Hi
Welcome to this week’s Sunday email. There continues to be lots of information and news to share with you all.
If you have any information that you would like me to include in next Sunday’s email please feel free to contact me.
Doug
07785 223707
Latest Government Advice
The new government slogan is: Stay Alert; Control the Virus: Help Save Lives. The government states we can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
- definitely stay at home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
The new rules are too long and complicated to include in this newsletter, but you can see exactly what you can and can’t do by visiting this link:
Thinking about the end game
For a few weeks now there has been a bit of background noise about how the end of Covid-19 should be celebrated. Chat has ranged from a do in the village hall to a garden party to beat all garden parties on Topcliffe playing field. The latter idea seems to be getting the most support but others may have additional ideas to throw in the melting pot. Nobody can be sure when a party of any kind will be able to take place but that doesn’t stop us all thinking about it…and even setting things in motion one day soon. There’s no organiser in charge of this idea…and nor should it fall on any one individual, whoever that may be, do all the work. Maybe sometime fairly soon a small group of interested residents could come together – virtually, if necessary – and start to put some thoughts together. Any takers?
Fantastic scrubs effort
I thought you would all like to hear about the total tally of items the North Yorkshire Scrubs teams, including those in Topcliffe and Asenby, have made and presented to local hospitals, including The Friarage, Harrogate General and James Cook. The figures just released are: scrubs 1,350, hats 282, scrub bags 1,800, headbands 60, era-savers 30 and eye masks 1,515. Well done everyone who has contributed to this marvellous effort.
Bin Collections
All bin collections across Topcliffe and Asenby are back to normal this week but look out for a further alteration Bank Holiday week at the end of the month.
• Hambleton (Topcliffe) – Thursday 21 May, recycling and green bins: Tuesday 26 May, refuse (note change because of Bank Holiday).
• Harrogate (Asenby) – refuse on Monday 18 May; green waste on Thursday, 21 May and then recycling on Tuesday, 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday).
The Lockdown Memory Album
The fact that Joanne Brierley, a professional photographer living in Topcliffe, has been actively capturing images of families on their doorsteps and in their gardens has been mentioned several times in these Sunday emails.
Joanne thought it would be nice to create something to remind us how well we have coped during Covid-19 and how we celebrated VE Day. Her album has now been published on Top Residents and the result is brilliant. Hopefully the presentation will feature in a photographic presentation at an event in the village hall after the virus is subdued. You can message Joanna via Top Residents on Facebook or call her on 07732 941758 if you are interested in being included in her community album. By contacting her you are agreeing that any photographs she takes can be published as described.
A168 roadworks – between Thirsk and Topcliffe
Essential resurfacing works on the A168 Trunk Road between A167 Topcliffe and B1448 Warren Farm are continuing each night between 8pm and 6am. Signed diversions are in place. The southbound carriageway of the A168 will be closed to main through southbound traffic between the A19/A170 interchange at Thirsk and the A167 Interchange at Topcliffe. Local traffic is directed along the A170 into Thirsk and then west along the A61 to the Busby Stoop roundabout. Traffic can re-enter the A168 southbound at Asenby. The work should be completed this coming week.
Sowerby Waste Site – opening hours
The Household Recycling Centre at Sowerby is now open…but just for the disposal of waste that is a risk to be kept at home. It should only be used if absolutely necessary and where waste materials cannot be stored safely at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).
Northdale Horticulture
I have been asked to extend a big thank you to everyone who ordered plants from Northdale. There was a terrific response locally and your support has helped ensure that a good deal of this year’s stock has been sold, despite the lockdown. Northdale will be open to customers from Monday 25 May, with restrictions on the number of cars allowed in and strict social distancing.
Chip n’ Dales
Paul and Karen Bumby will be back next Friday between 5 to 7.30pm to serve their tasty fish & Chips. For the time being, there’ll be no advance or telephone orders.
Kindness
Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 18 to 24 May. The theme is ‘kindness’ and the main focus will be to push for wider community support for people severely affected by mental illness.
The dangers associated with Isolation and lockdown may well have a significant impact on the mental health of some people. If you want any advice during this period go to: www.mentalhealth.org.uk , www.nhs.uk/Mental/Health or www.mind.org
Access to footpaths on farmland
I think some people have puzzled over notices that have been put up restricting access to farmland at various points along the road from Asenby towards Rainton. The notices state that this is private land and access is prohibited. Permissive walking rights were removed in 2018 so walkers have no rights of access. However, the notice goes on to state that permission to walk during the pandemic will be granted to those wishing to take exercise, but only if approval is sought by calling David, the farmer. I have been walking those fields and I have found the walks most enjoyable, so I was surprised when the notices first went up. But I called David and asked why he had posted them and was upset to hear that he had witnessed all sorts of activity that is totally unacceptable, like dog walkers throwing balls into the crops for their dogs to retrieve, bikers riding into crops, walkers cutting across fields regardless of the crops…and of course, the usual problems of litter and dog poo. So David is reacting to unreasonable behaviour and who can blame him? The good news is, that if you ring David and seek permission to walk the paths, he will grant it if he is happy that you will act responsibly.
Herbs Unlimited – Pop-Up Shop
This pop up shop has visited Topcliffe and Asenby on the last two Thursdays and enjoyed some great business supplying fruit and veg boxes, herbs and plants. The good news is that Herbs Unlimited will be back this coming week – 21 May – at 10am in Topcliffe (near the Post Office) and 11am in Asenby (near bus stop).
Opening times for Local Shops (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)
This is a compilation of supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy, Post Office and other outlets in our area. It includes opening times, and it priority times for elderly, vulnerable and key workers where known. It’s possible that times may change on the Bank Holiday (25 May).
• Aldi, Topcliffe Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.
• Bland of Ripon – home delivery service for supply milk, yoghurt, cream, bread, oil, water, fruit and vegetables. Ring 01765 603049.
• Boots Pharmacy, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm, Sun: Closed.
• Boots Pharmacy, Chapel Street – Mon-Fri: 8.30am-6.30pm (closed noon-1pm), Sat and Sun: Closed.
• Buck Inn, Maunby is supplying fresh produce and household essentials. Free delivery on orders over £25 or to any NHS cardholder. Email: info@thebuckinnmaunby.co.uk
• Carl’s Fruit, salad and vegetable boxes. Orders only by Facebook or email: carlsflowers@btinternet.com. Requires payment by Bacs two days in advance of delivery.
• Carlton Miniott Post Office – Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat: 7am-5pm and Sun: 8am-noon.
• Cooperative, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm, Sun: 11am-5pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people, NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat 8-9pm and Sun 10-11am.
• Greengrocers, Thirsk will deliver boxes (£15 or £20) to Topcliffe every Monday. Plants and compost can be added if you order fruit and veg. You can put in an order any time before the delivery day. 01845 527899.
• Heron, Market Place – Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm and Sun: 10am-5pm.
• Johnson’s the Butchers, Thirsk, are supplying the usual meats, plus fish and ready-made meals. Ring 01845 523212 or via Facebook.
• Kristinas Gift Shop, Thirsk will deliver to Topcliffe a range of ethical, Fair Trade and sustainable products, including washing up liquid, hand wash and laundry liquid. The range is eco, vegan and cruelty free. There’s also
a range of gifts – from baby clothes to homeware. Deliveries on an evening or a Saturday or Sunday. Call 01845 574573, email kristinas@hotmail.co.uk or check out the website at www.kristinas.co.uk
• Lidl, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.
• Mooshakes, Mocktails and Munchies – orders for milkshakes and cakes must be in by 12pm for afternoon deliveries or 4.30pm for evening deliveries. Topcliffe deliveries Wed 1.30 to 2.30 and Allenbrooke 5.30 to 7.30.
• Morrisons, Boroughbridge – Mon-Sat: 7am-9pm and Sun: 9.30am-4pm. Priority openings for NHS workers and carers – Mon-Sat: 6am-7am, Sun 9am-9.30am. Morrison’s offer a special ‘essential’ delivery service to
vulnerable and elderly members of the community who are unable to shop in-store. There’s an order form on the company’s website – you download it, tick your choices and then call 0345 611 6111 and press option 5
to place the order. Orders take 24 hours to process and payment is taken by contactless card by the delivery driver. Cash and cheques cannot be accepted.
• Nisa, Long Street – Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm.
• Tesco, Station Road – Mon-Sat: 8am-10pm, Sun: 10am-4pm. Priority for elderly and vulnerable people – Mon, Wed and Fri 9-10am. Priority for NHS workers – Tue, Thu and Sat 9-10am. All the time: care workers, NHS
and emergency services will be invited to come to the front of the queue.
• Tesco Pharmacy – Mon: 8am-10.30pm, Tue-Sat: 6.30am-10.30pm and Sun: 10am-4pm.
• Thirsk Post Office, in Cooperative Supermarket – Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm and Sun: 11am-5pm.
• Topcliffe Post Office, Long Street, Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.
• Upstairs Downstairs Deli, Thirsk are delivering to all YO7 postcodes. Check them out on Facebook.
If you order from Johnson the Butchers, the Greengrocers and Upstairs Downstairs everything can be delivered together in one go. That’s an excellent service.
Take Away Food (please note, there are no changes in this section since last week)
A whole host of food companies continue to provide ‘take aways’ and deliveries. Here’s a few that residents have recommended:
• Bambudda Oriental Cuisine, Ripon – 01765 278020 – Orders by phone only. Demand is very high so there may be a delay in getting through. On weekends the line opens at 3pm for pre-orders. Delivery charge £5.
• Bliss Café, Thirsk – Soup, main meals and puddings for the elderly and infirm. Can be delivered frozen or ready to eat within a five mile radius, 7 days a week. Ring two days in advance to discuss your needs, Phone 07584
633669 or email blisscafe@mail.com. Pay by card over phone, bank transfer or cash by special arrangement. Please phone 8am-1pm.
• Mozzarelli’s, Ripon 01765 603333
• The Old Red House, Thirsk has organised Carvery Sundays and also do free deliveries to Topcliffe 5-8pm Wednesday to Saturday. Ring 01845 525769 for bookings and information.
• Pizza Pronto, Catterick Garrison – 01748 833777
• Racha Thai Bistro in Thirsk is offering take aways and deliveries – 01845 524265
• Regency Pizza, Thirsk Industrial Estate – 01845 522331
• The Bay Horse, Rainton – 01845 578697 – on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wide range of take away meals on offer.
• The TeaTime Café, Thirsk – Bake Boxes with varied contents changing each week, or individual items. Delivery on Thursdays is free to Topcliffe and Asenby. Orders by 2pm Tuesday. Full details are on the café’s website
at www.teatimeyorkshire.co.uk
• Westgate Fisheries will accept orders by telephone 07703 686774 – ring from lunchtime onwards to place an order for evening pick up (no deliveries to Topcliffe and Asenby). Open Monday to Saturday 4 – 9pm
MESSAGES & INFORMATION FROM EARLIER EMAILS, BUT WORTH MAINTAINING FOR REFERENCE
• ‘Top Residents’ and ‘Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall’ Facebook sites have lots of useful information and chat about what’s going on during lockdown.
• Our two Parish Councils are not meeting during the crisis. However, our Parish Councillors and Parish Clerks remain available to deal with any urgent matters. Details are on the two parish council websites –
www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net
• Topcliffe Post Office – John Mulley is maintaining services at the PO, though he has restricted opening times and introduced social distancing rules. The PO (01845 577517) continues to operate post offices services, as
well as the sale of newspapers and the usual product lines. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30am and Sun: closed.
• Topcliffe Surgery requires seven working days’ notice for repeat prescriptions. Practice nurse Lesley Lowe is assisting Asenby residents who are in isolation and who don’t pay for their medication and are worried about
leaving home to collect their medications from Topcliffe Surgery. Ask when you order your prescription.
• The AA is offering free roadside assistance to any NHS worker if they have a breakdown enroute to or from work. The number to call is 0800 072 5064.
• Adam Jackson Plants, Sessay – take orders for delivery the following week. The fixed bundles may differ each week (no compost is available). See the Facebook page AdamJacksonPlants for details. To order send your
address, post code, phone number and which bundles you would like. Payment will be taken on delivery in cash or by contactless card. tel: 07743 870205.
• Northdale Horticulture, a Northallerton-based charity that provides training for people with learning difficulties, is providing a ‘mail order’ service. There will be a deliver to Topcliffe and Asenby, probably clumping
orders together. Their web address is www.northdale.org.uk where you can check out what’s available. The site has separate lists of different types of plants (these change as plants sell out!) and an order form too,
which you can print off, complete and email to northdalehort@aol.com
• Freecycle Stall – every Saturday and Sunday, the Burnett family, who live in Pear Tree Cottage on Long Street in Topcliffe, organise a Freecycle Stall so that other villagers can pick up books, Magazines, toys and more.
Feel free to pop by the stall, but don’t forget to observe social distancing when you’re there…and appropriate hygiene when handling the items.
• Asenby’s community Facebook page ‘Asenby Institute Community Space’ is keeping villagers well informed and in touch with each other.
• The Asenby bus stop library continues to be very popular. Villagers are welcome to borrow or supply books. Users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.
• Asenby resident, Heather Allon, organises a magazine and book loan scheme in the village. Those who are housebound or in lockdown who would like to be involved should telephone her on 01845 595080.
• Peter Palmer (01845 578057) and Judith Lowe (01845 577911) co-ordinate volunteers to assist any resident who needs help with shopping or collection of medicines….or maybe just wants a ‘phone chat.
• A range of Asenby Village Trails has been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.
Clapping for our heroes
Last Thursday was the 8th consecutive week of clapping to show support for NHS frontline staff, care home staff and other key workers. The public demonstration of support is a massive tribute to their selfless commitment. There’ll be another clapping next Thursday evening at 8pm. But please, no fireworks as it upsets and traumatises our pets.
That’s all until next Sunday. Stay at home (preferably). But if not, stay alert, keep safe and keep well.