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Sunday Email: Issue 83

Welcome to the 83rd issue of the Sunday Email.

You’ll see some changes to the format and focus of this week’s email. It was the Covid pandemic that first led to my publishing the email and information about the disease and its impact on our lives has always been prominent at the front of the weekly message.

However, the Sunday email has evolved to include news about things happening locally and issues that might be of interest. Whilst acknowledging that Covid is still around, I think we have reached a point when it is less of a concern than it has been. Now that most adults have been double-jabbed and even had a booster – and many young people have had at least one vaccination – people generally are trying to get back to a more normal routine whilst, of course, continuing to take reasonable precautions and taking personal responsibility for their actions.

So, I will continue to present Covid data and information that I think might be useful, but it will be less prominent in the email. Of course, if the worse comes to the worst and we head back in to lockdowns, the order of things will be be reconsidered again.

Doug
07785 223707
Book your place at the Christmas Lunch
The Christmas lunch for elderly folk within our community will be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 15 December. Those attending can look forward to a welcome drink, a three course Christmas lunch with wine…and a very merry atmosphere. All for just £10 a head. The organisers have started to collect the names of those who would like to attend. Anyone aged 65 and over is very welcome to add their name to the list by calling Judith Lowe on 01845 577911. There’s a maximum of forty places available so it’ll be first come, first served.
Salsa and Bachata classes
Salsa and bachata classes will start this month at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The first class is on Saturday 20 November starting at 6pm. A professional tutor will take the two-hour classes and he’ll guide you through the basic dance moves. There’s no need to worry about your current ability, everything will be broken down into steps to make sure everyone can follow. There’ll be an hour of salsa and an hour of bachata. You can stay for both or just one. Cost: £5 for one hour or £7.25 for two. Bring your own drink. For more information and to book your place call Joanne Brierley on 07732 941758.
Soup and sweet lunch
There’ll be a soup and sweet lunch next Wednesday, 10 November 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 Jennyruth workshops in Ripon.

Funds raised at the final two lunches this year, on 24 November and 8 December, will help subsidise the cost of the oldies Christmas lunch on 15 December.
Christmas Fayre – Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – 13 November
The Topcliffe Christmas Fayre takes place at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Saturday 13 November between 10am and 2pm. There’s no entry charge. There’ll be a wide range of interesting stalls and there should be lots of great ideas for Christmas presents. Refreshments, including sausage sandwiches and a vegetarian option, will be on sale. Funds raised on the day will go towards a range of initiatives aimed at improving and brightening up Topcliffe, such as bulb planting, Spring tubs and baskets…maybe a new bench or two.

Appeal for contributions
Linda Carver and Karen Morley will be operating two stalls at this year’s Christmas Fayre – one selling home-baked biscuits and cakes and another selling handicrafts. They would welcome any sewing, knitting and baking items that any of the village’s many talented residents might care to donate.
Wreath-making at the Milk Churn
There are just three places left on the wreath making event planned for Saturday 13 November between 1 and 3pm. 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. Book your place for £32.50 by calling 01845 400446.
Whose for (table) tennis?
There’s a new table tennis club opened at Rainton Village Hall and it’s inviting anyone interested in playing to pop along and join in. There are three sessions a week – Monday and Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings – and players of all levels are welcome. If you’re interested please call Bob Moffat on 07850 271483.
Verdi Requiem at Ripon Cathedral
Next Sunday, 14 November at 7.30pm, Ripon Choral Society will present a live performance of Verdi’s large-scale choral classic Requiem. John Dunford will conduct the Orchestra D’Amici and there’ll be four soloists. Tickets can be purchased online at http://riponchoralsociety.org.uk or in person at the Cathedral Shop. 07986 861332.
Thirsk Christmas Lights
We all get pleasure out of trips to Thirsk when the Market Place is festooned in Christmas lights, but it costs an arm and a leg to put on the show each year. That’s why so many people try to raise funds to make the show such a success! Last week, Topcliffe resident Jane Colls raised £146 from the sale of Crocheted Pumpkins, which many of her friends in the village purchased…and more were sold from the Arty Party shop in Thirsk. Jane is part of Thirsk Yarnbombers who are now selling Christmas decorations at various locations in Thirsk and also via Topcliffe Post Office. They are also having a Christmas craft stall on Thirsk Market on Saturday 4 December. Look out for them and please give them your support.
Community Works Christmas parcels
Just a reminder that Community Works is appealing for food donations for Christmas food parcels which it will deliver to the needy on 21 December, just in time for the festive season. Donations can be dropped off at Topcliffe Post Office or taken to the charity’s base at Church Hall, St James Green, Thirsk. If you can help as a volunteer please call 01845 524494 to offer your help.
Community Works on Escape to the Country
Earlier this year Community Works was filmed when the TV programme ‘Escape to the Country’ visited Thirsk. The episode featuring the charity’s ‘Men in Sheds’ project will be airing on BBC 1 at 3pm on Tuesday 16 November and on iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.
Latest from Catton Kitchen

  • There is one space on each of the two wreath making classes being held on Thursday 2 and Sunday 5 December. Ring to book a place.
  • There’s a Cosy P’s wood-fired pizza night on Thursday 18 November.
  • Breakfast baps available Thursday to Sunday each week and lunch options served Thursday to Saturday each week, all made from home grown produce where possible.
  • The Kitchen’s own orchard pork is now stocked in the freezer and home-raised lamb will be available very soon.
  • 07747 083155 or check out www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk or Facebook page.
Northallerton Male Voice Choir – Christmas Concert

There’s a real treat in store this festive season when the excellent Northallerton Male Voice Choir, accompanied by their guest, the Easington Colliery Band, present their Christmas It’s at the Forum in Northallerton and there’ll be two performances – 3pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 18 December. Tickets are £10 and you book via the Forum website at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
Parish Council meetings
Both Parish Councils meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
‘Ask the Experts’ about online shopping fraud
As Christmas approaches many people will be increasing their online shopping and you can be sure that online fraudsters will be preparing to take full advantage of the festive buying season. That’s why Andy Fox, the Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer attached to the Economic Crime Unit at North Yorkshire Police is hosting another of his ‘Ask the Experts’ events and this one is all about online shopping fraud. It will be run in partnership with North Yorkshire Trading Standards officers.

This is an opportunity to learn about the types of online shopping fraud currently operating, how to spot them and how to stay safe. All you require to join the meeting is a decent internet connection. All those expressing an interest will be sent a link to access the meeting.

This event will take place on Tuesday 23 November starting 7pm and will finish around 9pm. If you wish to attend, register here.
Dalton Christmas Fair
There’ll be a Christmas Fair at Dalton Village Hall on Saturday 4 December, 10am to 12 noon. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children (which includes a gift from Santa). There will be various stalls, a tombola, singing from Dalton Voices, and bacon butties! Pop along and enjoy a browse through the stalls and a chat over a cuppa and butty.
Sunday Lunch with Santa
The Angel at Topcliffe has made arrangements for Santa to visit on Sunday 5 December…and apparently it’s the only visit he’ll be making this year! The event includes a three course Sunday lunch followed by a visit to Santa in his Magical Winter Wonderland. 12 noon to 5pm. Pre bookings only. Call 01845 578000, email info@theangelattopcliffe.co.uk or visit the website http://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk:
  • Until 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.
  • Friday 12 to Thursday 18 November – The Green Knight – A fantasy retelling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
  • Friday 19 to 25 November – The French Dispatch – A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in “The French Dispatch Magazine”.
  • Friday 26 November to Thursday 2 December – The Last Duel – King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire by challenging him to a duel.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 December – Dune – Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
  • Friday 10 to Thursday 16 December – Spencer – During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate, Diana decides to leave her marriage to Prince Charles.

There are no matinees on any of these films. Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Services at St Columba’s

  • TODAY! Sunday 7 November, 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
  • 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.
  • Sunday 21 November, 10.45am – Choral Matins with hymns and readings.
  • Sunday 28 November, 10.45am – Holy Communion with hymns.
Events on at The Forum

Events coming to The Forum in Northallerton soon:

  • Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 November at 7.30pm – The Allerton Players present Inspector Drake and the Time Machine.
  • Sunday 14 November at 7.30pm – Festival of Remembrance – an evening of reflection and entertainment through words and music. All proceeds will to the Ben Hyde Memorial Trust.
  • Thursday 18 November at 7.30pm – Psychic Sally – an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift.
  • Friday 19 November at 7.30pm – Swede Dreamz – ABBA tribute band.
  • Saturday 20 November at 7.30pm – The Real Thing – with original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, and a live five-piece band.
  • Friday 26 November at 7.30pm – The UK Rock Show – Get ready to be transported back to the 80s heyday of classic rock, combining the feel of a rock festival with the atmosphere of a top end rock arena tour.
  • Sunday 28 November at 7.30pm – Comedy with Gary in Punderland – get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world from Apollo sensation Gary Delaney.
  • Saturday 18 December – 3pm and 7.30pm – Northallerton Male Voice Choir present their Christmas concert, with special guests, the Easington Colliery Band.

Enquiries 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall

  • Art classes – 10am to 12 noon each Monday to 6 December.
  • 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 is on 10 November
  • 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.
  • Salsa and Bachata dancing – Saturdays – 6 to 8pm from 20 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.
  • Election for new Police , Fire & Crime Commissioner – all day Thursday 25 November.
  • Topcliffe Parish Council meeting – 7.15pm on Thursday, 2 December
  • Elderly folks Christmas Lunch – 12 noon – Wednesday 15 December.

To encourage existing and new group activities, use of the village hall is being offered free of charge until 31 December (this does not include commercial one-off or private hires for parties and social functions). The Big Race Night and Challenge Quiz & Curry Night will hopefully be rescheduled 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. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Trees and turkeys – you can now place your order for 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. New lines are being added every day so don’t forget to pop in for more than just your stamps or newspaper.
Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Refuse – Mondays 8 and 22 November.
  • Recycling & green waste – Thursdays 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 a one off collection on 13 January to take Christmas trees. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection.

Harrogate (Asenby)

  • Recycling – Mondays 8 and 22 November.
  • Refuse – Mondays 15 and 29 November
  • Garden waste – Thursday 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.
LATEST INFORMATION & NEWS ABOUT COVID
The week’s Covid statistics

  • 50.2 million first doses given. 45.8 million second doses. 87.3% of the population aged 12+ has now had the first jab and over 79.7% the second.
  • 9.6 million have now had a booster or third jab. That’s 16.8% of those eligible.
  • There were 30,693 new Covid infections yesterday and 255,241 people tested positive in the last week. That’s an 11% decrease on the previous week.
  • 7,241 people were admitted to hospital with Covid between 31 October and 5 November- that’s a 3% increase on the previous week.
  • There were 155 deaths reported yesterday and 1,186 in the last seven days.
  • The total number of UK deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test now stands at 141,743.
  • 164,491 deaths registered in the UK had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
  • Worldwide, there have been 247 million infections and the global death toll is 5,057,619.
Book a booster sooner
The NHS in England is changing the booking system to allow people to book their booster jab a month before they are eligible from Monday. Health authorities hope this will speed up the booster rollout. Currently, anyone eligible who had their second dose of vaccine six months ago can only book their top-up once those six months are up. The update means that people can pre-book an appointment after five months, allowing them to roll up their sleeve on the day they reach the six-month milestone.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.