Doug Allan - Page 40 - Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 1 January 20232 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 140

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Doug
07785 223707

Services at St Columba’s

TODAY – New Year’s Day – no service.
8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
29 January – No service (5th Sunday).

Topcliffe Surgery
The Surgery has experienced a large increase in the number of patients not showing up for their appointments. Between 1 and 29 December, ninety-six appointments were wasted due to non-attendance, with twenty-six of these wasted appointments in the week before Christmas alone. In an ever-busy world, surgery managers and doctors fully appreciate that unforeseen circumstances or last minute changes in schedules occur, but they appeal to anyone who can’t keep an appointment to let the surgery know. This enables staff to offer the slot to another patient.

Mummers fail to turn up
Due to illness, the Mummers performers were unable to appear as planned in Topcliffe on Thursday 30 December. It was unfortunate that they didn’t to get a message through to people in the village who could have let others know that the performances wouldn’t be going ahead. It appears a few people travelled to Topcliffe to see the plays and dancing and others left the warmth of their homes to watch the street-based theatre. It was a shame that the show didn’t go ahead, but we look forward to next year’s performances.

Dance date for your diary
Those of you who enjoyed some great music and dancing when The Flying Oysters visited Topcliffe pre-Covid, will be pleased to hear that they are coming back for a repeat performance. They’ve been booked for Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Saturday 22 April. It’ll be a bring your own drinks evening but a tasty supper will be provided at the interval. Ticket prices and more information will follow soon. But for now, please make a note of the date in your diary.

Asenby Parish Council
There are two vacancies on Asenby Parish Council and it’s hoped that eligible village residents will put their names forward to be councillors. If two eligible persons apply to join the Parish Council they would be automatically ‘elected’, but if more than two step forward, an election will be held no later than 14 March 2023. If nobody puts their name forward, eligible residents can be co-opted onto the council. See link for further information.

Free parking at Hambleton car parks
Monday 2 January is the final day of free parking at car parks operated by Hambleton District Council.

Cross Talk: January edition
January’s issue of the church magazine, Cross Talk, has been published and can be viewed here.

Topcliffe Post Office
The Post Office will be closed today and Monday 2 January opening as normal from Tuesday 3 January.

Fire safety in your home
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has issued guidance to help residents stay safe from fire this winter. With fuel prices rising, many people may turn to alternative ways to heat their home, cook their food or manage other electrical appliances, and so this guidance provides advice on how best to avoid risks and stay safe. This includes:

Heating your home using devices such as portable heaters, solid fuel heating, outdoor heating and electric blankets.
Cooking – specifically using disposable or portable equipment.
Safe use of electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.
The safe use of candles.
Fire detection and smoke alarms.
Signposting to support services that can help with managing energy bills, staying warm this winter and identifying fire risks in the home.

The guidance is available on this website http://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/besafefeelsafe

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service can visit eligible members of the public to offer fire safety advice to reduce and prevent fires, identify possible risks in the home, test smoke alarms, plan potential escape routes and talk through bedtime routines to ensure safety during the night. To find out more visit: http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/your-safety/book-a-visit

Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall on Wednesdays between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The next lunch is on Wednesday 4 January.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

Knit and Natter
The Knit & Natter group’s next session will be held on Thursday 5 January at 1.30pm in the TV lounge at The Angel. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!

Meeting of Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Monday 9 January in the Village Hall.

Quiz Night at The Angel
The first quiz night of the New Year will be held at 8pm on Sunday 8 January at The Angel. It’s a really good night with a lot of fun and some lighthearted banter with the quiz master! So come along and enjoy yourselves. The Angel really make us welcome even offering a bottle of wine for a monthly draw. Hope to see more residents joining in in the New Year.

Art classes at the Village Hall
Two extra art classes will be in January at the Village Hall, each hosted by talented artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne.

Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start on 9 January and run until 7 February. 10am to 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works of which you can be proud.
Saturday 30 January – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques for creating your own vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Joe Cornish to talk about landscape photography
In a special Arts Society presentation, renowned local photographer Joe Cornish, who has his gallery in Zetland Street, Northallerton, will speak about landscape photography and how it fits neatly with the other arts. It’s on at Solberge Hall Hotel at 1.45pm on Tuesday 10 January. Free entry to Art Society members and £7 for visitors. Book via the website: http://www.theartssociety.org/hambleton

Asenby Institute – new members needed
Following the resignation of all existing committee members before Christmas, a Special General Meeting of Asenby Institute has been arranged at which it is hoped new committee members will step forward.

It will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 January at the home of Siobhan Gifford at Green End Cottage, Asenby. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

Christmas tree disposal
People will soon be thinking of taking down their Christmas tree and if they have real ones, thinking about how best to dispose of them. Residents in Topcliffe will benefit from a special one-off green waste collection by Hambleton Council on Thursday 12 January which is an opportunity to dispose of your tree. Trees must be chopped to be fully inside your green wheelie bin. Other green waste can also be included.

There isn’t a similar special collection for Harrogate residents so those living in Asenby will have to make arrangements to dispose of their tree at a local Household Waste Recycling Centre. The nearest is located near Thirsk (Ox Moor Plantation Lane, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 1FA) and it’s open everyday except today (New Year’s Day) and Wednesdays 8.30am to 4pm.

Raise funds for Great Ouseburn School
Maybe you would be happy to pay £5 to have your tree collected and disposed of? SEK Handyman & Removals is taking bookings now and half the proceeds of each tree will be donated to Great Ouseburn community primary school to help build a new classroom. Check them out on Facebook.

Winter star gazing at Sutton Bank
‘Orion Night and Winter Stars’ is the title of this star gazing opportunity at the Star Hub located at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on the evening of Saturday 14 January between 7 and 9pm.

The constellation of Orion will dominate this event: its majestic presence in the south sky, harbours wonders including a great nebula where stars are born. You’ll also take a trip around the other great sky patterns of winter and keep an eye on the planet Mars, still riding high at this time of year.

The Star Hub provides a warm indoor space and a perfect viewing area. Tickets at £16 for adults and £10.50 for children are available online at
http://www.gostargazing.co.uk/events

Village Hall Meeting
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 January.

Textile recycling
If you’re having an annual clear out of cupboards and wardrobes in the New Year, please save your discarded clothing and donate it to the Bags2School textile recycling event being held on Monday 23 January. You’ll be able to drop off your bags of textiles at the Village Hall between 8.30am and 12 noon. If you have trouble storing the bags, contact Donna Fleming (07591 438766) or Doug Allan (07785 223707) and they will try to make arrangements for storage until the collection day. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts.

Here’s a reminder of the items that are welcomed: men’s, ladies and children’s clothing – paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around) – handbags – hats – bags – scarves and ties – jewelry – lingerie – socks – belts – soft toys – household linen – household curtains – household towels – household bedding (bed sheets, pillow-cases and duvet covers).

The following items can’t be accepted: duvets and blankets, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing, school uniforms, corporate clothing and workwear or textile off cuts or yarns.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is taking a winter break and won’t be back in Topcliffe until Friday 27 January.

Big Garden Birdwatch
Are you ready for The 2023 Big Garden Birdwatch? It takes place over the weekend 27 – 29 January. Taking part in the count helps the RSPB build a vital snapshot of how garden birds are doing in each county and across the UK. Be prepared for the count by registering your interest and getting access to some useful information about birds you are likely to encounter.

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held in the Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 2 February.

Keep Fit for mums with toddlers
The ‘circuits’ keep fit class that takes place in the Village Hall every Tuesday at 9.20am is proving extremely popular with mums with young children. It’s a great way to keep fit and as you can take the children with you, there’s no need to worry about finding babysitters. All abilities are welcome. Sessions range from dumbbells, kettlebells, legs, bums & tums and hand weights. Lots of variety and great fun!

Keep Fit instructor Lianne Ayling says there’s a lovely group already meeting up each week, but there is room for a few extra participants, so she hopes that as the New Year unfolds more mums will come along. If interested, send her a message on her Facebook page – Fit with Lianne.

What’s on at The RItz
The cinema is closed today (Sunday 1 January).

To Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see above) – Strange World.
Friday 6 to Thursday 12 January (matinee Wednesday 11 January) – Aftersun.
Friday 13 to Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information –
https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

The Catton Kitchen
The Kitchen is back to normal opening hours this coming week: so, open on Friday and Saturday between 10am and 2pm and on Sunday between 10 and 12 noon.

There’s also an amazing range of meats and vegetables, plus ready meals, which are ideal as a standby for those days when you’ve run out of ideas about what to prepare.

Email [email protected] or go on the Catton Kitchen Facebook page and send a message.

Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
Recycling – Thursdays 12 and 26 January.
Garden waste – no further collections until the so-called Christmas tree collection on Thursday 12 January. Other green waste can be included.
Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Recycling – Monday 2 January.
Refuse – Mondays 9 and 23 January.
Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023.
Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service open on Monday 9 January 2023.

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

Posted on 25 December 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 139

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

Doug
07785 223707

Services at St Columba’s

TODAY – Christmas day – no service.
New Year’s Day – no service.
8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

Christmas in Ripon

TODAY – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
Monday 26 December (Boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

Carol Success
Around sixty villagers gathered around the Christmas tree to sing carols last Thursday evening. Afterwards they enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies in the Village Hall. £131 was collected for MacMillan Cancer Care, with a further £10 due through gift aid.

Organiser, John Phillips, said a huge thankyou is due to everyone who attended and to those involved on the night, including the St Columba’s Choir, the Barber family, from Church Street, who provided brass accompaniment, and John Hewlett who supported them on the trombone, Thanks also go those who generously took food to the hall to share and to the Village Hall Committee and the Parish Council who provided financial support.

Quiz Night at The Angel
The regular Sunday evening quiz is on hold over Christmas and New Year. The next one will be held on Sunday 8 January at 8pm at The Angel.

Wakeman Mummers visit Topcliffe
The Wakeman Mummers (Topcliffe Blue Stots) will be performing their traditional mummers play around Topcliffe on Friday 30 December. They will be meeting at The Angel at 11am.

Topcliffe Post Office
Here are the dates that the Post Office will be operating next week.
Closed: Today, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December and Sunday 1 and Monday 2 January.
Open: Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 December. And Tuesday 3 January onwards.

The Catton Kitchen
Great selection of meat, sides, pate and puddings that could help make your New Year meals that little bit extra special…and they all come from the market garden produce. There’s also an amazing range of ready meals, which are ideal as a standby for those days when you’ve run out of ideas about what to prepare.

Next open on Thursday 29 December between 10am and 2pm. However, they can offer flexible collections, if required – just email [email protected] or go on the Catton Kitchen Facebook page and send a message.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is taking a winter break and won’t be back in Topcliffe until Friday 27 January.

Free parking over festive season
Hambleton District Council offer of free parking in its town centre car parks extends through to Monday 2 January 2023. No ticket is needed. Beware, however, that time limits still apply at short-stay car parks.

Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Last Wednesday’s lunch was so popular that the organisers ran out of food! The hall was full of villagers enjoying good food and the warm festive atmosphere. Forty nine meals were served, including some delivered around our two villages. In total, £156 was raised and some of this will be used to buy new kitchen equipment, with the rest going into the Warm-Up Community Help Fund, some of which will be distributed in the community in the New Year.

Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall on Wednesdays between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The next lunch is on Wednesday 4 January.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

Knit and Natter
The Knit & Natter group are having a break over the festive season so there won’t be a meeting on 29 December. The next session will be held on Thursday 5 January at 1.30pm in the TV lounge at The Angel. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!

Keep Fit for mums with toddlers
The ‘circuits’ keep fit class that takes place in the Village Hall every Tuesday at 9.20am is proving extremely popular with mums with young children. It’s a great way to keep fit and as you can take the children with you, there’s no need to worry about finding babysitters. All abilities are welcome. Sessions range from dumbbells, kettlebells, legs, bums & tums and hand weights. Lots of variety and great fun!

Keep Fit instructor Lianne Ayling says there’s a lovely group already meeting up each week, (see photograph here), but there is room for a few extra participants, so she hopes that post-festive season more mums will come along. If interested, send her a message on her Facebook page – Fit with Lianne.

What’s on at The RItz
The cinema is closed 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January.

To Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see above) – Strange World.
Friday 6 to Thursday 12 January (matinee Wednesday 11 January) – Aftersun.
Friday 13 to Thursday 19 January – (No matinees) – Avatar: The Way of Water.
Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January (matinee Wednesday 25 January) – I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Updates: Please check the cinema website for the latest information –
https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Asenby Parish Council
Now that Tanyka Rawden and Jane Gallon have stepped down from the Parish Council there are two vacancies for new councillors. If two eligible persons apply to join the Parish Council they would be automatically ‘elected’, but if more than two step forward, an election will be held not later than 14 March 2023. If nobody puts their name forward, eligible residents can be co-opted onto the council. See link for further information.

Art classes at the Village Hall
There’s a choice of art classes coming up at Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall, all hosted by talented artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne.

Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques for creating your own vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking, further details will be sent about the session.

Asenby Institute – new members required
A Special General Meeting of Asenby Institute is to be held on Wednesday 11 January aimed at recruiting new committee members. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

Textile recycling
The next Bags2School textile recycling event will be held on Monday 23 January 2023. If you’re having an annual clear out of cupboards and wardrobes in the New Year, please save your discarded clothing. You’ll be able to drop off your bags of textiles at the Village Hall between 8.30am and 12 noon. If you have trouble storing the bags, contact Donna Fleming (07591 438766) or Doug Allan (07785 223707) and they will try to make arrangements for storage until the collection day. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts.

Big Garden Birdwatch
The 2023 Big Garden Birdwatch will take place over the weekend 27-29 January 2023. It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and in 2022 almost 700,000 people took part, counting more than 11 million birds. Taking part in the count helps the RSPB build a vital snapshot of how garden birds are doing in each county and across the UK. Be prepared for January’s count by registering your interest and getting access to some useful information about birds you are likely to encounter.

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

Rural Arts launches spring programme
As Rural Arts approaches its 30th anniversary it has announced plans for an amazing programme of events for adults, children and families, including workshops, exhibitions, music and dance performances and lots more. Rural Arts is based at The Courthouse in Thirsk. The full programme can be checked-out at http://www.ruralarts.org

Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Recycling – Friday 30 December (one day later than normal).
Refuse – Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
Garden waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.
Subscriptions for the 2023/24 garden waste service will be available March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Refuse – Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal).
Recycling – Monday 2 January.
Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023.
Subscriptions for the 2023 garden waste service open on Monday 9 January 2023.

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

Posted on 18 December 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 138

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

I considered not issuing a Sunday Email on the next two Sundays as they are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but I decided to issue anyway even though the news may be light and you’ll all be busy enjoying your festive celebrations. Missing two Sundays just seems like a long gap and breaks the regularity of the messages.

Doug
07785 223707

Christmas lunch goes down a treat!
The pensioners’ Christmas lunch held last Tuesday was a fantastic success with over thirty residents enjoying a wonderful three course meal and magical entertainment courtesy of Matthew J’s Magic & Variety Arts.

Check out the photographs behind these numbered links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6. 7.

A big thank you to lunch organiser Judith Lowe and to all the volunteers, including Karen and Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson who prepared the meals, and to Peter Lowe, Steve & Liz Hall, Clare Phillips and Doug Allan who served on.

Chip ‘n Dales
Last Friday’s visit by the Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van was the last until late January 2023. Paul and Karen will be back on Friday 27 January. They wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Quiz Night at The Angel
The Sunday evening quiz is held each week at 8pm at The Angel. Entry is £1 per person and all the takings go to the winning team. Come along and test your general knowledge, meet friends and neighbours and have some fun.

Services at St Columba’s

TODAY: at 10.45am – Matins.
TODAY at 6.30pm a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.
Christmas day – no service.

And in the New Year:

New Year’s Day – no service
8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

Carol Singing at the village Christmas tree
On Thursday 22 December at 7.30pm there’ll be carols around the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome, so do come and sing. Please bring torches to read the carol sheets that will be provided. Brass accompaniment will be provided by the Barber family, who live in the village, and the singing will be aided by members of St Columba’s Choir.

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

Christmas in Ripon

TODAY – to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
TODAY – (and also on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December) – 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
Monday 26 December (Boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

The Catton Kitchen
Amy and Hugo currently have lots of meat, sides, pate and puddings that could help make your Christmas and New Year meals that little bit extra special…and they all come from the market garden produce.

They also have an amazing range of ready meals, which are proving incredibly popular, and the range is constantly being added to. Amy says: “They’re great to have as a standby or for those ‘in between’ Christmas and New Year days when you’ve run out of ideas about what to prepare.

Over the festive break the shack is open next Friday 23 December between 10am and 2pm and Thursday 29 December, also between 10am and 2pm. However, they can be flexible for collections – just email [email protected] or go on the Catton Kitchen Facebook page and send a message.

Free parking over festive season
Hambleton District Council is spreading a little bit of festive cheer by making parking free in its car parks for two weeks over Christmas. Parking in every district council car park across Northallerton, Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale, will be free from Monday 19 December to Monday 2 January 2023 (inclusive). No ticket is needed. Beware, however, that time limits still apply at short-stay car parks.

Oliver’s last newsletter
Asenby youngster, Oliver Robertson, has issued his last newsletter to residents of Asenby. You can read his departing publication here. Well done Oliver for preparing your newsy and fun-packed newsletter. It has been much appreciated by many residents.

Christmas learning at Thirsk library
Children aged up to 11 years are invited to pop along to Thirsk Library’s free drop in event with lots of Christmas activities between 10am and 2pm tomorrow, (19 December). Christmas crafts, games, reading, drawing, colouring and lots more. Email for more information or just turn up and join in. [email protected]

Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The next lunch is on Wednesday 21 December when a Sunday-style roast beef lunch will be served. As usual, there will be no set charge and those attending are asked only to pay what they can afford.

Last Wednesday 43 meals were served and £104 was raised, of which £50 was donated to the local branch of the Salvation Army. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund, which will be used to buy food for future lunches.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

Knit and Natter
There’ll be a Knit & Natter session on Thursday 22 December. It will held in the TV lounge at The Angel, starting at 1.30pm. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!

What’s on at The RItz

To Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.
Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Topcliffe Post Office
Here are the dates that the Post Office will be operating over the festive season.
Closed: Saturday 24, Sunday 25, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December. And Sunday 1, Monday 2 January.
Open: Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 December. And Tuesday 3 January onwards.

Asenby Parish Council – two resignations
Two members of Asenby Parish Council have resigned meaning there’s two vacancies needing to be filled. Tanyka Rawden, who was chair of the council and Jane Gallon, have stepped down. If two eligible persons apply to join the Parish Council they would be automatically ‘elected’, but if more than two step forward, an election will be held not later than 14 March 2023. See link for further information.

Ukrainians still need your help
It might be a time of celebration here in the UK but the people of Ukraine won’t be having a very pleasant Christmas this year…and they still need all the help we can give them.

The wonderful volunteers working at the Yorkshire to Ukraine project in Thirsk are still collecting items that might make someone’s life in that country just a little more bearable. They urgently need donations of items such as duvets, bedding, warm clothes, tinned food, personal health products. The collection point is, Teasdale Motorcycles Long Street, Thirsk YO7 1AU.

The Wakeman Mummers visit Topcliffe
The Wakeman Mummers (Topcliffe Blue Stots) will be performing their traditional mummers play around Topcliffe on Friday 30 December. They will be meeting at The Angel at 11am.

The tradition of performing a Mummers’ Play goes back many centuries and nobody knows for certain when, where or why they started. There are three existing traditional plays in this area: one from Ripon known as the sword dancers’ play (lthough there has not been a sword dance accompanying it within living memory!). Another is from the nearby village of Skelton-on-Ure and the third is from Topcliffe. All three plays are of the ‘Blue Stots’ tradition, named after the plough boys who performed around Christmas or New Year in order to cadge some extra money for the festive season.

Mummers’ costumes are fairly simple – a tatter-coat and a hat decorated with ribbons and other ornaments and with the actors’ faces only crudely disguised with black or white make-up. The original reason for blacking the faces is supposed to be to make the actors anonymous. The mumming tradition demands that proper acting is kept to a minimum, since the words are more important than the actors themselves. Lines are spoken in rhyme, which keeps the play moving along at a brisk pace whilst telling the story. A short Morris dance usually follows each performance of the play.

Art classes at the Village Hall
There’s a choice of art classes coming up at Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall, all hosted by talented artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne.

Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Textile recycling
This is advance notice that the next Bags2School textile recycling event will be held on Monday 23 January 2023. If you’re having an annual clear out of cupboards and wardrobes in the New Year, please save your discarded clothing. You’ll be able to drop off your bags of textiles at the Village Hall between 8.30am and 12 noon. If you have trouble storing the bags, contact Donna Fleming (07591 438766) or Doug Allan (07785 223707) and they will try to make arrangements for storage until the collection day. The proceeds of the event will be shared between the Village Hall and 1st Topcliffe Scouts.

Big Garden Birdwatch
The 2023 Big Garden Birdwatch will take place over the weekend 27-29 January 2023. It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and in 2022 almost 700,000 people took part, counting more than 11 million birds.
Taking part in the count helps the RSPB build a vital snapshot of how garden birds are doing in each county and across the UK. Be prepared for January’s count by registering your interest and getting access to some useful information about birds you are likely to encounter.

Take part | Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 – The RSPB

St James’ Church Coffee and Chat
Baldersby St James – every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12 noon.

Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Monday 19 December and Tuesday 3 January (one day later than normal).
Recycling – Friday 30 December (one day later than normal).
Garden waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.
Garden waste licences for the next period of service will go on sale in March 2023.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Recycling – Mondays 19 December and 2 January (this is a Bank Holiday but it is what the council’s website shows – it may be worth checking nearer the date to see if this date remains or is changed).
Refuse – Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal).
Garden waste – no further collections until March 2023.

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

Posted on 11 December 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 137

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.

I hope that all Topcliffe and Asenby residents have by now received the Christmas edition of The Tattler. If you haven’t, it’s on its way. Issues at the printers and a delivery misunderstanding, together with a clash as I was away caring for my Mum, led to an unavoidable delay in getting the newsletter delivered door to door. Despite the problems, I hope you enjoyed this festive edition.

Doug
07785 223707

Services at St Columba’s

TODAY: at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev’d Robert Williamson.
Sunday 18 December at 10.45am – Matins. Then at 6.30pm a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
Thursday – 22 December Carols around the Christmas tree at the Village Hall. Please arrive promptly at 7.30. Please bring torches to read the carol sheets that will be provided. Brass accompaniment kindly provided by the Barber family, and singing will be aided by members of St Columba’s Choir.
Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.
Christmas day – no service.

And in the New Year:

New Year’s Day – no service
8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

Christmas trees still on sale in Topcliffe
Not bought your Christmas tree yet? If not, don’t worry, as Josh Barningham is still selling Christmas trees and decorations from the family farm on Long Street. The Yorkshire-sourced Nordmann trees measure 4 to 8 feet and can be fresh cut or potted. Check out the sales leaflet here for sizes and prices. Enquiries and orders – 07716 334211 or via Facebook.

Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The next lunch will be served on Wednesday 14 December. The lunches are open to anyone who wishes to come along.

Last Wednesday £104.50 was raised, of which £50 was donated to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund, which will be used to buy food for future lunches.

On Wednesday 21 December a Sunday-style roast beef lunch will be served. As usual, there will be no set charge and those attending are asked only to pay what they can afford…or nothing at all!

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

News of possible financial support
Last week Hambleton District Council approved a new grant scheme aimed at supporting Warm Space initiatives similar to the one that operates at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The Council is offering funding of up to £500 to help these schemes and an application for support is being made.

Dalton Christmas Pantomime
The Christmas pantomime in Dalton this year is Cinderella and it’s being performed at Dalton Village Hall. There are still tickets available for tomorrow’s performance (Monday 12 December) at 7pm, but tickets for Thursday 22 December have now sold out. Tickets are £9 for adults and £5 for children. The bar will be open. Contact Eleanor on 07841 036340.

Christmas Lunch for local pensioners
There are just a few places left at this year’s pensioners’ Christmas lunch on 13 December at 12.30pm. The cost for a three course Christmas lunch with drinks and entertainment is just £15 (a price that is considerably subsidised). For more information check out the poster here. To book please contact Judith Lowe on 01845 577911.

Hosepipe ban lifted
The hosepipe ban introduced by Yorkshire Water in August has been lifted. It was the first ban of its kind in 27 years and was brought in after low rainfall and high summer temperatures saw reservoir levels fall below 50%. While the ban was in place, consumers were urged to try to reduce the amount of water they used and it’s thought that as much as 28 million litres a day were saved.

Asenby Institute – new members required
Asenby Institute is urgently seeking new committee members to breathe new life and enthusiasm into its activities in the village. Retiring committee members have agreed to remain as ‘caretaker’ members until a Special General Meeting on 11 January 2023. In the meantime, anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

Carol Singing in the Village
On Thursday 22 December at 7.30pm there’ll be carols around the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome, so do come and sing. Please bring torches to read the carol sheets that will be provided. Brass accompaniment will be provided by the Barber family, who live in the village, and the singing will be aided by members of St Columba’s Choir.

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

Carols by Thirsk Clock
Festive carols at Thirsk Clock in the Market Place at 11am on Saturday 17 December. Raising money for Christian Aid. Everyone is welcome.

Knit and Natter
There’ll be Knit & Natter sessions on Thursdays 15 and 22 December. They are held in the TV lounge at The Angel, starting at 1.30pm. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!

Christmas in Ripon

Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 December – 2 to 8pm – An Illuminated Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Gardens. Free entry but donations welcomed.
Sunday 18 December – 10am to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
Sunday 18, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December– 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
Monday 26 December (boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

Art classes at the Village Hall
There’s a wide choice of art classes scheduled at Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall over the next couple of months, all hosted by talented artist and teacher Rebecca Jayne.

Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm.
Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

Ripon canal boat trips
Fancy a festive trip along Ripon canal this Christmas? Tickets are now on sale for the winter warmer canal boat trips on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December. Trips take 45 minutes and start at 1.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 each and are available from Cathedral View Cafe, Ripon. Price includes homemade mince pie or chocolate brownie option (gluten free and vegetarian options), mulled wine/fruit punch. For children hot chocolate with all the trimmings is on offer. Full details here.

Christmas learning at Thirsk library
Children aged up to 11 years are invited to pop along to Thirsk Library’s free drop in event with lots of Christmas activities between 10am and 2pm on Monday 19 December. Christmas crafts, games, reading, drawing, colouring and lots more. Email for more information or just turn up and join in. [email protected]

What’s on at The RItz

To Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical.
Friday 16 to Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.
Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

St James’ Church Coffee and Chat
Baldersby St James – every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12 noon.

Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Recycling – Thursdays 15 December and 30 December (one day later than normal).
Refuse – Mondays 19 December and 3 January (one day later than normal).
Green waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Refuse – Monday 12 December and Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal)
Recycling – Monday 19 December.
Green waste – no further collections until March 2023.

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

Posted on 4 December 20222 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 136

Welcome to your regular Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707

Services at St Columba’s

TODAY: at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
11 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev’d Robert Williamson.
Sunday 18 December at 6.30pm – traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY – The regular Northern Dales Farmers’ Market will take place in Thirsk Market Place. There’ll be hand-picked stallholders, so you can be sure you’re buying from local, small and independent food and drink producers. For more information visit: http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Quiz Night at The Angel
The Sunday evening quiz is held each week at 8pm at The Angel. Entry is £1 per person and all the takings go to the winning team.

Village Christmas Tree
Topcliffe’s Christmas tree was erected and decorated yesterday by a team of local volunteers. It’s located outside the Village Hall on Front Street and it’ll be a festive feature in the village each evening through to early January. This year Topcliffe Parish Council and Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee shared the cost of purchasing the tree.

Here are some photographs of taken on the day:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

Feoffees gift at Christmas
The Feoffees – or Trustees – of the Consolidated Charities of Topcliffe are again planning to present a small gift to those over eighty years of age in Topcliffe and Asenby this Christmas. The cash comes from the charity’s annual surplus.

The Topcliffe Charity is an historical fund created for the benefit of Topcliffe, plus a number of surrounding villages, including Asenby, Baldersby, Dishforth, and Rainton, that were part of the ancient Parish of Topcliffe.

The nature of the charity has changed over the years, but it continues to create a small amount of income from invested funds which the Feoffees in each village are able to distribute as they see fit. The amount available for distribution is in proportion to each village’s population.

This year, the Topcliffe Feoffees have a total of £270 to distribute and the Asenby Feoffee has £70 to hand out.

There is no official record of those who are over eighty years of age, so the Feoffees rely on local knowledge to identify eligible residents. Last year’s lists of recipients in Topcliffe and Asenby have been updated, so those who received a gift in 2021, will automatically get one this Christmas.

If you qualify and want to be considered or to check that you are on the list, please get in touch with Anne-Marie Barningham on 07740 175311 or Doug Allan on 07785 223707 in Topcliffe or Carole Ford on 01845 577718 in Asenby. The deadline is Friday 9 December.

Christmas post deadlines brought forward
Royal Mail is asking customers to post their mail earlier than usual for Christmas this year as a result of the ongoing strike action by its workers.

Final dates for sending second-class post has been brought forward from December 19 to the 12th and for first class from December 21 to the 16th.

Topcliffe & Asenby Community Warm-Up
Warm-Up lunches take place at the Village Hall every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The lunches are open to anyone who wishes to come along.

Look here at the scrumptious food served last Wednesday. It included mushroom soup as a starter, sausage casserole, chicken & leek cobbler, or shepherd’s pie with a crispy cream top as a main course, desserts included treacle pudding, meringue, rice pudding or apple crumble. Plus, cakes, tea or coffee and sweet treats. Each week the menu is varied and equally delicious.

Last Wednesday £93 was raised, of which £75 was donated to the Boot Camp charity in Easingwold which supports adults with learning difficulties. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund. This will help pay for food in future weeks and the organisers are looking at how further support might be offered to those in need during these financially difficult times.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

The Tattler – December issue
Your Christmas edition of The Tattler is at the printers and will be distributed house to house throughout Topcliffe and Asenby from Tuesday 6 December onwards.

If anyone outside our two villages would like to receive an electronic copy of The Tattler, please get in touch with Doug Allan at [email protected]

Christmas trees on sale in Topcliffe
This festive season Josh Barningham is selling Christmas trees from the family farm on Long Street. Trees can be inspected and ordered now and they will be available for collection from early December (or earlier by agreement). The Yorkshire-sourced Nordmann trees measure 4 to 8 feet and can be fresh cut or potted. Check out the sales leaflet here for sizes and prices. Enquiries and orders – 07716 334211 or via Facebook.

Cross Talk
The Christmas edition of the local church magazine Cross Talk is now out. You can read it here.

Asenby Institute needs you
Asenby Institute is urgently seeking new committee members after the three current committee members resigned at the AGM on Wednesday 23 November.

Historically, the Institute ran the now demolished village hall and organised regular events there. Later it became involved in developing the recreation field and playpark through fund raising and grant applications. Until Covid struck, the Institute organised the village’s successful festive mulled wine and mince pie evening as a charity fund raiser, donating over £1,000 to Herriott Hospice over recent years. Its most recent project was the construction and installation of the bespoke Platinum Jubilee Bench under the old chestnut tree on the village green

The Institute now needs new life and enthusiasm breathed into its work. Retiring committee members have agreed to remain as ‘caretaker’ members until a Special General Meeting on 11 January 2023. In the meantime, anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

Nominate a local company for an award
Everyone is being encouraged to nominate businesses or individuals from across Hambleton in Hambleton District Council’s annual Business Awards. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate business success in the area and the council is keen to receive nominations for those businesses and individuals people think should be recognised for their achievements.

There are plenty of wonderful businesses serving our two villages so maybe they deserve an entry in these awards. It’s likely that simply being in the awards line-up would be beneficial and give businesses a boost.

Are you prepared to nominate one of our local incredible businesses? The closing date for nominations is Saturday 31 December. For the categories and how to enter see www.hambleton.gov.uk/businessawards

For further information please email [email protected]

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.

Snooker Club
Membership subscriptions for the snooker club are now overdue. The fee for the current year was set at the AGM in September and it is £30 – an increase of £5 to help meet increasing energy costs. Existing and new members should arrange payment to David Bowman as soon as possible. Members who do not plan to remain in the club are asked to return their door key to David Bowman. He can be contacted on 577843.

Knit and Natter
There’ll be Knit & Natter sessions on the following Thursdays in December – 8, 15 and 22 December. They are held in the TV lounge at The Angel, starting at 1.30pm. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!

The Repair Cafe
The next Repair Cafe will be held at Thirsk Library on Saturday 10 December between 10am and 2pm. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or worn-out items. Bring clothes, furniture, small appliances, toys, computers, phones, tools or anything else needing attention. Voluntary donation.

RBL Christmas Concert
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band will be performing their Christmas Concert at Thirsk Town Hall on Saturday 10 December at 7.30pm. Refreshments and Raffle. Free with a retiring collection. Just turn up!

Christmas in Ripon

Saturday 10 December – 7.30pm – Ripon Choral Society perform Handel’s Messiah at Ripon Cathedral, followed by carols. Tickets online from www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 December – 2 to 8pm – An Illuminated Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Gardens. Free entry but donations welcomed.
Sunday 18 December – 10am to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
Sunday 18, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December– 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
Monday 26 December (boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

Dalton Christmas Pantomime
Dalton village’s annual panto will be Cinderella, to be held in the Village Hall on Monday 12 December at 7.00pm and Thursday 22 December at 6.30pm. Tickets are £9 for adults and £5 for children. The bar will be open. Availability is limited, so if you would like a ticket, please contact Eleanor on 07841 036340.

Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm.
Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

Christmas learning at Thirsk library
Children aged up to 11 years are invited to pop along to Thirsk Library’s free drop in event with lots of Christmas activities between 10am and 2pm on Monday 19 December. Christmas crafts, games, reading, drawing, colouring and lots more. Email for more information or just turn up and join in. [email protected]

What’s on at The RItz

To Thursday 8 December (No matinees) – Living.
Friday 9 to Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical.
Friday 16 to Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.
Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

St James’ Church Coffee and Chat
Baldersby St James – every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12 noon.

Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Apologies if you found last week’s information about bin collections a little misleading. I hope it didn’t confuse readers too much.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

Refuse – Mondays 5 and 19 December.
Recycling – Thursdays 15 December and 30 December (one day later than normal).
Green waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.

Harrogate (Asenby):

Recycling – Mondays 5 and 19 December and 2 January 2023.
Refuse – Monday 12 December and Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal)
Green waste – no further collections until March 2023.

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