Author: Doug Allan

Spring Forward! Don’t forget that the clocks went forward by one hour at 1am this morning (Sunday 31 March). And I wish you all a very happy Easter.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY – Sunday 31 March – No service today.
• Sunday 7 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday 14 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• Sunday 21 April at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday 28 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Local pharmacy opening hours for rest of weekend:

• Sunday 31 March – Tesco Pharmacy, East Road, Northallerton DL6 1NP 12 noon – 2pm.
• Monday 1 April – Boots Pharmacy, 203-204 High Street, Northallerton DL7 8LW 1 – 2pm.

Many insurers now have an exclusion clause stating that if you post photos advertising the fact that you are on holiday, you may not be covered if your house gets burgled. If your insurer does not have a specific Social Media Exclusion, they will have a general condition often called a ‘Duty of Care’, which states that you must take reasonable precautions to try and prevent a claim. Advertising that you are on holiday is like placing a sign on your front door stating you are away.

There are some steps you can take to keep safe:

• Wait until you get back – post your photographs when you get home and don’t check in on Facebook as soon as you get to the airport or hotel.
• Lock down your social media – keep your social media settings private so only your friends and family can see them.
• Turn off location services – If this is on and linked to your social media accounts then it will post your location.
• Check your friends list – have a clear out of anyone you don’t know well.
• Remove personal details you don’t need – check online to see just what you can find out about yourself; you may be surprised by what information is there.
• Make sure you’re not tagged – ask friends and family not to tag you and warn them only to post when you are back home. Adjust the setting so you can review anything you are tagged in.
• Check your insurance policy – read the small print or contact your insurer to check for any clauses relating to posting on social media.

In an attempt to make it as easy as possible for you to contact the police, a new app called PoliceUK has been launched. It allows you to report a range of services online in the same way you would as if you called 101. The sort of reports that can be made in would include anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse or road traffic incidents. And it means you can do it whenever suits you without having to make a phone call. The app can be downloaded from Google Play and iOS app stores.

Alternatively, visit https://www.police.uk/ where you can do all the things you can on the app.

Of course, if it is an emergency you are reporting, always call 999.

Regular events for children:

• Storytime – Monday afternoons 1.30 – 2.15pm;
• After school club – Mondays 3.45 – 4.45pm
• Warhammer Wargames Club – Mondays,
• Lego Club – Tuesday and Thursdays – booking required;
• Construction Play – Fridays 10.30 – 11.30am;
• Get Crafty drop in art and craft sessions – Saturday 10.30am – 1pm

To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

• Drawing Urban Rooftops – Wednesday 3 April.
• Colourways inspired by Albers – Friday 5 April.
• Ceramic Organic Forms – Wednesday 10 April
• Sketching pets and other animals – Wednesday 17 April
• Bold birds in mixed media – Wednesday 24 April
• Willow sunflowers – Tuesday 30 April

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

• Wednesday 3 April – Easter Family Activities http:// http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/easter-egg-stravaganza/
• Saturday 13 April – Fish & Chips Train
• Saturday 20 April – Gin Train http:// http:// http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/gintrainexperience/
• Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May – Model Railway Weekend
• Saturday 11 May – Fish & Chips Train
• Saturday 25 May – Gin Train http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/gintrainexperience/
• Monday 27 May – Make Do & Mend Activities at Finghall
• Wednesday 29 May – Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Scruton

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

• Wicked Little Letters – to Thursday 4 April – matinee on Wednesday 3 April.
• Dune: Part Two – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 April – matinee on Wednesday 10 April.
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 April – matinee on Wednesday 17 April.
• Kung Fu Panda 4 – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 April – matinee on Sunday 21 April.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Rebecca Jayne is holding a special class on Thursday 11 April at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall between 10.30am to 1.30pm. The theme is ‘Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics’.

She is also organising a class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe on Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

• Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
• Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday 26 May -10am – 4pm.
• Summer Bird of Prey Photography Workshops – Wednesdays 12 June, 28 August and 2 October. 10am – 4pm. A light picnic lunch included.
• Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
• The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY – Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Friday 29 March at 2pm – Good Friday Reflection led by Rev Robert Williamson.
• Saturday 30 March at 7pm – Easter Vigil led by Rev. Robert Williamson and Choral Mass, including Mozart’s Mass featuring organist Matthew Atherton and the church choir.
• Sunday 7 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday 14 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• Sunday 21 April at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday 28 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

• Migration – TODAY – Sunday 24 March – matinee only.
• Bob Marley: One Love – to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March.
• Wicked Little Letters – Friday 29 March to Thursday 4 April – matinee on Wednesday 3 April.
• Dune: Part Two – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 April – matinee on Wednesday 10 April.
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 April – matinee on Wednesday 17 April.
• Kung Fu Panda 4 – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 April – matinee on Sunday 21 April.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

• Helen Fothergill, new committee member and Bookings Administrator.
• Linzi Payne new committee member who will take over as Treasurer from May 2024.
• New committee members Christine Findlay, Jim Shaw and Geraldine Clifton.

Chairman Andrew Eckersley warmly welcomed the ‘new recruits’ and thanked them for responding to the appeal for new members. He said: "There will be a few significant changes to the membership this year as a number of long-serving committee members retire, so having these new volunteers on board is fantastic and bodes well for the future of our Village Hall at the centre of village life."

A Brief Report from the Village Hall Committee

In relation to the recruitment campaign mentioned above, the Chairman commented that the quest for new members publicised through The Tattler and The Sunday Email, had been a notable success and Doug Allan was congratulated on conducting it.

Thanks were conveyed to Nicky Wood, who has now stepped down from the committee, for all the work she has put in, especially undertaking the setting up of the Hallmaster booking system,

Malcolm Morley reported that now the water leak had been fixed hopefully the contractors would complete the remaining unfinished groundworks this week. This would tidy up the area to the side of the hall.

Following on from that, Treasurer Tony Bruce gave an update on the water leak saga. The good news is that the village hall’s insurers have agreed that the contractor’s costs will be reimbursed under the insurance policy. That still leaves some financial issues to be resolved and it is hoped these can be settled fairly soon.

Karen Morley’s coffee morning held on 8 March contributed a fantastic £810.00 to village hall funds. The committee thanked Karen and her helpers for their support and noted that several other committee members and village residents have plans for fundraising events to help boost village hall funds. Proposed fundraising events include a Ceilidh in June, a Summer BBQ and Disco Dance in July, a concert featuring solo artist, Alex Scott, in August and, hopefully, the ever-popular Horse Race Night later in the year.

The next meeting will be the AGM on Tuesday 7 May when sadly two long standing committee members – Chairman Andrew Eckersley and Treasurer Tony Bruce – will be standing down.

Churchyard grounds maintenance
As spring arrives and the grass begins to grow (all too rapidly) it’s time to start thinking of getting the mowers out of storage and organising ground maintenance teams to help keep the churchyard looking neat and tidy. There’ll be appeals for assistance in the next few weeks and hopefully, as last year, there’ll be plenty of volunteers prepared to put in an hour or two to help out.

The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Meanwhile, the Parish Council is looking to buy some wild flower bombs and a couple of benches…and is looking for volunteers to plant the flowers on Saturday 6 April between 10am and 12 noon. It would also be useful if there are any tradesmen or handypersons who could help assemble the benches and bolt them down to paving slabs.

If you can help please email colin.grimston@gmail.com

Three men from Middlesbrough were arrested after a man entered the home of a woman in her 80s on the pretence of selling household items. The man claimed to be selling the goods following his release from prison. He pressurised the victim into handing over her bank card and pin number and then withdrew the maximum amount he could from her account.

Officers investigating the incident, that happened on 6 March, gathered information that led to the identification of a vehicle connected to the incident. When the car was seen re-entering Harrogate a few days later, officers intercepted it and arrested all three occupants.
Cold callers who go door-to-door can be pushy and threatening. They may charge inflated prices. The police offer the following advice regarding cold callers at your door.

• Fit and use a door chain.
• Always lock all of your external doors, even when you are at home.
• Don’t open the door unless you know who they are and are expecting them.
• Don’t part with any money or bank account details.
• Don’t be afraid to say no.
• If anyone who cold calls tries to enter your home without your permission, is threatening or refuses to leave your property, call 999.

Sadly, older people are targeted due to their trusting nature, so if you have older parents, relatives or friends, please share this message with them and check they know how to stay safe if cold callers knock on their door.

Regular events for children:

• Storytime – Monday afternoons 1.30 – 2.15pm;
• After school club – Mondays 3.45 – 4.45pm
• Warhammer Wargames Club – Mondays,
• Lego Club – Tuesday and Thursdays – booking required;
• Construction Play – Fridays 10.30 – 11.30am;
• Get Crafty drop in art and craft sessions – Saturday 10.30am – 1pm

Look out for additional events during the Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk

Questions relating to neighbourhood policing are encouraged, but questions for any area of the police service are welcome and should be submitted using the online form on the Commissioner’s website: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/YourVoice/

The purpose of these regular online public meetings is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of the Commissioner’s Policing and Crime Plan, to ensure the force is achieving its objectives and generating positive outcomes in the interests of the public.

The meeting can be accessed via:
• Commissioner’s website: https://bit.ly/OPM25Mar2024
• YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/wgZ8A8JTi38
• or Facebook page: https://fb.me/e/6849xpypo

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

• How to Paint Botanical Watercolours – Monday 25 March.
• James and The Giant Peach Paperwork – Tuesday 26 March.
• Ceramic Tortoises – Wednesday 27 March.
• Matilda’s Watercolour Paintings – Thursday 28 March.
• Penguins from Everyday Junk – Thursday 28 March.
• Experimental Print – Friday 29 March.
• Drawing Urban Rooftops – Wednesday 3 April.
• Colourways inspired by Albers – Friday 5 April.
• Ceramic Organic Forms – Wednesday 10 April
• Sketching pets and other animals – Wednesday 17 April
• Bold birds in mixed media – Wednesday 24 April
• Willow sunflowers – Tuesday 30 April

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

• Wednesday 27 March – Easter Family Activities http:// ttp://(https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/easter-egg-stravaganza/
• Saturday 31 March – Easter Sunday Afternoon Tea Train – http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/easter-tea-train/
• Wednesday 3 April – Easter Family Activities – http:// http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/easter-egg-stravaganza/
• Saturday 13 April – Fish & Chips Train
• Saturday 20 April – Gin Train http:// http:// http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/gintrainexperience/
• Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May – Model Railway Weekend
• Saturday 11 May – Fish & Chips Train
• Saturday 25 May – Gin Train http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/gintrainexperience/
• Monday 27 May – Make Do & Mend Activities at Finghall
• Wednesday 29 May – Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Scruton

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

At the final Warm Hub lunch of the winter, 50 meals were served, including some home deliveries. A total of £172 was raised of which £50 has been presented Community Works in Thirsk. The balance, after rent, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Rebecca Jayne is holding a special class on Thursday 11 April at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall between 10.30am to 1.30pm. The theme is ‘Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics’.

She is also organising a class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe on Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

The next meeting will be in Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall (Upper Committee Room).

• Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
• Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday 26 May -10am – 4pm.
• Summer Bird of Prey Photography Workshops – Wednesdays 12 June, 28 August and 2 October. 10am – 4pm. A light picnic lunch included.
• Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
• The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY – Sunday 17 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Wednesday 20 March at 2pm – Topcliffe Academy Easter Service.
• Wednesday 20 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Friday 29 March at 2pm – Good Friday Reflection led by Rev Robert Williamson.
• Saturday 30 March at 7pm – Easter Vigil led by Rev. Robert Williamson and Choral Mass, including Mozart’s Mass featuring organist Matthew Atherton and the church choir.
• Sunday 7 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Sunday 14 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion
• Sunday 21 April at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Sunday 28 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

However, at least one more councillor is required so please consider whether you can play a part in village affairs and decision-making. It is not an arduous task though it’s a role that carries certain responsibilities. Email the current Chair, Colin Grimston (colin.grimston@gmail.com) for an informal chat and include a contact phone number and an idea of when best he can call you.

There is still plenty of space on the field for more allotments though new allotment holders will need to work on land that has not been used for some time. If there is anyone interested, then potential gardeners can be shown around and any questions answered. Contact Fred Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07751 167893.

Built by the Robinson family, this majestic building was the first Palladian mansion house in Great Britain and at its zenith, was home to Lord and Lady Grantham and over 100 domestic staff and groundsmen. Then you’ll read about the rise and fall of the second owner, of the house, George Hudson, the ‘Railway King’, once one of England’s richest men, but eventually forced to sell his beloved home through bankruptcy.

This collaborative book is a journey through time, unearthing the secrets, triumphs, tribulations and successes that echo within the walls of a building that has stood witness to three hundred years of change.

Edited by Darrell Buttery, several authors, including Avril Pearson and renowned architectural historian Jane Furse have contributed chapters on the various inhabitants. These reveal a fascinating insight into the building’s history, charting the many changes it has seen from its inception, including its use as an auxiliary hospital during the First World War, its requisition during the Second World War and its current use as the home of Queen Mary’s School.
The book is priced at £5 and can be ordered online from York Book Store – https://yorkbookshop.com/home/345-baldersby-park-the-history-of-a-house.html

Key Steps Gymnastics
A team of gymnasts from Years 1 to 6 recently took part in the Key Steps Gymnastics competition at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College. All the gymnasts were fantastic and performed their routines brilliantly. Particular congratulations go to Millie in Maple Class and Hallie in Ash Class who both came away with gold medals.

HI 5 Netball
Last week Year 5 and 6 pupils participated in a Hi 5 Netball competition at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College. They absolutely stormed the competition, winning every single one of their games and bringing home the trophy and gold medals. Well done and congratulations to Ava C, Ava S, Ben, Gabi, Honor, Joby, Millie and Reuben.

Well done to all of the pupils.

This is an enjoyable and well-run training session for boys and girls of all abilities. All lead coaches are qualified and all coaches and helpers are DBS checked.

Under 11s and Under 13s hard ball teams will play in the Kettlewell Fuels Nidderdale Junior Cricket League. Girls can chose to play in monthly soft ball tournaments and can also play one age group down with boys in the hard ball teams.

If you would like more info please contact Head Junior Coach, Pete Keighley by email at petekeighleycricketcoaching@gmail.com

• Barnardo’s – Keeping children safe online: Parents’ questions answered. https://rb.gy/tc0yjf
• North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership’s site with lots of information and advice. https://rb.gy/yiqv7y
• NSPCC – https://rb.gy/5ochxa

Each social media app has an age rating and it’s useful for parents to know what these are. Many have a minimum age of 13 years, but check the age rating of individual apps your children are using to make sure.

• Monday 18 March – Taking your home security to the next level (burglary trends and technology).
• Tuesday 19 March – Anti-social behaviour & Heritage crime – not just an issue for rural communities.
• Wednesday 20 March- Top tips from policing’s tactical lead for vehicle crime.
• Thursday 21 March – Understanding the role of isolation & loneliness in scams.
• Friday 22 March – Stalking and female personal safety.

The webinars will be held online via Zoom and will be from 4.30pm – 5.30pm. To book a place on any of the webinars go to https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/ There is a limited amount of space so book early to ensure you don’t miss out.

There’s good news to report concerning new committee members. Four villagers have put their names forward to join the committee, with several offering to take on specific tasks. They will be attending Tuesday’s meeting to meet existing committee members and to be formally accepted onto the committee. Further details will be included in next week’s Sunday Email.

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

• Creating a Copper Wire Hare – Tuesday 19 March.
• Traditional Sign Painting – Wednesday 20 March.
• iCan – Get to Know Your IPad – Saturday 23 March.
• Experimental Textiles – Saturday 23 March.
• How to Paint Botanical Watercolours -Monday 25 March.
• James and The Giant Peach Paperwork – Tuesday 26 March.
• Ceramic Tortoises – Wednesday 27 March.
• Matilda’s Watercolour Paintings – Thursday 28 March.
• Penguins from Everyday Junk – Thursday 28 March.
• Experimental Print – Friday 29 March.
• Drawing Urban Rooftops – Wednesday 3 April.

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

From Wednesday 3 April, and throughout the summer months, the Warm Hub reverts to serving soup, sandwiches, sweets, cakes and drinks.

Last week’s lunch saw 49 meals served, including some home deliveries. A total of £141was raised of which £50 has been presented to Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary in Thirsk. The balance, after rent, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

• Easter Wreath Workshop – Wednesday 20 March – 10am to 3pm.
• Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and Sunday 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
• Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday May 2024 -10am – 4pm

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

• Wednesday, 20 March – Easter Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
• Friday, 22 March – Topcliffe’s Got Talent, 12.45pm
• Friday, 22 March – School closes for Easter holidays, 2pm
• Monday, 8 April – Staff Training Day
• Tuesday, 9 April – School re-opens for start of Summer Term.

• Thursday 21 March, 10.30am to 2.30pm – Learn to draw and sketch with more confidence.
• Thursday 11 April, 10.30am to 1.30pm – Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics.

Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe: Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’. Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

Since 1995 the cinema has been run by a dedicated team of volunteers and it aims to bring recent film releases to this rural town at affordable prices. Also keeping up with the times, you now have the option of booking online, choosing either downstairs or balcony seats. The price is £7 each and you pay by debit or credit card.

• Argylle – to Thursday 21 March – matinee Wednesday 20 March.
• Bob Marley: One Love – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March.
• Migration – Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March – matinees only.
• Wicked Little Letters – Friday 29 March to Thursday 4 April – matinee on Wednesday 3 April.
• Dune: Part Two – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 April – matinee on Wednesday 10 April.

https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.

Regular events for children:

• Storytime – Monday afternoons 1.30 – 2.15pm;
• After school club – Mondays 3.45 – 4.45pm
• Warhammer Wargames Club – Mondays,
• Lego Club – Tuesday and Thursdays – booking required;
• Construction Play – Fridays 10.30 – 11.30am;
• Get Crafty drop in art and craft sessions – Saturday 10.30am – 1pm

Look out for additional events during the Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk

• Wednesday 27 March – Easter Family Activities admin / 01677 425805

In most Sunday Emails there’s a link to the list, but as requested by readers the full list is being published once each month. If any other traders would like to be added, or any details need correcting, please get in touch with Doug Allan on 07785 223707 or email doug@dougallan.co.uk

• The Angel at Topcliffe – 01845 578000 – http://www.theangelattopcliffe.co.uk
• Amanda Graham – clinical hypnotherapy – www.aghypnotherapy.co.uk
• Asenbee Honey – http://www.asenbeehoney.co.uk
• John Aston Flooring Ltd – 01845 421111 – http://info@johnastonflooring.co.uk
• Barney’s Burners – logs/coal/kindling – 07716 334211 – http://logs@jab-agric.co.uk
• Blue Cross Rehoming Centre – 0300 777 1848 thirsk@bluecross.org.uk
• Bumby & Sons – Chris Bumby – Chimney Sweeping and repairs, installer of wood burning stoves – 07921 074934
• The Catton Kitchen – 07747 083155 – http://www.cattonkitchen.co.uk
• Chip ‘n Dales – Friday teatime – 5 until 7pm in Topcliffe – https://www.chipndales.co.uk
• Crab Manor Hotel and Crab & Lobster Restaurant – 01845 577286 https://crabandlobster.co.uk/hotel/
• The Elm Gallery – 01845 577316 or 07709 223920 – http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk
• Gemma’s Cleaning & Ironing Service – 07710 607059
• JAB Agricultural (Josh Barningham) – 07716 334211 – http://www.jab-agric.co.uk
• Joanna’s Touch Photography – 07732 941758
• Jonathan Pinder Landscaping – 07429 620250 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083270414528
• Little Yorkshire Hamper Company – 07793 775987 – http://www.thelittleyorkshirehampercompany.co.uk
• New Horizon – composite door and window specialist – Paul Stove – 07801496603 http://www.newhorizondoors.co.uk
• Rebecca Jayne (artist) – https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
• Sharon Payne at Hays Travel – 01845 405015 – http://sharon.payne@haystravel.co.uk
• Simon Parker Bespoke Joinery – 07739 893699
• Studio 18 Hairstylist – Nicola James, 18 Long Street, Topcliffe – 07851 034815
• The Swan – 01845 595185 – http://httwww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063753631825p://
• Topcliffe Post Office – 01845 577517
• Vinyasa Flow Yoga – Lucy Day – 07970 049928 – lucy@lucyoga.uk
• Yoga with Alex – 07927 141616 – yogawithalex2020@gmail.com

Most of these traders also have a Facebook and Instagram pages where you can check out latest information.

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

Thank you for the lovely messages some of you sent after reading last week’s 200th Sunday Email. It is good to know that the weekly newsletter is still appreciated…and even ‘keenly anticipated’. It seems that receiving and reading the email has become as much a part of Sunday breakfast as tea and toast.

One message in particular was most heart warming. It came from Swaleside Park residents Phil and Janet Goodall who said: "Many congratulations on reaching the 200th edition of your Sunday email. We live in Nottinghamshire but regularly visit Topcliffe as we have a holiday home on Swaleside Park. Reading your Sunday email keeps us in touch with the ‘day-to-day’ events of this wonderful community. Your email and regular Tattler newsletter play a major part in the structure of the community and we thank you for your commitment and hard work in this respect."

It is pleasing that Phil and Janet feel such an affinity with Topcliffe.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

The new Bookings Administrator, Helen Fothergill, will join the cpmmittee, but more volunteers are needed as a number of existing, long-serving members, including the Chairman and the Treasurer, are retiring this year.

As these changes fast approach, new members of all ages and backgrounds are needed to ensure that the village hall remains a viable and successful. In particular, someone who is well organised and comfortable with numbers is needed to take on the job of treasurer – an absolutely crucial role. The current treasurer is happy to provide a six-month induction period to guide and support the new person whilst they familiarise themselves with the work.

If you are interested in stepping forward to help out, please contact Andrew Eckersley on 07966 619016 or by emailing alieneck4000

Karen has asked that a big thank you is given to everyone who baked for the event, to those who provided raffle prizes, those who volunteered to serve refreshments and to those who popped in on the day.

And you’ll probably all agree that Karen deserves a special thank you all of her own for the fundraising she does in our community.

• TODAY – Sunday 10 March at 10.45am – Mothering Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 13 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Saturday 16 March at 7pm – Northallerton Male Voice Choir (see details in list below)
• Sunday 17 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Wednesday 20 March at 2pm – Topcliffe Academy Easter Service.
• Wednesday 20 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Friday 29 March at 2pm – Good Friday Reflection led by Rev Robert Williamson.
• Saturday 30 March at 7pm – Easter Vigil led by Rev. Robert Williamson and Choral Mass, including Mozart’s Coronation Mass featuring organist Matthew Atherton and the church choir.

The service of Compline each Wednesday in Lent is a short evening service consisting of reflective prayers and readings. It takes about 15 minutes and it is a lovely peaceful way to close a busy day. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Power to houses around the work area will be switched off from 9am to 3.30pm on Thursday 14 March.

Thistle Hill Golf Club is on the Alanbrooke Barracks site, just outside Topcliffe on the Busby Stoop road. It a very accessible, informal and friendly club which gives incredible value for money. It is an ideal place for beginners to learn the game and also an ideal feeder club for those who then want to move to 18-hole clubs at some stage. The club offers a quiet place to practice and play on ‘real hole’ rather than a driving range and is a perfect place for mature golfers who need a shorter and flatter round. There’s very good car parking.

If you want to hear more or arrange a visit, please contact Tony Elgie on 07842 449412 or email him at tony.elgie1

Nobody really wants to see that happen. So please, consider whether you can play a part in village affairs and decision-making. It is not an arduous task though it’s a role that carries certain responsibilities. Email the current Chair, Colin Grimston (colin.grimston@gmail.com) for an informal chat and include a contact phone number and an idea of when best he can call you.

Asenby Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 20 March.

Now more help is being sought to undertake the planting and other tasks:

• Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 March: Volunteers needed to help plant trees and shrubs.
• Tuesday 19, and Saturday 23: Further planting planned if the work isn’t completed on earlier days.

Currently there are several volunteers for tree planting on Saturday 16 March and no confirmed volunteers for any other dates. It is imperative that the trees are planted within a few days of collection from the nursery otherwise there is a chance that they will die. If you can give a little time on any dates then please get in touch. info or 07810 301 811.

The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the election on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

The caravan had been stolen from a holiday site near Thirsk and police were able to track the BMW, that was also using cloned registration plates travelling south towards Leeds. Just 45 minutes after the caravan was reported stolen, police stopped the vehicle on the M1 and a search of the car revealed equipment typically used by suspects to carry out thefts and a selection of vehicle registration plates.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including theft, burglary, going equipped for theft, and motoring offences including dangerous driving.

• Install CCTV in the place you park your motorhome and consider fitting cameras inside the vehicle. Lock access to your garden, driveway or garage and invest in a removable driveway/parking post too.
• Fit a good alarm/immobiliser and a tracking device. Use steering wheel and pedal locks.
• Keep all keys locked away safely in your home, well away from doors and windows.
• Security mark your vehicle/caravan and any expensive property inside. The local Neighbourhood Policing Team can help with this. Call them on 101.
• Take some good quality photos of your vehicle/caravan and keep them safe. The police could use these to identify your vehicle if it were to be stolen and recovered.
• Report any suspicious activity around your vehicle/caravan to the police, so they can take action straight away.

The campaign aims to warn and inform owners so that they can familiarise themselves with the dangers that are all around them. Attached here is a list of many of the poisons that pets may encounter (this is not an exhaustive list, but covers the most common poisons).

If your pet ingests anything poisonous, the advice is to contact your vet immediately – not to wait for signs of poisoning to appear.

Collections can start as early as 6am on your collection day, so your bin should be at the kerbside or designated collection point, with the licence clearly visible, from the night before.

You can find out more about the service or check your garden waste collection day on the council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk

• Helping with basic bird of prey and animal husbandry, work such as cleaning aviaries, bays and water bowls. Plus, many other tasks that are around and about the birds but not always with them.
• There are aspects of volunteering which are directly involved with the birds, especially alongside the flying team.
• The majority of the work is done outside, in all weathers. Previous experience isn’t necessary, but not being afraid of hard work and being a good team player is essential.

If this sounds of interest, please email – falcons.thorp

• Collaging Workshop with celebrated environmental artist James Owen Thomas – Wednesday 13 March – 10am to 1pm.
• Easter Wreath Workshop – Wednesday 20 March – 10am to 3pm.
• Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and Sunday 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
• Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday May 2024 -10am – 4pm

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

• Thursday, 14 March – FOTS Disco, 5.30 – 7pm
• Wednesday, 20 March – Easter Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
• Friday, 22 March – Topcliffe’s Got Talent, 12.45pm
• Friday, 22 March – School closes for Easter holidays, 2pm
• Monday, 8 April – Staff Training Day
• Tuesday, 9 April – School re-opens for start of Summer Term.

• Argylle – to Thursday 14 March – matinee on Wednesday 13 March.
• The Iron Claw – Friday 15 to Thursday 21 March – matinee Wednesday 20 March.
• Bob Marley: One Love – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March.
• Migration – Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March – matinees only.
• Wicked Little Letters – Friday 29 March to Thursday 4 April – matinee on Wednesday 3 April.
• Dune: Part Two – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 April – matinee on Wednesday 10 April.

https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

• Enamelling a Unique Item – Wednesday 13 March.
• Creating a Copper Wire Hare – Tuesday 19 March.
• Traditional Sign Painting – Wednesday 20 March.
• iCan – Get to Know Your IPad – Saturday 23 March.
• Experimental Textiles – Saturday 23 March.
• How to Paint Botanical Watercolours -Monday 25 March.
• James and The Giant Peach Paperwork – Tuesday 26 March.
• Ceramic Tortoises – Wednesday 27 March.
• Matilda’s Watercolour Paintings – Thursday 28 March.
• Penguins from Everyday Junk – Thursday 28 March.
• Experimental Print – Friday 29 March.

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

• Saturday 16 March – History-inspired Crafts
• Saturday 30 March – Junk Robots

Look out for extra club events in the half-term and Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk See poster about current club activities here.

• Monday 18 March – Taking your home security to the next level (burglary trends and technology).
• Tuesday 19 March – Anti-social behaviour & Heritage crime – not just an issue for rural communities.
• Wednesday 20 – Top tips from policing’s tactical lead for vehicle crime.
• Thursday 21 March – Understanding the role of isolation & loneliness in scams.
• Friday 22 March – Stalking and female personal safety.

The webinars will be held online via Zoom and will be from 4.30pm – 5.30pm. To book a place on any of the webinars go to https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/ There is a limited amount of space and so book early to ensure you don’t miss out.

From Wednesday 3 April, and throughout the summer months, the Warm Hub reverts to serving soup, sandwiches, sweets, cakes and drinks.

Last week’s lunch saw 49 meals served, including some home deliveries. A total of £141was raised of which £50 has been presented to Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary in Thirsk. The balance, after rent, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

• Thursday 21 March, 10.30am to 2.30pm – Learn to draw and sketch with more confidence.
• Thursday 11 April, 10.30am to 1.30pm – Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics.

Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe: Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’. Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

As these changes fast approach, the committee is looking for new members and is hoping that residents of all ages and backgrounds will see merit in volunteering some of their time to ensure that the village hall remains a successful place now and in the future.

In particular, someone who is well organised and comfortable with numbers is needed to take on the job of treasurer – an absolutely crucial role. The current treasurer is happy to provide a six-month induction period to guide and support the new person whilst they familiarise themselves with the work.

Will you grasp the nettle and take pride in ensuring that our village hall continues to be an important social centre serving Topcliffe and Asenby? Think about it. And remember that without volunteers to run it, there’ll be no village hall.

If you are interested in an initial chat – or better still if you are already persuaded and want to be part of this successful village story – please contact Andrew Eckersley on 07966 619016 or by emailing alieneck4000@gmail.com

A huge thank you is due to Nicky Wood who led on introducing the Hallmaster bookings system and has managed it on behalf of the committee until now. Nicky is stepping down from the committee due to work pressures.

Karen is hoping villagers will rally round and help in any way they can, but particularly by baking cakes, buns, sausage rolls and biscuits, and donating raffle prizes.

Please do what you can to support your village hall. Contact Karen on 01845 577426.

The Water Leak: There’s an article in the Spring edition of The Tattler, which most households should have received in the last day or so, about the water leak and subsequent difficulties that committee members experienced trying to get it fixed. You can have a read of it here.

• TODAY – Sunday 3 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• Wednesday 6 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Sunday 10 March at 10.45am – Mothering Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 13 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Saturday 16 March at 7pm – Northallerton Male Voice Choir (see details in list below)
• Sunday 17 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
• Wednesday 20 March at 2pm – Topcliffe Academy Easter Service.
• Wednesday 20 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
• Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
• Friday 29 March at 2pm – Good Friday Reflection led by Rev Robert Williamson.
• Saturday 30 March at 7pm – Easter Vigil led by Rev. Robert Williamson and Choral Mass, including Mozart’s Coronation Mass featuring organist Matthew Atherton and the church choir.

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

• TODAY: Sunday 3 March – Fundraising evening for the Herriot Hospice – featuring the London Mountain Film Festival – a fabulous night of big screen outdoor adventure films. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.
• To Thursday 7 March – matinees on Sunday 3 and Wednesday 6 March – Jackdaw
• Friday 8 to Thursday 14 March – matinee on Wednesday 13 March – Argylle.
• Friday 15 to Thursday 21 March – matinee Wednesday 20 March – The Iron Claw.
• Friday 22 to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March – Bob Marley: One Love.
• Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March – matinees only – Migration.

https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.

If residents don’t step forward to serve their community, then Parish Council matters and decisions may be taken over by North Yorkshire Council.

If you have any interest in being more involved in Asenby Village and decisions for the future then please email the current Chair, Colin Grimston (colin.grimston@gmail.com) for an informal chat. Please include a contact phone number and an idea of when best to call you.

Asenby Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 20 March.

The licence is for one 240-litre wheelie bin to be emptied fortnightly, though more than one licence can be purchased. Once paid, you will receive a licence pack by post within 14 days. This pack will include a sticker that must be displayed on your bin – and your service will not start until your licence is displayed.

Collections can start as early as 6am on your collection day, so your bin should be at the kerbside or designated collection point, with the licence clearly visible, from the night before.

You can find out more about the service or check your garden waste collection day on the council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk

Hygiene ratings are publicised on the Scores on the Doors website and you can check out the rating for all food premises in the Thirsk and surrounding area by visiting http://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

A check of that website shows that there’s currently 116 premises registered in the Thirsk area of which a very respectable 97 have a 5 star rating; four are 4 star; three are 3 star; one is 2 star and one is 1 star. Ten premises are awaiting inspection.

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

• How to Paint Botanical Watercolours – Monday 4 March and Monday 25 March.
• Linocut Printed Cards – Wednesday 6 March.
• Enamelling a Unique Item – Wednesday 13 March.
• Creating a Copper Wire Hare – Tuesday 19 March.
• Traditional Sign Painting – Wednesday 20 March.
• iCan – Get to Know Your IPad – Saturday 23 March.
• Experimental Textiles – Saturday 23 March.
• James and The Giant Peach Paperwork – Tuesday 26 March.
• Ceramic Tortoises – Wednesday 27 March.
• Matilda’s Watercolour Paintings – Thursday 28 March.
• Penguins from Everyday Junk – Thursday 28 March.
• Experimental Print – Friday 29 March.

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

• Spring Pruning Workshop – Wednesday 6 March – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.
• Collaging Workshop with celebrated environmental artist James Owen Thomas – Wednesday 13 March – 10am to 1pm.
• Easter Wreath Workshop – Wednesday 20 March – 10am to 3pm.
• Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and Sunday 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
• Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday May 2024 -10am – 4pm

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

• Ripon Cathedral events will include bell-ringing, bell-tower tours (advanced booking required as spaces are limited – please sign in for the tours at Ripon Library), singing and dancing.
• Ripon Library will offer a children’s story-time for under 5s, a Lego club for 6 to 12-year olds, knitting and crochet taster session and a chance to join in with short taster of some dances that can be done seated or standing with Dancing for Wellbeing.
• There is also free entry for local residents to all three Ripon Museums (Workhouse, Prison & Police and Court House) on production of a proof of address in HG4 postcode.

Check out the website at https://visitripon.co.uk/event/sights-sounds-of-ripon-2024/

• The Swan is now taking bookings for lunch, which will be served from 12 noon to 3.30pm. Call 01845 595185 or message them on their Facebook page.
• The Angel is also taking bookings and lunch will be from 12 noon to 4pm. Call 01845 578000 or message them via their Facebook page or website.

• Thursday, 14 March – FOTS Disco, 5.30 – 7pm
• Wednesday, 20 March – Easter Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
• Friday, 22 March – Topcliffe’s Got Talent, 12.45pm
• Friday, 22 March – School closes for Easter holidays, 2pm
• Monday, 8 April – Staff Training Day
• Tuesday, 9 April – School re-opens for start of Summer Term.

• Saturday 16 March – History-inspired Crafts
• Saturday 30 March – Junk Robots

Look out for extra club events in the half-term and Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk See poster about current club activities here.

• Thursday 21 March, 10.30am to 2.30pm – Learn to draw and sketch with more confidence.
• Thursday 11 April, 10.30am to 1.30pm – Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics.

Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe: Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’. Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.