Sunday Email: Issue 109 - Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

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

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

St Columba’s services

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

All services conclude with refreshments and time to linger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June

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

Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June

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

Saturday 4 June

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 4 June

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

Sunday 5 June

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

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

Sunday 5 June

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

The Ritz Cinema

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

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

Harrogate (Asenby)

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

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

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

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

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

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