Doug Allan - Page 38 - Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 12 March 202313 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 150

Welcome to the Sunday Email – the 150th edition!

Today marks the start of a sponsorship deal that will ensure that the Sunday Email will remain a weekly publication. Faro Finance Ltd has agreed to pay MailChimp costs associated with the distribution of the email for a period of one year. In exchange they’ll get a small banner (see end of email) advertising their business consultancy and space for timely messages about important financial matters, such as when tax returns must be lodged with HMRC.

I may have been presumptious in arranging a full year’s sponsorship without asking recipients whether or not they want to continue receiving the Sunday Email. I can see that on average 65 to 70% of recipients actually open the email each week – that’s not a bad average, I guess. And people I meet at various events or even just in the village, generally provide positive feedback that leads me to believe the weekly email is welcomed and appreciated. In the end everyone has a choice – they can read it or delete it…or even unsubscribe! But I hope that the majority will continue to read and enjoy this weekly community newsletter.

Doug
07785 223707

Hello from Faro Finance
We’re really pleased to be sponsoring your Sunday email which brings you news of things you might not always find out about without a lot of digging around.

That sounds a bit like our world. Our clients are busy people who don’t have time to search out better ways of running the back office of their business, from systems and processes to how their records and reporting fit together. We can do the digging and come up with better solutions for you.

Once a month, starting next week, the Sunday Email will have a message from us covering things you might not know about. It will be timely because the end of the tax year is looming. We are going to let you know about HMRC’s ‘Trivial Benefits’. Actually it isn’t trivial at all – it’s a tax free benefit for both employees and employers.

Faro Finance | 0161 249 6000 | farofinance.com

St Columba’s – Lent Services
Throughout Lent there’ll be a service of Compline at 7pm every Wednesday. 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.

TODAY at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Wednesday 15 March at 7pm – Compline led by Rev’d Robert Williamson
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 led by Rev’d Robert Williamson
Wednesday 29 March at 7pm – Compline
Sunday 2 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday

Dalton Film Club
TODAY – A newly formed film club starts at Dalton Village Hall. There’ll be a matinee at 2pm featuring Matilda the Musical. Then at 7pm the 15+ film will be Top Gun: Maverick. Entry is free of charge. The bar will be open and popcorn and sweets will be on sale.

Films will be shown every second Sunday of the month. Check out the hall’s Facebook page for details.

Platinum Park Project
As reported in the latest edition of The Tattler, Topcliffe Parish Council has confirmed the Platinum Park Project in the village will go ahead this year.
The exciting plans for the playing field, which were developed following a community wide survey, and will cost £95,000, include an accessible pathway/trail with raised areas for walking and bikes, a new gate for better pedestrian access, significant upgrades to the children’s play equipment, including some accessible items, and a fully-fenced allotment area. There will also be tree and wildflower planting to increase the diversity of the wildlife in the area. Pictures of the plans will be available to view on the parish website in due course. Sincere thanks are offered to Cllr Mark Robson, our local councillor and Leader of Hambleton District Council, for giving his backing to this project and enabling the use of Community Infrastructure Levy funds towards make it possible.

Topcliffe Bridge repairs delayed
In January, North Yorkshire County Council’s highways engineers promised that repairs to the Asenby side of Topcliffe Bridge would be completed before 31 March 2023. Unfortunately, that won’t happen now and there will be further delay before this job is tackled. Highway chiefs are saying that the Environment Agency is suggesting repairs can’t be undertaken whilst fish in the river are breeding. This restriction is being questioned but a new date for work to start will be required. Let’s hope this is soon sorted and our 400 year old bridge is repaired and tidied up before too long.

A bench fit for a king
Asenby will be commemorating the coronation of King Charles lll by installing a bespoke metal bench at the Whaites Lane entrance to the village. The bench will be forged by Asenby blacksmith Louis Sturt who designed and installed the Platinum Jubilee Bench under the chestnut tree in 2022. The Coronation Bench will replace a dilapidated seat which was donated to the village many years ago by a fishing syndicate. It will be funded by the recently defunct Asenby Institute whose last committee meeting voted to use remaining funds – previously donated by villagers – for this celebratory purpose.

Flying the flag for Topcliffe
Topcliffe resident Andrew Eckersley is seeking views on a plan he has developed for a commemorative flagstaff and pole above the old stone cross on Long Street. He sees it as a way of commemorating both the late Queen Elizabeth II and recognising the coronation of our new King.

The flag staff – see illustrations here – would be built in solid oak around the cross, taking care that the old blockwork is appropriately preserved and protected. It’s envisaged that the flag staff base would have four corners in solid oak coming to a point about 12 feet from the ground, and the flagpole itself would be around 30ft high. It has been estimated that the cost might be around £20,000, though it’s hoped that a much keener price might be achieved.

It will require both planning permission and support from Topcliffe Parish Council, which owns the land, and some councillors have already indicated their support in principle, subject to sight of a formal proposal. It will also require a major fund raising scheme.

At this point in time, Andrew is simply wishing to see what villagers think of the idea. If you have any thoughts or can offer any support for this initiative, then please email Andrew at [email protected]

Any feedback received will help determine whether or not he invests more time and effort in trying to bring the project to fruition.

The Flying Oysters
Tickets for The Flying Oysters dance on 22 April have sold out! There may be a few more available if those people who have reserved tickets do not actually buy them. Email [email protected] or call 07785 223707 to be put on a reserve list.

Village Hall needs new committee members
Our villages are fortunate to have a very successful village hall that provides a fantastic venue for regular activities – like the Warm Lunch hub, boccia, indoor bowls, art classes, scouts and brownies – as well as one-off events such as private parties, the Produce Show, Race Night and dances.

The hall needs volunteer committee members to make it work and the search is on for new blood to help secure this vitally important venue’s future. The committee meets six times a year, though it’s hoped volunteers might get a bit more involved in organising and running events. If you might like to be involved, please get in touch with the Chairman, Andrew Eckersley by email – [email protected]

Scout Leader dies
A scout leader well-known to many past and present scouts in Topcliffe and Asenby has sadly passed away. Stuart Carter, who lived at Baldersby St James, was a leader with various local scout troops for 40 years including many with 1st Topcliffe Scouts. He was a passionate, dedicated, funny, inspiring, understanding and caring leader, always willing to teach and pass on his skills. He certainly knew everything there was to know about scouting and he was an excellent ambassador for scouting in this area and beyond.

Last Friday evening at the troop meeting in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, there was a short period of reflection to remember Stuart and everything he did within the District. Details of Stuart’s funeral will be in next Sunday’s Email.

The Angel seeks old photographs
Kelly Shackleton, an Interior Designer commissioned to design the public rooms being refurbished at The Angel, is on the lookout for historic photographs, maps and newspaper articles of Topcliffe and the surrounding area. If any resident has anything she can look at and borrow for copying, please get in touch on 07368 175145.

Thirsk improves webcam capability
The webcam window onto Thirsk now shows the Market Place in full-speed video with optional sound. About 10,000 people a month watch what is going on in Thirsk. Improved infrastructure, including faster
broadband and new software, has enabled the upgrade. The webcam is sponsored by The World of James Herriot. http://VisitThirsk.uk/webcam

Quiz night at the Village Hall
The weekly Sunday quiz is on tonight at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. 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 Knit & Natter club meets at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall from 1.30 to 3.30pm every Thursday.

Cash donations continue to be accepted towards a wool fund so that the group can knit a range of decorations for the King’s Coronation on Saturday 6 June. Donations can be left at 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
Last week 49 meals were served. A total of £138 was raised of which £50 has been donated to the Blue Cross animal shelter in Topcliffe, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

The final weekly Warm Space lunch of this winter will be held on Wednesday 29 March. The volunteers will revert to providing Soup & Sweet on a fortnightly basis starting Wednesday 12 April.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.

Golf for the little ones
The Little Golfers scheme is being introduced at Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club during April. They are running four free taster sessions for boys and girls aged 4 to 12 throughout April with PGA professional, Bradley Rowntree. Equipment will be provided on the day. To book a child onto a taster session contact 01845 525115 or go to [email protected]

Art classes at the Village Hall
The latest weekly art class led by artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne are underway and remaining dates are 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.

Don’t forget that there are two special one-off classes 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 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: On 3 March all ticket prices are £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 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:

16 March – Performance by students from Leeds University.
23 March – Ed Jones on the organ.
30 March – Prima Musica students.

Dream & Doodle
A new weekly event is 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 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 – [email protected]

Thorp Perrow events

Spring Pruning – Thursday 16 March – 10am to 3pm – a hands-on educational workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune. Tickets include refreshments and a light lunch.
Easter Wreath Making – Thursday 30 March – 10am to 4pm – celebrate the joys of springtime creating a beautiful, nature-inspired door wreath. Tickets include refreshments and a light lunch.
Guided Daffodil Tour & Afternoon Tea – Thursday 6 April – 2 to 5pm – A walk and talk tour when the daffodils are in glorious bloom. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea and a glass of champagne served in the Summerhouse.
Watercolour with John Harrison – Thursday 13 April – 10am – 4:30pm – Capture the beauty of the Arboretum in your own hand with John’s Harrison’s Watercolour Workshop. Lunch provided.
An Introduction to Bushcraft – Tuesday 18 April – 10am to 4pm – Paul Holden Ridgway demonstrates bushcraft and wilderness skills, from shelters and fire lighting to navigation and plant identification. A course designed for beginners (adults only). Ticket includes lunch and refreshments.

For more information, prices and bookings, go to: https://www.thorpperrow.com

Dalton Village Hall Ceilidh
There will be a ceilidh on Saturday 18 March with music provided by Blind Stag. A pie and pea supper will be served. Tickets are £12, available from Eleanor on 07841 036340.

Sights & Sounds of Ripon 2023
This year’s Sights and Sounds event is being staged at venues across Ripon on Saturday 18 March between 11am and 2pm. It’s a great day to explore the city and find out more about the amazing range of opportunities to get active at various venues involved including the Cathedral and library. There’s something for everyone and families are especially welcome.

Ripon Cathedral – Family crafts and games, music by local choirs, pop up café, and twenty local voluntary and community organisations showcasing their services. Plus – North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Dancing from Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers.

Ripon Library – Lego club, storytime for children up to 5 years of age (11.30 – 12 noon) and for ages 6+ from 1 ‘til 2pm. Throughout the day you can meet representatives and find out more about the services provided from Digital Champions, Skell Valley Project, Citizens Advice, Ripon YMCA, Harrogate Council’s tenant involvement and recycling teams, Horizons adult drug and alcohol recovery and Stop Smoking campaigns. And between 2.30pm and 4.30pm look out for the Thackray Medical Museum Outreach team giving an extra special free drop-in event all about brains and senses – suitable for ages 5+.

Ripon’s three museums will be open throughout the day.

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.

Artisan Market
The next Artisan Market on Thirsk Market Place will be held on Sunday 19 March between 10am and 3pm. It offers locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. http://www.littlebirdmade.com

Hilarity Bites Comedy Night

There’s a comedy night at Sessay Village Hall 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 call 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.

Dalton Domino Drive
The next Domino Drive will be on Saturday 25 March at 7pm in Dalton Village Hall. It will raise funds for St John’s Church. Admission is £2. All are welcome.

The Sky at Night
Sutton Bank National Park Centre is organising a special event to give people the chance to get a step closer to the cosmos and to unlock its many treasures using its powerful telescopes. The Hub provides a warm indoor space for colourful presentations with a purpose-built viewing area alongside. If it’s cloudy, you’ll still see stars thanks to a brilliant computer based planetarium show. The event is suitable for adults and children over six years old and is perfect for novices. Saturday 25 March, 7.30-9.30pm. £17 adults and £11 for children. Price includes warm refreshments. Tickets online at:
http://tinyurl.com/venusnym

British Summer Time
Clocks go forward one hour – Sunday 26 March at 1am.

Parish Council meetings
Both Asenby Parish Council and Topcliffe Parish Council will hold meetings at 7pm on Thursday 30 March at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Springtime Live
This special springtime show is on at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Saturday 1 April. Families can get up close to farm animals including rabbits, goats and sheep. There’s lots of activities to choose
from, including rides on tractors, cookery workshops, face painting, felting,
moosical fun with Moo Music, wizard wand whittling and much much more! There’ll be Peppa Pig as well as Peter Rabbit who will be making his debut
and both will be on stage throughout the day. Diggerland will also be at
Springtime Live for the first time. £12, child £7, family (2+3) £33. Tickets
online only. http://springtimelive.co.uk

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place, Thirsk on Sunday 2 April from 9am to 2pm. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. http://northerndalesfarmersmarkets.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/

Sandro Botticelli and Renaissance Art
The next event at Solberge Hall Hotel, Newby Wiske will see James
Lindow’s illustrated lecture on Sandro Botticelli and the golden age of
Renaissance Art. Botticelli’s art epitomises this period under the patronage of Lorenzo de Medici and his circle. Tuesday 4 April – 1.45pm-3.15pm free to Art Society members, visitors £7. Tickets on the door or online from: http://theartssociety.org./hambleton

Middleham Stables Open Day
A unique chance to look behind-the-scenes in Middleham stables. This year eight racing yards will be open. There will be a shuttle bus service running from car parks located at DL8 4PP or DL8 5SG throughout the day. 9am-4pm on Friday 7 April. Tickets: Book online.

Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Mondays 13 and 27 March.
Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 23 March.
Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service are now open. The charge is £43.50. The current (purple) licences are still valid until 31 March 2023. The 2023-24 service starts 3 April 2023 and ends 29 March 2024. https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/garden-waste/garden-waste-service

Harrogate (Asenby)

Recycling – Mondays 13 and 27 March.
Refuse – Mondays 20 March and 3 April.
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.

This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance

Posted on 5 March 20232 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 149

Welcome to the Sunday Email

A few weeks ago I mentioned that charges for use of the MailChimp platform for the preparation and circulation of the Sunday Email, were being introduced. To avoid payments, one suggestion was to publish fortnightly, rather than weekly. This would avoid charges as the number of emails issued each calendar month would be halved. Another idea suggested by some readers was to change platforms if a better deal could be found elsewhere.

A search has thrown up a few possibilities, but each presents new or different problems and the likelihood is that as with MailChimp, charges would also be levied in time.

But it turns out there is another solution. My son’s partner has offered to sponsor the MailChimp costs for a period of one year in exchange for a small banner advertising his accountancy business and timely messages about important financial matters, such as when tax returns must be lodged with HMRC.

I have happily accepted this kind offer, which means the Sunday Email can continue as a weekly newsletter.

Doug
07785 223707

The award-winning Catton Kitchen
Congratulations to The Catton Kitchen who have won the Start-Up Business Award in Hambleton District Council’s 2022 Business Awards.

Proprietors Amy and Hugo Pearson attended the awards ceremony last Tuesday evening to receive their award.

Hugo and Amy had a dream of setting up their own market garden where they could make a living from small-scale food production based on sustainable and environmentally responsible methods. They also wanted to create a community hub where local people can meet, enjoy the space that has been created, eat and buy the food that has been produced…all on a very local basis and without creating any food miles.

As well as winning the Start-Up Business Award, they were also finalists in the Sustainability category.

They opened Catton Kitchen in July 2021 and since then, trade has steadily increased and the ‘Kitchen’, along with its popular café, has become a regular venue for people from surrounding villages.

They say the award is a sign that “people are interested and aware about what we do. Food security is a huge issue currently – home produced, seasonal and locally-grown food is fundamental to regaining our food sovereignty and we are proud to be playing our part.”

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

TODAY 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 led by Rev’d Robert Williamson
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 led by Rev’d Robert Williamson
Wednesday 29 March at 7pm – Compline
Sunday 2 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY – on the Market Square between 9am and 2pm on. All stallholders are local independent businesses which grow, rear or produce the food or drink available on their stall. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

The Spring Tattler
The March edition of The Tattler has been printed and will be distributed door to door in Topcliffe and Asenby during the next few days.

The Elm Gallery
The gallery is closed until Saturday 11 March.

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 – with 75 per cent bought or reserved – so to avoid disappointment get yours soon. They are available from Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Topcliffe Post Office.

Church Street footpath repairs
Minor footpath repairs on Church Street this coming week are likely to create a few traffic problems in Topcliffe. The work is scheduled to start on Monday 6 March on pavements stretching from The Swan to the Methodist Chapel, and they will take a couple of days to complete.

There will be a diversion in place on Church Street and the one way system on Church and Front streets will be suspended and traffic lights will be in place. Car parking on Front Street will be banned for the duration of the works, so drivers will need to park their vehicles elsewhere.

Access to individual properties on both streets will be maintained whenever possible but, because of the nature of the work, there will be periods when access cannot be guaranteed. Anyone with special access needs can contact the County Council to discuss their position

Quiz success at the Village Hall
The weekly Sunday quiz is now held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along tonight at 8pm and enjoy a bit of a laugh mixed with some good company. It’s also a chance to show off your general knowledge skills. 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 Knit & Natter club meets at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall from 1.30 to 3.30pm every Thursday.

Club members are busy creating bunting to decorate Topcliffe for the coronation of His Majesty the King on Saturday 6 May. They are still looking for 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
Last week 54 meals were served. A total of £177 was raised of which £50 has been donated to the Salvation Army in Thirsk, with the remainder going into the Community Warm-up fund.

Please note that the final weekly Warm Space lunch will be held on Wednesday 29 March. The volunteers will revert to providing soup and sweet on a fortnightly basis starting Wednesday 12 April.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
The Village Hall is available for hire to local organisations, businesses and individuals. It offers excellent facilities for a wide range of events including art and exercise classes, meetings, exhibitions, fayres, social events and lots more.

The Village Hall Committee has introduced the Hallmaster online booking service. This is accessed via the village website – www.topcliffe.org.uk and allows enquiries and bookings to be made directly online. The Village Hall no longer has a Bookings Secretary.

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 March in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

£2 per journey bus fare scheme extended
The £2 cap on bus fares for single journeys introduced on 1 January, which initially was for a three month period, has been extended for three months to the end of June.

Reliance Bus Company, which serves Topcliffe and Asenby has given a few examples of the type of savings that can be made on single journeys: Thirsk to York was £5.90 and is now only £2 and Northallerton to Ripon was £6.40 but is now only £2. Take advantage whilst you can.

Cross Talk
The March edition of Cross Talk, the church newsletter, is available to read here.

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
The latest weekly art class led by artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne are underway and remaining dates are 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.

Don’t forget that there are two special one-off classes 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.

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 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

The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

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.

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.

Forthcoming classes are from 10 to 11am on Thursdays 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 – [email protected]

Asenby Parish Council
There will be a meeting of the parish council at 7pm on Thursday 30 March at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

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

The Repair Cafe
The next repair cafe will be held on Saturday 11 March between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Community Library on Chapel Street. It’s a chance to get items such as small appliances, computers, toys, tools and clothes repaired. It’s much better to try and give things a new life rather than bin them.

Dalton Film Club
A newly formed film club will start on Sunday 12 March at Dalton Village Hall. There’ll be a matinee at 2pm featuring Matilda the Musical. Then at 7pm the 15+ film will be Top Gun: Maverick. Entry is free of charge. The bar will be open and popcorn and sweets will be on sale.

Films will be shown every second Sunday of the month. Check out the hall’s Facebook page for details.

Thorp Perrow events

Spring Pruning – Thursday 16 March – 10am to 3pm – a hands-on educational workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune. The workshop will take place both outdoors and in the Summer House, so sturdy footwear and gardening gloves are a must. Tickets include refreshments and a light lunch.
Easter Wreath Making – Thursday 30 March – 10am to 4pm – celebrate the joys of springtime creating a beautiful, nature-inspired door wreath. The workshop will take place in the beautiful Summer House. Tickets include refreshments and a light lunch.
Guided Daffodil Tour & Afternoon Tea – Thursday 6 April – 2 to 5pm – A lively and informative walk and talk tour when the daffodils are in glorious bloom. Learn some fascinating facts and care tips along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea and a glass of champagne, all served in the Summerhouse overlooking the beautiful grounds.
An Introduction to Bushcraft – Tuesday 18 April – 10am to 4pm – Paul Holden Ridgway demonstrates bushcraft and wilderness skills, from shelters and fire lighting to navigation and plant identification. A course designed for beginners (adults only) which promises to be both fun and educational. Sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing required. Ticket includes lunch and refreshments.

For more information, prices and bookings, go to: 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

There’s a comedy night at Sessay Village Hall 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 call 01845 577906.

Dalton Domino Drive
The next Domino Drive will be on Saturday 25 March at 7pm in Dalton Village Hall. iIt will be to raise funds for St John’s Church. Admission is £2. All are welcome.

Dalton Ceilidh
There will be a ceilidh on Saturday 18 March with music provided by Blind Stag. A pie and pea supper will be served. Tickets are £12, available from Eleanor on 07841 036340.

Local traders

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 9 and 23 March.
Refuse – Mondays 13 and 27 March.
Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service are now open. The charge is £43.50. The current (purple) licences are still valid until 31 March 2023. The 2023-24 service starts 3 April 2023 and ends 29 March 2024. https://www.hambleton.gov.uk/garden-waste/garden-waste-service

Harrogate (Asenby)

Refuse – Mondays 6 and 20 March.
Recycling – Mondays 13 and 27 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 26 February 20232 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 148

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

St Columba’s

TODAY at 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.

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 – [email protected]

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

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

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 – [email protected]
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.

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/

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/

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 19 February 20232 October 2026 by Doug Allan

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 Square between 10am and 3pm. http://www.littlebirdmade.com.

St Columba’s

TODAY at 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
[email protected]

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 – [email protected]

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.

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

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.

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

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/

Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festival has 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 12 February 20232 October 2026 by Doug Allan

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 [email protected]

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

TODAY at 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.

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 18 February 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 – [email protected]

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.

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

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

Deer Shed Festival 2023
The date of this year’s festival has 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)

Recycling – Mondays 13 and 27th February.
Refuse – Mondays 20 February and 6 March.
Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service are now open and the cost is £43.50 for 19 fortnightly collections starting mid March. http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/garden-waste-subscription-service

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.