[NTG-context] How to place text before a table inside a column environment

I have created a table and placed it inside a columns environment; which works as advertised. However, if I place any text before the column environment, the columns break. More clearly stated, only one column appears on the first table page; whereas two columns resume on subsequent pages. I have attached a mwe where you can use --mode=title to invoke the broken columns. Any advice on how to place text above the columns environment would be gratefully received. With kind regards, Michael