Welcome to the 71st issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
The week’s Covid statistics
• The R number for England as a whole is 0.8 to 1.0. This means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 8 and 10 other people.
• 47.3 million first doses given. 40.4 million second doses. 89.3% of the adult population has now had the first jab and over 76.3% the second.
• 201,006 people tested positive for Covid in the last week.
• There were 29,520 new infections yesterday.
• 5,470 people were admitted to hospital with Covid between 8 and 15 August.
• There were 93 deaths reported yesterday and 613 in the last seven days. That’s a 2.2% decrease on the previous seven days.
• The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 130,894.
• Nearly 154,200 deaths registered in the UK had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
• Worldwide, the global death toll is 4,364,030.
North Yorkshire figures
The Covid infection rate across the county seems to have plateaued. The rate is 269 per 100,000 people, against an England average of 299. This is still high and pressures continue on health and social care services. The message to people is continue to wear face coverings, practise good hand hygiene, give people space and get plenty of fresh air. Currently 48 North Yorkshire care homes have cases of Covid so these remain extremely challenging times for health and social care.
Covid rules change from 16 August
From 16 August double vaccinated adults will no longer need to self-isolate after contact with a positive case of Covid (as long as they themselves have no symptoms). The same applies to all under-18s, which means class ‘bubbles’ will no longer need to isolate if there is one positive case. Fully vaccinated adults and under-18s will, however, be advised to take a PCR test – and should only not self-isolate if the result is negative. If the result is positive, they will need to self-isolate just like anyone else. Guidance recommending against travel to amber list countries is removed, meaning under-18s and fully vaccinated adults no longer have to self-isolate after visiting amber list countries. People should continue to meet others outside where possible and continue good hand hygiene. People who have been working from home are being encouraged to return to the workplace gradually.
Covid Testing
• Test and Trace – Full details about the purpose of Test & Trace and how it works can be read at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
• PCR Test – must be booked If you have symptoms. A full list of NHS testing sites can be viewed at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/book-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• Lateral Flow Testing Kits – these tests are available free of charge to everyone. Rapid testing detects cases quickly, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately. You can order here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?medium=email&source=GovDelivery
Deer Shed Base Camp
If you attended the Deer Shed Base Camp Plus event at Baldersby Park the weekend before last and had any property stolen from you, North Yorkshire Police would like to hear from you. In particular, a number of mobile phones have been recovered which police believe may have been stolen at the event between 1 and 2 August. Officers are appealing for information from anyone who may have had property stolen – if they have not already spoken to the police – or from anyone may have witnessed any suspicious activity at the event. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Matthew Jefferson. You can also email matthew.jefferson If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210172901.
Hambleton Heroes
Hambleton District Council has reopened its Hambleton Heroes initiative. Anyone can nominate an individual or organisation they feel has carried out fantastic work within the community in 2021. The council is interested to hear about amazing acts of kindness and generosity, selfless acts, sustained and relentless efforts to support those in need and innovative approaches to overcome challenges. The deadline is 31 October 2021. The nomination form is on the council’s website – https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/community-action/hambleton-heroes?documentId=255&categoryId=20052
Calendar Photo Competition ‘A year in North Yorkshire’
Budding photographers aged between 7 and 13 living in North Yorkshire are invited to submit photographs in this new competition. Photos can be taken on any device and need to represent North Yorkshire. They can be landscapes, scenery or street photography, with no people present. For more information and to enter contact Jayne on 07506 162 231 or email Jayne Closing date is 8 October 2021.
Fuel prices soar
According to the RAC the average price of a litre of petrol is now £135.13p, the highest since September 2013, as rising oil prices push up fuel costs. The news for diesel owners isn’t much better with an average of £137.06p a litre, meaning it’s at its highest price since 2014. The latest RAC Fuel Watch figures show that another 3.4p was added to a litre of petrol in July, the largest rise in the price of unleaded since January, while diesel climbed 2.7p a litre. A driver filling up a petrol car with a 55-litre tank now pays on average £3.08 more than at the start of June, and £11.47 more than a year ago. For diesel drivers filling a similarly-sized tank, it now costs £2.90 more than at the start of June, and £10.46 more than it did at the end of July 2020. And the situation is likely to get worse with more fuel price increases on the horizon.
Thirsk Area – Local Events
The volunteers at Thirsk Information Centre issue a ‘Local Events’ email on the 10th and 25th of each month to anyone who wants a copy. Most events listed are in Thirsk and surrounding villages. You can register to receive the publication online at news To receive Local Events emails just email news There is an unsubscribe link in every email sent out.
Strolling in Thirsk
Would you like an easy stroll to help you keep fit and active…with the added bonus of meeting new people? If so, consider joining Thirsk Strollers for a one hour walk each week – Wednesdays at 10.30am. For details contact: hambletonstrollers2018 or 07514 240227
Air Ambulance thanks Topcliffe
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has expressed its heartfelt thanks to Topcliffe residents who raised £332 at the recent Afternoon Tea at the Village Hall. The cash was handed over to a representative of the YAA last week and now tea organisers Karen Morley and Linda Carver have had a very nice acknowledgement of the donation. The YAA reminds us that it is a charity and that it costs £12,000 a day to keep both air ambulances in the air, attending around 1,300 incidents a year across Yorkshire.
Soup and sweet lunch – Wednesday 18 August
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held this Wednesday (18 August) at 12 noon. Instead of paying a set price for lunch, customers are asked to make a small donation. Any surplus is donated to a different charity each time. This week the chosen charity is the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk.
Rural Arts – Printmaking
Two days of live printmaking demonstrations and workshops inclusive of all abilities! Try out different techniques with friendly and professional printmakers. Book on to one to two days. 10am-4pm on Friday 20 August and/or Saturday 21 August. Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk. admin or 01845 526 536
SummerTime Fest
The Staveley Arms at North Stainley is staging a SummerTime Fest next Saturday (21 August). The programme stars The Dunwells and also features Lucy May-Walker, Megan O’Neill, the Solow Choir and Freddie Cleary. For more details check out the pub’s Facebook page or email info
Rock the Town
Rock the Town is again being staged at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday 21 August from 2 till 10pm. This family-friendly music festival features rides, licensed bar, food, stalls and live music from Brooke Burke, Ty Lewis, Ultimate Jess Glynne, Boot Leggers, Jamie Lee Harrison, Maroon Live, Ezra Live, Khalsis Music, Dua Rules, Coldplay tribute, Stax and T’Pau. Tickets from info or 07845 151324. Festival rules and details at http://rockthetown.co.uk/thirsk-2/
Asenby Picnic in the Park
Here’s a reminder that there’ll be a picnic on Asenby’s playing fields starting 2pm on Sunday 22 August. It’s a celebration of the end of Covid restrictions and community lockdowns. Everyone’s welcome. Just bring your own chairs and blankets, as well as food and drink.
The Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
Just a reminder that it’s only a fortnight to the 2021 Produce Show. It will be staged in the Village Hall on Saturday 28 August. The event is open to all residents of Topcliffe and Asenby, and individuals who grow produce on allotments within the boundaries of our two villages. The full list of rules, categories and classes is available on both village websites – www.topcliffe.org.uk and www.asenby.net or from Produce Show Secretary, Judith Lowe (577911).
Versatile bassoons
The third and final concert in the Music@Junction50 series is on 2 September at 7pm when the Genovia Bassoon Quartet will provide a whirlwind musical tour which will showcase items from various musical genres and will demonstrate the amazing versatility of the bassoon. Each member of the quartet is a top orchestral player. If you want more information, contact Sue Brown at the shop in Baldersby – 07840 381558 or Colin Reid on 01765 640624.
Thirsk Festival
There will be a three-day festival of great music, stories and events at various locations in Thirsk from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 September. The aim of the festival is to
place the arts at the heart of the community and to celebrate the creativity of those within the region. These are the events:
– Friday 3 September – St Mary’s Church, Chorus and Orchestra, 7.30pm. Tippett, Handel, Mozart, Mascagni, Grieg & Vivaldi.
– Saturday 4 September – Thirsk Hall, Community Day, 11am-5pm. An event for all the family.
– Saturday 4 September – The Barn, Thirsk Hall, ‘Before the Dawn’, 8pm. Music and prose from the worlds of jazz, contemporary, fusion and folk.
– Sunday 5 September – The Barn, Thirsk Hall, ‘Stories & Music – The Little Prince’, 12 Noon.
– Sunday 5 September – St Mary’s Church, Peter and the Wolf, 5pm. Holst, Bach, Prokofiev.
Tickets for any of the events can be booked online at elle for free tickets.
2021 Grand Attic Auction
Saturday, 4 September at 2 pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The organisers are appealing for items for the auction, so please do not discard anything during your house cleaning which could be sold at the auction. Anything clean and saleable such as books, furniture, bric-a-brac…even antiques! (but please, no TV sets, beds, clothes, computers or used soft toys). Items for the sale should be dropped off at the Village Hall on Saturday morning between 8 and 11am on 4 September. Limited storage might be available if items cannot be held until the sale day. It may be possible to arrange transport for any bulky items. Contact John Phillips Tel: 01845 577034.
Buyers can come and browse to see what is available between 12 noon and 2pm. All proceeds to St. Columba’s Church Funds.
A very big thank you to Chris Joyce and Fran Eckersley who kindly distributed leaflets about the Attic Auction to homes in Topcliffe.
Baldersby St James Book Fair
The annual book fair will be held in St James’ church at Baldersby St James on Saturday 11, Sunday 12 and Monday 13 September, 10am-5pm each day.
Macmillan coffee morning in memory of Patrick
It’s ten years since Topcliffe lad, Patrick Hooker, was diagnosed with a rare cancer and eight years since he died, aged 13, at the Royal Infirmary in Newcastle. In his memory, Patrick’s mother Lois is organising a Macmillan coffee morning at her home at 17 Manor Close. The event will be held between 11am and 2pm on Sunday 26 September. Anyone who is willing to bake scones or cakes, donate prizes for a Magic Square, help on the day or provide a boiling water dispenser, is asked to get in touch with Lois via Messenger or email loisjeantopcliffe in advance of the day.
Bags2School recycling event planned
There’s to be a further Bags2School textile recycling event at the Village Hall this autumn. It will be held on Thursday 7 October between 8.30am and 12noon. If you are having a clear out of cupboards and wardrobes please consider keeping bags of textiles for this charity collection. If you have trouble storing the bags, please let the organisers know and they will try to make arrangements for storage until the day. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts.
(Organisers: Donna Fleming 07591 438766 and Doug Allan 07785 223707).
Events on at The Forum
There are some great events coming to The Forum in Northallerton in the coming months, including:
• Friday 20 August at 7pm – ‘Woman Like Me – The Little Mix Show’. Live vocals and pop-video choreography. Suitable for kids, tweens, teens and adults alike.
• Tuesday 24 August at 7pm – Andre Rieu – The King of Waltz handpicks his all-time favourite tunes and presents them on the big screen.
• Thursday 26 August at 7.30pm – Francis Rossi – The legendary Status Quo lead singer will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock’n’roll when he takes to the stage for an intimate evening of chat and music.
• Saturday 28 August at 7.30pm – The Unravelling Wilburys – A band of good ‘ol boys reproduce the sound and songs of the late 80s super-group The Traveling Wilburys.
• Friday 3 September at 7.30pm – Quo Experience – An excellent show that captures the essence of the real Stutus Quo.
Enquiries to 01609 776230. Book tickets online http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
Parish Council meetings
• The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7.15pm on Thursday 7 October in the main hall at the Village Hall. topcliffeparishcouncil
• The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 at the Village Hall. www.asenby.net
Asenby Parish Council
The Notice of Vacancy has been issued by Harrogate Borough Council and is on display in the village. This notice gives the option for an election to be requested by parishioners. If by 23 August no request is received for an election, the Parish Council has the ability to co-opt.
St Columba’s Church
Sunday 15 August, 10.45am – Matins
Sunday 22 August, 10.45am – Holy Communion with Rev Mary Rolls.
Sunday 29 August – no service.
Sunday 5 September, 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 12 September, 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 19 September, 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 26 September, 10.45am – Holy Communion.
There will be congregational hymn singing at all services. The wearing of masks and social distancing is still expected.
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
• My Time Yoga – 12.30 to 4pm (two classes) – every Monday.
• Boccia Club – 2 to 4pm every Tuesday. All welcome.
• Pammy’s Pilates – 6 to 7pm, every Thursday evening.
• Boot Camp – every Tuesday and Friday evening, 7 – 8pm.
• Soup and sweet lunch – 12 noon Wednesday 18 August.
• Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held on Saturday 28 August.
• Attic Auction – Saturday 4 September.
• Asenby Parish Council meeting – 7.30pm on Wednesday, 15 September.
• Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee – Wednesday 29 September.
• Topcliffe Parish Council meeting – 7.15pm on Thursday, 7 October.
• Indoor Carpet Bowls – if there is enough interest, the bowls club will start to meet again in September. Expressions of interest please to Mel Arkley 01845 578728.
• Art classes – the next series of art classes will be held in September.
The hall is again available for any type of booking in the normal way, though NHS Test and Trace arrangements are still in place. Hirers and users will be asked to take responsibility for the way they operate. The new guidelines are available on the village website – https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/up-and-coming-events/
Existing hirers of the hall have free use until 31 December 2021. To encourage a new range of activities to get going, free use of the hall is also available to new group activities (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). Bookings for new activities and for events such as parties are now possible. Events planned for last year that had to be postponed due to the pandemic will be rescheduled in due course. Watch out for details of the Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz.
Local traders
• The Angel at Topcliffe – Check out full details at www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or follow The Angel on Facebook to get regular updates.
• Asenbee Honey – this Asenby-based business sells honey but also makes beeswax candles and a range of hand-carved spoons and oak chopping boards. www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – The Old Hatchery, Asenby. Large selection of carpets and flooring. Appointment only. 01845 421111 info
• Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.
• The Elm Gallery – Opening times are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12noon to 5.30pm; Monday and Tuesday – closed. Covid safety arrangements remain in place. Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 or check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk
• Fotiá Candles – Nikki and Sam Key’s home-based business producing hand poured soy wax candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. Perfect gift ideas. Bespoke orders for special occasions such as wedding favours. Info
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – run by Kerry parker and based in Melmerby. Provides beautiful hampers for all occasions, containing the best of produce from small Yorkshire food and drink producers. Telephone: 07793 775987. www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – Customers continue to be asked to wear a mask/face covering (unless of course exempt) and also to maintain social distancing. This is out of respect for staff and more vulnerable customers. At both doors, there is hand sanitiser provided. Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 5pm; Thursday 9am – 1pm; Saturday 9am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm. Closed on Mondays. Takeaway teas and coffees with cake is still available. Wheelchair access is available at the rear of the property. Check out Facebook page for information about new lines in fresh and frozen foods. 01845 400446. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – unisex hairdressing salon run by Nicola James at 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). Open Monday to Saturday. Male and female adults as well as children. For an appointment call Nicola on 07851 034815.
• The Swan – Providing traditional home-cooked food with a new menu and ‘specials board’. Extra choices on Wednesday Pie Night. Take-away meals every day. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 4pm. On Saturdays food is served 12 noon until 8.30pm and the bar stays open until late.
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. Foodstuffs such as tins, pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, jars, crisps, juices, bottled products, soups, crisp breads, anything in packets, are very welcome. But please, no fresh products as there’s a risk they will go to waste.
• Topcliffe Post Office – opening hours are: Shop – weekdays 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 to 11.30am. Post Office – weekdays 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 8.30 to 11.30am. Closed on Sundays.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):
• Refuse – Monday 16 August and Tuesday 31 August (one day later than usual).
• Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 26 August and 9 September
Harrogate (Asenby):
• Recycling – Monday 16 August and Tuesday 31 August (one day later than usual).
• Refuse – Mondays 23 August and 6 September.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 26 August and 9 September.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.