Category: Sunday Email

Doug
07785 223707

The Village Hall Committee has agreed to offer free use of the Village Hall for community events linked to the four-day platinum jubilee celebrations in June. 

Next week there’ll be a report on how the community meeting went, what sort of ideas are coming forward and arrangements for overseeing the plans for the celebrations in June.

Regulars will have noticed that the new doorway has been constructed to give access to the planned hot and cold takeaway area, where work is progressing on electrics and other first-fix work. Unfortunately the preparation of footings for the extension were delayed due to bad weather but it’s hoped things will now move quickly ahead. Next week it’s planned that the new oak doors will be installed at both entrances – takeaway and Post Office. The paint for the front of the building has been chosen but we’ll leave everyone is suspense about the colour – will it really be cerise pink!

The sweet and crisps corner has been completed land the new shelving for the display of chocolate products is taking place this weekend. Meanwhile, significant progress has been made on attracting courier delivery services to use the Post Office for drop-off and pick-up services. Both DHL Express and UPS Courier Services have agreed to start a service, but it might be about six weeks before the contracts are finalised and training provided. Other providers, including Amazon, have been approached and their response is awaited.

New cigarette drawers have arrived and they are placed under the counter and out of sight. That gives more space for new shelving for the display of vaping products and affordable alcohol. There are no thoughts at this point to extend opening hours for the sale of alcohol, but that idea may be explored again if the demand is there. Another new service being provided at our customers’ request is the sale of kindling. Local company, Chopsticks, has delivered a stock of kindling this week.

Last week the transfer of all grocery products from the Post Office to the farm shop was completed, so the food and household products displays are now looking very comprehensive and competitively priced – which is what customers asked for when a survey of their requirements was conducted recently. Some work is being undertaken to provide display space for plants, flowers and beautiful planters which will go on sale soon…and make super gifts.

Outside the footpath is breaking up so take care when using it. The County Council has been asked to repair the path and we are doing some work to improve the cobbles along the shop frontage.

• TODAY Sunday, 6 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong accompanied by organist Matthew Atherton. This is the actual 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and anyone who would like to join the Choral Evensong on this most significant day will be warmly welcomed.
• Sunday, 13 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday, 20 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• Sunday, 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

• BT Call Protect is a free, network-based call-filtering service available to BT residential customers. Once activated, the service allows users to send certain calls to a junk voicemail box. These can include calls from BT’s blacklist of nuisance callers, calls from a blacklist created by you, and certain call types (such as withheld or international numbers). Customers can retrieve any messages left in the voicemail box at their convenience.
• Sky Talk Shield is a free, network-based call-screening service available to Sky Talk customers. Once activated, the service screens all calls to the customer’s landline by asking callers to identify themselves. When customers answer their phone, they will hear a recording of the caller’s name, and decide whether to add the caller to their ‘star list’ or ‘block list’. After doing this, calls from numbers on the star list will get through without screening, and calls from numbers on the block list will not get through without the customer’s phone ringing.

–   Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS): this is a free ‘do not call’ register for landlines and mobile numbers which allows people and businesses to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. You can register online: www.tpsonline.org.uk or text TPS to 85095 from a mobile.

More advice on call blocking technology available from individual phone providers can be found at Ofcom’s website: www.ofcom.org.uk 

Remember, if in any doubt that a caller is who they claim to be, hang up immediately. If you want to check their identity, call the customer service number of the organisation they are claiming to be from by using a different phone. Scammers can ‘hold’ your phone line so if you call a different number from the same phone line, they might still be on the line. 

• 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 – http:// www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March – http://www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April – https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

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

• To Thursday 10 February – The Electrical Life of Louis Wain – English artist Louis Wain rises to prominence at the end of the 19^th century for his surreal cat paintings that seemed to reflect his declining sanity.
• Friday 11 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/: 

• TODAY Sunday 6 February at 7.30pm – Sunday Jazz – the fabulous sounds of the Big Band Era performed, in an open session, by Alan Owens and The Forum Big Band.
• Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 February at 7.30pm (matinee Saturday at 2pm) – Legally Blonde – Crash Bang Wallop are back performing to a live audience in 2022. 
• 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 Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled once the Covid pandemic is over.

• 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 10 and 24 February.
• Refuse – Mondays14 and 28 February.
• 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 7 and 21 February.
• Recycling – Mondays 14 and 28 February.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Interestingly, 6 February marks the actual day The Queen celebrates becoming the first British Monarch to serve 70 years, but the public celebrations will be held in June because she was crowned on 2 June 

Village Hall Committee offers free use of hall for celebrations
At last Tuesday’s meeting of the Village Hall Committee, a decision was taken to offer free use of the Village Hall for community events linked to the four-day platinum jubilee celebrations in June 

The following items are welcomed: men’s, ladies and children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewellery – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow-cases and duvet covers). We are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts or yarns.

In order to minimise the number of cars 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.

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

New council for North Yorkshire
On 1 April 2023, the two-tier system of local government in our area will be abolished. The existing councils across the county will be abolished and replaced with a single unitary authority to run services across the entire county. It will be called North Yorkshire Council. Appropriate legislation to allow the change is currently before Parliament and, subject to MPs’ approval, the order is expected to be enacted in a month or so.

Following that announcement, elections will take place on 5 May 2022 when 90 councillors will be selected to represent the 89 wards across North Yorkshire. The councillors will serve one year on the existing North Yorkshire County Council before switching to the new unitary authority from 1 April 2023.  This is the shadow authority and will run alongside the existing councils until they disappear at the end of March 2023.

• Drivers now have ‘the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger posed to others, including cyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders.
• Drivers at a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that they’re turning into.
• Drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.
• Drivers should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.
• Drivers must leave a distance of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists.
• Cyclists are advised to ride in the middle of the road in certain situations to make themselves more visible and they should generally give way to pedestrians. 
• Passengers and drivers should use new ‘Dutch Reach’ technique when opening the door of a vehicle. This involves opening the door with the hand furthest away from the door as the movement provides a better opportunity to look over their shoulder and spot oncoming cyclists.

There are significant fines for those who fail to follow the new rules and are involved in any incident.

On 22 March the class will look at ceramics and subjects for 19 April, 17 May, 21 June and 19 July will be announced in due course.

• TODAY – Sunday, 30 January – No Service.
• Wednesday, 2 February at 7.30pm – Service of Compline for the Feast of Candlemas
• Sunday, 6 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong accompanied by organist Matthew Atherton. This is the actual 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and anyone who would like to join the Choral Evensong on this most significant day will be warmly welcomed.
• Sunday, 13 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday, 20 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• Sunday, 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

• 1 February – Hilarity Bites Comedy Club – Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm.
• 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  – http:// www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March – http://www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 April – https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

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

• Until Thursday 27 January – The Matrix Resurrections – return to the world of two realities; one, everyday life and the other, what lies behind it! 
• Friday 28 January to Thursday 3 February – The King’s Man – In the early years of the 20th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.
• Friday 4 to Thursday 10 February – The Electrical Life of Louis Wain – English artist Louis Wain rises to prominence at the end of the 19^th century for his surreal cat paintings that seemed to reflect his declining sanity.
• Friday 11to 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.

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

• Sunday 6 February at 7.30pm – Sunday Jazz – the fabulous sounds of the Big Band Era performed, in an open session, by Alan Owens and The Forum Big Band.
• Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 February at 7.30pm (matinee Saturday at 2pm) – Legally Blonde – Crash Bang Wallop are back performing to a live audience in 2022. 
• 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 Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled once the Covid pandemic is over.

• 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 – Monday 31 January and 14 February.
• Recycling – Thursdays 10 and 24 February.
• 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 31 January and 14 February.
• Refuse – Mondays 7 and 21 February.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Back to Plan A
Plan B has now ended and we are back to Plan A measures, which means fewer restrictions are in place. The requirement to wear a face covering is scrapped (though still advised in certain settings) and Covid passes are no longer needed to access large venues. Work from home guidance has already been dropped and masks are no longer required in schools.

Isolation
The main legal requirement that remains is for anyone with Covid to self-isolate. Earlier this month, the quarantine time was cut from 10 days to five full days – provided you produce a negative test result on the fifth and sixth days, and do not have a temperature. Tests must be at least 24 hours apart. If either test is positive, you must wait 24 hours before testing again. This measure is due to expire on 24 March, though it could be dropped earlier if things continue to improve.

Care Homes
From Monday 31 January, care home restrictions will ease. There will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed at care homes, self-isolation periods will be cut and care homes will only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 days, not 28.

Travel
From 4am on Friday, 11 February fully vaccinated passengers entering England will no longer need to book Covid tests. The rules before then mean fully vaccinated travellers must pre-book a Covid test from a private supplier (lateral flow or PCR) and take it, at most two days after arriving in the country. Rules for non-vaccinated travellers remain the same – they must take a pre-departure test and two post-arrival PCR tests. They must also self-isolate for 10 days after arriving in England.

As Sunday 6 February is the actual day The Queen celebrates becoming the first British Monarch to serve 70 years, the meeting will be a great opportunity for those present to toast Her Majesty on her amazing achievement.

David has asked for a mention of Siobhan Gifford who has kindly looked after the library on a temporary basis in recent months.

Essentially, the Post Office is going to concentrate on postal services, newspapers, stationery, sweets and hot & cold food, whilst the farm shop will widen its range of foodstuffs to include everyday essentials alongside the specialist locally sourced produce and the café.
Debbie says:

• We have seen lots of new faces in the farm shop, so a big thank you to new and old customers for taking the time to pop in to see what’s going on. All household products are now in the farm shop and once the new shelving is up, the tinned foods will follow.
• Everyone will have noticed that building work is underway at the Post Office. The doorway on the right-hand side of the building has been moved to accommodate an interior entrance to the flat above. Once the Building Control inspector has visited to check the work undertaken so far, the new oak doors can be fitted. We will try to carry out this work so that we cause the least inconvenience to customers.
• This week electrician Chris Moores will be doing a night shift in the Post Office to install new lighting and do a few extra jobs.
• The dog tying hook has temporarily been moved whilst construction work is under way, but we will replace it as soon as possible. Many apologies to dog owners who are finding this a bit of an inconvenience.
• We’ve started to repaint the interior walls in the Post Office and we have had some excellent feedback on the paint colour…and about our scrapbook murals. Rob is currently making new shelving for the chocolate bars and we’re waiting for new wall shelving to arrive. When complete we’ll be able to stock and display an even greater variety of sweets and chocolate.
• Negotiations are looking extremely favourable for the Post Office to provide a new laundry service for the community. I am having to jump through hoops to persuade Johnson the Cleaners to introduce a collection service, but I’m determined to succeed. It looks like any contract will involve set targets, so it will be a “use it, or lose it” arrangement. After my protracted discussions to get a service, I hope everyone will make use of it.  Further details to follow.
• Thank you to all the sweet-toothed farm shop customers out there! The new line of locally baked cupcakes have been flying off the shelves. They’re absolutely delicious, so come and try them for yourself.

The last lunch (on 19 January) raised £77 for the Community Works charity based in Thirsk.

But there’s also some good news! Joanne has contacted the Butterflies School of Dance in Westgate, Thirsk and its proprietor, Roxanne Marie Brearley has organised an eight-week course of Salsa classes. They start on Monday 31 January, between 8 and 9pm and are only £6 per session. If you are interested please contact Roxanne on 07976 067984.

In order to minimise the number of cars, 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.

‘Dear Mum’ scam on the rise
Few parents would be suspicious of a WhatsApp text message from their son or daughter saying they had broken their phone and were using a temporary number.  However, maybe they should be because it’s unusual for anyone to get a temporary number.

The text message appeals to mum or dad to pay for a new mobile phone because the child can’t access their bank account. The seemingly innocent message is, in fact, the start of a cynical scam that can leave them hundreds of pounds out of pocket. Known as the ‘mum and dad’ or ‘friend in need’ con, fraudsters impersonate their victims’ loved ones. They claim to be in distress and in urgent need of help and cash in the hope worried relatives will hand over money without thinking twice.

In 65 per cent of cases, the scammers disguised themselves as the victim’s son, and in 33 per cent, as their daughter. On occasion, the scammers pose as parents or friends. In the last three months of 2021 Santander reported a 532 per cent surge in the new scam and other banks are also reporting large increases.

To bring home the prevalence and cleverness of the scam, two incidents were reported locally in the last week. The targets of those attacks said that they are generally scam savvy but these WhatsApp messages are extremely convincing and the immediate desire to help a loved one clouded their judgement. One mum lost over £1,000 to the scammers paying for the new phone…but fortunately the bank refunded the cash. To report fraud or attempted scams, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

2022 Big Garden Birdwatch

Final reminder that this year’s RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, takes place between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 January. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour on one of the mentioned dates. https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/birdwatch-take-part/

On 22 March the class will look at ceramics and subjects for 19 April, 17 May, 21 June and 19 July will be announced in due course.

• TODAY – 23 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Rev’d Canon Steven Harvey.
• Sunday, 30 January – No Service.
• Sunday, 6 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong accompanied by organist Matthew Atherton. While everyone will no doubt be looking forward to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the special four day bank holiday weekend 2 to 5 June, Sunday 6 February marks the actual 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne and we would warmly welcome anyone who would like to join us at Choral Evensong on this most significant day. 
• Sunday, 13 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
• Sunday, 20 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• Sunday, 27 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

• January – Friday and Sundays 10am to12 noon.
• 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 will meet at 7pm on Thursday 3 February 2022- http:// www.topcliffe.org.uk
• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 March. http://www.asenby.net

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.15am on Tuesday 25 January 2022.   https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/

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

• Until Thursday 27 January – The Matrix Resurrections – return to the world of two realities; one, everyday life and the other, what lies behind it! 

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

• Thursday 27 January at 7pm – Leopoldstadt – this new award winning play by Tom Stoppard is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. (Live-streamed from the National Theatre).

• Friday 28 to Sunday 30 January – (Friday matinee at 2.30pm; Saturday/Sunday at 7.30pm) Film: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain – the extraordinary true story the eccentric British artist portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch.

• Friday 28 January at 7.30pm – Megaslam Wrestling: Live and Loaded 2022 Tour
• Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 February at 7.30pm (matinee Saturday at 2pm) – Legally Blonde – Crash Bang Wallop are back performing to a live audience in 2022. Since you last saw them, they have been awarded ‘Best Youth Show in the North East’, by NODA. 
• Sunday 6 February at 7.30pm – Sunday Jazz – the fabulous sounds of the Big Band Era performed, in an open session, by Alan Owens and The Forum Big Band.
• 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 – Dress – 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 Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled once the Covid pandemic is over.

• 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. 
• 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 – Thursday 27January and 10 February.
• Refuse – Monday 31 January and 14 February.
• Garden waste – Garden waste collections will resume mid-February for those who have subscribed to the current year’s service which runs until March 2022.
• 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 – Monday 24 January and 7 February.
• Recycling – Mondays 31 January and 14 February.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

How the Covid rules are changing
England’s Covid-19 Plan B restrictions have started to ease. Here are the key changes and dates::

• 19 January – guidance to work from home was dropped.
• 20 January – staff and pupils no longer required to wear masks in classrooms. The wearing of masks in communal areas will not be required after 27 January.
• 27 January – mask-wearing for the public at large generally no longer required.
• 27 January – the showing a Covid pass to enter large venues like nightclubs will no longer be required.
• Date to be confirmed – when restricted visits to care homes will end.

Although it has been announced that face coverings will no longer be mandatory in any setting, people are encouraged to continue wearing them in enclosed spaces or when coming into contact with people they do not usually meet.

The main legal requirement still in place will be self-isolation following a positive Covid test. The period is now five days – provided you produce a negative test result on the fifth and sixth day and do not have a temperature. Tests must be at least 24 hours apart. If either test is positive, wait 24 hours before testing again. This measure is due to expire on March 24, although there have been suggestions it may expire sooner if the Covid situation continues to improve.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and activities will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. It’s anticipated that the bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

Those of you who are members of the Top Residents Facebook page will have seen reference this week to how Topcliffe (and Asenby) might join in the celebrations. There’s plenty of ideas and lots of enthusiasm.

The consensus appears to be that a ‘Jubilee Committee’ should be formed to consider how best to organise and coordinate activities.  And maybe one of the first decisions needs to be whether the two villages act together or plan their separate contributions to the celebrations. Another is how the Parish Council(s), Village Hall Committee and other local organisations will get involved?

The Sunday Email is here to help promote and publicise whatever plans are developed. 

North Yorkshire Police have received a large number of reports from local residents who have been called by a male claiming to be a police officer. This ‘police officer’ goes on to claim they have arrested a person related to the victim who has attempted to buy a television or other high value item using the victim’s bank card.

The scammer will often give the victim a bogus reference number. 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.

2022 Big Garden Birdwatch

Just a quick reminder that this year’s RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, takes place between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 January. It’s open to everyone whether they are complete beginners or a birding experts. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour on one of the mentioned dates. Last year over a million people took part, making it one of the biggest bird watching events in the world. You can register to join in the bird count here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/birdwatch-take-part/

• TODAY! 16 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins
• 23 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• 30 January – No Service

• January – Friday and Sundays 10am to12 noon.
• 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. 

• Asenby Parish Council’s scheduled meeting on Wednesday, 19 January has been CANCELLED. The next meeting will be in March. http://www.asenby.net
• Topcliffe Parish Council will meet at 7pm on Thursday 3 February 2022- http:// www.topcliffe.org

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.15am on Tuesday 25 January 2022.

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

• Until Thursday 20 January – Spider-Man: No Way Home – with Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
• Friday 21 to Thursday 27 January – The Matrix Resurrections – return to the world of two realities; one, everyday life and the other, what lies behind it! 

Important Notes:
1. Under the latest government instructions patrons over the age of 11 are asked to wear a face mask at all times, i.e. when standing and seated. Patrons are thanked for their co-operation.

2. Normal adult/concession ticket pricing will be in operation on Monday nights. The upstairs seating will be closed; Downstairs seating only.
 
Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• To Saturday 22 January (various performance times) – The Northallerton Variety Company present the pantomime Cinderella – undoubtedly the best known and most popular panto of them all.
• Wednesday 19 January at 7pm- Tosca – (live-streamed from The Royal Opera House) – into the romantic world of an idealistic painter Cavaradossi and his sensuous lover Tosca comes the malevolence of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police, with fatal results.
• Thursday 27 January at 7pm – Leopoldstadt – this new award winning play by Tom Stoppard is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. (Live-streamed from the National Theatre).
• Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 February at 7.30pm (matinee Saturday at 2pm) – Legally Blonde – Crash Bang Wallop are back performing to a live audience in 2022. Since you last saw them, they have been awarded ‘Best Youth Show in the North East’, by NODA. 

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

The Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled in the spring.

• 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. 
• 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 – Mondays 17 and 31 January.
• Recycling – Thursday 27January.
• Garden waste – Garden waste collections will resume mid-February for those who have subscribed to the current year’s service which runs until March 2022.
• 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 17 and 31 January.
• Refuse – Monday 24 January.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022 are now open and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk

Isolation days cut
From tomorrow, people with Covid can stop isolating after five full days as long as they test negative on days five and six.  The first test can be taken on day five and, if the test is negative, another can be taken 24 later. allowing release from isolation if again negative.

It’s still the case that anyone who develops Covid symptoms or tests positive for the virus must self-isolate immediately.

France is open again
Last Friday, France reopened its borders to British holidaymakers after restricting entry to the country last month due to the rise of the Omicron variant. Travellers who are fully vaccinated are now allowed to enter France if they have evidence of a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of departure.

Doug
07785 223707

Debbie said: “The survey was developed with some professional guidance from Charlotte Burdett who recently moved to the village and lives at The Mount in Church Street. Her expertise has been invaluable and I would like to thank her for all the help she has given. I would also like to thank all of the customers who took the time to fill out our survey and let us know what they think of existing services and what they would like to see in the future.
 
“Whilst we do not want to compromise on the quality of the select range of locally produced produce we supply from the farm shop, which we believe are competitively priced in comparison with other farm shops in the vicinity, we recognise that customers would like to be able to buy a range of essentials at cheaper prices. So, one major change will happen with immediate effect. This coming week all the grocery and household products currently on sale at the Post Office will be moved over to the Milk Churn Farm Shop. So the higher priced specialist products will now be available alongside cheaper products – giving the best of both worlds!  
 
“We have significant plans for the broadening of services on offer from the Post Office, including the supply of foreign currency (if Post Offices Services will give us approval), and we are investigating whether a laundry service can be introduced. We also have well-developed plans to supply hot and cold takeaway food, plus a wider range of sweets, crisps, chocolate and drinks…giving customers much greater choice. 

“I hope that customers will agree that we have listened to their comments and taken action to try and meet the needs of the community. The ideas outlined above are just the start: we will continue to introduce new services and respond to customer suggestions.”

The Top Residents Facebook site has seen many residents angrily complaining that there’s dog poo everywhere – Front Street, Long Street, Winn Lane, various alleyways, country paths between Queen Mary’s and Asenby – and that some dog owners appear not to understand their responsibilities to pick up after their pet.

While most dog owners are caring, responsible individuals, there are still some people who do not clean up after their pets. The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. As we don’t have a dog warden or police patrols, the threat of a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 is probably no deterrent in Topcliffe and Asenby. But maybe, as a community, we should be investigating ways of deterring offenders and promoting greater responsibility among dog owners?

The last lunch on 5 January raised £103 which was presented to the Boccia Club to help it pay its weekly rent for classes at the Village Hall.

2022 Big Garden Birdwatch

This year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which is taking place between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 January, is open to everyone whether they are complete beginners or a birding experts. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour on one of the mentioned dates. Last year over a million people took part, making it one of the biggest bird watching events in the world. You can register to join in the bird count here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/birdwatch-take-part/

The club will particularly aim to help older adults who are isolated, living with depression or dementia or other long-term conditions, but who have a common love of sport.  The Foundation uses sporting memories and physical activity to help its members, who might be sports fans, former players or members from a sporting family. At the moment the nearest clubs are Northallerton and York, so it will be great to have a club serving Thirsk and surrounding villages.

If sport is one of your loves and you think you could help support the club, please get in touch with Helen Ashworth on 07826 335255 or email:helen@communityworks.uk

• TODAY! 9 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• 16 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins
• 23 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• 30 January – No Service

• January – Friday and Sundays 10am to12 noon.
• 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. 

• Asenby Parish Council will meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 19 January 2022 – http://www.asenby.net
• Topcliffe Parish Council will meet at 7pm on Thursday 3 February 2022- http:// www.topcliffe.org

Village Hall Committee meeting

• The next meeting will be at 7.15am on Tuesday 25 January 2022.

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

• Until Thursday 13 January (with matinee Wednesday 12 January) – West Side Story – an adaptation of the 1957 musical, which explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.
• Friday 14 to Thursday 20 January – Spider-Man: No Way Home – with Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
• Friday 21 to Thursday 27 January – The Matrix Resurrections – return to the world of two realities; one, everyday life and the other, what lies behind it! 

Important Notes:
1. Under the latest government instructions patrons over the age of 11 are asked to wear a face mask at all times, i.e. when both standing and seated. Patrons are thanked for their co-operation.

2. Normal adult/concession ticket pricing will be in operation on Monday nights. The upstairs seating will be closed; Downstairs seating only.
 
Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• To Saturday 22 January (various performance times) – The Northallerton Variety Company present the pantomime Cinderella – undoubtedly the best known and most popular panto of them all.
• Wednesday 19 January at 7pm- Tosca – (live-streamed from The Royal Opera House) – into the romantic world of an idealistic painter Cavaradossi and his sensuous lover Tosca comes the malevolence of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police, with fatal results.
• Thursday 27 January at 7pm – Leopoldstadt – this new award winning play by Tom Stoppard is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. (Live-streamed from the National Theatre).
• Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 February at 7.30pm (matinee Saturday at 2pm) – Legally Blonde – Crash Bang Wallop are back performing to a live audience in 2022. Since you last saw them, they have been awarded ‘Best Youth Show in the North East’, by NODA. 

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

The Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled in the spring.

• 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. 
• 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 – Thursday 13 and 27January.
• Refuse – Mondays 17 and 31 January. 
• Green waste – There’ll be a special one off green bin collection on 13 January to take Christmas trees from residents who subscribe to the green waste collection service. Trees must be cut and fully contained within the bin: trees left whole by the kerbside will not be collected. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Refuse – Tuesday 11 January (Changed for operational reasons) and Monday 24 January.
• Recycling – Mondays 17 and 31 January.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022 open this month. Watch out for an announcement soon!

Hambleton Green Waste 2022/23
Subscriptions for Hambleton District Council’s garden waste collections for 2022/23 are now open. The cost has been held at £40 for the third year running. New and existing customers can now sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Garden waste collections will resume mid-February for those who have subscribed to the current year’s service which runs until March 2022.

Vaccination Centre – change of operator
Local GP surgeries are no longer running the vaccination centre in Northallerton.  Homecare Pharmacy has taken over the site and offers Covid vaccines on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 8am to 6pm.  This will include some specific clinics for children aged 12-15.  

Homecare is happy for patients to attend without an appointment whenever the centre is open.  An appointment can also be booked via the national booking system https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by ringing 119. 

Please note that Topcliffe Surgery does not have access to the national booking system so cannot book an appointment for you.

Flu jabs are not on offer at the Northallerton vaccine centre, so if you still need a flu vaccine please contact the Surgery direct.

Taking this data into account, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised the government that for the time being a second booster (or fourth jab) is not necessary, though the situation will be kept under review. It added that priority should continue to be given to rolling out the first booster dose, and that unvaccinated people should come forward for their first two doses as soon as possible.