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Sunday Email: Issue 81

Welcome to the 81st issue of the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
The week’s Covid statistics

  • The R number for England as a whole is now 1.0 to 1.2. This means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 10 and 12 other people.
  • 49.6 million first doses given. 45.5 million second doses. 86.3% of the population aged 12+ has now had the first jab and over 79.1% the second.(note this is now based on +12s)
  • There were 44,985 new Covid infections yesterday and 333,465 people tested positive in the last week. That’s a 15% increase on the previous week.
  • 6,561 people were admitted to hospital with Covid between 13 and 19 October – that’s a 20% increase on the previous week.
  • There were 135 deaths reported yesterday and 934 in the last seven days.
  • The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 139,461.
  • 162,620 deaths registered in the UK had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
  • Worldwide, there have been 244 million infections and the global death toll is 4,957,756.
Worrying picture as Covid cases rise again
Although more than four million individuals have now had a booster jab iaround 14% of people in the UK aged over 12 are still unvaccinated.

Now that the number of daily infections is increasing again – this week hitting over 50,000 a day – calls for action on the so-called Plan B with tighter restrictions, are being made. So far SAGE, the government’s scientific advisory group, the British Medical Association and the NHS Confederation have called on the government for stricter rules.

In September the government said it would bring in extra measures if necessary to protect the NHS from unsustainable pressure. These could include better communication about the level of risk, and the need to behave more cautiously as well as Introducing mandatory Covid passports, making face coverings mandatory again and advising people to work from home.

These proposals would only bring England effectively in line with restrictions still in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Right now, the government is resisting any changes.
Information for Topcliffe Surgery patients (no change to information)
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.
Flu jabs at Tesco and Boots
Winter flu jabs are available at both Tesco and Boots in Thirsk. Vaccinations are free to those who are eligible and a charge will be made to others who want the jab. Appointments must be made via their websites.
Applications sought for Topcliffe Charities grants
There are two charitable funds which come under the direction of the feoffees or trustees of the Charities of Topcliffe:
● The Topcliffe Poor Fund which gives grants to each village in relation to their population. This fund derives its income from the rent on two pieces of land owned by the charity, one in Topcliffe and the other in Firby, near Bedale. Each village is allocated a proportion of funds according to population.
● The Topcliffe Educational Fund offers grants to further education students to purchase study books or other educational aids agreed by the feoffees. This fund derives its income from the interest on capital investments, but as interest rates at present are very low, the amount that is available is quite limited. The value of any single grant depends not only on the funds available to distribute but also on the number of successful applications. This fund is not allocated according to the applicant’s financial position.

Applications can be submitted at any time but the feoffees only meet in late November each year to approve grants. Anyone seeking further information or wishing to apply should contact the Secretary Mrs Rosemary Hart at hartjre

Each of the villages has its own nominated feoffees. Anne-Marie Barningham and Doug Allan represent Topcliffe and Carole Ford represents Asenby.
School children take action on the environment
School children at Topcliffe Academy have been undertaking a wide range of activities aimed at helping the environment and highlighting the threat that thoughtless actions can have on our lives. A synopsis of their work can be viewed in their school newsletter. All of the activities demonstrate an amazing understanding of some real issues facing our community…and the wider world.

And Year 2 children have written notes about their recent litter picking in Topcliffe. You can read them here.
Soup and sweet lunch
There’ll be a soup and sweet lunch next 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.
Art for Youth North
A beautiful exhibition of paintings, etchings, photographs, ceramics and sculpture – with a special focus on artists living and working in the north – is taking place this week at Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to view and buy contemporary and affordable art from over seventy northern artists.

Evening Reception – Tuesday 26 October between 6.30 and 9.30pm. £15 in advance or £20 on the door. Free entry daily between 10am and 3pm from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 October. http://www.artforyouthnorth.com Visitors are requested to take a voluntary Covid Lateral Flow Test before attending the show.

Art for Youth North enables both established and new artists to show their work and raises funds for the leading youth work charity, UK Youth. The exhibition has already raised more than a quarter of a million pounds for young people.
Spooky goings on at the Village Hall
Are you ready for the big spooky Halloween party in Topcliffe next Saturday? Don’t delay too long as there’s only a dozen tickets left (as of last night). So, don’t miss the fun. It’ll be on between 4 and 6pm on Saturday 30 October at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The wearing of scary outfits is definitely 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! Can you help with any children’s treats or spooky cakes for the pudding table? If so, take them to the village hall between 3 and 4pm on the afternoon of the party.
Spilmans pumpkin festival
Many apologies for suggesting in last week’s email that the festival of pumpkins at Spillman’s farm ended last weekend. It hasn’t, of course, and it goes on until the 30 October. You can 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
Seed count
There were 306,000 seeds in the jar at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. The draw was held last Friday and the prize of a special food hamper went to Mark Watson of Topcliffe. The raffle raised £65 for the Seedlings Nursery Shed Project.
Wreath-making at the Milk Churn
All the places on the ‘scalpel & tweed’ wreath-making session on Saturday 6 November have been taken, so to cope with the demand a second session between 1 and 3pm on Saturday 13 November is to be held. You’ll be able to make a bespoke Christmas wreath using hoops, feathers and other natural materials. Mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies will be served. Only six places available. Book your place for £32.50 by calling 01845 400446.
Police, Crime & Fire Plans – have your say
The consultation on the Police and Crime Plan and Fire and Rescue Plan runs until Sunday 7 November. Thousands have already had their say and responded to the survey either in person or at events across the county. Despite the vacancy in the elected position of Commissioner, the team in the Office of the Commissioner want to ensure everyone has their say so that whoever is elected as the new Commissioner knows the views of residents . Have your say at: http://www.opinionresearch.co.uk/nypfcc
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.
Autumn arrives at Catton Kitchen

  • The autumn takeaway lunch menu is now available from Thursday to Saturday each week and it includes a range of hot and cold sandwiches/panini’s and soups – all made from home grown produce where possible.
  • The Kitchen’s own orchard pork and home-raised lamb is now stocked in the freezer. They are proving to be extremely popular with local buyers.
  • Christmas wreath making – there’s one space left on each of the sessions planned for Thursday 3 December and Saturday 4 December. 3.30 to 5.30pm. £30 per person. Arrive at 3pm for mulled wine and mince pie (included in the price).

07747 083155 or check out www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk or Facebook page.
Through 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/
St Columba’s Church

  • TODAY! 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. 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.
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
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 – 4 to 6pm, Saturday 30 October. (See article above).
  • 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 – 07747 083155. Check out www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk or folllow on Facebook.
  • Chip ‘n Dales – the Fish & Chip van is in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.
  • The Elm Gallery – Call 01845 577316 or 07709 223920, check out the website at: www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk or follow on Facebook.
  • Fotiá Candles – Nikki and Sam Key’s home-based business producing soy wax candles, wax melts and diffusers – www.fotiacandles.co.uk or call 07879 447953.
  • The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – Kerry Parker runs this business supplying beautiful hampers containing the best of produce from small Yorkshire food and drink producers. 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. Trees and turkeys will again be provided to order this Christmas. thttps://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ follow on Facebook or call 01845 400446
  • 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. 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.
  • Topcliffe Post Office – New 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.now being accepted. New lines are being added every day.
Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

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

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)

  • Recycling – Mondays 25 October.and 8 November
  • Refuse – Mondays 1 and 15 November.
  • Garden waste – Thursdays 4 and 18 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.