 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April. The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June. www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/
•   Topcliffe Parish Council – 7pm on Thursday 7 April – www.topcliffe.org.uk
•   Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May – www.asenby.net  

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Thursday 24 March – Pizza Night.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with a small local business there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 24 March  (Sunday 20 March – matinee show only) – Uncharted – Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open – Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

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

• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy. It should be an hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award-Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• 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.
• 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.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April
• Refuse – Mondays 28 March and 11 April

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Refuse – Mondays 21 March and 4 April.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Recycling – Mondays 28 March and 11 April

• Hambleton:  The cost is £40. New and existing customers can sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.
• Harrogate: The cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Meanwhile, hospital admissions rates have increased among all age groups, but are highest among over-85s. But vaccines are still helping to stop many severe cases, say experts.

All Covid restrictions on travel lifted 
Going on holiday from the UK to a foreign country became a lot easier last Friday, as the government scrapped all remaining coronavirus travel restrictions. The law on filling out passenger locator forms for those arriving in the UK was lifted, as were all testing testing requirements for those arriving in this country. The changes apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. However, anyone travelling abroad from the UK will still have to comply with the Covid measures in place at their destination.

Covid inquiry: draft terms of reference published
The government has published its draft terms of reference for the public inquiry into how the Covid pandemic was handled. The main topics of the inquiry will be to examine the response to the pandemic and its impact in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – and to produce a factual narrative account of what happened.

Representatives of the Covid-19 Inquiry will visit towns and cities across the UK over the next few weeks to meet with people impacted by the pandemic and to get their views on what should be examined. The inquiry team also plans to identify the lessons that can be learned so it can inform the UK’s preparations for future pandemics. A consultation on the terms of reference has commenced and runs until 7 April. The easiest way to submit views is at http://covid19.public-inquiry.uk

Doug
07785 223707

• Scarecrow Competition with a royal theme – Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May – organised jointly with Topcliffe Academy and Carlton Miniott Schools. Scarecrows will be registered and identified on village maps.
• Village Litter Picks and Tidy Ups – to be considered in conjunction with parish councils, with dates agreed so that the two villages are looking pristine in time for the celebrations. Scouting groups are keen to be involved and Topcliffe Academy may wish to be involved.
• Street and House Decorations – it was agreed that this activity is one that individuals within the villages need to consider. A leaflet outlining the idea will be prepared and distributed to all households encouraging them to decorate their home on a royal/jubilee theme.
• Party in the Park – the afternoon of Saturday 4 June. It will be a bring your own food and drink event. Consideration is being given to some children’s entertainment and games, stalls and perhaps a band. The Bowling Green will be open for a family competition. Children will be encouraged to arrive in a homemade crown and prizes will be available for the best. A sub-group has been set up to consider the details and get things organised.
• Sunday Brunch – 5 June at the Village Hall. Judith Lowe has agreed to get a group of volunteers together to organise.
• Children’s Art Competition – Topcliffe Academy is being approached to encourage pupils to submit artwork on a royal theme. The artwork will be displayed, judged and prizes presented at the Sunday Brunch.
• Platinum Jubilee Walkway – on the banks of the Swale between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby. This is being considered by Asenby Parish Council at its meeting on 16 March. Hambleton Brewery has already indicated it will help fund the initiative.
• The Queen’s Green Canopy – it’s hoped that throughout the year lots of trees might be planted in the two villages – in private gardens and on public land.

The following events will not take place unless someone comes forward to take the lead on making them happen:

• Village Beacons.
• Supper and entertainment in the Village Hall on Friday 3 June.
• Royal photographic competition.
• Royal fancy dress competition.
• Vintage vehicle display.
• Jubilee Stroll.

——————————————————————————————————–
Tree Planted in Topcliffe
Last Friday (the 70th day of the 70th year of The Queen’s reign) our local district councillor, Mark Robson, planted a lime tree on the grassed area at the front of Topcliffe Academy. Cllr Robson personally purchased the tree and arranged for a plaque to be made which states that the tree was planted to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. He was ably assisted by children from the school. See photograph here. More photographs are available on the Top Residents Facebook page.
———————————————————————————————————
Extra Plans in Asenby
Asenby residents were invited to the two community meetings recently held in Topcliffe and the aim is that they will be involved in any events held in Topcliffe during the celebrations. In addition, Asenby Institute is looking at two suggestions raised privately by individuals, namely: 
1.  A commemorative mug to be given to every Asenby child up to and including age 16. Asenby Institute would be happy to organise and pay for the commemorative mugs if that is thought to be a good idea.
2.  A tea party on Asenby’s playing fields during Platinum Jubilee week. The Institute would offer some sponsorship money to the organisers of a party.  
 
Anyone wishing to suggest other ideas or offer feedback on the ideas above, please contact Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or siobhan.gifford@hotmail.co.uk or contact her on Asenby Institute Facebook page.

Thank you for your email of 16 February regarding Topcliffe Bridge; having consulted with colleagues I am now able to respond to your enquiry. Please accept my apologies I was not able to send this response in time for your meeting yesterday (6 March).
 
Notwithstanding, as you are aware temporary barriers have been in place for quite some time replacing the concrete post and steel rail fence which had been damaged by vehicles.  You will also be aware of the wider package of improvements on the A167 including the northbound approach to the bridge that were delivered through the Safer Roads Fund project to reduce the number and severity of collisions. Pleasingly, collision data shows it has had the desired positive effect.  The final part of that project was to identify a solution to replace the concrete post and steel rail fence with a suitable barrier to reduce the risk of an errant vehicle from leaving the highway and entering the river embankment. 
 
Working with our partners WSP, a detailed study was carried out looking at various engineering options.  The most practical solution being an extension of the stone bridge parapet.  The design work for that has now been completed and work is progressing to get the necessary approvals from English Heritage as it is a listed structure as well as from the Environment Agency (as the construction work will require use of the river bank).  Applications have been made and a positive response has been received from English Heritage but at the time of writing this reply we still await a response from the Environment Agency.
 
Work is also progressing to finalise the programme for the construction works and it is hoped that work will commence on the bridge in June subject to receiving the final approvals and ordering of materials.  The construction time is expected to take in the region of 2 weeks. Please be assured every effort is being made to deliver the works at the very earliest opportunity and should it be possible to start on site sooner, then arrangements will be made to do so.

Okay, so the repairs might not happen in time for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but at least the work is getting the attention it deserves.

Men and women of all ages can join the club and Vice Captain Richard Wallis says: “There’ll be a very warm welcome to anyone who thinks they’d like to give it a go. Bowling is often seen as a sport for the more elderly but that is an outdated view as many younger people are taking part and having lots of fun. 
There’s also the pleasure of meeting new friends and taking part in very enjoyable social gatherings”.

The club plays from April to August on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

If you fancy seeing what’s involved why not pop along to try a game and meet some of the regulars at an open day. You’ll need to be wearing flat sole shoes or trainers if you want to play. A date is yet to be confirmed but the club will be holding a bowls meeting in The Angel Hotel on Monday 14 March 2022 at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Anyone who would like a chat about the sport, can call Club Secretary Richard Wallis on 01845 577437, Chairman Paul Bumby on 01845 524551.

The Post Office will be starting a further collection tomorrow – Monday 14 March. Items currently required are:

• Bedding, duvets, pillows, sheets, blankets, camp beds, sleeping mats, yoga mats, 
• Tinned and dried food.
• Knives to spread butter – there’s a huge shortage.
• Hygiene products, including nappies, babies dried milk, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, disinfection items, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
  shaving kits)
• Electronics (power banks, torches, batteries)
• Candles, plastic cutlery and bowls, hand and foot warmers.
• First Aid (Bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines)

If you would rather make a donation the Post Office can now accept money which goes direct to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Ukraine.

• TODAY Sunday – 13 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language)
• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this this special occasion.

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s, with the help of Linda Bumby and Karen Morley, are hosting Lent Lunches every Wednesday in March. Donations for all of these lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. The first lunch last Wednesday was a terrific success, raising £231.

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

New much tighter rulings come into force on Friday 25 March aimed at preventing drivers using loopholes to escape punishment if caught using their mobile phone. Motorists caught handling a device will be automatically punished with six points on their licence and a £200 fine. Previously, drivers have been able to use excuses such as using phones for video purposes. The current law says motorists can only be prosecuted by existing laws if they are found to have been making calls or sending messages specifically.  

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The Government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

The development of a £1.6m full-sized all-weather pitch and changing facilities is now underway at Sowerby’s new sports village. The ‘village’ is being built in phases and already has gardens, allotments, grass football pitches and a 1km running track along with an access road and two car parks. 
It is being funded by the Football Foundation, housing developers and Hambleton District Council.

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Thursday 24 March – Pizza Night.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with a small local business there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• The Catton Kitchen is looking for a chef who is passionate about how food is produced and can produce creative seasonal dishes. Get in touch if the idea of working in this exciting venture is for you.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.
• Friday 18 to Thursday 24 March  (Sunday 20 March – matinee show only) – Uncharted – Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open -Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

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

• Tuesday 15 March (10am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 3.30pm) – Copper Wire Hare – Cost £37.Learn how to manipulate copper wire to create a stunning hare sculpture – the perfect decoration for your home!
• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy, and together they will take a hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• 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.
• 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.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Recycling – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now required. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Refuse – Mondays 21 March and 4 April.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now due and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Since the first Sunday Email was published, there has only been two weeks in which an email has not been issued – both over the Christmas festivities of 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately I can’t prepare an email next week (6 March), so issue 99 will be out on 13 March and the centenary edition will be circulated on 20 March.

Doug
07785 223707

Tree Planting in Topcliffe
Our local district councillor Mark Robson is personally providing a Lime tree which will be planted in the village as a permanent reminder of the Platinum Jubilee. The tree will be planted on the triangle of land in front of Topcliffe Academy at 11.30am on Friday 11 March. That date marks the 70th day of the 70th year of The Queen’s reign. It’s hoped that children from the school will be able to assist with the planting and that those villagers who can, will pop along to witness the planting. Arrangements have been made for a plaque to be erected at the tree, but it’s unlikely it will be ready by the 11th, so it will be put up as soon as it is available.

Just to remind everyone, this is how the Head of Highway Operations responded to my request to have the bridge repaired in its 400th anniversary year and before the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

“Please treat this email as acknowledgement of your communication. Whilst our standard timescale for responses to correspondence is 20 working days, I will speak with colleagues and come back to you as soon as possible on this matter.”

It’s hoped that this answer suggests that the county council may understand the importance of putting the bridge right, but it is worrying that the appeals of a parish council have been ignored for so long. 

Below: Hambleton Council Leader and Topcliffe ward councillor, Mark Robson, explains how the gardens of remembrance are shaping up.

The high level of the River Swale at Topcliffe Mill did provide one bright spot as otters played in the fast-flowing river and on its banks opposite the Mill. At times a family of up to four otters were seen.

Analogue switch off in 2025
Most people won’t be aware that BT intends to switch off analogue telephones in 2025 and there’ll be a roll out of digital service to take its place. But there are concerns in rural communities that in times of emergency, digital communications will not work for everyone, so until guarantees can be given, campaigners are demanding that migration to full digital in rural areas should be delayed.

During the recent storms, some rural communities lost power for up to ten days and broadband/phone signal for fourteen days. Mobile masts were down, and broadband signal strength was next to non-existent. People had no means of contacting emergency services, unless they had an analogue phone. With no access to a power supply, mobile phones could not have been recharged even if there was a signal.

Now a petition has been launched to get support for such a delay. To sign the petition follow this link: http:// https://chng.it/FkzwBDLj

You can also have the newsletter emailed direct to your inbox. Just send a request to:kitnorris@live.co.uk

• TODAY Sunday – 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday – 6 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday – 13 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language)
• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – Holy Communion (modern language).

• Topcliffe Parish Council – the February meeting has been cancelled, so the next meeting will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 March – www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March – www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April.
• The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June.
• www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Tuesday 1 March – Hilarity Bites Comedy Night – doors open at 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the night.
• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• February – Closed.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• March – Thursday 3 and Friday 4, 9am to 2pm; Saturday 5, 10am to 2pm; Sunday 6,10am to 2pm.
• Thursday 17 March – Pizza Night.

• To Thursday 3 March – Belfast – a young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s.
• Friday 4 to Thursday 10 March – Nightmare Alley – an ambitious conman with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is.
• Friday 11 to Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.

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

• Wednesdays from 2 March, 6.30pm – 8pm – Life Drawing – £8 per session. Take part in brand-new fortnightly sessions to hone your observational drawing skills as part of a friendly, peer-led group.
• Thursday 3 March at 7.30pm – Katie Spencer – Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Katie Spencer is a progressive folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Yorkshire who writes songs imbued with the northern landscapes of her home. “Intensely captivating” – Folk Radio.
• Thursday 10 March at 7pm – National Theatre – Live performance – Book of Dust – Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Philip Pullman’s prequel to the epic His Dark Materials trilogy. Two young people and their demons find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra, and in that child lies the fate of the future.

For more information and to book places, go tohttps://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Friday 4 March at 7.30pm – Bulsara & His Queens – this internationally recognised Queen tribute band returns for an exciting new show.
• Monday 7 March at 7.30pm – An Evening with John Pilkington – the award-winning author and photographer is one of Britain’s most experienced adventurers and public speakers. 
• Tuesday 8 March at 8pm – Andy Zaltzman: Satarist for Hire – the chair of The News Quiz (Radio 4), host of the global hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and Test Match Special statistician, returns with his unparalleled interactive stand-up show.
• Thursday 10 March at 7.15pm – Rigoletto live-streamed from The Royal Opera House – this special anniversary screening of Verdi’s Rigoletto celebrates 171 years since its premiere in 1851.
• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand! The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!

Enquiries 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• 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.
• 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.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 28 February and 14 March.
• Recycling – Thursday 10 March
• Garden waste – Thursday 10 March.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can now sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Mondays 28 February and 14 March.
• Refuse – Mondays 7 and 21 March
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

We know that our two Parish Councils support the celebrations and in the case of Topcliffe Parish Council, might be able to assist with funding of appropriate events and projects. We also know that the Village Hall Committee has agreed to give free use of the Village Hall for any jubilee events over the four-day celebration.

Some events will come together fairy easily, such as services at St Columba’s Church because there is a group of people that make the church work well and they will simply add on celebratory services, but most other ideas will only materialise if someone in the community – an individual or group – steps forward to organise them.

As a reminder, the list of possibilities is as follows:

• 11 March – Formal tree planting (this is the 70th day of the 70th year of the Queen’s reign, and coincides with the right time to plant trees). Plaque erected and time capsule buried.
• 30 April to 2 May – Scarecrow competition with a royal theme – to coincide with a similar event in Carlton Miniott.
• May – Village tidy-ups and litter picks (dates to be agreed).
• Village beacons.
• Street and house decoration – throughout weekend celebrations
• Evening Meal and Disco in the Village Hall – bring your own drinks.
• Saturday 4 June – Party in the Park on the playing field. Bring your own picnic and drinks. Possibly with a band and dancing, games, races etc.
• Children’s crown-making competition.
• Children’s Jubilee art competition.
• Jubilee Photographic competition.
• Fancy royal dress competition.
• Vehicle display – any vehicles 70 years of age and over.
• Flat Green bowling knock out competition – teams of four (including children accompanied by adults).
• Jubilee walk – a short stroll between Topcliffe and Asenby and back for families and people of all ages.
• Sunday 5 June – Brunch in the Village Hall.

Larger-scale and longer-term opportunities;

• Improvements to Jubilee Gardens.
• Creation of a Platinum Jubilee Walkway on the trail between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby, with new path surfaces, more benches, picnic tables on the grassy area near the bridge, waste bins, more tree planting and jubilee signage. Hambleton Brewery, based in Melmerby, has expressed a willingness to give financial support to this proposal.
• Tree planting to improve the nation’s tree canopy.

So, lots of ideas that have the potential to make up a great programme for the Platinum Jubilee, with fun events and some great opportunities for long-term memories and improvement. But have our two communities got the willingness and commitment to make at least some of these ideas a reality? Please look through the list and consider how you might help. The plain fact is that these exciting proposals will only take place if residents are prepared to make them happen. The next public meeting is at The Angel at 7.30pm on Sunday 6 March. Everyone will be welcome.

Yet Topcliffe Bridge is looking remarkably neglected on its western side due to damage caused by motorists crashing through the fencing and red & white safety barriers erected in its place. These conditions have persisted for as long as three years, maybe longer, and it is time that something was done about it. At a public meeting to discuss how the two villages of Topcliffe and Asenby might celebrate the Platinum Jubilee it was suggested that the one thing that the county council could do to play its part is to fix the bridge, and the suggestion received unanimous support from all present.

I am taking the liberty of expressing the collective views of those at the meeting and would welcome an official response in order that I can report back at the next meeting on 6 March. I look forward to hearing back.

Initial Response from the County Council
Please treat this email as acknowledgement of your communication. Whilst our standard timescale for responses to correspondence is 20 working days, I will speak with colleagues and come back to you as soon as possible on this matter.

Last Wednesday’s lunch raised £56 for The Herriot Hospice.

• TODAY – Sunday, 20 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• Sunday – 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday – 6 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday – 13 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language)
• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – Holy Communion (modern language).

• Tuesday 1 March – Hilarity Bites Comedy Night – doors open at 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the night.
• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• February – Closed.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• March – Thursday 3 and Friday 4, 9am to 2pm; Saturday 5, 10am to 2pm; Sunday 6,10am to 2pm.
• Thursday 17 March – Pizza Night.

• Topcliffe Parish Council – the February meeting has been cancelled, so the next meeting will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 March –  www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March – www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April.
• The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting  at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June.
• www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• To Thursday 24 February – Sing 2.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 3 March – Belfast – a young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s.
• Friday 4 to Thursday 10 March – Nightmare Alley – an ambitious conman with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is.
• Friday 11 to Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.

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

• 22 – 24 February, 10.30am – 12 noon – Children’s half-term workshops – From £4.50. Run away to the circus for the morning, making your own miniature acts with paper, ceramics and more!
• Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February, 10am-3pm – Print Sprint – From £12.50. Two days of live demonstrations and workshops inclusive of all abilities. Try out different techniques with our friendly and professional printmakers.
• Wednesdays from 2 March, 6.30pm – 8pm – Life Drawing – £8 per session. Take part in brand-new fortnightly sessions to hone your observational drawing skills as part of a friendly, peer-led group.
• Thursday 3 March at 7.30pm – Katie Spencer –  Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Katie Spencer is a progressive folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Yorkshire who writes songs imbued with the northern landscapes of her home. “Intensely captivating” – Folk Radio.
• Thursday 10 March at 7pm – National Theatre – Live performance – Book of Dust – Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Philip Pullman’s prequel to the epic His Dark Materials trilogy. Two young people and their demons find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra, and in that child lies the fate of the future.

For more information and to book places, go tohttps://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 February at 8pm – Ahir Shah – featuring his signature blend of philosophical inquiry, personal examination and sweet gags.
• Friday 25 February at 6pm – Pop Divas Live – the UK’s number 1 Pop Tribute.
• Friday 4 March at 7.30pm – Bulsara & His Queens – this internationally recognised Queen tribute band returns for an exciting new show.
• Monday 7 March at 7.30pm – An Evening with John Pilkington – the award-winning author and photographer is one of Britain’s most experienced adventurers and public speakers. 
• Tuesday 8 March at 8pm – Andy Zaltzman: Satarist for Hire – the chair of The News Quiz (Radio 4), host of the global hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and Test Match Special statistician, returns with his unparalleled interactive stand-up show.
• Thursday 10 March at 7.15pm – Rigoletto live-streamed from The Royal Opera House – this special anniversary screening of Verdi’s Rigoletto celebrates 171 years since its premiere in 1851.
• Friday 11 March at 8pm – Bobby Mair: Cockroach – an hour of dark, gut-wrenching stand-up from one of the best comedians in the country.
• Saturday 12 March at 8pm – Lore – captivating harmonies and finely crafted songs, providing an evening of soulful songs with stunning musical arrangements.

Enquiries 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• 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 – Closed until 28 January 2022.
• 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 – http://www.theswantopcliffe.co.uk – 01845 595185.
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling – Thursdays 24 February. and 10 March
• Refuse – Mondays 28 February and 14 March. Garden waste – resume 24 February for those who have subscribed to 2021/22 service. 
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can now sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Refuse – Mondays 21 February and 7 March.
• Recycling – Mondays 28 February and 14 March.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Five to 11 year olds offered Covid jab
Children aged five to 11 are to be offered the Covid vaccine in a bid to protect them from future waves of coronavirus. The decision came after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said children should be offered a low-dose Covid jab on a “non-urgent” basis. The dose of vaccine offered to children aged five to 11 will be much lower than that offered to adults or children aged 12 and over. It will be a 10 micrograms dose compared with 30 micrograms.

There are an estimated 5.8 million five to 11-year-olds in the UK and they’ll all be able to get the jab from April onwards. Those in vulnerable groups have already been offered a chance to have a vaccine.

Covid test kits won’t be free for ever
The government has said that its policy of giving the public free PCR and lateral flow tests is constantly under review and the free provision can not last for ever. Some reports suggest the free supply will stop fairly soon under the ‘Living With Covid’ strategy that will soon be published. Health Secretary Sajid Javid refused to confirm the plans when speaking to the media last week but said measures to protect the UK from Covid are “not all forever”.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• Both Topcliffe and Asenby Parish Councils have indicated they will support the celebrations.
• The two villages will have specific events for their residents, with communal events for residents of both villages staged in Topcliffe.
• The Village Hall Committee has agreed to offer free use of the Village Hall for community events linked to the celebrations.
• St Columba’s Church will organise a range of jubilee services that complement the community celebrations.
• Hambleton Council will supply a Lime tree for planting in Topcliffe, possibly on the triangle of grass outside the school. A commemorative plaque will be added and maybe a time capsule will be buried.

Plenty of ideas were proposed for the celebration, and more have been added subsequently, including:
Pre-June
–   11 March – Formal tree planting (this is the 70th day of the 70th year of the Queen’s reign, and coincides with the right time to plant trees!). Plaque and time capsule.
–   30 April to 2 May – Scarecrow competition with a royal theme – to coincide with a similar event in Carlton Miniott.
–   May – Village tidy-ups and litter picks (dates to be agreed).
–   Persuade the county council to repair Topcliffe Bridge – which was damaged several years ago and is now an eyesore.
Thursday 2 June
–   Lighting of village beacons – to remain on for duration of celebrations, or lit daily.
–   Street and house decoration – throughout weekend celebrations
Friday 3 June
–   Evening Meal and Disco in the Village Hall – bring your own drinks.
Saturday 4 June
–   Party in the Park on the playing field. Bring your own picnic and drinks. Possibly with a band and dancing, games, races etc.
–   Children’s crown-making competition
–   Children’s Jubilee art competition
–   Jubilee Photographic competition
–   Fancy royal dress competition
–   Vehicle display – any vehicles 70 years of age and over
–   Flat Green bowling knock out competition – teams of four (including children accompanied by adults)
Some of these events could be staged at different locations and on any day during the weekend.
Sunday 5 June
–   Jubilee walk – a short stroll between Topcliffe and Asenby and back for families and people of all ages.
–   Sunday Brunch in the Village Hall.
–   Church service.

Larger-scale and longer-term opportunities;
–   Improvements to Jubilee Gardens
–   Creation of a Platinum Jubilee Walkway on the trail between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby, with new path surfaces, more benches, picnic benches at the bridge end grassy area, waste bins, more tree planting and signage.
–   Tree planting to improve the nation’s tree canopy.

So, lots of ideas to make the celebrations a fun time and some great opportunities for long-term improvements. Now all is needed is the will-power to make these ideas a reality. Each specific event will need a leader and volunteers to get the activity organised. Please look through the list and consider how you might help. The plain fact is that these exciting proposals will only happen if residents are prepared to make them happen. 

There’s still time to express your views on the Top Residents’ Facebook page and you could also consider attending the next public meeting at The Angel at 7.30pm on Sunday 6 March.

Early Closing this Friday
The Post Office will close at 1pm this coming Friday as Debbie will be attending the funeral of a close friend who she worked with as a paramedic. Unfortunately, Helen and Paul are on holiday and so there is no cover available. Debbie says she is very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.

Milk Churn Farm Shop
All food products have now been moved over from the Post Office to the farm shop and the new shelving for these items and some new lines will be installed for Tuesday’s opening. Only the dog and cat products now need transferring and that will happen quite soon.
Customers have been enquiring about the farm shop opening on a Monday and Debbie would like nothing better than to do this, but only if there is a considerable increase in footfall. There are considerable costs involved – staffing, gas and electricity – and at the moment opening that extra day simply can’t be justified, but the matter will be kept under review.

• TODAY – Sunday, 13 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday, 20 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• Sunday, 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

In order to minimise the number of cars travelling from our two villages, if anyone who is interested gives me their name, I’ll keep a list and see if transport can be pooled. Email doug@dougallan.co.uk or call 07785 223707. I have the names of six people, including myself, on the list so far.

• 12 to 14 February – Valentine Evenings – special menu for this special occasion. 
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• February – Closed – as the team are very busy getting everything seeded and prepped for spring!  
• March – Thursday 3 and Friday 4, 9am to 2pm; Saturday 5, 10am to 2pm; Sunday 6,10am to 2pm.

Opening times will be reviewed again in the spring. 

• Topcliffe Parish Council – the February meeting has been cancelled, so the next meeting will be at 7pm on Thursday 3 March – www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March – www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April.
• The AGM and an Ordinary Meeting of the Committee will be held consecutively starting  at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 June.
• www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• To Thursday 17 February – Save the Cinema – the story of Liz Evans who starts a campaign in the 90s to save the Lyric Cinema in Carmarthen.
• Friday 18 to Thursday 24 February – Sing 2.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 3 March – Belfast – a young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s.
• Friday 4 to Thursday 10 March – Nightmare Alley – an ambitious conman with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is.
• Friday 11 to Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.

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

• Saturday 19 February at 7.30pm – The Dark Room – Full: £10, Concessions: £8. You, the audience, awake in The Dark Room. Which option do you pick? This strange, high-octane, choose-your-own adventure game is a comedy night, gameshow and pantomime all in one.
• 22 – 24 February, 10.30am – 12 noon – Children’s half-term workshops – From £4.50. Run away to the circus for the morning, making your own miniature acts with paper, ceramics and more!
• Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February, 10am-3pm – Print Sprint – From £12.50. Two days of live demonstrations and workshops inclusive of all abilities. Try out different techniques with our friendly and professional printmakers.
• Wednesdays from 2 March, 6.30pm – 8pm – Life Drawing – £8 per session. Take part in brand-new fortnightly sessions to hone your observational drawing skills as part of a friendly, peer-led group.
• Thursday 3 March at 7.30pm – Katie Spencer –  Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Katie Spencer is a progressive folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Yorkshire who writes songs imbued with the northern landscapes of her home. “Intensely captivating” – Folk Radio.
• Thursday 10 March at 7pm – National Theatre – Live performance – Book of Dust – Full: £10, Concessions: £8. Philip Pullman’s prequel to the epic His Dark Materials trilogy. Two young people and their demons find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra, and in that child lies the fate of the future.

For more information and to book places, go tohttps://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Monday 14 February at 7.15pm – Romeo and Juliet – the classic ballet live-streamed from the Royal Opera House. A Valentine’s Day treat.
• Thursday 17 February at 7pm – The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage – live-streamed from the National Theatre.
• Saturday 19 February at 7.30pm – Phoney Fools and Horses – the stage show.
• Wednesday 23 February at 8pm – Ahir Shah – featuring his signature blend of philosophical inquiry, personal examination and sweet gags.
• Friday 25 February at 6pm – Pop Divas Live – the UK’s number 1 Pop Tribute.

Enquiries 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• 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 – Closed until 28 January 2022.
• 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 – http://www.theswantopcliffe.co.uk – 01845 595185.
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays14 and 28 February.
• Recycling – Thursdays 24 February. and 10 March
• Garden waste – resume 24 February for those who have subscribed to 2021/22 service. 
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can now sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Mondays 14 and 28 February.
• Refuse – Mondays 21 February and 7 March.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Early end to Covid restrictions?
The possibility of all Covid restrictions, including the requirement to self-isolate following a positive test, ending a month earlier than planned has been raised by the Prime Minister. Covid restrictions had been due to expire on March 24, Boris Johnson told MPs he expects they can end a month sooner if the data continues to be encouraging. It means in less than two weeks time the country could be returned to levels of freedom enjoyed before the pandemic, for the first time since restrictions were brought in almost two years ago.

Covid travel requirements relaxed
Since last Friday, fully vaccinated people travelling to the UK no longer have to take any Covid tests – either before departure or on arrival.  There’s no longer a need to quarantine at all – but you still need to fill in a passenger locator form.

The unvaccinated must have proof of a negative Covid test taken in the two days before travelling to the UK. Once in the country, they need to book and pay privately for a PCR test to be taken after they arrive (this needs to be booked before travelling). And they still have to fill in the passenger locator form but won’t need to isolate, as long as their Covid test is negative.

And with people able to travel abroad easier than at any time since the start of the pandemic, it is easy to lose track of the regulations. The BBC has compiled a handy list of some of the key things to know about when travelling to popular destinations – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-56997931