Sunday Email: Issue 130

The lunches are open to anyone who wishes to come along. The volunteers are looking forward to welcoming a few families next Wednesday during half-term.

The organisers suspect there are some residents in our two villages that may not be aware of the lunches or perhaps need encouragement to pop along on Wednesdays. If you know of anyone who is elderly or vulnerable who might attend if they were to be picked up and dropped off, please get in touch. Alternatively, if you know anyone who is unable to get to the Village Hall because of reduced mobility, please mention their name to one of the organisers as volunteers will be more than happy to make a home delivery of hot food.

And don’t forget, if you can help as a volunteer now and again or could donate food (soup, hotpot, flour, sugar, puddings, cakes etc) please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

The government’s ‘Help for Households campaign’ aims to raise awareness of the support available to those that need it most. The campaign gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help.

It brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it. Check it out – Help for Households – Get government cost of living support

Boccia is an exercise and fun session for elderly folk and the volunteers help out by organising the activities and refreshments. It’s on between 1.30 and 3.30pm each Tuesday. If you are prepared to give up a couple of hours to help out, please call Judith Lowe on 01845 577911.

• TODAY: Sunday 23 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion with hymns. Service led by Revd Robert Williamson.
• Sunday 30 October – No Service.
• Wednesday 2 November at 7pm there will be a special service of Compline to celebrate the Feast of All Souls. This is the occasion in the church calendar when the faithful departed are remembered. Compline is a quiet reflective service of evening prayers and will in this instance last about 25 minutes. Those who would like to do so, can remember their loved ones by name during the service. Everyone is most welcome to attend and names of those to be remembered can be added to the list before the service starts or, if preferred, can be emailed beforehand to John Phillips – johnphillips05 or Chris Hewlett celhewlett
• Sunday 6 November at 6.30pm Choral Evensong.
• Sunday 13 November at 10.45am Service of Remembrance and at 11.45am Holy Communion with Baptism.
• Sunday 20 November at 10.45am Choral Matins.
  Sunday 27 November at 10.45am Advent Sunday Holy Communion.

Regular Sunday services conclude with refreshments.

• Arrangements were made for a temporary barrier to be put in place on Friday 14 October as a matter of priority. It appears as though the barrier has been struck by a vehicle given the extent of the damage. There is, therefore, the possibility of injury, so contact has been made with North Yorkshire Police to see if the incident was reported and requesting that any information they have be shared.
• Regarding the extension of the bridge parapet, progress has been made though not without challenges. The procurement exercise for the stone yielded two submissions and only after an extended period of time. Following checks that the stone is of the required type and standard and on finalisation of the size specifications, an order was placed with the provider last week. Now the stone has been sourced, the process for commissioning a suitably qualified contractor to build the parapet will commence in the next 2 weeks with a requirement to construct by the end of the financial year.
• Whilst progress to date has been slower than anticipated, I’m sure you will agree that we need to ensure the quality of the materials and workmanship is to the highest possible standard. Please be assured every effort is being made to ensure delivery as quickly as possible. You will be kept updated on progress.

Pizza and Live Gig – Saturday29 October – This event has sold out.

Christmas Wreath Making – this year’s sessions will be held on Friday 2 December at 5.30-7.30pm; on Saturday 3 December at 2.30-4.30pm and Sunday 4 December at 12.30-2.30pm. They will be held in the little tipi with wood burning stove, mince pies and mulled wine There’s already considerable interest in these sessions, so please book early so that you are not disappointed. £45 per person (same price as last year).

A special art class is also scheduled to take place on Thursday 15 December – "How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics". This class is for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the session. Classes are £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments are served. Times: 10.30am to 1pm.

More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Debbie Roberts, who has been involved with the group from the start, said a fantastic job is being done in preparation for Remembrance Sunday. There are plans to decorate Jubilee Gardens and the outside of St Columba’s Church with knitted poppies. They are likely to be going up this Thursday, 27 October and it’s hoped that an army contingent from Allenbrooke Barracks will be on hand to assist.

• For the little ones – pumpkin painting, mini pumpkin trail, witches potion making, giant pumpkin patch, fancy dress competition.
• For the older ones – pumpkin carving, spooky farm tour, spider infested barn, witches lair, pumpkin catapult, bowing and lots more.

Every day up to 31 October. 2-16 year-olds £12, includes pumpkin. Also, family pricing. Booking essential – http:// www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/book

Friday 28 October at 2pm, at Rural Arts, Westgate, Thirsk. Duration one hour. £8 adult, £6 child. Book online –http:// www.ruralarts.org

• To Thursday 27 October (No matinee) – Moonage Daydream – This work contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
• Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Wednesday 26 October (Matinees only) Tad The Lost Explorer and the Curse of The Mummy.
• Friday 28 October to Thursday 3 November (Matinee Wednesday 2 November) – Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.
• Friday 4 to Thursday 10 November (Matinee on Wednesday 9 November) – The Lost King.

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

• The Angel at Topcliffe – info – 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.
• Milk Churn online shopping – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/shop
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185 The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop.
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 24 October and 7 and 21 November.
• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 3 and 17 November.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 24 October and 7 November.
• Refuse – Mondays 31 October and 14 and 28 November.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 3 and 17 November.