Hello and welcome to the 30th 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 residents might like to hear about.
Doug
07785 223707
The current Covid situation in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire remains in the medium (Tier 1) Covid-19 alert level. The county has seen an overall increase in people testing positive for Covid-19 since the beginning of September. Although North Yorkshire rates are lower than those for England as a whole, rates have risen in all areas of the county and in all age groups. The numbers of cases is currently highest in the younger age groups, especially 18-29 year-olds, however rates of cases within this group are starting to steady. The number of cases within 30 year-old and over age groups are continuing to increase. The rates in each locality are very changeable and vary by the day. All residents are asked to remain vigilant and think of any further measures they can take to help slow the spread of the virus such as reducing social contacts where possible. The county council is working with the district councils and its partner organisations to manage a number of small outbreaks across the county, although most spread of Covid-19 is still linked to household and social settings.
Reminder of the three-tier system
The three tier system for dealing with local outbreaks has been in place for two weeks. It’s proving difficult to keep up with the rapidly changing situation with areas shifting from one tier to another – but always in the ‘wrong# direction. The government said this tiered arrangement would bring clarity and simplicity but in reality it has brought confusion and divisiveness across the country. The whole of North Yorkshire is currently in the lowest category – Tier 1 – which is classed as the medium alert level.
Tier 1 – Medium alert – fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 of population.
• You may not meet in a group of more than six people, indoors or outdoors, unless you’re in a larger household or a support bubble.
• Pubs, bars and restaurants must close by 10pm.
• You can holiday anywhere in England that’s also in Tier 1.
• You can holiday with people from other households in private accommodation (as long as you socially distance), but only in groups of six and under (unless your own household or support bubble is bigger).
• You can stay in a hotel or B&B with another household, but you should avoid sharing rooms with people outside your household.
• You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or support bubble.
There are key differences between the tiers and how the rules impact on individuals. Although we all live in a Tier 1 area, we potentially face a shift to Tier 2 as local authorities intensify the battle to tackle the increasing number of cases. And we are surrounded by Tier 2 area right now so many of us will be interacting with areas under different restrictions to our own…and need to know what is required if we visit these areas. So although the details were included in last week’s email, here is a repeat of the information for your guidance.
Tier 2 – High alert – above 100 per 100,000. (Teesside, Darlington, the North East, York, West Yorkshire, including Leeds). People visiting a Tier 2 area should follow the local Covid rules for that area.
• The rules for Tier 1 also apply in Tier 2. In addition, individuals cannot meet socially indoors with people they do not live with – this includes private homes, as well as pubs or restaurants.
• People in support bubbles can go on meeting as before and informal childcare may also be provided.
• People can still meet friends and family outdoors, but only in a group of up to six people.
• People should aim to "reduce the number of journeys they make where possible".
• People can go on holiday outside their local area as long as they don’t share accommodation with people they don’t live or bubble with, or socialise with them in any indoor setting.
Tier 3 – Very high alert – significantly higher rates of infection and they are put in a form of lockdown. Areas in tier 3 include the Liverpool city region, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Nottingham). People from Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas should avoid visiting or staying overnight in a Tier 3 area where possible, except for those who need to for work, education or caring responsibilities
• People are not allowed to meet socially with anybody who is not part of their household or their support bubble indoors or in certain outdoor locations.
• People cannot meet in private gardens or pub gardens, but can meet in parks, beaches, countryside or forests, as long as they are not in a group of more than six.
• Pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals – alcohol can only be served as part of a meal.
• People are being advised not to travel into or out of Tier 3 areas, other than for work, education, or because of caring responsibilities.
• People who live in a Tier 3 area should not visit or stay overnight in another part of the UK, whether in a second home, a private home or guest accommodation. They may travel to hotels and other guest
accommodation within their own area, but they should only do this with people in their household or support bubble.
Help prevent the spread of the virus
If you have the symptoms of coronavirus you must self-isolate and get a test. You must self-isolate and get a test if you have:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
- loss/change in your normal sense of smell or taste
There are two parts to the NHS test and trace service.
Part 1: for someone with symptoms of coronavirus
- isolate: as soon as you experience symptoms you must self-isolate for at least 10 days. Anyone else in your household must self-isolate for 14 days from when you started having symptoms.
- test: order a test immediately.
- results: if your test is positive, you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation. Anyone in your household must also complete self-isolation for 14 days from when you started having symptoms. If your test is negative, you and other household members no longer need to self-isolate.
- share contacts: if you test positive the NHS test and trace service will send you a text, email or call you with instructions of how to share details of people with whom you have had close, recent contact and places you have visited. It is important that you respond as soon as possible. You will be told to do this online via a secure website or you will be called by a contract tracer.
Part 2: if you are contacted by the NHS test and trace service because you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
- alert: you will be alerted by the NHS test and trace service if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. The alert will usually come by text, email or phone call. You should then log on to the NHS test and trace website, which is normally the easiest way for you and the service to communicate with each other – but, if not, a trained call handler will talk you through what you must do. Under-18s will get a phone call and a parent or guardian will be asked to give permission for the call to continue.
- isolate: you will be told to begin self-isolation for 14 days from your last contact with the person who has tested positive. It’s really important to do this even if you don’t feel unwell because, if you have been infected, you could become infectious to others at any point up to 14 days. Your household doesn’t need to self-isolate with you, if you do not have symptoms, but they must take extra care to follow the guidance on social distancing and handwashing and avoid contact with you at home.
- test if needed: if you develop symptoms of coronavirus, other members of your household must self-isolate immediately at home for 14 days and you must book a test. If your test is positive, you must continue to stay at home for at least 7 days and you will be asked about your contacts since they must self-isolate. If your test is negative, you must still complete your 14-day self-isolation period because the virus may not be detectable yet – this is crucial to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
Book a Coronavirus test locally
Testing sites in North Yorkshire are operated and managed by the Department of Health and Social Care and private contractors employed by them. The Department is asking the public only to get a test if they are directed to do so by NHS Test and Trace or other NHS services – OR – if they have symptoms. This is important to ensure that those people who need tests the most can be prioritised.
Testing sites operated and managed by the Department of Health and Social Care will be running at the following locations over the coming days between 11am and 3pm:
- Sunday 25 October – Richmond – Round Howe Car Park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4TL
- Monday 26 October – Skipton – Coach St car park, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH
- Monday 26 October – Northallerton – Newby Wiske Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9HA
- Monday 26 October – Selby – South Entrance, DRAX Power Station, New Road, Selby, YO8 8PH
- Monday 26 October – Whitby – Whitby Park and Ride, Whitby, YO21 1TL
- Tuesday 27 October – Sherburn in Elmet – White Rose Sports Club, The Recreation Ground, Tadcaster Road, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6EL
- Tuesday 27 October – Thornton Le Dale – National Trust Car Park, No.5. Chestnut Avenue, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7RR
- Wednesday 28 October – Scarborough – Scarborough Park and Ride, Seamer Road, Scarborough, YO12 4LW
- Wednesday 28 October – Skipton – Coach St car park, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH
- Wednesday 28 October – Selby – South Entrance, DRAX Power Station, New Road, Selby, YO8 8PH
- Wednesday 28 October – Selby – Portholme Crescent Car Park, Selby Town, YO8 4QH
- Thursday 29 October – Richmond – Round Howe Car Park, Reeth Road, Richmond, DL10 4TL
- Thursday 29 October – Whitby – Whitby Park and Ride, Whitby, YO21 1TL
- Friday 30 October – Sherburn in Elmet – White Rose Sports Club, The Recreation Ground, Tadcaster Road, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 6EL
- Friday 30 October – Thornton Le Dale – National Trust Car Park, No.5. Chestnut Avenue, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7RR
- Friday 30 October – Northallerton – Newby Wiske Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9HA
Before you attend you must book a test. Tests can be booked from 8pm the night before. If test sites are fully booked they will not appear on the government’s website. 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
How to protect yourself
Simple personal hygiene actions continue to be key to keeping safe and protecting yourself and those around you.
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work.
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available’
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze’
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
- avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus.
- use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services.
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Did you remember? Clocks went back this morning
Don’t forget to adjust your time pieces. Clocks went back by one hour at 2am this morning.
Dalton Bridge roadworks
Most residents will have noticed the road closure signs and barriers at Dalton Lane end They relate to works to put right a problem identified after earlier flood relief works. The project, jointly funded by North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton District Council, aims to deal with some contributory causes of flooding that were not apparent when the original improvement scheme was implemented. The unprecedented flooding which was caused by back to back storms in February this year highlighted the need for further works to ensure the scheme performs as intended. Following an extensive investigation by the County Council, work to raise part of Dalton Lane is being undertaken, which will involve infilling between the flood embankments close to the A168 and the reconstruction of the road. The road will be closed until 6am on November 2. By this stage in the project the road level will have been raised and it is then anticipated that a further overnight closure will be required for the final surfacing, the date of which is to be confirmed. Diversion signage is in place. Vehicle access may be restricted to properties and land but contractors will try to assist where possible during the working day. The whole project should be finished by 27 November.
The Milk Churn Farm Shop
Last call for pumpkins! Halloween is next Saturday, 31 October. If you haven’t purchased your pumpkin yet please visit us soon as supplies are limited. And don’t forget that the Farm Shop is organising a Pumpkin Carving Competition as part of its Halloween celebrations. To enter, share your spooky carving or display on Facebook and tag the shop – @milkchurnfarmshop – and please make sure your post is public so it can be seen. The winner will be chosen later week and will receive a prize full of tricks and treats.
Latest news:
- The gift shop on the first floor is now open with a wide range of beautiful handmade gifts from local and independent suppliers. and quite soon the rear conservatory will open for the sale of a fabulous selection of artisan Christmas decorations.
- The shop is taking orders for Christmas including free range turkeys, turkey crowns, real Christmas trees, handmade wreaths by Lavender & Bee, plus everything for a full Christmas lunch. Examples of the Christmas puddings and Christmas cakes that can be ordered will be going on display soon. Both have a gluten free option.
- Our sister company, The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company, is now putting together a fantastic range of hampers suitable as gifts for Christmas. They come in a wide range of sizes and prices and cater for a host of tastes to suit all palates. Check out the website at www.thelittle Yorkshire hampercompany.co.uk or call in at the farm shop for more information or to place an order.
Anyone self-isolating in Topcliffe and Asenby can have the vegetable and meat boxes delivered to their door. Preferably money should be transferred by BACs, but cash can be accepted if necessary. Ring 01845 400446 to order and talk through payment steps. You can see what is on offer by visiting www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk Current opening times are Monday to Saturday 9-5pm, Thursday 9-1pm and Sunday closed.
The Halloween alternative – the Pumpkin Trail
The Halloween spooky pumpkin trail will take place next Saturday in our two villages. Lots of residents have indicated they’ll be putting a carved pumpkin on their doorstep. The idea of a pumpkin trail is an imaginative and safer alternative to the traditional trick or treat arrangement, which because of the Coronavirus won’t be happening this year. There’s still time to have a go at some pumpkin carving so that you can put them on display outside your home.
St. Columba’s Church
The final service this month will be Holy Communion this morning at 10.45am.
In early November the following services are planned:
- Choral Evensong at 6.30pm on Sunday, 1 November, celebrating the Feast of All Saints.
- Remembrance Sunday, on 8 November – there’ll be Holy Communion at 10.45am, which will include an Act of Remembrance at 11 o’clock.
It is anticipated that numbers at the Remembrance Service might need to be limited to meet the necessary Covid safety arrangements, which give a maximum attendance of around 30. So it will be necessary for people to reserve a place if they would like to come. Names can be left on forms available in church, or by contacting John Phillips at 01845 577034 or johnphillips05@gmail.com If you intend to come as a family ‘bubble’ that can sit together, please let us know as this will help to maximise the places available.
At all services full Covid safety arrangements will be in place. These should be followed at all times. Optimum safety is achieved by keeping the church well ventilated throughout each service. As winter approaches the church will be kept heated for services. Due to the size of the building this is not always easy, but with the extra ventilation it may well be that the church will be colder than usual, so please dress accordingly!
Remembrance Sunday
As local Remembrance Sunday parades are cancelled because of Coronavirus it has been suggested that we might like to stand in silence on our doorsteps for two minutes at 11am on Wednesday 11 November as a mark of respect.
Parish Council Meetings
- Topcliffe – to be held online at 7pm on Thursday, 5 November. There’s a 10 minutes session at the beginning of the meeting set aside to receive questions and comments from members of the public. Any members of the public wishing to join this meeting electronically should contact the Parish Council Clerk for log in details. All enquiries to the Clerk by email at topcliffeparishcouncil@gmail.com or any Parish Councillor – details are available on the village website at www.topcliffe.org.uk
- Asenby – to be held online on at 7pm on Wednesday, 18 November. Information will be available before the meeting from the Parish Clerk via email on asenbypc@gmail.com and details will also be made available on the village website at www.asenby.net
The Angel at Topcliffe
The Angel is now operating a take away meal service – see their website- www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk – for more details. The Angel currently closes at 10pm each evening.
The Swan
The Swan serves food every day of the week 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. The Swan also closes at 10pm.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):
• Refuse – Mondays 26 October and 9 November
• Recycling and green bins – Thursdays, 5 and 19 November
Harrogate (Asenby):
• Recycling – Mondays, 26 October and 9 November
• Refuse – Mondays, 2 and 16 November
• Garden waste – Thursdays, 5 and 19 November
That’s all until next Sunday. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.