Sunday Email: Issue 99

Doug
07785 223707

• Scarecrow Competition with a royal theme – Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May – organised jointly with Topcliffe Academy and Carlton Miniott Schools. Scarecrows will be registered and identified on village maps.
• Village Litter Picks and Tidy Ups – to be considered in conjunction with parish councils, with dates agreed so that the two villages are looking pristine in time for the celebrations. Scouting groups are keen to be involved and Topcliffe Academy may wish to be involved.
• Street and House Decorations – it was agreed that this activity is one that individuals within the villages need to consider. A leaflet outlining the idea will be prepared and distributed to all households encouraging them to decorate their home on a royal/jubilee theme.
• Party in the Park – the afternoon of Saturday 4 June. It will be a bring your own food and drink event. Consideration is being given to some children’s entertainment and games, stalls and perhaps a band. The Bowling Green will be open for a family competition. Children will be encouraged to arrive in a homemade crown and prizes will be available for the best. A sub-group has been set up to consider the details and get things organised.
• Sunday Brunch – 5 June at the Village Hall. Judith Lowe has agreed to get a group of volunteers together to organise.
• Children’s Art Competition – Topcliffe Academy is being approached to encourage pupils to submit artwork on a royal theme. The artwork will be displayed, judged and prizes presented at the Sunday Brunch.
• Platinum Jubilee Walkway – on the banks of the Swale between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby. This is being considered by Asenby Parish Council at its meeting on 16 March. Hambleton Brewery has already indicated it will help fund the initiative.
• The Queen’s Green Canopy – it’s hoped that throughout the year lots of trees might be planted in the two villages – in private gardens and on public land.

The following events will not take place unless someone comes forward to take the lead on making them happen:

• Village Beacons.
• Supper and entertainment in the Village Hall on Friday 3 June.
• Royal photographic competition.
• Royal fancy dress competition.
• Vintage vehicle display.
• Jubilee Stroll.

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Tree Planted in Topcliffe
Last Friday (the 70th day of the 70th year of The Queen’s reign) our local district councillor, Mark Robson, planted a lime tree on the grassed area at the front of Topcliffe Academy. Cllr Robson personally purchased the tree and arranged for a plaque to be made which states that the tree was planted to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. He was ably assisted by children from the school. See photograph here. More photographs are available on the Top Residents Facebook page.
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Extra Plans in Asenby
Asenby residents were invited to the two community meetings recently held in Topcliffe and the aim is that they will be involved in any events held in Topcliffe during the celebrations. In addition, Asenby Institute is looking at two suggestions raised privately by individuals, namely: 
1.  A commemorative mug to be given to every Asenby child up to and including age 16. Asenby Institute would be happy to organise and pay for the commemorative mugs if that is thought to be a good idea.
2.  A tea party on Asenby’s playing fields during Platinum Jubilee week. The Institute would offer some sponsorship money to the organisers of a party.  
 
Anyone wishing to suggest other ideas or offer feedback on the ideas above, please contact Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or siobhan.gifford@hotmail.co.uk or contact her on Asenby Institute Facebook page.

Thank you for your email of 16 February regarding Topcliffe Bridge; having consulted with colleagues I am now able to respond to your enquiry. Please accept my apologies I was not able to send this response in time for your meeting yesterday (6 March).
 
Notwithstanding, as you are aware temporary barriers have been in place for quite some time replacing the concrete post and steel rail fence which had been damaged by vehicles.  You will also be aware of the wider package of improvements on the A167 including the northbound approach to the bridge that were delivered through the Safer Roads Fund project to reduce the number and severity of collisions. Pleasingly, collision data shows it has had the desired positive effect.  The final part of that project was to identify a solution to replace the concrete post and steel rail fence with a suitable barrier to reduce the risk of an errant vehicle from leaving the highway and entering the river embankment. 
 
Working with our partners WSP, a detailed study was carried out looking at various engineering options.  The most practical solution being an extension of the stone bridge parapet.  The design work for that has now been completed and work is progressing to get the necessary approvals from English Heritage as it is a listed structure as well as from the Environment Agency (as the construction work will require use of the river bank).  Applications have been made and a positive response has been received from English Heritage but at the time of writing this reply we still await a response from the Environment Agency.
 
Work is also progressing to finalise the programme for the construction works and it is hoped that work will commence on the bridge in June subject to receiving the final approvals and ordering of materials.  The construction time is expected to take in the region of 2 weeks. Please be assured every effort is being made to deliver the works at the very earliest opportunity and should it be possible to start on site sooner, then arrangements will be made to do so.

Okay, so the repairs might not happen in time for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but at least the work is getting the attention it deserves.

Men and women of all ages can join the club and Vice Captain Richard Wallis says: “There’ll be a very warm welcome to anyone who thinks they’d like to give it a go. Bowling is often seen as a sport for the more elderly but that is an outdated view as many younger people are taking part and having lots of fun. 
There’s also the pleasure of meeting new friends and taking part in very enjoyable social gatherings”.

The club plays from April to August on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

If you fancy seeing what’s involved why not pop along to try a game and meet some of the regulars at an open day. You’ll need to be wearing flat sole shoes or trainers if you want to play. A date is yet to be confirmed but the club will be holding a bowls meeting in The Angel Hotel on Monday 14 March 2022 at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Anyone who would like a chat about the sport, can call Club Secretary Richard Wallis on 01845 577437, Chairman Paul Bumby on 01845 524551.

The Post Office will be starting a further collection tomorrow – Monday 14 March. Items currently required are:

• Bedding, duvets, pillows, sheets, blankets, camp beds, sleeping mats, yoga mats, 
• Tinned and dried food.
• Knives to spread butter – there’s a huge shortage.
• Hygiene products, including nappies, babies dried milk, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, disinfection items, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
  shaving kits)
• Electronics (power banks, torches, batteries)
• Candles, plastic cutlery and bowls, hand and foot warmers.
• First Aid (Bags, dressings, gloves, bandages, painkillers, cough and cold medicine, children’s medicines)

If you would rather make a donation the Post Office can now accept money which goes direct to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Ukraine.

• TODAY Sunday – 13 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion (traditional language)
• Sunday – 20 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday – 27 March, Mothering Sunday, at 10.45am – a Family Holy Communion service (using modern language) to be taken by Revd Robert Williamson. Families are warmly encouraged to join in this this special occasion.

Lent Lunches
St Columba’s, with the help of Linda Bumby and Karen Morley, are hosting Lent Lunches every Wednesday in March. Donations for all of these lunches will go to the Christian Aid Ukraine Appeal. The first lunch last Wednesday was a terrific success, raising £231.

Lent Services of Compline 
Also every Wednesday throughout Lent (up to and including 13 April) St Columba’s will hold a short 15 minute service of Compline (a peaceful reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day) in church at 7pm.

New much tighter rulings come into force on Friday 25 March aimed at preventing drivers using loopholes to escape punishment if caught using their mobile phone. Motorists caught handling a device will be automatically punished with six points on their licence and a £200 fine. Previously, drivers have been able to use excuses such as using phones for video purposes. The current law says motorists can only be prosecuted by existing laws if they are found to have been making calls or sending messages specifically.  

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The Government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

The development of a £1.6m full-sized all-weather pitch and changing facilities is now underway at Sowerby’s new sports village. The ‘village’ is being built in phases and already has gardens, allotments, grass football pitches and a 1km running track along with an access road and two car parks. 
It is being funded by the Football Foundation, housing developers and Hambleton District Council.

The new full-scale ban covers everything from making calls to sending texts, checking social media feeds, taking photos and video recordings, accessing music streaming apps and accessing other apps.  The government says it is taking action to close the legal loopholes that have allowed motorists to avoid prosecution by arguing that they were not using phones for ‘interactive communications’. 

Both parish councils and the Village Hall Committee meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

• Sunday 27 March – Mother’s Day – one of the busiest days at The Angel, so book early. Free glass of Frizzante for all mums.
• Sunday 3 April – 12 noon to 3pm – Wedding Fayre – with a glass of Frizzante and canapes for all who call in, plus expert advice from experienced coordinators and suppliers.
• Friday nights – 5 to 9pm – Land & Sea – steak or fish for two with a bottle of wine for £35.95
• Sunday roast – 12noon to 8pm – traditional Sunday Lunch.

Check the website at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/ or call 01845 578000.

• Farm Shop/Breakfast – Fridays and Sundays – 10 to 12 noon.
• Fancy home-reared lamb at Easter? Orders now being taken.
• Thursday 24 March – Pizza Night.
• Saturday 9 April from 2pm for approx. 2.5 hours. In partnership with a small local business there’ll be a fun event to make some fantastic lampshades. You will learn how to make a contemporary 25cm drum shade which can either be placed on a lamp base or ceiling pendant. You just need to bring 0.5m of fabric or, you can purchase some on the day.  All other materials will be supplied. Price £45 per person. Tea/coffee and cakes will be included.
• The Catton Kitchen is looking for a chef who is passionate about how food is produced and can produce creative seasonal dishes. Get in touch if the idea of working in this exciting venture is for you.
• Contacts: 07747 083155 and http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

• To Thursday 17 March – Death on the Nile – while on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.
• Friday 18 to Thursday 24 March  (Sunday 20 March – matinee show only) – Uncharted – Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago.
• Friday 25 to Thursday 31 March (Matinee on Wednesday 30 March) – The Duke – In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
• Friday 1 to Thursday 7 April – Dog – Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time.
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 April – Sideshow – When two inept criminals break into the home of a washed-up psychic in search of hidden loot, they get a lot more than they bargained for.
• Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April and Wednesday 13 April (matinees only) – Disney’s Encanto – A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 April (with matinees Saturday 16, Sunday 17 April and Wednesday 20 April. No evening show 17 April) – The Bad Guys – Several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals attempt to become good, with some disastrous results along the way.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 April (Matinee on Wednesday 27 April) – Phantom of the Open -Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shot the worst round in Open history, becoming a folk hero in the process.

Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Tuesday 15 March (10am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 3.30pm) – Copper Wire Hare – Cost £37.Learn how to manipulate copper wire to create a stunning hare sculpture – the perfect decoration for your home!
• Mondays, 28 March to 23 May, 10am – 1.30pm. Monday Makers – Free nine week course. From printmaking to marketing, develop your creative and business skills on this course for unemployed people.

For more information and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/: 

• Wednesday 23 March at 8pm – Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOLsy.
• Saturday 26 March at 7.30pm – Bon Jovi Forever – 2022 – Back by popular demand. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
• Sunday 27 March at 7.30pm – Jasmine Harrison – My World Record Row – The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rower tells her dramatic story of her Atlantic crossing.
• Wednesday 30 March at 7.30pm – Jenny Eclair at Sixty – having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna) the comedienne tells it as it is!
• Saturday 2 April at 7.30pm – An evening with Nigel Owens – Rugby Union icon Nigel Owens is one of the most engaging and humorous characters in the game of rugby.
• Thursday, 7 April at 7.30pm – Northallerton & District Flower Club Spring Open Evening – Chelsea Gold Medalist Mark Entwistle demonstrates “The Secret Life of Colour” Former UK Florist Of The Year and innovative floral designer.
• Friday 8 April at 7.30pm – An Evening with Gill Sims – Gill will be interviewed by Jo Middleton, author of Playgroups and Prosecco and creator of Slummy Single Mummy, and together they will take a hilarious look at the changing face of motherhood as your children grow from toddlers to teenagers.
• Saturday 9 April at 3pm – Mark Thompson’s Award Winning Spectacular Science Show – You think science is boring, think again! This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

  Call 01609 776230. Tickets online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – info@johnastonflooring.co.uk – 01845 421111.
• The Catton Kitchen – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk – 07747 083155.
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe.
• The Elm Gallery – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920.
• Fotiá Candles – http://www.fotiacandles.co.uk – 07879 447953. 
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk 07793 775987.
• The Milk Churn Farm Shop & Cafe – https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/ – 01845 400446.
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street (opposite the surgery). 07851 034815.
• The Swan – 01845 595185  The Swan, Topcliffe | Facebook
• The Thirsk Food Bank – collection point at the Milk Churn Farm Shop. 
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Recycling – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now required. The cost is £40. New and existing customers can sign up at http://hambleton.gov.uk or call 01609 779977.

Harrogate (Asenby)

• Recycling – Mondays 14 and 28 March.
• Refuse – Mondays 21 March and 4 April.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 24 March and 7 April.
• Subscriptions for 2022/23 are now due and the cost is £41. Sign up at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk