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Sunday Email: Issue 80

Welcome to the 80th issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
The week’s Covid statistics

  • The R number for England as a whole remains 0.9 to 1.1. This means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 9 and 11 other people.
  • 49.4 million first doses given. 45.3 million second doses. 85.9% of the population aged 12+ has now had the first jab and over 78.8% the second.(note this is now based on +12s)
  • There were 43,423 new infections yesterday and 289,515 people tested positive for Covid in the last week. That’s a 13% increase on the previous week.
  • 5,559 people were admitted to hospital with Covid between 6 and 12 October.
  • There were 148 deaths reported yesterday and 833 in the last seven days.
  • The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 138,527.
  • 161,798 deaths registered in the UK had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
  • Worldwide, the global death toll is 4,907,733.
Information for Topcliffe Surgery patients
The surgery is rapidly moving through the age groups to ensure people have their Covid booster and flu jabs. This week it will be the turn of people over 65 and under 65s who are at high risk. Topcliffe Surgery is working together with other Hambleton GPs surgeries to offer the jabs from one location – Northallerton High School. No vaccinations are being given at Topcliffe Surgery. If you are contacted by Topcliffe Surgery you will be invited to Northallerton to get both jabs at the same time.

If you are contacted by the NHS vaccination booking service and accept their invitation, they’ll only give you a Covid booster jab and you’ll have to travel to Darlington, Knaresborough or York to receive it. You’d still need to go via the surgery to get your flu vaccination at Northallerton. So, If you wish, you can ignore the NHS invitation and await an invitation via the surgery, so that you can have both jabs together.

Please let the surgery know if you are over 65 (or high risk) and have already received your Covid booster jab through the National Booking Service but still require a flu jab.
Travel update
New rules allowing travellers returning to England to take lateral flow tests instead of more expensive PCR tests will come into force next Sunday, 24 October. The changes will take effect in time for families returning from half term breaks. Fully vaccinated passengers will be told to upload photos of their Covid-19 tests for verification. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it would make travel easier and simpler. The changes come as the UK continues to record the highest level of Covid infections and deaths in western Europe, with another 45,066 cases recorded on Thursday alone – the largest number on a single day since late July.
Soup and sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday, 27 October at 12 noon. There’s no set charge for lunch but customers are asked to make a small donation. Money raised goes to a different charity each time and on this occasion will be donated to help support The British Legion. The last lunch raised £64 for Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Topcliffe Tidy Up Day a huge success

Topcliffe is looking a lot cleaner and neater following a massive tidy up yesterday. Around thirty volunteers, including a number of youngsters, gave up their Saturday morning to tackle a few jobs that needed attention. They included the painting of much of the fence along the left-hand side of Station Road from The Swan to the school, clearance of overgrown trees and bushes at Jubilee Gardens, repainting of the woodwork at the cemetery shelter, cleaning of all road signs and litter picking throughout the village.

Parish councillors Ben Collard, Malcolm Morley and Roy Beckwith organised the tidy-up event and were extremely pleased with the turnout and the tremendous community effort to improve the village. They offered a big thank you to everyone who helped out. After a morning’s hard graft the volunteers headed off to the village hall where the parish council provided bacon sandwiches, cakes and drinks.
Spooky News
Oliver Robertson, who lives in Asenby, has published his latest newsletter This is young Oliver’s 7th colourful newsletter and it’s full of spooky things to do with Halloween.
Household Waste Recycling Centres
Our local waste reycling centre has now gone on to winter hours and the new opening times are 8.30am to 4pm every day except Wednesdays, when the centre is closed.
Charity Christmas Cards
Thirsk’s information centre is once again participating in the ‘Cards for Good Causes’ scheme which sees cards from around 30 charities on sale. Cards for Good Causes has a network of over 300 charity Christmas card shops across the UK in sites such as churches, libraries, community centres, tourist information centres and museums. Every year about £4 million is raised for the participating charities.
Toddlers walk to raise cash for shed
Around 25 children, some as young as just two years of age, from the Seedlings Nursery took part in a sponsored walk around Topcliffe last Wednesday. So far, they have raised just over £400 towards a new equipment storage shed at the nursery. After the toddle all the children gathered at the Milk Churn Farm Shop for a hot chocolate drink and a biscuit.
TV signal now restored
Arqiva, the firm responsible for providing TV and radio signals to households across North Yorkshire has now switched on its temporary mast and states this should restore TV services to about 95% of homes across the region.
Hambleton Local Plan
The current Hambleton Local Plan runs until 2026 and work on its replacement which will cover the period up to 2035 is nearing completion. The plan sets out the vision and objectives for planning in Hambleton; allocates sites for housing, employment, retail, leisure and other forms of development and sets out development management policies. Public hearings were held in October and November 2020, and in June 2021. The Inspectors said some modifications will be required. The proposed plan is available to view until Tuesday 9 November. The documents which the public can comment on are listed on the council’s website http://hambleton.gov.uk/local-plan-1
Halloween Party planned for youngsters
Parents in Topcliffe are organising a Halloween party for local children. It’ll be on between 4 and 6pm, Saturday 30 October at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The wearing of scary Halloween outfits is encouraged. There’ll be party games, food, music and lots of fun! Cost per child is £2.50 and advance booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from Jenny Bumby on 07840 468672.

HELP! The organisers would welcome any donations of cakes or sweet treats for a pudding table.
Spilmans pumpkin festival – Sunday 17 October
Today is the last day of the annual Spilman’s pumpkin festival at Church Farm, Sessay (YO7 3NB). This is your last chance to pick your own pumpkin ready for Halloween. There’s plenty more to see and do for all the family, including tractor rides, pumpkin washing, wood-fired pizzas, takeaway food and drink, fun fair, carving barn, spooky walk, corn cannon and bale mountain. Timed sessions from 9.30am through to 3.30pm. Tickets only – available online http://www.spilmans.co.uk
Wreath making with scalpel and tweed
The Milk Churn Farm Shop is planning a ‘scalpel & tweed’ wreath-making day in the shop on Saturday 6 November, between 1 and 3pm. This is your chance to make a bespoke Christmas wreath using hoops, feathers and other natural materials. Mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies will be served. Only one place remaining. Book your place for £32.50 by calling 01845 400446.

Halloween painting – cancelled
The pumpkin painting sessions planned for half term at the Milk Churn Farm Shop have regretfully been cancelled due to a lack of support.
Mambo Jambo – The Nonsense Show
This hilarious show for children and families is being promoted by Rural Arts at its Courthouse premises in Thirsk’s Westgate. Frankie & Pete lead this performance and workshop with their array of instruments and nonsense props, songs and raps. Lunch is also on offer 11am and 2pm on Friday 29 October. Tickets: online http://www.ruralarts.org
Christmas Fayre – Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – 13 November
There has been a tremendous response to the appeal for stallholders at this year’s Christmas Fayre. All spaces have now been taken. The fayre is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Saturday 13 November between 10am and 2pm. There’ll be a wide range of interesting stalls, including crafts, lampshades, cakes and bakes, Christmas cards, calendars, decoupage, upcycling, gift wrap and coasters. There should be lots of great ideas for Christmas presents.

Linda and Karen will be providing two stalls themselves – one selling home-baked cakes and another selling homemade produce. They would welcome any donations from the many talented bakers and preserves bottlers in the village. Refreshments including, sausage sandwiches, will be on sale.

Funds raised on the day will go towards a range of initiatives aimed at improving Topcliffe, such as bulb planning and possibly a new bench.
Thirsk Community Library
Here’s some activity ideas courtesy of the library in Thirsk.

  • Warhammer Wargames Club – Mondays weekly term time 3.45 – 4.45pm for 8 to 14 year olds – £2/child. Both beginners and more experienced players/model makers can try out different ways of painting figures, making battlefield scenery and have the chance to try out lots of games.
  • Lego Club – Tuesdays weekly term time 3.45 to 4.45pm – primary school children £1/child. Calling all lego builders and creators. Lego is provided and each week there’s a different theme.

Booking is essential for both after school clubs so email: library

  • Storytime Mondays – Every Monday from 11.15am to 12noon – All pre-school children welcome – no charge! Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and activities for young children in the library. Just turn up, no booking required.
  • Jigsaws loans – the library has over 200 adult and children’s jigsaws that can be borrowed for a £1 fee.

More details at – https://thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk/
Catton Kitchen upcoming events:

  • Cozy P’s wood-fired pizza night – Thursday 21 October – back following the amazing success of the first pizza night last month. Pre-ordering essential for slots between 4.30 and 8pm. Ring Stevie on 07387 798857.
  • Autumn Garland making, with Sahra Rayner of Willow View Farm, – Saturday 23 October 2-4pm. £25 per person. Arrive at 1.30pm for tea/coffee and cake, which is included in the price. Spaces still available
  • Christmas wreath making – Sunday 5 December 3.30 to 5.30pm (An extra class to cope with demand). £30 per person. Arrive at 3pm for mulled wine and mince pie (included in the price). Only two places left!

07747 083155 or check out www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk or Facebook page.
Through to Thursday 21 October – The Courier – Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Friday 22 to Thursday 28 October – The Pebble and the Boy – The story follows John Parker, a 19 year old from Manchester who embarks on a journey to Brighton, the spiritual home of the Mods, on an old Lambretta scooter left to him by his father. The film is a celebration of Mod culture and fashion and features music by Paul Weller and The Jam.

Friday 29 October to Thursday 11 November – No Time To Die – James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

There are no matinees for any of the above films. Please keep checking the website for the latest details. https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Film: Hocus Pocus (PG) – Thirsk Racecourse – Sunday 24 October
A spooky showing for this Halloween Outdoor Cinema. Two socially distanced, Covid-safe screenings. A catering unit onsite will serve hot drinks, or you can take your own snacks. No seating provided. Wear warm clothing and take extra layers, torch and appropriate footwear. Two showings: access at 5pm, film 6pm and access at 8pm, film 9pm. Limited tickets available online. Money-back guarantee if cancelled.
http://tinyurl.com/hocuspocusthirsk
St Columba’s Church

  • TODAY! Sunday 17 October, 10.45am – Choral Matins (Book of Common Prayer) with hymns and readings
  • Sunday 24 October, 10.45am – Holy Communion with hymns.
  • Sunday 31 October – No Service
  • Tuesday 2 November 7.30pm, Choral Requiem Mass for the Feast of All Souls. The service will be taken by the Rev’d Canon Keith Punshon, formerly of Ripon Cathedral. November is the season of Remembrance and on the 2nd we are invited to remember those known to us who have died. The service is open to all, of any denomination or none, and provides the space and tranquillity to reflect on and give thanks for the lives of family and friends we see no more. During the service there will be the opportunity to remember people by name or, if preferred, silently by the placing of names on the altar. As we emerge from the Covid pandemic this will be particularly relevant and poignant.
  • Sunday 7 November, 10.45am – Holy Communion with hymns.
  • Sunday 14 November, Remembrance Sunday 10.45am, Holy Communion with Act of Remembrance. With the cancellation of this service last year, it will be good to see it return to our calendar once again, particularly as we remember the sacrifices our forces have endured in Afghanistan over the past twenty years. We hope that service personnel from Alanbrooke Barracks will join us and participate in the laying of wreaths.
Bedale Book & Postcard Fair
After being cancelled last year, this popular book and postcard fair is back. It will be held on Sunday 24 October between 10am and 4pm at Bedale Hall, which is at the north end of the High Street opposite the parish church. Admission is £1.50 for adults with under 14s free of charge. Refreshments are available and there’s ample free parking.
Events on at The Forum

There are some great events coming to The Forum in Northallerton, including:

  • Monday 25 October to Saturday 30 October at 7.30pm – "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" – a sell out worldwide, appealing to both young and old alike
  • Sunday 31 October 2021 at 7.30pm – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, a brand-new touring comedy from the writers of the hugely successful comedy show Hormonal Housewives.
  • Friday 5 November at 7.30pm – The Unravelling Wilburys perform songs of the super-group The Traveling Wilburys.
  • Saturday 6 November at 8pm – Failing Upwards – a comedy with Iain Stirling (Love Island, Buffering and Taskmaster).
  • Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 November at 7.30pm – The Allerton Players present Inspector Drake and the Time Machine.

Enquiries 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
Parish Council meetings

  • The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7.15pm on Thursday 4 November at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.http:// www.topcliffe.org.uk
  • The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 17 November at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. http://www.asenby.net
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

  • Art classes – 10am to 12 noon each Monday to 18 November.
  • My Time Yoga – 1.30 to 2.45pm – every Monday.
  • Boccia Club – 1.30 to 3.30pm every Tuesday. More participants welcome.
  • Squirrels – 5 to 6pm every Tuesday.
  • Beavers – 6.15 to 7.15pm every Tuesday.
  • Soup & Sweet lunch – 12 noon to 1pm on alternate Wednesdays – next 27 October.
  • Boot Camp – 6 to 7pm every Wednesday.
  • Cubs – 7 to 8pm every Wednesday.
  • Pammy’s Pilates – 6 to 7pm, every Thursday evening.
  • Indoor Carpet Bowls – 7.30 to 9.30pm every Thursday.
  • Boot Camp – 7 to 8pm every Friday.
  • Scouts (from October onwards) – 7.30 to 10pm every Friday.
  • Children’s Halloween Party – Saturday 30 October (time and other details to be advised).
  • Topcliffe Parish Council meeting – 7.15pm on Thursday, 4 November.
  • Christmas Fayre – 10am to 2pm, Saturday 13 November.
  • Asenby Parish Council meeting – 7.30pm on Wednesday, 17 November.
  • Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee – 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 November.

Group activities are being offered free use of the hall until 31 December (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). This is to encourage existing activities to get going again and new ones to be introduced. The Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled before the end of the year or early in 2022.
Local traders

  • The Angel at Topcliffe – Check out full details at info
  • The Catton Kitchen Opening times are: Thursday and Fridays 8am to 2pm; Saturday 10am to 2pm; Sunday 10am to 12 noon. Bacon sandwiches served until 1pm most days – but only until 12 noon on a Sunday. Takeaway food or veg boxes can be pre-ordered – 07747 083155. Check out Info or 07879 447953.
  • 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 – 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. Wheelchair access is available at the rear of the property. Trees and turkeys will again be provided to order this Christmas. 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. Bar times: Monday to Thursday 5pm to close; Friday 4pm to close; Saturday 3pm to close and Sunday 12 noon until close.
  • 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 times are: Shop sales, including newspapers – 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 12.30pm Saturday. Post Office services – 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12noon on Saturdays. Newspaper vouchers.are now being accepted. New lines are being added every day.
Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 21 October, 4 and 18 November and 2 December
  • Refuse – Mondays 25 October and 8 November.

The garden waste collection on 2 December will be the last regular collection until 24 February. However, there will be one off collection on 13 January to take Christmas trees. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection.

Harrogate (Asenby)

  • Refuse – Mondays 18 October and 1 November.
  • Garden waste – Thursdays 21 October 4 and 18 November.
  • Recycling – Mondays 25 October.and 8 November.

The garden waste collection on 18 November will be last until March. The council will be in touch in January to explain what you need to do if you want to have your garden waste taken away in 2022.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.