Hi
Welcome to this week’s Sunday email – the 8th edition since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As restrictions on our movements ease up and we gradually begin to return to some form of ‘normal’, the need for a weekly email is likely to reduce and it may be sensible to have a fortnightly or “as required” message. It’s difficult to tell exactly what will be needed but I’ll keep the Sunday Email’s future under review.
There’ll definitely be a Sunday email next week, so If you have any information that you would like me to include please feel free to contact me.
Doug
07785 223707
Coronavirus tests open to everyone over 5 years of age
Anyone over the age of five with symptoms of coronavirus can now ask for a test to check if they have the virus. This is called an antigen test. (Note: another type of test (antibody test) that checks if you’ve already had the virus is not available yet).
You can ask for a test – for yourself or for someone you live with if you or they have coronavirus symptoms. If you’re asking for a test for someone else and the person is aged 13 or over, you must check they’re happy for you to ask for a test for them.
When to ask for a test – you need to have the test in the first 5 days of having symptoms but it’s best to ask for the test in the first 3 days, as it may take a day or two to arrange.
What the test involves – the test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud. You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.
Will I get a test? – there is a very high demand for tests at the moment. People in hospital and essential workers, including NHS and social care staff, are getting priority. Even if you are successful in requesting a test, you might not get one. It depends on how many tests are available each day in different parts of the country.
How do I ask for a test? – you can ask for a test online. You will be asked how you want to get the test – you may be able to choose between driving to a regional testing site or getting a home test kit. You’ll also be asked to provide details such as your name, mobile telephone number and address.
Important – please help the NHS and only ask for a test if you or someone you live with has symptoms now. These are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Remember – no symptoms=no test. If you have symptoms, apply for a test at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
Essential workers have different arrangements. See www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers
Bags2School – bring out your textiles for recycling
As mentioned in the special mid-week message last Thursday, Topcliffe Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups, who in normal times are regular users of the hall, have joined forces to organise a ‘Bags2School’ recycling event. Residents of our two villages are encouraged to have a cupboard and wardrobe sort out and bag items that they are prepared to donate. On this occasion we won’t be delivering bags to every house – please just use black bags.
The earliest date we have been able to get from the collecting company is Wednesday 10 June. On that day please deliver your bags to the village hall garden between 9am and 12 noon. We’ll also provide home collections for any elderly or vulnerable resident in self-isolation or lockdown – ring Doug Allan on 07785 223707 to request a pick up. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and Topcliffe Scout groups.
Start sorting now! We would welcome any of the following items:
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Please note that we are unable to accept duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms with and without logo, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material.
Bin Collections
• Hambleton (Topcliffe) – refuse Tuesday 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday). Back to normal collection the following week – recycling and green bins Thursday 4 June, refuse Monday 8 June.
• Harrogate (Asenby) – recycling Tuesday 26 May (note change because of Bank Holiday). Back to normal collection the following week – refuse Monday 1 June, garden waste 4 June and recycling Monday 8 June.
Asenby Bus Stop
It’s funny how a bus stop can become the centre of a village, but that’s exactly what has happened in Asenby. The village’s only bus shelter has always had notice boards but since the start of the pandemic it has become a ‘community hub’, a place where lots of other things happen too. The village library and games exchange has been a remarkable success, so much so that it has outgrown the bookcase installed and now the search is on for extra storage facilities. Heather Alon, one of the organisers said: “I’d like to offer a massive thank you to all the wonderful people in Asenby for their overwhelming contribution of books, including children’s books, games and jigsaws. Everyone’s been just amazing. It has been a fantastic success, so much so that we need another small bookcase, so if anyone has one that could be borrowed, please get in touch.”
Please note that users are required to wear gloves and should sanitise books before leaving them or picking them up.
Heather Allon also 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.
Yorkshire Vet special
The Peter Wright story will be on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 26 May at 8pm.
Richard’s Pew Sheet
Since the retirement of the Vicar, Susanne Jukes, at the end of April the Richard Byas has bravely and uncomplainingly taken some of the roles that make the local Benefice, which includes four parishes, tick over. As Reader of the Benefice, Richard normally supports the Vicar, but now he is having to take the lead and help congregations at Topcliffe, Baldersby, Skipton-on-Swale and Dalton churches.
Richard is licenced to preach and lead non-Eucharistic services, but he now has to work harder than any would have expected to provide a focus for the church during the Covid-19 pandemic. As churches are not allowed to open for services, Richard produces a weekly publication called ‘Pew Sheet’ which he prepares and circulates to all to all churchgoers in the Benefice. Initially this provided a prayer and two or three readings for the upcoming Sunday, together with a homily or reflection on those. But in the last few weeks the Pew Sheet has expanded to include thoughts, poems, pictures, recipes and useful sources to look at in books and on the internet.
Richard is more than happy to add anyone interested in receiving a copy to his regular Thursday mailing – email at richard@sandhillvet.co.uk He has also set up a network to deliver hard copies to those who do not have internet access, so ring 01845 578710 to be added to his list.
Topcliffe and Asenby Tidy Ups
In Topcliffe regular Tidy Up days are held so that villagers can help keep the village clean and tidy. On the last few tidy up days teams of volunteers of all ages from 4 to 80 have made a massive impact and their efforts have been widely welcomed. Unfortunately plans for a recent tidy up event had to be shelved due to the Coronavirus pandemic and it could be sometime before working parties can again tackle problem areas.
In Asenby, there are normally a couple of litter picks each year, but again because of the pandemic, it hasn’t been possible to hold one recently. Both Parish Councils have endeavoured to maintain their grass cutting operations, but neither Hambleton or Harrogate councils have been able to maintain normal maintenance operations, including street sweeping. So here’s an idea. Let’s all take some responsibility for the stretch of pavement and gully outside our own house and property. A bit of weeding and a quick sweep every now and again will make a massive difference and we’ll all feel better for seeing our villages looking spic and span.
Roll of Honour
This week the following people have been added to the villages’ Roll of Honour:
- Richard Byas of Topcliffe as an acknowledgement of his unstinting effort on behalf of parishioners.
- Donna Fleming of Alanbrooke Barracks for coming up with the idea and helping organise the Bags2School recycling event and fundraiser.
Thirsk Garden Centre is now open for click & collect
Although under the government’s rules, it would now be allowed to open, Thirsk Garden Centre will not be physically opening its doors for public access just yet. To start off with, they have launched a non-contact click and collect service with orders only taken on their webshop – www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk Once orders have been taken, staff will ring you to confirm day and time to collect from their car park (they are aiming to have orders within two days). Operating days initially are Monday to Friday. Any orders taken over the weekend period will be picked on Monday and we will ring you to arrange collection Monday/Tuesday. They are operating in this way to protect their team and customers and to give the centre plenty of time to prepare its store for social distancing.
Northdale Horticulture
Northdale will be open to customers from tomorrow, Monday 25 May, with restrictions on the number of cars allowed in and strict social distancing. www.northdale.org.uk
Chip n’ Dales
Paul and Karen Bumby apologise to customers who were disappointed that they had to cancel last Friday’s session in Topcliffe due to a vehicle problem. But they’ll 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.
Herbs Unlimited – Pop-Up Shop
This pop up shop has visited Topcliffe and Asenby on the last three Thursdays and enjoyed some great business supplying fruit and veg boxes, herbs and plants. They’ll be back this coming week – 28 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.
• Occasions, Thirsk – an independent card and gift store is operating through their online website offering a wonderful selection of gifts, homewares and cards. Gifts by Joma Jewellery, Ashleigh and Burwood, Inis
fragrance to name but a few. Secure online payment with free delivery. Contact on 07946 404492, via Facebook, by email to occasionthirsk@btconnect.com, or online at www.occasions2celebrate.co.uk
• 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 some 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.
• Bianco Ristorante, Thirsk – takeaways, 4 to 9pm Wednesday to Sunday. Pizza, pasta, burgers and chicken are available. NHS workers have 10% discount on production of ID. Order online by Messenger at
m.me/biancothirsk or phone 01904 412405.
• 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. There is a 50% discount for NHS and emergency worker staff who can provide ID.
• 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
• 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
• White Horse Café – Fish & chips – open Monday to Friday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 8pm, and Saturday 11.30am to 2pm and 4 – 7.30pm.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Asenby Village Trails have been developed for village children (and adults) taking their daily stroll. Walkers should look out for rainbows and teddy bears in windows.
• Sowerby Waste Site – Only for the disposal of waste that is a risk to be kept at home. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm seven days a week (including Wednesdays).
Clapping for our heroes
Last Thursday was the 9th 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.
That’s all until next Sunday. Try to stay at home. Stay alert, keep safe and keep well.