Category: Sunday Email

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 [email protected] 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 – [email protected] – 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 – [email protected] – 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:[email protected]

• 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 – [email protected] – 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.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I sincerely wish you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Doug
07785 223707

The last lunch of 2021 (22 December) raised £65 for Cancer Research.

• 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. 

• TONIGHT!  2 January at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Epiphany
• 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

 Message from John Phillips
“Could I just say how wonderful it has been for us to be able to put on a full programme of Christmas services this year. This could not have happened without a lot of help from a lot of people, both seen and unseen. Those who helped to get the church cleaned, lit and beautifully decorated. Those who organised and prepared for services, rehearsed the choir, played the organ, and provided drinks and refreshments. A special thank you to the brass quartet that added a very special extra touch to carols around the village Christmas tree: John, Sarah and Martha Barber, plus John Hewlett. Thank you all for your generosity of time and hard work, and to everyone who was able to join in our celebrations. As for the coming year, may I wish you all a very happy, blessed and healthy 2022.”

You can also have the newsletter emailed direct to your inbox. Just send a request to:[email protected]

• 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.

Out-of-date software and apps contain weaknesses, making them easier to hack. Companies fix the weaknesses by releasing updates so when you update your devices and software, this helps to keep hackers out. 

Devices contain a lot of personal data that is highly valuable to fraudsters. The likelihood is your device will contain your full name, date of birth, address, bank details, passwords, as well as many other forms of personal data such as private photos or videos. 

It can sometimes be annoying to remember to update devices every time a new update is released and that’s why it’s sensible to enable automatic updates, if they are available. That means you don’t have to manually install updates every time they’re released. 

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: http://www.cyberaware.gov.uk

• To Thursday 6 January – Ghostbusters: Afterlife – when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
• Friday 7 to 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).

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 – [email protected] – 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 – Monday 3 and 17 January.
• Recycling – Thursday 13 and 27January.
• Green waste – There’ll be a special one off green bin collection on 13 January to take Christmas trees. Trees must be cut and fully contained within the bin. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Wednesday 5 January (changed due to a Bank Holiday) and Mondays 17 and 31 January.
• Refuse – Tuesday 11 January (Changed for operational reasons) and Monday 24 January.
• Green Waste – Subscriptions for 2022 will open in January. 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 for residents. 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.

Get tested…but there are few test kits available!
In the weeks after the government urged everyone to regularly test for Covid, particularly if they were planning to gather together to celebrate, it has been difficult to get access to testing appointments and home testing kits.

During much of last week there were no walk-in or drive-through PCR Covid test appointments available across all of England and home lateral flow tests and PCR tests were also unavailable online for the general public and essential workers. Pharmacies also voiced concerns over demand outstripping supply with chemists running out of lateral flow tests to handover at the counter.

Not surprisingly, the government is under massive pressure to rapidly up the capacity of Covid testing. 

Omicron forces new look at Nightingales
The rate of infection from the Omicron variant of Covid has broken all records during the last week and daily totals continue to top recent highs. The situation is impacting hospitals to such an extent that the NHS is now setting up eight new Nightingale “surge hubs”, each with a capacity of 100 patients, at hospitals across England. Further sites could be identified to add a further 4,000 “super surge” beds at a later date. Hospitals are already being forced to use hotels, hospices and care homes to safely discharge as many people who are medically fit to leave as possible – freeing up beds for those who need them most.

Self-isolation rules – a reminder of what is required
People with Covid in England can now stop self-isolating up to three days early – if they test negative twice. You must self-isolate as soon as your symptoms start, or when a positive test is taken if you do not have symptoms. You are now only required to self-isolate on the following seven days, instead of 10.

Two negative lateral flow tests are needed to end self-isolating – the first no earlier than day six of isolation and a second 24 hours later. If both tests are negative – and you do not have a high temperature – you can stop self-isolating immediately (on day seven). If the first tests are positive, further tests can be taken on other days.

We are now firmly in the midst of a further wave of Covid infection with the Omicron variant causing massive problems across the country. 90,418 confirmed cases were announced on Saturday, the highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began. The government has launched a major campaign to get as many people as possible booster-jabbed, but although there hasn’t been a significant rise in the number of deaths, hospitals are again under huge pressure and face perhaps the biggest test of the pandemic. Things are again looking extremely bad as we approach the festive season and the government has left us to make our own choices about how we act, particularly in terms of partying and other gatherings. 

Whatever you decide to do I hope you keep safe and well. Despite the problems and uncertainty, I hope you have a really good Christmas and a much-improved new year.

I will be taking a break from producing a Sunday Email on Boxing Day. The next email will be circulated on Sunday 2 January.

Best wishes
Doug
07785 223707

There will however be no service on 26 December 

The full range of produce will be available throughout this week, alongside some Christmassy items such as pigs in blankets. And the cafe is open as normal.

The Farm Shop is open for longer on Wednesday, 22 December – 9am-6pm – and on Thursday 23 from 8.30am-6pm (though the cafe hours remain 10am  to 4pm). Closed Christmas Eve through to 4 January. Check out the Milk Churn Facebook page or website –  
http://Christmas | Milkchurn (milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk)

Thirsk Garden Centre
The Garden Centre and Coffee Shop will be closed over the Christmas period  Apparently, this gesture to staff is part of the owner’s thank you for the loyalty and extra effort given throughout the pandemic. So the centre is open 9 until 2pm on Christmas Eve and then closed through to 10am on Sunday 2 January.

The centre would like to wish all of its customers an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and offer a big thank you for the continued support and custom throughout 2021

• 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.

• To Thursday 23 December (matinee Wednesday 22 December) – Gucci – When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.
• Monday 27 to Thursday 30 December (no matinees) – King Richard – A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after coaching from their father Richard Williams.
• Sunday 2 to Thursday 6 January (matinee Sunday 2 January and no evening performance) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife – When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

The cinema will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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

• Monday 20 to Friday 24 December – multiple performances each day – a magical family pantomime, The Nice List.
• Sunday 16 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.

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

To encourage existing and new group activities, use of the Village Hall is being offered free of charge until 31 December (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). The Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled early in 2022.

• The Angel at Topcliffe – Check out full details at http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow on Facebook.
• Asenbee Honey – a local business selling honey but also making beeswax candles, a range of hand-carved spoons and oak chopping boards. http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – The Old Hatchery, Asenby. Carpets and flooring. Appointment only. 01845 421111 [email protected]
• The Catton Kitchen – Thursday 23 Dec,10am to 12 noon; Fri 24 to Sun 26 Dec – closed; Thurs 30 Dec, 10am to 12 noon; Fri 31 Dec – closed; Saturday 1 Jan, 10am to 12 noon; Sunday 2 Jan – Closed. If anyone requires anything out of these times please call 07747 083155 and Amy & Hugo will try to help you.
•  If you would like to receive The Catton Kitchen’s weekly email about what’s on offer, please email Amy at [email protected] Contacts: 07747 083155, Facebook page or http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk 
• Chip ‘n Dales – Closed until 28 January 2022.
• The Elm Gallery – Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920, check out the website at: http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk or follow on Facebook.
• Fotiá Candles – Nikki and Sam Key’s home-based business producing soy wax candles, wax melts and diffusers – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk or call 07879 447953. 
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – Kerry Parker runs this business supplying beautiful hampers containing the best of produce from small Yorkshire food and drink producers. 07793 775987. http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – Christmas opening hours – Tuesday 21, 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 26, 9am to 6pm; Thursday 23 8.30am to 6pm; Christmas Eve until Monday 3 January – Closed.. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ follow on Facebook  or call 01845 400446
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.
• The Swan – Providing traditional home-cooked food. Extra choices on Wednesday Pie Night. Take-away meals every day. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 4pm. On Saturdays, food is served 12 noon until 8.30pm and the bar stays open until late. Bar times: Monday to Thursday 5pm to close; Friday 4pm to close; Saturday 3pm to close and Sunday 12 noon until close.
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – Christmas Eve – 7am to 12 noon. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 27 and 28 December. On 29, 30 and 31 December 8am -12 noon. Closed New Year’s Day and 2 January. Normal opening from Monday 3 January.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):
There are no changes to refuse and recycling collections due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

• Refuse – Monday 20 December and 3 January 2022
• Recycling  – Thursday 30 December and 13 January 2022
• Green waste – There’ll also be a special one off collection on 13 January to take Christmas trees. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection. Bin lids must be closed.

Harrogate (Asenby)

This message from Dr Mark Duggleby was initially posted on the Northallerton Noticeboard Facebook page last week and has subsequently been mentioned on several other local Facebook pages. The Grammar School vaccination centre is also operated by our own surgery in Topcliffe.
 
Good morning all,

As one of the lead GPs at the vaccination centre at the Grammar School in Northallerton I  would like to let you all know what the plan is going forward. The centre will remain open every day apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day until the end of the year. It will be open for 12 hours each day 8am to 8pm apart from Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when it will be open for 6 hours in the morning 8am to 2pm.

As of Saturday 18 December we are offering boosters to those under 50. We will be aiming to provide 1,200 booked appointments per day. We will not have capacity to offer walk in appointments in the first instance. Booking an appointment will be in response to receiving a text from your GP practice. This is different to receiving a text or letter from the NHS that allows you to book through the National Booking System. We potentially have 22,000 vaccines to deliver so everyone cannot be done in the first few days so please bear with us.

If people are unable to wait they can access the national system but will not be able to book for Northallerton. Anyone can still attend the advertised drop in clinics in other areas.

Please bear in mind staffing of the vaccine centre is all being done by local practices and volunteers. This will mean a reduction of services at your GP for this time. Please can I ask you to recognize this and only contact surgeries with urgent problems. Also can I please ask everyone to be respectful of the staff and volunteers at the centre. Many are giving up their own holiday time to staff the programme.

Hopefully this will give the population of Hambleton a chance to get vaccinated locally and allow us in General Practice to complete the job we started in December 2020.

Thanks
Dr Mark Duggleby, GP Stokesley, Clinical lead PCN vaccination centre