Author: Doug Allan

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Sunday Email: Issue 163

Welcome to the Sunday Email. Please note I won’t be producing an email next Sunday, but your regular newsy update will be back as normal on Sunday 25 June.
Doug
07785 223707
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY: at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 18 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 25 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 2 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 9 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 16 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins
  • Sunday 23 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 30 July – No Service (5th Sunday of the month).

Everyone is most welcome to go along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Summer at The Angel
TODAY – The Angel will be serving pizza and drinks in the garden 3pm until closing time. Enjoy a taste of summer!
The Hidden Gardens of Coxwold
TODAY: There will be 14 gardens open for visits and the Village Hall open for plants stall and teas between 1pm until 5pm. £5. Children free. Tickets from the desk in the Village Hall car park on the day.
Flower Power Fair
TODAY: A select group of the north’s best plant nurseries and specialists will be selling their plants at this fair at Thirsk Hall between 11am and 4pm. Adults £5 and child (under 13) free. Tickets at the gate or online at
http://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of 25 – 30 each week and it’s turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Topcliffe’s playing field closed until further notice
The Parish Council has started work on major improvements of the playing field, which includes laying of a pathway around the field and fencing off the new allotment area. For safety reasons the whole playing field area will be closed until the work is completed.

This map was recently posted on the Top Resident’s Facebook page by the Parish Council.
Heritage Weekend in pictures
Here are some photographs of the events held last weekend as part of the Heritage Weekend. Plus some interesting photographs of the event, the church and the village taken from a drone.
1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10; 11: 12: 13: 14

A message from John Phillips, organiser of the Heritage Weekend.

I’d like to offer thanks for all the hard work put in by a huge number of people, seen and unseen, to make the St Columba & Village Heritage Weekend work so well. It was very much a team effort with all sorts of things going on in the weeks running up, particularly the churchyard working parties who made such a great difference to the look of things last weekend.

There was a lot of shifting of things (before & after) and of course the accommodation of the Regiment, both of which were principally down to the Blair family. Linda Carver did a fabulous job with the church flower beds which were in full colour and much commented on. The music at the Sunday services was lovely, thanks to Linda Hewlett, the Choir and Matthew Atterton.

The BBQ was great and well attended with thanks to those who added donations of food to give us a veritable feast and to those providing cakes and the like for the teas on both days!

Roz Norris put up wonderful and very informative historical displays in both the church and the school room. And Joan Blair’s flowers in church were simply beautiful.

I can’t thank everyone enough, or indeed by name, but all the help, donations and kind good wishes that we received were just wonderful and thanks of course to everyone who turned out to support us on the day.
Topcliffe Bridge Repairs
Most people will have seen the signs on the bridge stating that work on repairs to the parapet will start on Tuesday 20 June. In a letter to our Parish Councils, North Yorkshire Council gives a few more details: the work will be carried out with three way traffic signals and it will take the best part of three weeks to complete.

The letter also states that this work is part of an extensive programme of other works and some adjustment to this start date or the duration of the works may be necessary should unforeseen circumstances such as significant weather events or emergencies on the highway network arise.

If you have any issues during the works ring the Customer Service Centre on 0300 131 2131.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm, but please note that it will be closed until 10 June.
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Sunday Email: Issue 162

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
Topcliffe History Weekend
Yesterday the celebrations to mark St Columba’s Day and the Village History Weekend got off to a fine start. The main themes were the history of Topcliffe and how events of the 17th century affected the people of the village, along with the role of the church over the centuries.

The visit of Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment was a colourful and fascinating feature of Saturday’s events, with people enjoying seeing the regiment pass from Asenby to Topcliffe and then undertake exercises on the playing field in Topcliffe. And a talk in St Columba’s about the Civil War and other conflicts was much enjoyed.

Today the celebrations continue with:

  • 11am Choral/Sung Matins (Book of Common Prayer).
  • BBQ and Village Picnic in the churchyard from 12.30pm. There’ll be sausages, burgers, salads and puddings as well as wine and soft drinks and everyone from the parish is warmly invited to join us. If there is anything else that people might like to bring along to contribute to the meal, please do. It is very much hoped that the volunteers who helped maintain the churchyard on three consecutive Saturdays last month will pop along and join in the meal.
  • Tours of church, particularly the climbing of the tower, 2 until 5pm, though they will have to work around the other things going on in the church.
  • Special exhibitions and displays in the church.
  • 3pm – More manoeuvers by Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment on the Topcliffe Playing Field.
  • 3.30pm ‘1662 and All That’ a talk in church given by Iain Milne of the Prayer Book Society (York Branch). A celebration of the beauty, poetry and majesty of the Book of Common Prayer as reissued for use in church in 1662.
  • 4pm teas served in the Church Hall/School Room.
  • 6.30pm Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer). Wine reception to follow.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – See above.
  • Sunday 11 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 18 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 25 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Everyone is most welcome to come and join us for any of these services and refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY – All stallholders at this market are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. Thirsk Market Place, 9am to 2pm.
http://northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of 25 – 30 each week and it’s turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
The Tattler
Watch out for The Tattler arriving through your letterbox in the next few days.
Doug Manning
Doug’s funeral will take place at Maple Park Crematorium on 7 June at 2.30pm, then afterwards at The Angel, Topcliffe for a celebration of his life.
Topcliffe’s playing field closed until further notice
The Parish Council has announced that work on a significant improvement of the playing field and equipment will start on Monday 5 June. The whole area will be closed until the work is completed.
Cross Talk
The June edition of the church magazine, Cross Tallk, is out now. You can read it here.
Repairs to Topcliffe Bridge parapet
It looks like it’s finally going to happen! After nearly two years of complaining and pushing, arrangements have been made for the parapets of Topcliffe Bridge to be repaired. During last week signs appeared on the bridge to announce that work will begin on 20 June and take around three weeks.

It has been a long hard battle to get to this point, so let’s hope that no more problems arise and the work is completed as planned.

We all know that it is likely the bridge will be crashed into again at some point fairly soon after the repairs are done, but that’s no reason why villagers and visitors should have to put up with unsightly red and white plastic barriers on the bridge. One day the council will find a solution that works but we’ll all have to be patient (as the sign suggests) until that time.
Topcliffe Academy
Pupils in Ash Class at Topcliffe Academy recently undertook a sponsored walk in support of the Madagasca Smile Project. The aim is to help provide a permanent water supply for the La Montagne Antanamonpera school in Madagasca, with which they have pen pal links. Currently children there have to walk 7km each day to get clean water. The Topcliffe pupils completed 55 laps of their school playing field, which is also 7km, to experience what is is like to have to walk that distance. They managed to raised £700. Well done to all pupils involved.
Village Tidy-Up day announced
The next tidy-up in Topcliffe will be held on Saturday 1 July and it’s hoped that lots of volunteers will give up a couple of hours to help clean up the village and make it more presentable. Tasks will include a litter pick, removing weeds and debris from gutters, painting of fences and road sign cleaning. Meet at the village hall at 8.45am. Bacon sandwiches and coffee will be provided at 11.15am in the village hall.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm, but please note that it will be closed until 10 June.
Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 161

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAYat 10.45am – Holy Communion.
  • Sunday 4 June – (St Columba’s Weekend) – 6.30pm Festal Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 11 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 18 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 25 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Everyone is most welcome to come and join us for any of these services and refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Open Gardens

  • Husthwaite – known as North Yorkshire’s orchard village – will have 12 gardens open open today and tomorrow between 11am to 5pm. The 12th century village church will also be open. Lunches and afternoon teas in the Village Hall. Sorry, but dogs will not be allowed in the gardens. £5 adults, accompanied children free. Tickets will be on sale at pay points in the village.
  • The Hidden Gardens of Coxwold -14 gardens open for visits and the Village Hall open for plants stall and teas. Sunday 11 June, 1pm until 5pm. £5. Children free. Tickets from the desk in the Village Hall car park on the day.
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of 25 – 30 each week and it’s turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Post Office closure
Topcliffe Post Office will be closed tomorrow – the late May Bank Holiday.
Doug Manning
Doug’s funeral will take place at Maple Park Crematorium on 7 June at 2.30pm, then afterwards at The Angel, Topcliffe for a celebration of his life.
The Tattler
The next edition of The Tattler is at the printers and will be delivered to households in Topcliffe and Asenby early in week beginning Monday 5 June.
This month’s message from our sponsor Faro Finance

Inheritance tax – not just a tax on the very rich
Inheritance tax is something that many don’t think will affect them, but it’s not just well-off people who need to watch the figures. Considering the rate at which house prices and inflation is increasing, whilst the thresholds remain the same, it could quite quickly become a tax affecting more of us.

The nil rate bands for inheritance tax vary. They range from £325,000 for an individual not owning their own home, and up to £500,000 for an individual who does own their own home. These allowances effectively double for married couples and civil partners as transfers between them do not count towards these limits.

Gifts, if planned carefully, can be used to reduce the value of your estate and the tax payable. The most flexible exemption is the annual exemption which allows you to give up to £3,000 worth of gifts each year without any inheritance tax implication. This amount can be given to one person or split between several people. If you haven’t used all your allowance last year, you can bring it forward and use that allowance first.

It is important to note that gifts made regularly from regular monthly income, such as work pay or a pension, which you can afford after meeting your usual living costs, can be given tax free. This could be a gift given as a monthly standing order or something like a grandparent paying their grandchild’s university tuition or accommodation fees.

Further information on the rules surrounding various gifts is available on the HMRC website https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax/gifts
Blister pack recycling locally
Are you hoping to be more green this year and boost your recycling? Well now you can do a little bit more by saving your medical blister packs…and you can do it locally in Topcliffe!

The scheme is run by Superdrug and they will take blister packs from brands such as Anadin, Panadol, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nexium, Piriteze, Rennie, Nicorette, Imodium, Sudafed and Benadryl.

But you don’t have to go far to join this scheme as Topcliffe residents Heather Holt and Kim Hughes have set up a collection point at their home at 4 Dovecote Mews. They have placed a bin next to their log store at the front of their house and you can deposit blister packs there at any time.

So, start collecting empty medicine blisters today and when you have a few, simply drop them off at your local dedicated collection point.
Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 160

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
Flower Power Plant Fair
TODAY – Once again Sion Hall is bringing together the very best of northern growers and nurseries to display and sell their quality plants and garden items. The fair, which is on from 11am until 4pm, is a chance for plant enthusiasts and keen gardeners to meet, learn from the experts and buy the latest in unusual, rare plants and shrubs as well as those key classic favourites. It’s also an opportunity to view the private gardens at Sion Hall 11am-4pm. £5, children free. Tickets on the gate.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAYat 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
  • Sunday 4 June – (St Columba’s Weekend) – 6.30pm Festal Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 11 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 18 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 25 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Everyone is most welcome to come and join us for any of these services and refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of 25 – 30 each week and it’s turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Doug Manning – a message from his wife Mary
"A lot of you are already aware that my husband Doug died just over a week ago at home. He had been suffering from a terminal lung condition since having Covid over two years ago, but we didn’t expect to lose him so suddenly. Whilst he wasn’t much of a mixer, I know that many of you knew him and respected him as a good kind man.

"Anyone who wishes to say their goodbyes is welcome to attend his funeral at Maple Park Crematorium on 7 June at 2.30pm, then afterwards at The Angel, Topcliffe for a celebration of his life."
Churchyard helpers needed…just one more Saturday
Thank you to all the volunteers who have given freely of their time on the last two Saturdays to help with maintaining the graveyard and pathways at St Columba’s. The churchyard is certainly looking more presentable but there are a few more tasks that need attention on the last allocated maintenance day – Saturday 27 May. Please come along and give a hand.

It’s all about making the churchyard look its best for the St Columba’s Village History weekend on 3/4 June.

Anyone prepared to offer an hour or two is asked to let John Phillips know by email johnphillips05 or telephone 01845 577934 or just turn up if you can. Come with suitable equipment (robust mowers, strimmers, forks, spades or rakes, if you can).
Views on Asenby play park to be sought
Asenby Parish Council is about to ask residents for their views on the village play park. During June, a questionnaire will be delivered to each home in the village to seek views on the play park as it is now, how it is used and what might be required in the future.

It’s thought that some residents might not even realise that there is a play park in the village, so the exercise may also act as publicity for its existence.

The questionnaire will arrive through everyone’s letterboxes so that even those who don’t use the park can have their say. Details will also be posted on the Asenby Residents Facebook page drawing attention to the survey and inviting comments.

In advance of the survey launch, anyone who wishes to register an interest and present a view, can email the Parish Council at asenbypc
New Bilsdale transmitter going live tomorrow
From early morning on Monday 22 May, most viewers’ TVs and set top boxes should automatically receive the new signals from the 300m tall structure. Any viewers experiencing blank screens should first perform a retune/re-scan and if problems persist, call the Project Restore Helpline on 0800 121 4828.
Here’s a link to the information:
https://www.bilsdalemast.co.uk/latest-news/posts/bilsdale-mast-to-begin-transmitting-tv-signals-on-monday-22-may-2023/
Friends say thanks
The Friends of Topcliffe School would like to thank all those who supported the hugely successful fashion show event held recently at Dalton Village Hall. The group has now reached its first target to replace some of the play equipment at the school but fund-raising endeavours will continue and any community support or donations will be warmly welcomed and much appreciated. If you can help in any way, please leave a message at the school reception.
Want a stall at Topcliffe Summer Fayre?
There’s to be a brunch and summer fayre on Sunday 6 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. There’ll be more details nearer the date, but for now Karen Morley is seeking interest from anyone who would like a stall. They are on offer at £5 each to any organisation with something to sell or promote. Contact Karen on 01845 577426.
Everyman Cinema, Northallerton
The new Everyman Cinema on the Treadmills site in Northallerton opened for business last Friday evening. You can register to become a member and receive regular newsletters on their website at: https://www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/g01oj-everyman-northallerton
Post Office closures
Topcliffe Post Office will be closed on the late Bank Holiday – Monday 29 May.
Bank Holiday plans at The Angel
Despite much of The Angel being a huge building site whilst a major refurbishment is underway, owners Dave and Maggie Mathews, together with daughter Rose and son-in-law Jack, are doing their utmost to meet commitments made before the work was planned…and to organise events for locals on special occasions. This coming Bank Holiday weekend you can get pizza and drinks in the garden on Friday 26 May, 4pm until close; and both Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May, 12 noon until closing.
The Angel is Recruiting
In preparation for the grand reopening of The Angel in the autumn, Dave and Maggie are beginning to consider the staff that will be needed to make it a top-class venue. They are holding a a recruitment event on Tuesday 27 June at 6.30pm when potential recruits can to discuss all of the amazing job opportunities that will be on offer.

There’ll be two more events on Tuesday 18 July and Tuesday 8th August at 6.30pm.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
2023 Produce Show
This year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 2 September. The Show rules and list of display categories can be viewed here and are also available on the Asenby and Topcliffe village websites.
After-School Base Camp
Youngsters aged 5 to 11 can join this after-school activity at Baldersby Park (grounds of Queen Mary’s school) on Thursday afternoons during the rest of May and all of June.

There was a good turn out on the first day the camp operated, but there’s room for a few more. It’s all about adventure, fun and creativity. Each week there’ll be a different adventure – everything from orienteering to making tree spirits, pond dipping and investigating just how many things you can do with sticky weed! Whatever the weather, children will be active, creative and supported by experienced practitioners as they explore the 90 acres of private parkland.

Drop off 3.30 – 3.45pm, pick up 4.45pm. Just £5 per session and that includes a drink and homemade snack on arrival. To book telephone Hannah Secouet on 07979 526883.

PS: Hannah is planning to run day-long Base Camps in the summer holidays, which should be a great help to many parents. There’ll be more details in the Sunday Email nearer the date.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 25 May (matinee on Wednesday 24 May) – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
  • Friday 26 May to Thursday 1 June (matinees on Saturday 27, Sunday 28 and Wednesday 31 May) – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
  • Friday 2 to Thursday 8 June (matinee on Wednesday 7 June) – Book Club 2: The Next Chapter.
  • Friday 9 to Thursday 14 June (matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Wednesday 14) – The Little Mermaid.
  • Friday 16 to Thursday 22 June (matinee on Wednesday 21 June) – Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.

Ticket prices: All ticket prices are £6 unless otherwise stated.
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Thorp Perrow events

  • Tuesday 23 May – Birds of Prey Photography Workshop – a fantastic opportunity for a stimulating photography workshop in the bird of prey centre. Capture birds of prey – both stationary and in flight against the beautiful backdrop of Thorp Perrow. Refreshments and lunch included.
  • Wednesday 7 June – Bee willow weaving – join expert willow sculptor, Anna Cross, to create your own stunning willow bee. All materials supplied. Refreshments and lunch included.
  • Thursday 22 June – Evening Tour & Drinks – join estate owner, Sir Henry Ropner and Curator, Faith Douglas, for an atmospheric after-hours tour of the Arboretum. A guided walk full of interesting stories about the history of the family, the house, the estate and the planting of the Arboretum. You will also discover more about the work that goes on today to conserve, restore and improve the gardens. Then canapes, drinks, chat and a chance to walk around the garden.

For more information on prices and bookings, go to: https://www.thorpperrow.com
Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be on Wednesday 24 May in theVillage Hall. Lunch served from 11.30am to 12.45pm. Selection of delicious soups followed by cakes and bakes with tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
Art classes at the Village Hall
There’s a special one-off class on Thursday 25 May – 10.30am to 1pm – Beautiful Yorkshire Landscapes – paint a view of your choice in oils.

A new round of six Monday morning classes will start on 5 June – then 12,19,26 June and ,July 3 and 10. Classes are 10 to 12 noon. Anyone booking by Friday 26 May will receive an early-bird reduction. Book at
https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product/starts-june-5th-morning-art-class-topcliffe-and-asenby-village-hall

All classes are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included.
The Repair Cafe
The next repair cafe will be held on Saturday 27 May between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Community Library on Chapel Street. It’s a chance to get items such as small appliances, computers, toys, tools and clothes repaired. It’s much better to try and give things a new life rather than bin them.
Catton Kitchen
There’s to be a burger and drinks night at the Catton Kitchen on Saturday 27 May. If past experience is anything to go by it should be a great event. It is on from 4 until 9pm. Here are the menus for adults and children. Pre-ordering is not necessary but it would be helpful if those planning to go would let Amy know so that she can adequately cater. Call 07747 083155 or email hello@thecattonkitchen.co.uk

The Shack at Catton Kitchen is open as usual this weekend – Friday and Saturday 10 ’til 2pm and Sunday 10 ’til 12 noon.
Malton Food Lovers Festival
Malton’s family foodie extravaganza is a festival like no other. It’s a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce and cooking with artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar, live music. It’s on the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May (9am start Saturday and 10am on Sunday). Free to enter. http://www.visitmalton.com/food-festival-yorkshire
Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England will be staged at Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest over the weekend Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May. Hambleton District Show now has over 200 classes with qualifiers over the years for shows such as The Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show. Spectators can come in their car, entering via the public entrance (not the horsebox entrance) for £10 per car. http:// www.hambletonshow.com
Open Gardens

  • Only 20 minutes from Topcliffe, Husthwaite – known as North Yorkshire’s orchard village – will have an interesting and varied collection of about 12 gardens open, from small back gardens to several acres. It’s on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May between 11am to 5pm. The 12th century village church will also be open. Lunches and afternoon teas in the Village Hall. Sorry, but dogs will not be allowed in the gardens. £5 adults, accompanied children free. Tickets will be on sale at pay points in the village.
  • The Hidden Gardens of Coxwold will have 14 gardens open for visiting. Plants stall and teas at the village hall. Sunday 11 June, 1pm until 5pm. £5. Children free. Tickets from the desk in the Village Hall car park on the day.
Topcliffe History Weekend
There’s a very special event planned in June to mark St Columba’s Day and to celebrate the history of Topcliffe and the role of the church over the centuries. On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June St Columba’s Church is organising a Village History Weekend and this year it will explore how events of the 17th century affected the people of Topcliffe. Plans are well underway and include:

Saturday 3rd June
A visit from members of Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment, a re-enactment group specialising in recreating the battles and lifestyles of the English Civil War.

  • 1pm the group will pass through Asenby and Topcliffe to assemble at Topcliffe playing field.
  • 2pm-3pm training/drilling at Topcliffe playing field (this will include some ‘bangs’ so nearby residents should be aware of this!).
  • 3pm march through Topcliffe to St Columba’s Church.
  • 3.30pm presentation and talk inside church with demonstrations on the use of arms, small scale versions of which will be available for children to handle.
  • 4.30pm refreshments served.

Sunday 4 June

  • A celebration of the beauty, poetry and majesty of the Book of Common Prayer as reissued for use in church in 1662.
  • 11am Choral/Sung Matins (Book of Common Prayer) followed by coffee and perhaps lunch also.
    3.30pm ‘1662 and All That’ a talk in church given by Iain Milne of the Prayer Book Society (York Branch)
    4.30pm tea.
    6.30pm Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer). Wine reception to follow.
  • Tours of church, particularly the climbing of the tower, throughout the day though they will have to work around the other things going on in the church.
  • Special exhibitions and displays in church are still in the process of being finalised but are certainly taking shape.
  • It is possible that Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment might do something further on Sunday afternoon but that is still not confirmed.

The full programme can be viewed here.
Northallerton Male Voice Choir – Summer Concert
This year’s summer concert will be held at The Forum in Northallerton on Saturday 3 June at 7.30pm. Featuring Musicality. Tickets £10 from The Forum Box Office or online at https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk
A History of Japanese Woodcut
The next Hambleton Art Society event at Solberge Hall will feature Carol Wilhide Justin giving an historical overview of the dominant, popular Japanese art form of woodcut between the 17th and 19th centuries. Tuesday 6 June between 1.45-3.15pm. Members free, visitors £7 on the door. www.theartssociety.org./hambleton
Racing at Thirsk

  • Monday 5 June – Afternoon racing – Gates open 11am, first race 1.10pm.
  • Friday 9 June – Afternoon Racing with live music from the Flat Cap Brass Band.
  • www.thirskracecourse.net
Local traders

An updated list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Carlton Husthwaite Craft Fair
This craft fair will take place on Saturday 10 June between 10am and 3pm inside and outside Carlton Husthwaite Village Hall. The event, which is in aid of Dermentia UK, will have stalls, tombola, coffee, tea, cakes and lunchtime snacks. All welcome.
Bin Collections
Topcliffe:

  • Refuse – Monday 22 May.
  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Friday 2 June (one day later than normal).

Asenby:

  • Recycling – Monday 22 May.
  • Refuse – Tuesday 30 May (one day later than normal).
  • Garden Waste – Thursday 1 June (one day later than normal).

You can check dates of collections and subscribe to the Green Waste collection service at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
Faro Finance ​| ​07726 775533 | ​farofinance.co.uk
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Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 159

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
St Columba’s – Lent Services

  • TODAYat 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Ascension Day – Thursday 18 May at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 21 May at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
  • Sunday 4 June – (St Columba’s Weekend) – 6.30pm Festal Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 11 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 18 June at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 25 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Everyone is most welcome to come and join us for any of these services and refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Thirsk Hall Open Gardens
TODAY – pop along to Thirsk Hall to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with tea and cake…and shop for rare plants. http://www.thirskhall.com
Dalton Film Club
Films are shown on the second Sunday of every month. Popcorn and sweets are available for sale, and the bar will be open.

TODAY

  • 2pm the matinee for the kids will be Up.
  • 7pm the film for 15+ will be Belfast

The shows are free of charge, but any donations towards the costs involved would be greatly appreciated.
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of 25 – 30 each week and its turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Churchyard helpers needed
Yesterday was the first of three days on which volunteers were asked to help with maintaining the graveyard and pathways at St Columba’s. Twenty villagers turned out to help and they made a good start on tackling the jobs that need to be done to make the churchyard more presentable in advance of the St Columba’s Village History weekend on 3/4 June. A big thank you to all those volunteers who helped out.

Weather permitting, similar work parties are being sought on Saturdays 20 and 27 May to continue the good work. Again it’s hoped that community volunteers will step forward to give a helping hand with tasks like:

  • cutting the grass paths and certain other areas.
  • a ‘spring cut’ to the longer grass.
  • weeding of the gravel paths before applying some further gravel.
  • border weeding.
  • pruning in certain areas.

There’s lots of ways in which to get involved and any help, whether large or small, will be very much appreciated. It is always lovely to have this green area in the centre of our village looking neat and well tended.

Anyone prepared to offer an hour or two is asked to let John Phillips know by email johnphillips05 or telephone 01845 577934 or just turn up if you can. Come with suitable equipment (robust mowers, strimmers, forks, spades, if you can).
Sunday Brunch & Summer Fayre
Karen Morley has agreed to organise a brunch and summer fayre on Sunday 6 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. There’ll be more details nearer the date, but for now Karen is seeking interest from anyone who would like a stall. They are on offer at £5 each to any organisation with something to sell or promote. Contact Karen on 01845 577426.
Post Office closures
Topcliffe Post Office will be closed on the late Bank Holidays – 29 May.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
2023 Produce Show
This year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 2 September. The Show rules and list of display categories can be viewed here and are also available on the Asenby and Topcliffe village websites.
Keep fit, have fun and meet friends
This is a repeat of last week’s message which attempted to attract new members to the Boccia Club, which meets each Tuesday afternoon in the Village Hall. There wasn’t much response following last week’s appeal and the danger is that the club will have to fold if it doesn’t have sufficient members to help pay its hall hire fee and cost of refreshments each week. The club is open to all regardless of age or ability and it offers a great chance for exercise that isn’t too strenuous…along with tea and cake and a chance to meet friends for a chat. It’s currently just £2 per session, including the refreshments. It meets from 1.30 to 3.30pm.
New allotments on offer to residents
As part of the major development planned for the playing fields in Topcliffe, the Parish Council is keen to provide additional allotment space for the village. The number of specific allotments will be determined in the light of the interest shown in advance and the names of people interested in having one are now being taken.

Anyone within the Topcliffe parish is eligible and those wanting to join the waiting list should contact Parish Clerk, Alexandra Robson, by email at topcliffeparishcouncil@gmail.com and provide their name, address and a contact number.
After-School Base Camp
Youngsters aged 5 to 11 can join this after-school activity at Baldersby Park (grounds of Queen Mary’s school) on Thursday afternoons in May and June.

There was a good turn out on the first day the camp operated, but there’s room for a few more. It’s all about adventure, fun and creativity. Each week there’ll be a different adventure – everything from orienteering to making tree spirits, pond dipping and investigating just how many things you can do with sticky weed! Whatever the weather, children will be active, creative and supported by experienced practitioners as they explore the 90 acres of private parkland.

Drop off 3.30 – 3.45pm, pick up 4.45pm. Just £5 per session and that includes a drink and homemade snack on arrival. To book telephone Hannah Secouet on 07979 526883.

PS: Hannah is planning to run day-long Base Camps in the summer holidays, which should be a great help to many parents. There’ll be more details in the Sunday Email nearer the date.
Volunteers wanted at Thirsk Information Centre
Thirsk’s information centre is entirely volunteer-run and is looking for a few more helpers. If you enjoy meeting people, local and from all over the world, then this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. New volunteers will always work alongside an experienced Duty Manager who will show them the ropes. Check if you meet these requirements:

  • able to work at least one three hour morning or afternoon shift each week on a day of your choice, but with some flexibility.
  • experience in a customer-facing role is helpful, but not essential.
  • interest in the Thirsk area and North Yorkshire generally, although most of us learn from others and our leaflets and publications.
  • basic IT skills such as finding information online – training will be given.

If you are interested in volunteering please phone Jocelyn Caramello for a chat on 07482 084643
Art classes at the Village Hall
Remaining classes in the current series of six are on Mondays 15 and 22 May. Classes are two hours long starting at 10am. The venue is Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Rebecca will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own artwork.

There’s a special one-off class on Thursday 25 May – 10.30am to 1pm – Beautiful Yorkshire Landscapes – paint a view of your choice in oils. This class is for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
Clash of Crowns
There’ll be a talk about the Battle of Byland 1322 – Yorkshire’s forgotten conflict – at Thirsk Community Library on Wednesday 17 May at 7pm. Author Harry Pearson will talk about the famous battle on our doorstep and its recent 700th commemoration. Refreshments included. All proceeds to help keep the library open. Tickets are £4 from the library or on the night.
Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Council will hold its Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Thursday 18 May at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 18 May (no matinees) Renfield.
  • Friday 19 to Thursday 25 May (matinee on Wednesday 24 May) – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
  • Friday 26 May to Thursday 1 June (matinees on Saturday 27, Sunday 28 and Wednesday 31 May) – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
  • Friday 2 to Thursday 8 June (matinee on Wednesday 7 June) – Book Club 2: The Next Chapter.
  • Friday 9 to Thursday 14 June (matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Wednesday 14) – The Little Mermaid.
  • Friday 16 to Thursday 22 June (matinee on Wednesday 21 June) – Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.

Ticket prices: All ticket prices are £6 unless otherwise stated.
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Racing at Thirsk

  • Saturday 20 May – Irish Day! Go dressed in your favourite Irish-themed outfits and enjoy a fun packed day. Live music from the Emerald Thieves. Gates open 11am, first race 1.10pm.
  • Monday 5 June – Afternoon racing – Gates open 11am, first race 1.10pm.
  • Friday 9 June – Afternoon Racing with live music from the Flat Cap Brass Band.
  • www.thirskracecourse.net
Raising the Roof
Dishforth Military Wives Choir will be performing their ‘Raising the Roof’ concert at St John the Baptist Church, Kirby Wiske, on Saturday 20 May starting at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and refreshments are included. Contact Derek Sharpe on 07866 090152.
The Singing Vicar
The Rev’d Robert Williamson, who is a regular celebrant at services at St Columba’s Church here in Topcliffe, will soon be taking to the stage for a very different sort of performance. On Saturday 20 May he will undertake a three-hour long ‘singathon’ to raise funds for Shelterbox, a charity that provides much needed support to individuals and families around the world where shelter and life-sustaining support is needed.

As the singathon is soon after King Charles’ coronation, all the hymns and songs will include ‘King’ or ‘Crown’ in their content.

It takes place at the Methodist Church in Northallerton. Everyone welcome to pop in between 10am and 1pm on the day. Refreshments will be available.

The event is being organised by Northallerton Mowbray Rotary club of which the Rev’d Williamson is current President. Donations can be made on the day or online at
https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1802
Flower Power Plant Fair
Once again Sion Hall is bringing together the very best of northern growers and nurseries to display and sell their quality plants and garden items. The fair, which is on Sunday 21 May from 11am until 4pm, is a chance for plant enthusiasts and keen gardeners to meet, learn from the experts and buy the latest in unusual, rare plants and shrubs as well as those key classic favourites. It’s also an opportunity to view the private gardens at Sion Hall 11am-4pm. £5, children free. Tickets on the gate.
Thorp Perrow events

  • Tuesday 23 May – Birds of Prey Photography Workshop – a fantastic opportunity for a stimulating photography workshop in the bird of prey centre. Capture birds of prey – both stationary and in flight against the beautiful backdrop of Thorp Perrow. Refreshments and lunch included.
  • Wednesday 7 June – Bee willow weaving – join expert willow sculptor, Anna Cross, to create your own stunning willow bee. All materials supplied. Refreshments and lunch included.
  • Thursday 22 June – Evening Tour & Drinks – join estate owner, Sir Henry Ropner and Curator, Faith Douglas, for an atmospheric after-hours tour of the Arboretum. A guided walk full of interesting stories about the history of the family, the house, the estate and the planting of the Arboretum. You will also discover more about the work that goes on today to conserve, restore and improve the gardens. Then canapes, drinks, chat and a chance to walk around the garden.

For more information on prices and bookings, go to: https://www.thorpperrow.com
Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be on Wednesday 24 May in theVillage Hall. Lunch served from 11.30am to 12.45pm. Selection of delicious soups followed by a cakes and bakes with tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

The last Soup & Sweet lunch raised £84 of which £50 was donated to the local branch of Animal Rescue. The balance will pay the hire fee for the hall, help pay for ingredients for the next lunch and top up the Community Fund.
The Repair Cafe
The next repair cafe will be held on Saturday 27 May between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Community Library on Chapel Street. It’s a chance to get items such as small appliances, computers, toys, tools and clothes repaired. It’s much better to try and give things a new life rather than bin them.
Catton Kitchen
Make a note in your diary that there’s to be a burger night on Saturday 27 May. More details in next week’s Sunday Email.
Malton Food Lovers Festival
Malton’s family foodie extravaganza is a festival like no other. It’s a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce and cooking with artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar, live music. It’s on the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May (9am start Saturday and 10am on Sunday). Free to enter. http://www.visitmalton.com/food-festival-yorkshire
Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England will be staged Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest over the weekend Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May. Hambleton District Show now has over 200 classes with qualifiers over the years for shows such as Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show. Spectators can come in their car, entering via the public entrance (not the horsebox entrance) for £10 per car. http:// www.hambletonshow.com
Open Gardens

  • Only 20 minutes from Topcliffe, Husthwaite is an interesting and varied collection of about 12 gardens will be open in North Yorkshire’s Orchard Village, from small back gardens to several acres, on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May. 11am to 5pm. The 12th century village church will also be open. Lunches and afternoon teas in the village hall. Sorry, but dogs will not be allowed in the gardens. £5.00 adults, accompanied children free. Tickets will be on sale at pay points in the village.
  • The Hidden Gardens of Coxwold will have 14 gardens open for visiting Plants stall and teas at the village hall. Sunday 11 June, 1pm until 5pm. £5. Children free. Tickets from the desk in the Village Hall car park on the day.
Topcliffe History Weekend
There’s a very special event planned in June to mark St Columba’s Day and to celebrate the history of Topcliffe and the role of the church over the centuries. On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June St Columba’s Church is organising a Village History Weekend and this year it will explore how events of the 17th century affected the people of Topcliffe. Plans are well underway and include:

Saturday 3rd June
A visit from members of Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment, a re-enactment group specialising in recreating the battles and lifestyles of the English Civil War.

  • 1pm march through Asenby and Topcliffe to assemble at Topcliffe playing field.
  • 2pm-3pm training/drilling at Topcliffe playing field (his will include some ‘bangs’ so nearby residents should be aware of this!).
  • 3pm march through Topcliffe to St Columba’s Church.
  • 3.30pm presentation and talk inside church with demonstrations on the use of arms, small scale versions of which will be available for children to handle.
  • 4.30pm refreshments served.

Sunday 4 June

  • A celebration of the beauty, poetry and majesty of the Book of Common Prayer as reissued for use in church in 1662.
  • 11am Choral/Sung Matins (Book of Common Prayer) followed by coffee and perhaps lunch also.
    3.30pm ‘1662 and All That’ a talk in church given by Iain Milne of the Prayer Book Society (York Branch)
    4.30pm tea.
    6.30pm Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer). Wine reception to follow.
  • Tours of church, particularly the climbing of the tower, throughout the day though they will have to work around the other things going on in the church.
  • Special exhibitions and displays in church are still in the process of being finalised but are certainly taking shape.
  • It is possible that Sir Thomas Lunsford’s Regiment might do something further on Sunday afternoon but that is still not confirmed.
Northallerton Male Voice Choir – Summer Concert
This year’s summer concert will be held at The Forum in Northallerton on Saturday 3 June at 7.30pm. Featuring Musicality. Tickets £10 from The Forum Box Office or online at https://forumnorthallerton.org.uk
A History of Japanese Woodcut
The next Hambleton Art Society event at Solberge Hall will feature Carol Wilhide Justin giving an historical overview of the dominant, popular Japanese art form of woodcut between the 17th and 19th centuries. Tuesday 6 June between 1.45-3.15pm. Members free, visitors £7 on the door. www.theartssociety.org./hambleton
Local traders

An updated list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Topcliffe:

  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 18 May and Friday 2 June (one day later than normal).
  • Refuse – Monday 22 May.

Asenby:

  • Refuse – Monday 15 May and Tuesday 30 May (one day later than normal).
  • Garden Waste – Wednesday 17 May and Thursday 1 June (one day later than normal).
  • Recycling – Monday 22 May.

You can check dates of collections and subscribe to the Green Waste collection service at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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