Author: Doug Allan

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Sunday Email: Issue 148

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

  • TODAYat 10.45am Holy Communion.

Lent services
Throughout Lent there’ll be a service of Compline at 7pm every Wednesday, starting 1 March. Compline for Lent is a quiet reflective service of prayers and readings for the end of the day and the service lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The usual services will be held on Sundays.

The church won’t be organising Lent lunches this year as the Warm Space lunches are being held each Wednesday.

  • Wednesday 1 March at 7pm – Compline (Evening Prayers)
  • Sunday 5 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Wednesday 8 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 12 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 15 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 19 March at 10.45am – Choral Matins on Mothering Sunday.
  • Wednesday 22 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 26 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 29 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 2 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday
The Spring Tattler
The March edition of The Tattler is in production and will be ready for distribution on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March. It’ll include loads of interesting articles about what’s happening in and around our two villages.
Quiz success at the Village Hall
Last Sunday, the weekly quiz was held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and it proved to be a great success with the largest number of people attending since before Covid!

Come along tonight at 8pm and enjoy a bit of a laugh mixed with some good company. It’s a chance to show off your general knowledge skills…or learn a few things and boost your education! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Knit and Natter Club
Starting this Thursday, the Knit & Natter club will meet at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall from 1.30 to 3.30pm.

The club aims to decorate Topcliffe with amazing knitted bunting for the coronation of His Majesty the King on Saturday 6 May. They have three months in which to achieve their goal and are hoping that residents will help by making cash donations so that sufficient wool can be purchased. They are looking for cash, rather than wool, as very specific coloured wool is needed and if they simply asked for wool donations, they would get too many different shades which would not work for the design.

Cash donations can be left in a collection pot at the Topcliffe Post Office. If there is any cash left over, it will be used to purchase red and black wool for Remembrance Day poppies in November.
Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-up lunches are held every Wednesday at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall between 11.30am and 1.30pm (food is served until 12.45pm).

Last week 50 meals were served. A total of £148 was raised of which £50 has been donated to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.
Angel bookings honoured
The Angel at Topcliffe has indicated that most bookings for private parties, weddings and meetings in the Plaza Suite made under the previous ownership, will be honoured even though the hotel is closed for everyday business whilst a refurbishment is underway. If you have a query regards a booking, please call 01845 578000.
Special Appeal
Last week the death of Avril Pearson, who was for many years a history teacher at Queen Mary’s School, was announced. She lived at Skipton on Swale and leaves behind two dogs which are now looking for a good home, preferably together. They are currently at Tails of Swale, Catton (07590 649369) and are a black lab boy and a girl spaniel, both about 10 years old. Can anyone help?
The Catton Kitchen
Amy and Hugo are about to launch a weekly ‘Weed-nesday’ when the market garden will be open between 9am and 12 noon starting 9 March for people to call in and be close to nature, enjoy the space and help with planting and general tasks. Tea and biscuits will be provided to volunteers.

The Kitchen has started to sell veg boxes to order…and already there’s been a good take up. But there are a few spaces still available on a first come, first served basis.

They are also going to be updating their menu as we head into the warmer weather, so do pop down to see how the market garden is developing. Check out the Facebook page and website for more details: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/ Call 07747083155.
Fraud warning after devices placed on cash machines
During the night of last Thursday, three cash machines in Northallerton were found to have had devices placed on them which collected withdrawn money, making it look like the machine was not working. They had been painted, and were designed to look like cash dispenser slots, making them hard to identify as fraudulent.

The police are appealing for anyone who noticed suspicious activity around cash machines in Northallerton to get in touch. Please call 101, quoting reference 11230034273. The advice is that we should all remain vigilant when using cash machines, and report any suspicious activity or similar incidents to the police.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
Art classes at the Village Hall
Last Monday the latest weekly art class led by artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne started…and there are five more weeks to go so you can still join in. The remaining dates are: 27 February, 6,13, 20 and 27 March. Each class is two hours from 10 am to 12 noon at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Rebecca will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own artwork.
On booking further details will be sent about the session.

Two special one-off classes are scheduled:

  • Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
  • Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are 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
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 2 March – No matinees – The Fabelmans.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 March – Matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
  • Friday 10 to Thursday 16 March (no matinees) – Magic Mike’s Last Dance.
  • Friday 17 to Thursday 23 March (no matinees) – Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
  • Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 – Matinees only – Marcel the shell with Shoes On.
  • Friday 24 to Thursday 30 March – CLOSED for film work on a popular TV series.
  • Friday 31 March to Thursday 6 April (matinee on Wednesday 5 April) – What’s love got to do with it?
  • Friday 7 to Thursday 13 April (Matinee on Wednesday 12 April) – Allelujah.

New ticket prices: Starting 3 March all ages, all shows (including matinees) all tickets will be £6, unless otherwise stated.
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Free concerts at Ripon Cathedral
The free lunchtime concert series at Ripon Cathedral continues in February and March. Although entry is free, there is a voluntary collection at the end. Refreshments are served at 12.30pm and the 50 minute performances start at 1pm. Here’s what’s on:

  • 2 March – Charlotte Harper, Soprano.
  • 9 March – Keith Dale on the organ.
  • 16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
  • 30 March – Prima Musica students.
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of the parish council will be at 7pm on Thursday 2 March at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Dream & Doodle
This is a new event running in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Thursday mornings led by Katrina Addison. Her intention is to provide relaxing classes where participants are encouraged to take a very free artistic approach using a variety of media from pencils to paint…and with relaxing music in the background. “These are classes to help you unwind”, says Katrina “it’s not about demonstrating a particular artistic strength, but more to do with relaxation and expression.”

Forthcoming classes are from 10 to 11am on Thursdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 March, and others may be organised if these go well. Each hour-long session is £7.50. For further information call 07890 429159 or email – dreamanddoodleart
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
The next Thirsk Farmers’ Market will be held on the Market Square between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 5 March. All stallholders are local independent businesses which grow, rear or produce the food or drink available on their stall. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com
Australian Aboriginal Rock Art
Paul Bahn presents the world’s longest unbroken art tradition. Exploring both
this ancient and current art form, highlighting its regional differences and many meanings. At Solberge Hall Hotel from 1.45pm to 3.15pm on Tuesday 7 March. Free to Art Society members, Visitors £7 on the door.
http://theartssociety.org./hambleton
Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 March in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Rural Arts

  • Wednesday 8 March – 3.30 to 4.30pm – Female Pioneer Portraits – a session inspired by influential women. Draw bold and colourful illustrations of famous female pioneers, such as Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai or Emmeline Pankhurst.
  • Wednesday 8 March – 11am to 12 noon – a second workshop inspired by influential women. How to recreate the stunning enlarged flower paintings of modern artist and contemporary painter Georgia O’Keefe.
  • Both events will be held at The Courthouse in Thirsk and the cost is £7.50. http://www.ruralarts.org
Opera for the People
Popular opera and crossover music (think Andrea Bocelli and Katherine
Jenkins), where the audience choose the songs to be sung from the song menu. Songs include popular opera, popular classical songs, songs from musicals and Pavarotti pop section. It’s on at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30 pm on Thursday 9 March. Tickets are £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Model Rail & Engineering exhibitions
This annual event is being staged at the Yorkshire Event Centre on the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Friday 10 and Satuarday 11 March.
Two fantastic events, one admission ticket. Some of the best model railway
layouts including the UK’s biggest – the gigantic 200ft Heaton Lodge Junction.
10am-5pm each day. Adult £15, Family £30 (2+3). Tickets are cheaper when bought online – http://www.theeventsoffice.com
Spring Pruning at Thorp Perrow
This is a hands-on educational workshop with Thorp Perrow’s Curator, Faith Douglas, who will cover the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune. Then you’ll put your new found skills to practice in the Arboretum. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the Summer House, so sturdy footwear and gardening gloves are a must! Thursday 16 March – 10am to 3pm. Tickets £40 with refreshments and a light lunch included.
https://www.thorpperrow.com
Sunday Lunch at The Swan
The Swan serves great Sunday lunches every week, but there are two special treats coming up soon:

  • Mothering Sunday – 19 March – A day to celebrate and appreciate the wonderful women in our lives mums/grannies/aunties and everyone in between. Serving lunch 12noon to 4pm.
  • Easter Sunday – 9 April – A great time to spend time with family and friends. Serving lunch 12 noon to 4pm.
  • Please call 01845 595185 to book or message us on Facebook.
Hilarity Bites Comedy Night
The comedy nights at The Angel might be on hold during the refurbishment but you can still get to a popular and local Hilarity Bites venue at either Thirsk or Sessay.

  • On Wednesday 1 March the comedy returns to The Courthouse in Thirsk with a fun, fast-paced evening of side-splitters, hosted by Karen Bayley and featuring Sam Serrano and Steve Gribbin. 7:30pm. £10 – admin@ruralarts.org
  • The next comedy night at Sessay Village Hall is on Wednesday 22 March starting at 7.30pm. It will feature Rob Rouse and Peter Brush, with host Jon Pearson. The bar will be open. It is £12 on the night or £10 if booked in advance from D Till, telephone 01845 577906.
Dishforth Military Wives in concert
‘Spring into Song’ is the name of the concert the Dishforth Military Wives’ Choir will give at 7pm on Saturday 25 March at All Saints church, Thirkleby. Tickets are £20 and include the first drink and nibbles. The concert will raise money to be split between All Saints Together, a charity that supports the church in Thirkleby, and Herriot Hospice at The Lambert, Thirsk. Tickets from Gill Walmsley on 07969 571002.
Easter Wreath making at Thorp Perrow
If you believe that wreaths are for every season then this Easter workshop is for you. Celebrate the joys of springtime creating a beautiful, nature-inspired door wreath to welcome family and friends to your home at Easter. The workshop is on Thursday 30 March from 10am to 4pm and it will be led by Curator Faith Douglas. It will take place in the beautiful Summer House located in the garden of Thorp Perrow. The cost is £70 and refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. All equipment is provided but you may like to bring gardening gloves. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Racing in Thirsk
The season opener at Thirsk Racecourse is the Easter Family Day on Tuesday 4 April. There’ll be some fantastic racing but also lots of entertainment for all ages, including face painting and balloon modelling, plus live music from Georgia Grace. Gates open from 11am. First race at 1.10pm.
https://www.thirskracecourse.net/fixtures-tickets/
Guided Daffodil Tour & Afternoon Tea
In early April Thorp Perrow Arboretum bursts into colour when the thousands of daffodils come into bloom and it’s an amazing sight to see. This lively and informative walk and talk tour on Thursday 6 April is led by Curator Faith Douglas. She will show you the best of the daffodil collection and share some fascinating facts and care tips along the way. Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea and a glass of champagne, all served in Thorp Perrow’s Summerhouse overlooking the beautiful grounds. Tickets £60. http:// https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Introduction to Bushcraft
Join Paul Holden Ridgway in this introduction to bushcraft and wilderness skills at the beautiful Thorp Perrow arboretum. between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday 18 April. From shelters and fire lighting to navigation and plant identification, this course is designed for beginners and promises to be both fun and educational. Price £70 to include lunch and refreshments. Sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing required. Please note this is an adults only workshop. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
The Flying Oysters
Reputedly one of the North East’s best rock and pop bands, The Flying Oysters, will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Last time they appeared in Topcliffe those present rated them as one of the best groups to have played the Village Hall and a great night was had by one and all.

Tickets, which are £12 and include a sausage and mash supper, are already selling fast so to avoid disappointment, reserve or buy yours now. They are available from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.
Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Refuse – Mondays 27 February and 13 March.
  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 9 March.
  • Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will open in March.

Harrogate (Asenby)

  • Recycling – Mondays 27 February and 13 March.
  • Refuse – Monday 6 March.
  • Garden Waste – Wednesday 22 March (only for those who have paid the annual subscription). The charge for 2023 is £43.50 for 19 fortnightly collections and you can apply now at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 147

Welcome to the Sunday Email.

Thank you to those readers who expressed disappointment at the idea that the Sunday Email might go fortnightly. And also thanks to those who suggested there are possible alternatives to MailChimp platform for dealing with bulk emails. I’m looking at them and it is possible that a solution might be found that means I can continue to issue over 300 emails each Sunday morning at no cost to myself. Watch this space!

Doug
07785 223707
Artisan Market
TODAY – a market featuring independent traders providing locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink, is on at Thirsk Market Squarebetween 10am and 3pm. http://www.littlebirdmade.com.
St Columba’s

  • TODAYat 10.45am – Choral Matins.
  • Sunday 26 February 10.45am Holy Communion.

Lent services
In addition to the usual Sunday services, throughout Lent there’ll be a service of Compline at 7pm every Wednesday, starting 1 March. The church won’t be organising Lent lunches this year as the Warm Space lunches are being held each Wednesday.

  • Wednesday 1 March at 7pm – Compline (Evening Prayers)
  • Sunday 5 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Wednesday 8 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 12 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 15 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 19 March at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Wednesday 22 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 26 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 29 March at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 2 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday
Village Quiz moves to the Village Hall
Following the closure for refurbishment of The Angel, arrangements have been made for the Sunday quiz to be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall until further notice. So please come along tonight at 8pm and enjoy a bit of a laugh mixed with some good company, together with a drink or two. Oh, and you’ll have the chance to show off your general knowledge skills…or at least get a bit of an education! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Knit and Natter Club
The club will be moving to the Village Hall from early March and will meet there until The Angel reopens after refurbishment. Please note that next Thursday’s meeting (23 February) will be at Anne Marie Mulley’s home in Deans Square from 1.30 to 3.30pm.

The Knit & Natter club aims to decorate Topcliffe with fantastic knitted bunting for the coronation of His Majesty the King on Saturday 6 May. They have three months in which to achieve their goal and are hoping that residents will help by making cash donations so that sufficient wool can be purchased. They are looking for cash, rather than wool, as very specific coloured wool is needed and if they simply asked for wool donations, they would get too many different shades which would not work for the design.

Cash donations can be left in a collection pot at the Topcliffe Post Office. If there is any cash left over, it will be used to purchase red and black wool for Remembrance Day poppies in November.
The Angel to have major refurbishment
The Angel at Topcliffe closed last Monday when Dave and Maggie Mathews purchased it from the West Park Inns group. Now their company, Stoneybridge Ltd, has moved in and work is already underway on a massive improvement plan.

The immediate priority is a total refit and reconfiguration of the kitchen, bar, restaurant and hotel reception area, but plans in a second phase of development will see the 16 guest bedrooms modernised, the Plaza Suite improved and refurnished and there are exciting plans for a garden and outside bar make-over.

The purchase of the neighbouring property, Cliff House, is nearing completion and in the summer work will start on creating a top-quality bridal suite on the first floor of the house along with luxury bedrooms at ground level.

It is likely that The Angel will be closed for around six months. But we are promised that the wait will definitely be worth it.
Asenby Parish Council
There’s good news in relation to Asenby Parish Council. Two residents – Sue Hazelton and Colin Grimston – have been co-opted onto the council. The next meeting of the council will be at 7pm on Thursday 23 February at the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

BBC Radio York: Make a Difference Awards

The deadline for submitting entries to BBC Radio York’s Make a Difference Awards is rapidly approaching – the deadline is Sunday 5 March. They are on the lookout for community groups or individuals who have gone the extra mile to help or gone above and beyond to make a difference in their local community. BBC – Make a Difference
Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-up lunches are held every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm (food served to 12.45pm) at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Last week 46 meals were served. A total of £140 was raised of which £50 has been donated to the Bootshop charity in Easingwold, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.
Uninvited callers and tradesmen
North Yorkshire Police are asking the residents in Thirsk and surrounding villages to be vigilant about uninvited callers and tradesman who call at their homes. There has been an increase in reports of callers offering to clean patios, driveways, guttering or look to repair/clean roof tiles and once engaged, charging extortionate prices. Work undertaken often leads to more unnecessary work and the need to incur extra costs on top of the original prices quoted to put things right. Some residents have felt quite vulnerable and fearful of saying no to the forceful tactics used and have then handed over money they didn’t have or expect to pay.

The following advice has been copied from North Yorkshire County Council’s website:
• Do not agree to have work done by anyone who cold calls or door knocks at your property.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations if you need a tradesperson. Check reviews online but be aware that some traders do post fake reviews.
• There is a government-endorsed scheme called Trustmark that can help you to find a tradesperson.
• Try to get at least three quotes for work so you can compare the work required and prices to be charged.
• Make sure you know the trader’s name and address. If things go wrong, it is usually easier to arrange a repair or refund with a local trader, so find out who you are dealing with and where to contact them if you need to.
• If damage is weather-related, speak to your insurance company before agreeing to have work done. The company is likely to have a list of approved traders and may well want to instruct them to undertake any necessary repairs themselves.

Residents can report rogue traders or obtain advice from Citizens’ Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Please call the police on 101 to report any incidents as they are working with Trading Standards in order to identify rogue traders, or email
SNAthirsk
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 23 February – No matinees – Tár.
  • Friday 24 to Thursday 2 March – No matinees – The Fabelmans.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 March – Matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Prices: Adult – £6, concession – £5 (14 and under, over 60s and matinees).
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
The Rainton Gardening Club
The popular gardening club based in Rainton Village Hall is inviting anyone interested in gardening to join the club which meets on the third Tuesday of each month. There’s a ‘taster’ meeting this Tuesday (21 February) at 7.30pm. Plantsman Chris Small will talk about the seasonal progression ‘From Winter to Spring’. There are eight speakers booked for the coming year, plus four summer garden visits included in the annual membership fee. For more details please contact Gill Common, Club Secretary – gillcommon
Free concerts at Ripon Cathedral
The free lunchtime concert series at Ripon Cathedral continues in February and March. Although entry is free, there is a voluntary collection at the end. Refreshment are served at 12.30pm and the 50 minute performances start at 1pm. Here’s what’s on:

  • 23 February – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 2 March – Charlotte Harper, Soprano.
  • 9 march – Keith Dale on the organ.
  • 16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
  • 30 March – Prima Musica students.
Snowdrops at Thorp Perrow
The first of the arboretum’s spring flower events will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 24 February. Join curator, Faith Douglas, for this hands on, educational workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, and plant the bulbs ready to take home. You’ll also have the opportunity to assist with the management of the arboretum’s special collection. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the summer house, so sturdy footwear, warm clothing and gardening gloves are a must! Tickets £40 to include refreshments and a light lunch. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Khooghi by Kauser Mukthar
Kauser Mukhthar’s family-friendly show, set within a beautiful toy theatre stage, uses puppetry, music and song to tell a story of humour, tragedy and hope, built around a song and a Kashmiri folk tale. It’s on at Rural Arts at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk at 7pm on Saturday 25 February. Tickets are £8 – £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Domino Drive at Dalton Village Hall
Domino Drive – Saturday 25 February at 7pm. Admission is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits are served at the interval. The proceeds of this event will be for the village hall funds. All ages are welcome.
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of the parish council will be at 7pm on Thursday 2 March at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
The next Thirsk Farmers’ Market will be held on the Market Square between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 5 March. All stallholders are local independent businesses which grow, rear or produce the food or drink available on their stall. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com
Australian Aboriginal Rock Art
Paul Bahn presents the world’s longest unbroken art tradition. Exploring both
this ancient and current art form, highlighting its regional differences and many meanings. At Solberge Hall Hotel from 1.45pm to 3.15pm on Tuesday 7 March. Free to Art Society members, Visitors £7 on the door.
http://theartssociety.org./hambleton
Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 March in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Rural Arts

  • Wednesday 8 March – 3.30 to 4.30pm – Female Pioneer Portraits – a session inspired by influential women. Draw bold and colourful illustrations of famous female pioneers, such as Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai or Emmeline Pankhurst.
  • Wednesday 8 March – 11am to 12 noon – a second workshop inspired by influential women. How to recreate the stunning enlarged flower paintings of modern artist and contemporary painter Georgia O’Keefe.
  • Both events will be held at The Courthouse in Thirsk and the cost is £7.50. http://www.ruralarts.org
Opera for the People
Popular opera and crossover music (think Andrea Bocelli and Katherine
Jenkins), where the audience choose the songs to be sung from the song menu. Songs include popular opera, popular classical songs, songs from musicals and Pavarotti pop section. It’s on at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30 pm on Thursday 9 March. Tickets are £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Model Rail & Engineering exhibitions
This annual event is being staged at the Yorkshire Event Centre on the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Friday 10 and Satuarday 11 March.
Two fantastic events, one admission ticket. Some of the best model railway
layouts including the UK’s biggest – the gigantic 200ft Heaton Lodge Junction.
10am-5pm each day. Adult £15, Family £30 (2+3). Tickets are cheaper when bought online – http://www.theeventsoffice.com
Spring Pruning at Thorp Perrow
This is a hands-on educational workshop with Thorp Perrow’s Curator, Faith Douglas, who will cover the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune. Then you’ll put your new found skills to practice in the Arboretum. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the Summer House, so sturdy footwear and gardening gloves are a must! Thursday 16 March – 10am to 3pm. Tickets £40 with refreshments and a light lunch included.
https://www.thorpperrow.com
Sunday Lunch at The Swan
The Swan serves great Sunday lunches every week, but there are two special treats coming up soon:

  • Mothering Sunday – 19 March – A day to celebrate and appreciate the wonderful women in our lives mums/grannies/aunties and everyone in between. Serving lunch 12noon to 4pm.
  • Easter Sunday – 9 April – A great time to spend time with family and friends. Serving lunch 12 noon to 4pm.
  • Please call 01845 595185 to book or message us on Facebook.
Dishforth Military Wives in concert
‘Spring into Song’ is the name of the concert the Dishforth Military Wives’ Choir will give at 7pm on Saturday 25 March at All Saints church, Thirkleby. Tickets are £20 and include the first drink and nibbles. The concert will raise money to be split between All Saints Together, a charity that supports the church in Thirkleby, and Herriot Hospice at The Lambert, Thirsk. Tickets from Gill Walmsley on 07969 571002.
Easter Wreath making at Thorp Perrow
If you believe that wreaths are for every season then this Easter workshop is for you. Celebrate the joys of Springtime creating a beautiful, nature-inspired door wreath to welcome family and friends to your home at Easter. The workshop is on Thursday 30 March from 10am to 4pm and it will be led by Curator Faith Douglas. It will take place in the beautiful Summer House located in the garden of Thorp Perrow. The cost is £70 and refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. All equipment is provided but you may like to bring gardening gloves. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Art classes at the Village Hall

  • Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
  • Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Price £25/£28. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
Racing in Thirsk
The season opener at Thirsk Racecourse is the Easter Family Day on Tuesday 4 April. There’ll be some fantastic racing but also lots of entertainment for all ages, including face painting and balloon modelling, plus live music from Georgia Grace. Gates open from 11am. First race at 1.10pm.
https://www.thirskracecourse.net/fixtures-tickets/
Guided Daffodil Tour & Afternoon Tea
In early April Thorp Perrow Arboretum bursts into colour when the thousands of daffodils come into bloom and it’s an amazing sight to see. This lively and informative walk and talk tour on Thursday 6 April is led by Curator Faith Douglas. She will show you the best of the daffodil collection and share some fascinating facts and care tips along the way. Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea and a glass of champagne, all served in Thorp Perrow’s Summerhouse overlooking the beautiful grounds. Tickets £60. http:// https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Introduction to Bushcraft
Join Paul Holden Ridgway in this introduction to bushcraft and wilderness skills at the beautiful Thorp Perrow arboretum. between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday 18 April. From shelters and fire lighting to navigation and plant identification, this course is designed for beginner and promises to be both fun and educational. Price £70 to include lunch and refreshments. Sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing required. Please note this is an adults only workshop. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
The Flying Oysters
Reputedly one of the North East’s best rock and pop bands, The Flying Oysters, will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Last time they appeared in Topcliffe those present rated them as one of the best groups to have played the Village Hall and a great night was had by one and all.

Tickets, which are £12 and include a sausage and mash supper, are already selling fast so to avoid disappointment, reserve or buy yours now. They are available from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.
Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festivalhas been announced. It’s to be held from Friday 28 to Monday 31 July. deershedfestival.com
Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 23 February and 9 March.
  • Refuse – Mondays 27 February and 13 March.
  • Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will open in March.

Harrogate (Asenby)

  • Refuse – Mondays 20 February and 6 March.
  • Recycling – Mondays 27 February and 13 March.
  • Garden Waste – Wednesday 22 March (only for those who have paid the annual subscription). The charge for 2023 is £43.50 for 19 fortnightly collections and you can apply now at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 146

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

I’m afraid I am going to have to stop producing the Sunday Email on a weekly basis from 12 March as Mailchimp – the platform on which it is produced and circulated – has halved my monthly email allowance, in an attempt to force me onto a paid for arrangement. Mailchimp would like to charge me £12 a month for the privilege of sending out the Sunday Email each week, which you will understand I don’t really want to pay.

So, after issue 150 on 12 March the Sunday email will become a fortnightly publication. Many apologies to those readers who look forward to receiving an email every Sunday, but I am sure you’ll understand the problem and soon get used to a different frequency.

Maybe we should give the fortnightly email a new name? Any suggestions to doug@dougallan.co.uk

Doug
07785 223707
Dalton Village Hall – Jumble Sale
TODAY from 10.30am until 1pm. (apologies for giving the incorrect date in last Sunday’s email). The proceeds will be for Rose Dawson’s owl fund. Rose, who lives in Thirsk, has spent years rescuing and rehabilitating injured owls. The proceeds will help with food and vet’s bills.
Services at St Columba’s

  • TODAYat 10.45am – Holy Communion.
  • Sunday 19 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 26 February 10.45am Holy Communion.
Quiz Night at The Angel
TONIGHT at 8pm in The Angel. The last quiz night at this venue for awhile as the pub is closing down for a few months for a major refurbishment.

Alternative temporary venues are being considered so watch out in next week’s email for an update.
All change at The Angel
The only official announcement about the situation at The Angel so far is that it will close tomorrow (13 February) for a few months whilst refurbishments are underway. There is plenty or rumour and interest about the future ownership and long-term plans for development. We know that The Angel has been sold by the West Park Inns group to another consortium with local connections. Apparently, the deal will be finalised and signed tomorrow. It’s clear lots of residents are interested in what’s going on and what might be in store for the future, so it’s hoped more information might be available for publication in next week’s Sunday Email.
Knit and Natter Club
The club has also been temporarily displaced because of the closure of The Angel and for the next week or two, it will meet at Debora Alderson’s home on Front Street.

The Coronation
Members of the Knit & Natter club have come up with a scheme for the decoration of Topcliffe at the time of His Majesty the King’s coronation on Saturday 6 May. They have started knitting and they have set themselves a mammoth task to be ready in time for the ceremony. They are hoping that residents will help by making cash donations so that sufficient wool can be purchased. They are specifically looking for cash, rather than wool, as very specific coloured wool is needed and if they simply asked for wool donations, they would get too many different shades which would not work for the design.

Cash donations can be left in a collection pot at the Topcliffe Post Office.

If there is any cash left over, it will be used to purchase red and black wool for Remembrance Day poppies in November.

BBC Radio York: Make a Difference Awards

This item has been left in the email for one more week to give everyone time to consider whether any nominations of local community volunteers should be submitted.

BBC Radio York is again on the lookout for community groups or individuals who have gone the extra mile to help in their local community. They are wanting to hear about people who are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live. The awards are a chance to say ‘thank you’ and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Nominations close Sunday 5 March 2023 at 11:00pm. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each local BBC radio station. BBC – Make a Difference
Bernard Bateman MBE
The death of former councillor Bernard Bateman was recently announced. He died at the age of 78 on 26 January following a long illness. His funeral will be held at Ripon Cathedral at 12 noon on Tuesday 14 February.

In his time as a local councillor he held many key positions including Mayor of Ripon, Mayor of Harrogate Borough, Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council and was a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council for the Wathvale ward, which included Asenby. He was a regular attendee at Asenby Parish Council meetings.

Bernard was awarded an MBE in 1988 for his services to industry.
Neighbourhood Watch newsletter
The February edition of the Neighbourhood Watch monthly newsletter can be viewed here.
Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-up lunches are held every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm (food served to 12.45pm) at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Last week 57 meals served overall between the hall and deliveries to homes in the villages. A total of £177 was raised of which £50 has been donated to Community Works in Thirsk, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
Wensleydale Railway
Residents living living in areas of North Yorkshire relatively close to Leeming, including those living in the YO7 postcode area, receive a 25% discount on all Wensleydale Railway standard train ticket prices. When making a booking, simply show the ticket office a document, such as a driver’s licence or utility bill, with your postcode details on it.

All-day rover tickets cost from only £18 if booked online or £20 in-person and seniors (over 65) are £16 if booked online and £18 in-person. This price is before any discount is applied! And all children (3-15 years) travel for only £1 each!

Check the website for the latest times & prices: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/running-days-2023/ the booking office on 01677 425805.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 16 February – No matinees – Till.
  • Saturday 11, Sunday 12 and Wednesday 15 February – Matinees only – Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
  • Friday 17 to Thursday 23 February – No matinees – Tár.
  • Friday 24 to Thursday 2 March – No matinees – The Fabelmans.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 March – Matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Prices: Adult – £6, concession – £5 (14 and under, over 60s and matinees).
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
At school half-term give your family a musical experience to remember! Join David and his magical music Jukebox as he takes you on a trip through his hilarious and often surreal imagination, where wolves roam the school corridors, dragons live under the bed and teddy bears dance the night away at the disco. This Rural Arts performance is on at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk on Friday 17 February at 3pm. Adults £8 and concession £6. Age guidance 3+. http://www.ruralarts.org
Events in Dalton Village Hall

  • Family Race Night- Saturday 18February at 6.30pm. Entry is free of charge
  • Domino Drive – Saturday 25 February at 7pm. Admission is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits are served at the interval. The proceeds of this event will be for the village hall funds. All ages are welcome.
Artisan Market
The next market featuring independent producers providing locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink, will be held on Thirsk market Square on Sunday 19 February between 10am and 3pm. http://www.littlebirdmade.com.
The Rainton Gardening Club
The popular gardening club based in Rainton Village Hall is inviting anyone interested in gardening to join the club which meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The first meeting of this year will be a ‘taster’ meeting on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30pm when plantsman Chris Small will talk about the seasonal progression ‘From Winter to Spring’. There are eight speakers booked for the coming year, plus four summer garden visits included in the annual membership fee. For more details please contact Gill Common, Club Secretary – gillcommon
Free concerts at Ripon Cathedral
The free lunchtime concert series at Ripon Cathedral continues in February and March. Although entry is free, there is a voluntary collection at the end. Refreshment are served at 12.30pm and the 50 minute performances start at 1pm. Here’s what’s on:

  • 23 February – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 2 March – Charlotte Harper, Soprano.
  • 9 march – Keith Dale on the organ.
  • 16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
  • 30 March – Prima Musica students.
Snowdrops at Thorp Perrow
The first of the arboretum’s spring flower events will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 24 February. Join curator, Faith Douglas, for this hands on, educational workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, and plant the bulbs ready to take home. You’ll also have the opportunity to assist with the management of the arboretum’s special collection. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the summer house, so sturdy footwear, warm clothing and gardening gloves are a must! Tickets £40 to include refreshments and a light lunch. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Khooghi by Kauser Mukthar
Kauser Mukhthar’s family-friendly show, set within a beautiful toy theatre stage, uses puppetry, music and song to tell a story of humour, tragedy and hope, built around a song and a Kashmiri folk tale. It’s on at Rural Arts at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk at 7pm on Saturday 25 February. Tickets are £8 – £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
The next Thirsk Farmers’ Market will be held on the Market Square between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 5 March. All stallholders are local independent businesses which grow, rear or produce the food or drink available on their stall. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com
Australian Aboriginal Rock Art
Paul Bahn presents the world’s longest unbroken art tradition. Exploring both
this ancient and current art form, highlighting its regional differences and many meanings. At Solberge Hall Hotel from 1.45pm to 3.15pm on Tuesday 7 March. Free to Art Society members, Visitors £7 on the door.
http://theartssociety.org./hambleton
Celebrate International Womens Day with Rural Arts

  • Wednesday 8 March – 3.30 to 4.30pm – Female Pioneer Portraits – a session inspired by influential women. Draw bold and colourful illustrations of famous female pioneers, such as Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai or Emmeline Pankhurst.
  • Wednesday 8 March – 11am to 12 noon – a second workshop inspired by influential women. How to recreate the stunning enlarged flower paintings of modern artist and contemporary painter Georgia O’Keefe.
  • Both events will be held at The Courthouse in Thirsk and the cost is £7.50. http://www.ruralarts.org
Opera for the People
Popular opera and crossover music (think Andrea Bocelli and Katherine
Jenkins), where the audience choose the songs to be sung from the song menu. Songs include popular opera, popular classical songs, songs from musicals and Pavarotti pop section. It’s on at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30 pm on Thursday 9 March. Tickets are £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Model Rail & Engineering exhibitions
This annual event is being staged at the Yorkshire Event Centre on the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Friday 10 and Satuarday 11 March.
Two fantastic events, one admission ticket. Some of the best model railway
layouts including the UK’s biggest – the gigantic 200ft Heaton Lodge Junction.
10am-5pm each day. Adult £15, Family £30 (2+3). Tickets are cheaper when bought online – http://www.theeventsoffice.com
Spring Pruning at Thorp Perrow
This is a hands-on educational workshop with Thorp Perrow’s Curator, Faith Douglas, will cover the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune. Then you’ll put your new found skills to practice in the Arboretum. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the Summer House, so sturdy footwear and gardening gloves are a must!

Thursday 16 March – 10am to 3pm. Tickets £40 with refreshments and a light lunch included. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Sunday Lunch at The Swan
The Swan serves great Sunday lunches every week, but there are two special treats coming up soon:

  • Mothering Sunday – 19 March – A day to celebrate and appreciate the wonderful women in our lives mums/grannies/aunties and everyone in between. Serving lunch 12noon to 4pm.
  • Easter Sunday – 9 April – A great time to spend time with family and friends. Serving lunch 12 noon to 4pm.
  • Please call 01845 595185 to book or message us on Facebook.
Dishforth Military Wives in concert
‘Spring into Song’ is the name of the concert the Dishforth Military Wives Choir will give at 7pm on Saturday 25 March at All Saints church, Thirkleby. Tickets are £20 and include the first drink and nibbles. The concert will raise money to be split between All Saints Together, a charity that supports the church in Thirkleby, and Herriot Hospice at The Lambert, Thirsk. Tickets from Gill Walmsley on 07969 571002.
Art classes at the Village Hall

  • Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
  • Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Price £25/£28. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
Racing in Thirsk
The season opener at Thirsk Racecourse is the Easter Family Day on Tuesday 4 April. There’ll be some fantastic racing but also lots of entertainment for all ages, including face painting and balloon modelling, plus live music from Georgia Grace. Gates open from 11am. First race at 1.10pm.
https://www.thirskracecourse.net/fixtures-tickets/
The Flying Oysters
Reputedly one of the North East’s best rock and pop bands, The Flying Oysters, will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Last time they appeared in Topcliffe those present rated them as one of the best groups to have played the Village Hall and a great night was had by one and all.

Tickets, which are £12 and include a sausage and mash supper, are already selling fast so to avoid disappointment, reserve or buy yours now. They are available from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.
Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festivalhas been announced. It’s to be held from Friday 28 to Monday 31 July.
Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Refuse – Mondays 13 and 27 February
  • Recycling – Thursdays 23 February and 9 March.
  • Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023. There is still no indication of the price that will be charged from 1 April 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby)
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 145

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

Doug
07785 223707
The Flying Oysters
Reputedly one of the North East’s best rock and pop bands, The Flying Oysters, will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Last time they appeared in Topcliffe those present rated them as one of the best groups to have played the Village Hall and a great night was had by one and all.

Tickets, which are £12 and include a sausage and mash supper, are already selling fast so to avoid disappointment, reserve or buy yours now. They are available from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.
Services at St Columba’s

  • TODAYat 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
  • Sunday 12 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
  • Sunday 19 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 26 February 10.45am Holy Communion.
Covid booster jab appeal
Healthy 16 to 49 year olds have just over a week left to take up the NHS offer of a Covid booster jab. The top-up dose of vaccine can help protect against severe illness, even if you have caught Covid before. Anyone aged 16 or over, or an at-risk child aged 12 to 15, who has had both primary jabs is eligible for this booster, which has been available for more than a year.

According to the latest figures, more than 151m Covid vaccine doses have been administered in the UK – 53.8m first doses, 50.8m second doses and 40.4m booster or third doses. The latest publicity campaign is designed to attract any of the 10 million people who opted to stop after having had two vaccinations.

Appointments are available up to and including Sunday 12 February and you can book online at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
Funeral of the Rev’d Jim Thom
Just a reminder that the funeral of former Topcliffe vicar, the Rev’d Jim Thom (sorry about the incorrect spelling last week), takes place at the Leper Chapel at St Mary Magdalen in Ripon on Tuesday 14 February at 10.15am. He was vicar at St Columba’s from 1987 to 1993. He died peacefully in Harrogate on 11 January.
Quiz Night at The Angel
The Sunday evening quiz is being held tonight at 8pm in The Angel. It’s a really good night with a lot of fun and some lighthearted banter between teams and with the quiz master! It would be great to see some new faces, so please come along to test your general knowledge and enjoy yourselves. The Angel really make us welcome even offering a bottle of wine for a monthly draw.
Dog fouling problem
Once again the problem of owners allowing their dogs to foul village pavements and grassed area is causing great concern and annoyance. The latest complaints come from residents in the Manor Close area of Topcliffe, but there are other parts of both Topcliffe and Asenby where dog fouling is an issue.

Everyone knows that responsible dog owners carry poo bags with them and clean up after their pet…but there are some people in our community who obviously think the law doesn’t apply to them! But it does and if offenders are identified they will be reported to Hambleton Council, which will prosecute whenever it can.

Anyone can report dog fouling to the council. You can do it here:
Report It! (arcgis.com) The more reports made, the likelier that action will be taken.
Neolithic history on our doorstep
The three huge Neolithic monuments at Thornborough, just across the A1 from here, have been gifted to the nation by two local companies and will now be managed by English Heritage and open free to the public.

The Thornborough Henges complex, which have been described as ‘the Stonehenge of the North’ date back to around 3500BC to 2500BC and consist of three 656ft (200m) wide circular earthworks.

The henges are said to be the most important single ancient site between Stonehenge and the Orkney Islands. The central and southern circles were placed on the Heritage at Risk register in 2009 due to damage caused by livestock and rabbits.

Archaeological finds around the site suggest the henges were probably built as ceremonial or ritual centres and may also have served as trading centres and meeting places. Evidence also indicated they may have been covered in gypsum and would have glowed white for miles around.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/thornborough-henges/#beforeyougo

BBC Radio York: Make a Difference Awards

BBC Radio York is again on the lookout for community groups or individuals who have gone the extra mile to help in their local community. They are wanting to hear about people who are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live. The awards are a chance to say ‘thank you’ and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Nominations close Sunday 5 March 2023 at 11:00pm. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each local BBC radio station. BBC – Make a Difference
Asenby Parish Council
In the near future there may be some good news about a co-option onto the Parish Council. A villager has shown interest in joining the council but there has to be a formal meeting of the Parish Council to confirm the co-option and a date is being sought right now. This will make four council representatives but still leaves one place left to fill – any volunteers?
Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-up lunches are held every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm (food served to 12.45pm) at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Last week was another very busy week – thought to be the busiest so far, with 53 meals served overall between the hall and deliveries to homes in the villages. A total of £150 was raised of which £50 has been donated to the local branch of Animal Rescue Crew, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.
Knit and Natter
The Knit & Natter group meets every Thursday at 1.30pm in the TV lounge at The Angel. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 9 February (matinee on Wednesday 8 February) – Empire of Light.
  • Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February – Matinees only – Matilda – The Musical (Singalong version).
  • Friday 10 to Thursday 16 February – No matinees – Till.
  • Saturday 11, Sunday 12 and Wednesday 15 February – Matinees only – Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
  • Friday 17 to Thursday 23 February – No matinees – Tár.
  • Friday 24 to Thursday 2 March – No matinees – The Fabelmans.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 March – Matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Prices: Adult – £6, concession – £5 (14 and under, over 60s and matinees).
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Events in Dalton Village Hall

  • Jumble Sale – TODAY from 10.30am until 1pm. The proceeds will be for Rose Dawson’s owl fund. Rose, who lives in Thirsk, has spent years rescuing and rehabilitating injured owls. The proceeds will help with food and vet’s bills.
  • Family Race Night- Saturday 18February at 6.30pm. Entry is free of charge
  • Domino Drive – Saturday 25 February at 7pm. Admission is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits are served at the interval. The proceeds of this event will be for the village hall funds. All ages are welcome.
The Textiles of Bhutan
A fascinating lecture by art consultant and exhibition curator Zara Fleming is being held at Solberge Hall Hotel on Tuesday 7 February between 1.45 and 3.15pm. Zara specialises in the art and culture of Tibet, the Himalayan areas and Mongolia. She introduces this outstanding art form and explains how textiles are crucial to Bhutan’s cultural identity. Free for Art Society (Hambleton) members, visitors £7. Tickets on the door.
Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night will be held in the Plaza Suite at The Angel on Tuesday 7 February. These ‘stand-up’ nights present some of the best comedians on the circuit in North Yorkshire. Tickets £12 each…or save £2 per ticket if you buy in advance from The Angel at Topcliffe.
Thirsk Lego Brick Show
Here’s news of a great day out for children and families who have an interest in building with Lego. The show will be held between 10am and 4pm at Thirsk Town Hall on Saturday 11 February. More details can be seen on the poster here.
Valentine’s at The Angel
There’ll be a special menu – including sharing choices – available from Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 February for all romantics looking to celebrate with their Valentine. Check out the website for details – https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/elementor-2845/
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
At school half-term give your family a musical experience to remember! Join David and his magical music Jukebox as he takes you on a trip through his hilarious and often surreal imagination, where wolves roam the school corridors, dragons live under the bed and teddy bears dance the night away at the disco. This Rural Arts performance is on at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk on Friday 17 February at 3pm. Adults £8 and concession £6. Age guidance 3+. http://www.ruralarts.org
Artisan Market
The next market featuring independent producers providing locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink, will be held on Thirsk market Square on Sunday 19 February between 10am and 3pm. http://www.littlebirdmade.com.
The Rainton Gardening Club
The popular gardening club based in Rainton Village Hall is inviting anyone interested in gardening to join the club which meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The first meeting of this year will be a ‘taster’ meeting on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30pm when plantsman Chris Small will talk about the seasonal progression ‘From Winter to Spring’. There are eight speakers booked for the coming year, plus four summer garden visits included in the annual membership fee. For more details please contact Gill Common, Club Secretary – gillcommon
Free concerts at Ripon Cathedral
The free lunchtime concert series at Ripon Cathedral continues in February and March. Although entry is free, there is a voluntary collection at the end. Refreshment are served at 12.30pm and the 50 minute performances start at 1pm. Here’s what’s on:

  • 23 February – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 2 March – Charlotte Harper, Soprano.
  • 9 march – Keith Dale on the organ.
  • 16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
  • 30 March – Prima Musica students.
Snowdrops at Thorpe Perrow
The first of the arboretum’s spring flower events will take place between 10am and 3pm on Friday 24 February. Join curator, Faith Douglas, for this hands on, educational workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, and plant the bulbs ready to take home. You’ll also have the opportunity to assist with the management of the arboretum’s special collection. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the summer house, so sturdy footwear, warm clothing and gardening gloves are a must! Tickets £40 to include refreshments and a light lunch. https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Khooghi by Kauser Mukthar
Kauser Mukhthar’s family-friendly show, set within a beautiful toy theatre stage, uses puppetry, music and song to tell a story of humour, tragedy and hope, built around a song and a Kashmiri folk tale. It’s on at Rural Arts at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk at 7pm on Saturday 25 February. Tickets are £8 – £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Art classes at the Village Hall

  • Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
  • Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Price £25/£28. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festivalhas been announced. It’s to be held from Friday 28 to Monday 31 July.
Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Recycling – Thursdays 9 and 23 February.
  • Refuse – Mondays 13 and 27 February
  • Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023. There is still no indication of the price that will be charged from 1 April 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby)
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.

Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 144

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

Doug
07785 223707
Craft Fair in Topcliffe – TODAY
Independent Thirsk Traders are holding their first craft fair of the year at Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall today between10am until 3pm. There’ll be an absolutely fantastic array of crafts created by some amazing, friendly and very talented people. There’ll also be a tombola and hot drinks will be available.

Independent Thirsk Traders is a trading group holding craft fairs throughout the year. Most of its traders hand craft their individual creations which include jewellery, cards, cushions, bags, crystals, pictures, sweet hampers, wood turned clocks, floral display pieces and many more. They are all local people bringing their talents to share with others in villages around Thirsk.
Services at St Columba’s

  • Sunday 29 January – there is no service today
  • Sunday 5 February at 6,30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 12 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 19 February at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 26 February 10.45am Holy Communion.
The Rev’d Jim Thorn
Many villagers, especially church attenders, will remember the Rev’d Jim Thorn, who was vicar at St Columba’s from 1987 to 1993. It is with great sadness that it has been learned that he died peacefully in Harrogate on 11 January. He lived at the Vicarage with his wife Audrey and their three children throughout his tenure as vicar. He was a quiet man, much loved for his care, concern and great spirituality, and is still remembered as a true inspiration to many parishioners at St Columba’s. His funeral will take place at the leper chapel of St Mary Magdalen in Ripon on Tuesday 14 February at 10.15am. May he rest in peace.
Textile recycling
A big thank you to everyone who donated their unwanted textiles to the Bag2School collection last Monday. £220 was raised and has been shared equally between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts. Thanks especially to Donna Flemming and Chris Heywood, representing the scouts, who stood in the cold along with me to manage the collection throughout Monday morning.

There’ll be another textiles collection on Friday 6 October, so please keep in black bags and store any items you sort out.
Topcliffe Bridge – repairs are imminent
Last week I contacted the County Council to see how plans are going for the repairs to Topcliffe Bridge. I wrote: "I thought I would just get in touch to see how plans are progressing for the repairs to Topcliffe Bridge. I hope that you received some responses to the tender process and that there is a contractor ready to start the work fairly soon so that it is completed by the end of the financial year."

And a reassuring response was received from Traffic Engineering Team Leader, Mr David Kirkpatrick, who said: "I had intended to contact you given recent progress, so your email is timely. I can confirm that the procurement process did result in a contractor being appointed and the contract is in the process of being issued and signed. It is expected that work will commence on site in the near future and I will contact you again once we have an agreed start date. The project remains on track to be completed this financial year."
At long last, more weight restriction signs erected in Asenby
The local 7.5 tonne weight restriction in the Topcliffe and Asenby area has been in place for quite a few years, though everyone knows it isn’t the most successful of schemes.

When it was launched, highway engineers erected signs on the main road past Asenby, but at the time they neglected to place appropriate signs at the entry to the village off Whaites Lane (the southern end of the village). This meant that HGVs could quite legitimately enter Asenby village and by-pass restrictions, and be able to argue that they hadn’t passed any weight limit signs. The situation was ridiculous and years of lobbying by the Parish Council to get extra signs followed.

The good news is that now, almost five years later, two brand new 7.5 tonne weight restriction signs have been installed. The recent and ongoing Topcliffe/Asenby HGV saga may have had some influence but a big thank you is due to the intervention of Councillor Nick Brown – Asenby’s representative on North Yorkshire County Council.
Gardener wanted
Topcliffe Surgery is on the look out for a gardener who could undertake basic maintenance – mainly cutting hedges and some weeding – probably on a quarterly basis. Anyone interested in taking on these tasks is asked to call in at the surgery, or call 01845 577297.
Sandhill Vets move out
After over 25 years of being based in Topcliffe, Sandhill Veterinary Services are moving to new larger premises. From tomorrow, 30 January, the new address for the practice will be Sandhill Veterinary Services Ltd, BBP House, 14 Keld Close, Barker Business Park, Melmerby, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5NB. The phone number remains the same: 01845 578710.
Monk Park Farm receives award
The popular Monk Park Farm near Bagby was named the runner-up in the Small Farm Attraction of the Year category of the prestigious National Farm Attractions Awards 2023. Judges described the farm as a great day out, highlighting ease of booking and good signposting on-site. The attraction came under new ownership last April and since then significant investment has been made to refurbish its facilities, enhance its offering, improve accessibility and expand its calendar of special events. It has also established strong links with the local community. The team from Monk Park Farm picked up their accolade during a Gala Awards Dinner at Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel last week.

Monk Park Farm is closed January and February but will reopen in March. For more details see https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/
Quiz Night at The Angel
The Sunday evening quiz – tonight at 8pm in The Angel. It’s a really good night with a lot of fun and some lighthearted banter between teams and with the quiz master! It would be great to see some new faces, so please come along to test your general knowledge and enjoy yourselves. The Angel really make us welcome even offering a bottle of wine for a monthly draw.
Asenby Parish Council
There has been no interest so far from any Asenby residents prepared to step forward and help to keep the village’s Parish Council operating. Two out of five seats on the council are vacant, meaning that if just one of three other representatives can’t attend a meeting, say because they are ill or away on business or holiday, meetings can’t proceed as they would not be quorate. Such uncertainty makes it very difficult to run the council smoothly and efficiently.

If any eligible resident is interested in being co-opted (rather than elected) to the Parish Council, please get in touch with the Acting Parish Clerk, Peter Palmer 01845 578057.
Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-Up lunches are on every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Last week there were so many people present that the organisers lost count of how many meals were served in the hall and delivered to homes in the villages. But it was certainly the busiest lunch so far and there was no food left over. An amazing £170 was raised of which £50 was donated to the local branch of Cancer Research, with the remainder going into the Community Warm Up fund.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.
Free debt advice
Anyone who finds that they are struggling with their finances might benefit from free help and advice available from a range of organisations. The last thing anyone should do is respond to advertisements for short-term loans or seek the services of debt management companies, which could easily make matters worse.

Here are some ideas that you could look at:

  • Citizens’ Advice offers advice on a variety of topics including debt. Advice can be sought at Citizens’ Advice centres, over the telephone or via their excellent website offering a number of self-help guides.
  • Debt Advice Foundation has developed a useful range of educational material aimed at schoolchildren and it also has a free helpline.
  • National Debtline offers free advice over the telephone. Specialist advice is backed up with a range of self-help material.
  • PayPlan helps to clear debt by offering free impartial advice either online or over the telephone. It can work with debt creditors to help reach a solution and offer personalised debt repayment plans based on individual circumstances.
  • StepChange – a charity helping around 650,000 people a year with money advice and ways to avoid debt.
  • Business Debtline offers free and confidential advice for small businesses with a broad selection of self-help guides.
School Holiday and training days – North Yorkshire
Parents may wish to make a note of these dates on their calendar:

  • Half term holiday: Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February.
  • Easter holiday: Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April.
  • Professional development training day: Monday 17 April.
  • Bank holiday: 1 May.
  • Bank holiday: 8 May.
  • Half term: Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June.
  • Term ends: Tuesday 25 July 2023
  • Summer holidays: Tuesday 25 July to Monday 4 September.
  • Professional development training day:Monday 4 September.
  • Half term holiday: Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November.
  • Christmas holiday:Monday 25 December to Friday 5 January.
Knit and Natter
The Knit & Natter group meets every Thursday at 1.30pm in the TV lounge at The Angel. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is now back in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held in the Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 2 February.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 2 February (matinee on Wednesday 1 February) – Tom Hanks is ‘A Man Called Otto‘.
  • Friday 3 to Thursday 9 February (matinee on Wednesday 8 February) – Empire of Light.
  • Matinees only on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February – Matilda – The Musical (Singalong version).

Prices: Adult – £6, concession – £5 (14 and under, over 60s and matinees).
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
It’s back on Thirsk Market Square on Sunday 5 February between 9am and 2pm. This popular market features stallholders who are local independent businesses. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.
Events in Dalton Village Hall

  • Domino Drive – Saturday 4 February at 7pm in aid of The Herriot Hospice and Saturday 25 February at 7pm. Admission is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits are served at the interval. The proceeds of this event will be for the village hall funds. All ages are welcome.
  • Jumble Sale – Sunday 5February from 10.30am until 1pm. The proceeds will be for Rose Dawson’s owl fund. Rose, who lives in Thirsk, has spent years rescuing and rehabilitating injured owls. The proceeds will help with food and vet’s bills.
  • Family Race Night- Saturday 18February at 6.30pm. Entry is free of charge.
The Textiles of Bhutan
A fascinating lecture by art consultant and exhibition curator Zara Fleming is being held at Solberge Hall Hotel on Tuesday 7 February between 1.45 and 3.15pm. Zara specialises in the art and culture of Tibet, the Himalayan areas and Mongolia. She introduces this outstanding art form and explains how textiles are crucial to Bhutan’s cultural identity. Free for Art Society (Hambleton) members, visitors £7. Tickets on the door.
Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night will be held in the Plaza Suite at The Angel on Tuesday 7 February. These ‘stand-up’ nights present some of the best comedians on the circuit in North Yorkshire. Tickets £12 each…or save £2 per ticket if you buy in advance from The Angel at Topcliffe.
Thirsk Lego Brick Show
Here’s news of a great day out for children and families who have an interest in building with Lego. The show will be held between 10am and 4pm at Thirsk Town Hall on Saturday 11 February. More details can be seen on the poster here.
Valentine’s at The Angel
There’ll be a special menu – including sharing choices – available from Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 February for all romantics looking to celebrate with their Valentine. Check out the website for details – https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/elementor-2845/
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
At school half-term give your family a musical experience to remember! Join David and his magical music Jukebox as he takes you on a trip through his hilarious and often surreal imagination, where wolves roam the school corridors, dragons live under the bed and teddy bears dance the night away at the disco. This Rural Arts performance is on at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk on Friday 17 February at 3pm. Adults £8 and concession £6. Age guidance 3+. http://www.ruralarts.org
Artisan Market
The next market featuring independent producers providing locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink, will be held on Thirsk market Square on Sunday 19 February between 10am and 3pm. http://www.littlebirdmade.com.
The Rainton Gardening Club
The popular gardening club based in Rainton Village Hall is inviting anyone interested in gardening to join the club which meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The first meeting of this year will be a ‘taster’ meeting on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30pm when plantsman Chris Small will talk about the seasonal progression ‘From Winter to Spring’. There are eight speakers booked for the coming year, plus four summer garden visits included in the annual membership fee. For more details please contact Gill Common, Club Secretary – gillcommon
Free concerts at Ripon Cathedral
The free lunchtime concert series at Ripon Cathedral continues in February and March. Although entry is free, there is a voluntary collection at the end. Refreshment are served at 12.30pm and the 50 minute performances start at 1pm. Here’s what’s on:

  • 23 February – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 2 March – Charlotte Harper, Soprano.
  • 9 march – Keith Dale on the organ.
  • 16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
  • 23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
  • 30 March – Prima Musica students.
Khooghi by Kauser Mukthar
Kauser Mukhthar’s family-friendly show, set within a beautiful toy theatre
stage, uses puppetry, music and song to tell a story of humour, tragedy and hope, built around a song and a Kashmiri folk tale. It’s on at Rural Arts at The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk at 7pm on Saturday 25 February. Tickets are £8 – £10. http://www.ruralarts.org
Art classes at the Village Hall
There’s a number of one-off art classes planned at the Village Hall:

  • Thursday 30 March – 10.30am to 1pm – Spring Flowers and Garden Birds painted in oils.
  • Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.

These art class are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Price £25/£28. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
The Flying Oysters
The North East’s best rock and pop band will be performing at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. Tickets are £12, including hot supper, and they are already selling fast! On sale now from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.
Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festivalhas been announced. It’s to be held from Friday 28 to Monday 31 July.
Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.
Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Refuse – Mondays 30 January and 13 February.
  • Recycling – Thursdays 9 and 23 February.
  • Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023. There is still no indication of the price that will be charged from 1 April 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby)
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.