Hello and welcome to the 20th issue of this regular Sunday email. I hope you find the contents interesting and informative.
As usual, get in touch with me if you have any news or information that you think Topcliffe and Asenby village residents might like to hear about.
Doug
07785 223707
Latest government advice
As of yesterday (15 August):
- Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services, such as beauticians offering facial treatments and make-up applications, can operate again.
- Live indoor theatre and concerts, with socially distanced audiences, can resume.
- Certain sporting events will be allowed to proceed, with a limited number of spectators.
- Both wedding ceremonies and receptions with up to 30 guests are now allowed. Physical distancing rules are essential.
The government has said that if it has any concerns about the level of virus infection, restrictions will be quickly returned. The next stages of the government’s roadmap back to ‘normality’ are as follows:
- From 1 September: schools, nurseries and colleges will open for all children and young people on a full-time basis and universities are working to reopen as fully as possible.
- From 1 October, if prevalence remains around or below current levels, audiences will again be allowed in stadiums, and conference and other business events will be allowed to recommence in a COVID-19 Secure
way.
- In November, the ambition is to scale back remaining social distancing measures, but this depends on a number of factors, including consideration of the specific challenges as we move into winter.
What we all still be doing
It’s easy to lose track of the rules so I thought I’d publish a reminder here today. It remains the case that you should not:
- Socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub.
- Socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is exclusively from two households or support bubbles.
- Interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship.
- Hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow Covid-19 Secure guidelines.
- Stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household).
Book a coronavirus test
Key workers and anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms can have a test. As part of the national testing programme for coronavirus (Covid-19), drive-through Mobile Testing Units, run by the Department for Health and Social Care, will be operating in the following locations over the coming days:
- Monday 17 August – Skipton – Coach St car park, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH.
- Monday 17 August – Northallerton – Allertonshire School, Brompton Road, Northallerton, DL6 1ED.
- Tuesday 18 August – Thornton Le Dale – National Trust Car Park, No.5. Chestnut Avenue, Pickering, YO18 7RR.
- Tuesday 18 August – Harrogate – Harrogate Old Education Offices, Ainsty Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 4AP.
- Wednesday 19 August – Scarborough – Scarborough Park & Ride, Seamer Road, Scarborough YO12 4LW.
- Thursday 20 August – Whitby – Whitby Park and Ride, Whitby, YO21 1TL.
- Thursday 20 August- Richmond – Round Howe Car Park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4T.
Before you attend you must book a test. There are two ways to do this depending on which testing group you are part of. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. To book a test visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
In certain cases, home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house. There’s a link on the North Yorkshire County Council website to request a home test – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/home-testing
More returning holidaymakers must isolate for 14 days
The situation regarding people having to isolate for two weeks on return from their holidays goes from bad to worse. As of 4am yesterday those returning from France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba, must isolate amid concerns about a rising number of Covid cases. There was a mad panic to get back across the Channel so as avoid the isolation requirement, but thousands found themselves unable to get flights or ferry crossings in time. The list of countries gets ever longer and as well as the new ones listed includes Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas. France reported 2,846 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours on Friday – the highest number since lockdown restrictions were eased. The President, Emmanuel Macron, says his country will take “reciprocal measures” against the UK. The Netherlands has warned its citizens against all but essential travel to the UK but has not threatened “reciprocal measures”.
Eat Out to Help Out continues all this month
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme continues on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. You can get a discount of up to 50% on food and soft drinks in a participating restaurants or other food establishments. You must eat in the establishment. And the maximum discount available is £10 per person. It is not available on take-away food or on alcohol. The following local venues have joined the scheme in our area:
| The Old Oak Tree, South Kilvington | The Angel at Topcliffe | White Rose Book
Thirsk |
Bianco Ristorante
Thirsk |
| The Old Barn Coffee Shop, Balk | The Carpenters Arms,
Felixkirk |
Racha Thai Bistro
Thirsk |
Crab and Lobster, Asenby, |
| The Three Tuns (Wetherspoons), Thirsk | Tea Time café, Market Place, Thirsk | Upstairs Downstairs
Thirsk |
White Horse Café
Thirsk |
| Bliss Café, Millgate, Thirsk | Black Lion, Market Place, Thirsk | Uno Momento
Thirsk |
The Golden Fleece Hotel, Thirsk |
| Yorks of Thirsk, Market Place, Thirsk | The Pantry, Millgate, Thirsk | Grand India, Long Street, Thirsk | Thirsk Garden Centre, Blakey Lane, Thirsk |
| The Gavel Cafe, Rural Business Park, Thirsk | Vale of York, Carlton Miniott | White Horse Lodge Hotel, Sutton Road | The Watermill Bar and Grill, Carlton Minniot |
| Otterington Shorthorn, South Otterington | Dog and Gun, Knayton | Kings Arms, Sandhutton | AMALIK CAFÉ
Busby Stoop |
| Rural Arts, Old Courthouse, Thirsk | George & Dragon, Melmerby | Spillman’s Farmshop
Sessay |
The Oak Tree,
Helperby |
You can check out all participants on this website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-discount-with-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme
The Angel at Topcliffe
The Angel is taking part in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. Booking a table in the restaurant is highly recommended any day of the week as it has been very busy, especially at weekends. The garden is still operating on first come first basis for food and drinks. To book email manager@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or call 01845 578000.
The Swan
The Swan serves food at socially distanced tables and reservations are necessary. Takeaway meals to order. Times are: 5 to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday. Telephone 01845 595185.
Asenby artists’ work on display
Throughout August, Asenby residents, Chris and Eric Moss, have examples of their work included in a special sculpture exhibition at Stillingfleet Lodge Garden & Nursery, near York. Chris regularly displays her amazing wire animals in the gardens and also holds classes, which are generally sell-out events. This time she is joined by her husband Eric who creates fascinating ceramic pieces. The beautiful cottage garden style planting serves as a stunning backdrop to their work. Open 1 – 5pm each Wednesday and Friday, and this afternoon (Sunday, 16 August) if you make it quick! Pre-booking is not necessary.
Hook, line and sinker
Malcolm and Karen Morley have been having a sort out and want to dispose of a selection of fishing rods, reels, landing nets and other fishing paraphernalia. Rather than simply get rid of the collection via one of the Buy & Sell sites they’ve decided to set up a stall outside their home – Croft House, Back Lane, Topcliffe – next Saturday (22 August) between 10am and 12 noon and invite people to see what is available. All items will be on offer in exchange for donation to The Jennyruth Workshops in Ripon, a charity which helps young people with learning difficulties. If you’re interested in, or want to start fishing, this is a great opportunity to get some great tackle!
Methodist Chapel
An enquiry to the local Methodist Circuit this week revealed that an offer has been received for The Chapel in Topcliffe, which has been on the market for just over a year. It’s now hoped that the sale will go through in the next few months.
Thirsk Live
There’s a great range of acts performing at this year’s Thirsk Live event on Saturday, 26 September. The annual popular garden-based event at Thirsk Hall will see female duo Pure 80’s on stage from 6.30 to 7.15pm , followed by The Paul Wellar Connection from 8 until 9.10pm. The headline act – The Complete Stone Roses – will be entertaining the crowd from 9.30 to 10.45pm. There’ll be hot food stalls, coffee stall, a bar, specialist gin bar and children’s fairground rides. At end of the evening there’ll be a huge firework display. Gates open at 5pm with final curfew at 11pm. Tel: 01609 780190 . Tickets: online https://thirsklive.uk
For your convenience
The public toilets in Millgate, Thirsk, are now open from 8am to 6pm every day.
Dr Parker to retire from Topcliffe Surgery
As flagged up last week, Dr Parker will be retiring as a GP Partner from Topcliffe Surgery at the end of September after 28 years in the post. Staff at the surgery are inviting patients and members of the community to contribute to a Memory Book to be presented to Dr Parker on his departure. Written comments or cards can be forwarded in one of two ways:
• A folder is available at the Post Office, courtesy of John Mulley. Any cards, photos or hand written notes can be delivered to the Post Office and will be collated to be passed on to the surgery.
• Email responses can be sent to Doug Allan (doug@dougallan.co.uk) who has kindly offered to collate and forward comments received this way and to forward them to the surgery.
Responses are requested by Friday, 11 September at the latest to allow sufficient time to put the finishing touches together. There’ll be a short article, including photos of the presentation, in a future Tattler.
Don’t forget that Dr Parker doesn’t know about these plans, so please help keep this a secret from him.
The Forum Cinema reopens
The Forum cinema has reopened and there are strict safety precautions in place, including social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitisers, additional cleaning and mandatory mask wearing. In addition staff will be wearing protective clothing. Film times will be staggered to reduce customers crossing paths with other customers going in or out and to prevent a build-up of crowds in the foyer. At the end of a performance customers will be advised by the House Manager on the exit procedures to maintain social distancing. Tickets can only be purchased by telephoning the Box Office Monday and Friday mornings between 9:30am to 12:30pm or 1 hour before each scheduled performance on 01609 776230.
There’s a 24/7 online booking service at www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk If you are booking for your family online, you will still be able to sit together even though when you click on the first seat you will see that the seats around you have been blocked out in blue circles, but if you click on the next seat it will allow you to book that seat as well.
The Tattler – September 2020 edition
Work has started on pulling together the next edition of The Tattler newsletter. It will be published and delivered door to door in Topcliffe and Asenby mid-September. The deadline for copy is Tuesday, 1 September. Email doug@dougallan.co.uk
Blue Cross is recruiting Pet Free Foster Carers
Would you like a pet but are not able to give long term commitment? Do you have a spare room you could offer a scared cat, or time to devote to a very stressed dog? Blue Cross is looking for committed, experienced people without other pets who can offer short term care to pets with specific behavioural needs, in their own homes. Interested? Please apply via their website: www.bluecross.org.uk/volunteering
Thirsk Leisure Centre to be upgraded
A £3.8million scheme to upgrade and extend Thirsk’s leisure centre has been given the green light. The project will include a 60 station 24/7 gym, 30 person studio and a 25 person cycling studio. It is expected that the work will take around 26 weeks and completion is expected late 2021.
Church meetings
Just a quick reminder that there’ll be a meeting in St. Columba’s Church tomorrow at 7pm for the election of Churchwardens. This meeting may be attended by those whose names are on St. Columba’s Church electoral roll and all persons resident in the parish whose names are entered on a register of local government electors by reason of such residence. This meeting will be followed by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and the first meeting of the Parochial Church Council.
Bags 2 School – reminder about next recycling event
The next ‘Bags 2 School’ recycling event will be held in the grounds of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Monday, 21 September. More details nearer the date.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):
• Refuse –Mondays 17 and Tuesday 1 September (one day later than usual because of the Bank Holiday).
• Recycling and green bins – Thursday, 27 August and 10 September.
Harrogate (Asenby):
• Recycling – Mondays 17 and 1 September (one day later than usual because of the Bank Holiday).
• Refuse – Monday, 24 August and 7 September.
• Garden waste – Thursday, 27 August and 10 September.
That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.