Author: Doug Allan

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Sunday Email: Issue 194
Welcome to the Sunday Email.

Doug
07785 223707
Village Hall – bookings cancelled due to water leak
The Village Hall Committee regretfully announces that due to a serious water leak, bookings over this weekend and in to next week have had to be cancelled. The water leak is somewhere underneath the entrance and terrace close to the front door. On Friday an exploratory dig was undertaken which found evidence of plenty of water, but unfortunately did not find the source of the leak. The water has had to be turned off meaning that there is no water available to the kitchen or toilets and access to the hall will be difficult until the problem is resolved, the exploratory hole filled in and excavated mud cleared away.

The draining company TWC will be returning on Monday morning to continue digging the original hole and at least one more dig in another part of the grounds. The investigation may find the source of the problem but then consideration will have to be given to how to put things right. It might in the end be a straight forward matter, but equally may be more complicated and take longer to sort out.

So far the committee has been in touch with those who had made bookings through to Wednesday evening and this is the position:

  • Sunday – tonight’s quiz – cancelled.
  • Monday – Art class – moved to Thirsk Town Hall (see separate item below)
  • Monday – Home Education Class – cancelled.
  • Monday – Fitness Boot Camp – cancelled.
  • Tuesday – Boccia – cancelled.
  • Tuesday – Squirrels & Beavers – cancelled.
  • Tuesday – Bible class – cancelled.
  • Wednesday – Warm Hub – cancelled (see separate item below).
  • Wednesday – Cubs – cancelled.

A decision about bookings from Thursday onwards will be made in the light of developments. Hopefully the work will be successfully concluded in the first half of the week, but there is no certainty and further disruption may be inevitable.

The committee apologises for the massive inconvenience this problem has caused and hopes that hall users will understand and bear with us during this unfortunate period.
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 21 January – The quiz has been cancelled. Hopefully it will be back as normal next Sunday.
The Misfits – although with a slightly different line-up – again took the honours at last week’s quiz. The team was Jim, Andy, Mac and Lynne. The quizmaster was Charles, who a week earlier had been a member of the Misfits when they were the winners.
Thirsk Garden Centre cafeteria
The cafe is closed TODAY (21 January) as the final part of the kitchen and serving area refurbishment is being undertaken.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – Sunday (21 January) at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is now back on its regular day – Fridays 5 ’til 7pm.

Paul and Karen are now taking bookings for events, such as weddings, parties, corporate events and Christenings, in 2024/25. For more information please contact them via – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063548681596
Warm Hub lunch
The Warm Hub lunch scheduled for Wednesday 24 January has been cancelled due to the water leak at the Village Hall.

However, Karen Morley will be preparing a meal in her own kitchen for those people who normally get a delivery to their home. So if that includes you, the service will be the same as usual.

The next Warm Hub lunch will be held on Wednesday 7 February.
Community Works seeks more volunteers
The Thirsk based charity, Community Works, is on the lookout for more people to join its volunteering team. The organisation is at the heart of the community and plays a key part in changing and improving lives in Thirsk and the surrounding area. Whether you want to make new friends, develop your skills or simply help make a difference in the local community, there’s a role for you. For more information contact the charity at Community House, 14a Market Place, Thirsk or call 01845 524494.
A year in North Yorkshire – photo competition
An organisation called North Yorkshire Youth is holding a photographic competition to find images that will make up its 2025 calendar. The theme is ‘A year in North Yorkshire’ and any young photographer aged 11 and over and who lives in North Yorkshire, can enter. Check out the poster here for more information.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Lucy Day is holding Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. If you are interested in attending, please email lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.
Yoga with Alex
‘Yoga with Alex’ classes are held at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. See poster here for more details. These classes are suitable for anyone wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 26 January – matinee on Wednesday 24 January – Ferrari
  • Friday 26 January to Thursday 1 February – matinee on Wednesday 31 January – Anyone But You
  • Friday 2 to Thursday 8 February – matinee on Wednesday 7 February – One Life.
  • Friday 9 to Thursday 15 February – matinee on Wednesday 14 February – The Boys in the Boat
  • Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February – matinees only – The Inseparables.
  • Friday 16 to Thursday 22 February – matinee on Wednesday 21 February – The Holdovers.

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

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.
Thorp Perrow
The popular Arboretum is offering all visitors half price entrance until Friday 9 February 2024. Tickets can be pre booked on their website – just enter the code ‘halfprice’ in the promotions box and click apply https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2 Alternatively you can purchase tickets from the admission area upon arrival.

Some events coming up

  • Wednesday 24 January – Rose Pruning Workshop – The first session in the spring flower series. Learn all about the theory and techniques of rose pruning. Find out why pruning is essential for healthy growth before using your new-found knowledge and skills on specimens in the Arboretum.
  • Wednesday 7 February – A Literacy Celebration of Winter – Enjoy winter-inspired poetry and prose in this workshop of walking, talking and lively discussion. With well-known (and not so well-known) works of literature both historic and modern, see winter through the eyes of those with the right words in the right order in this casual workshop celebrating seasonal literature.
  • Wednesday 21 February – Snowdrop Workshop – The second in the spring flower series. A hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, plant the bulbs ready to take home…and take part in some snowdrop conservation in the Arboretum.
  • Wednesday 6 March – Spring Pruning Workshop – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.

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

Rural Arts events

  • Wednesday 24 January – a workshop introducing punch needle embroidery to beginners. Participants will produce a patterned coaster. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £20.
  • Thursday 25 January – ‘Sing, Sign and Sensory’ – a fun and engaging activity for children aged up to two years of age. These enchanting performance workshops presented by Effectus Theatre combine the power of music, sign and sensory play to create a magical experience. 10.30 to 11.15am. £7.50.

Visit Rural Art’s website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.
Bible talk at the Village Hall cancelled
The final meeting in the series of undenominational bible talks at the Village Hall, scheduled for Tuesday 23 January, has been cancelled due to the water leak.
Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Comedy Night at The Angel will be held on Thursday 25 January. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. See poster here for details. More info and tickets from the venue or online at: https://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-january-25th-2024/ or call 01845 578000
Art classes

The weekly art class scheduled for tomorrow (22 January) in the Village Hall has been relocated to Thirsk Town Hall due to the water leak. Same time as usual.

It’s hoped that the special class, ‘Paint British Coastal views in acrylics’, scheduled for Thursday 25 January – will be able to proceed as planned. There’ll be more clarity about this early in the week. Rebecca Thompson will be in touch with those who have booked a place to confirm details.

Here is a list of other upcoming fun painting and art experiences and workshops that Rebecca is promoting at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall over the next couple of months:

  • The next block of five weekly art classes starts on Monday 19 February.
  • Thursday morning, 29 February – ‘Paint Monet’s Garden inspired artwork in oils’.
  • Thursday 21 March, 10.30am to 2.30pm – Learn to draw and sketch with more confidence. A four-hour workshop with helpful tips and techniques and support with creating your own drawing and sketches of a range of still life arrangements. All materials will be provided and refreshments are included.

And there are alternative dates for classes held at Thirsk Town Hall:

  • Friday night, 26 January – ‘Paint Pretty Coastal views in acrylics – with fish and chip supper’
  • Friday night 1 March – ‘Paint Monet’s Garden inspired artwork in oils’.

Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe:

  • Friday 17 May, 10-4pm (day retreat) – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in oils’.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops
Five Loose Chippings
Some readers will remember the name and performance of the Thirsk-based group of musicians, the Five Loose Chippings, who a few years ago played at our Village Hall. Well, there’s another opportunity to see them locally when they perform at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30pm on Friday 26 January. The band has made a name for themselves playing a variety of music from blues, country and bluegrass through to pop classics and western swing. No set entry charge: pay as you decide. Online at www.ruralarts.org
Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 takes place between 26 and 28 January. You don’t need to have a garden: any outdoor space near where you live will work just fine. To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, you’ll need to put aside just one hour any time over the weekend and count all the different birds you see in your garden, balcony or local park. When you’re done, go online and tell the RSPB what you saw. It’s that simple. For more information and to sign up for the birdwatch, go to http://bit.ly/2024-garden-birdwatch
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 1 February in the Village Hall.
Sessay Comedy Night
There’s a Comedy Night being staged in our neighbouring village of Sessay on Wednesday 7 February. It’s at the village hall and starts at 7.30pm, though the doors and bar open at 7pm. There are more details on the poster linked here.
The Catton Kitchen
Proprietors Amy and Hugo are working with teams from the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, along with the Heritage Fund UK, to bring ‘Dark Skies In The Vale’ events to Catton village. The dates are Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February from 6 to 8.30pm. So, if you fancy an evening under the stars with storytelling, nature walks, astronomers and a serving of some home grown/reared food, make a booking as soon as possible. There’s a charge for food but entry is free – tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/teesswale

And a reminder that the Catton Kitchen is open as normal over the winter months – Friday and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 12noon.
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local! The list is here.
Bin Collections
For the foreseeable future, the specific dates of waste collections are not going to be listed in the Sunday Email. This is because the information taken from North Yorkshire Council’s website has proven to be unreliable particularly as they often make last minute changes. This has made it look like I am making mistakes and presenting incorrect information. Residents can easily check their own collection information via the council’s website and I will include a link to the bin collections page. I’m sorry if this is inconvenient for those without easy access to a computer.

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
Faro Finance​| ​07726 775533| ​farofinance.co.uk
Accounts | Advisory | Bookkeeping | Company Formations | Payroll | Planning | Tax | VAT
.

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Sunday Email: Issue 193
Welcome to the Sunday Email.

Doug
07785 223707
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 14 January – The quiz will take place at 8pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome.
The winners of the first quiz in 2024 were The Misfits – Charles, Jim, Lynne and Mac. Looking over their shoulders is Andy who was quizmaster. Well done everyone.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – Sunday (14 January) at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 21 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Council has announced the death of one of its members, Councillor David Cockburn. In a statement, the Parish Council said it respected David’s constructive input on village and council matters and said that he will be sadly missed. The Parish Council went on to offer their condolences to his wife and family at this sad time.

The meeting of the Parish Council scheduled for Thursday 18 Januaryhas been postponed and a new date will be announced in due course. In the meanwhile if there are any parish queries please contact asenbypc
Warm Hub lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 24 January. As usual, lunch will be served from 11.30am to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of meals followed by delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

Last Wednesday’s lunch was a special one-off three course meal at which over 60 meals were served. There was a choice of a beef or pork with a range of vegetables, followed by delicious sweets and hot drinks. In total was £211 received in donations. £50 has been presented to Cancer Research (Thirsk) and the remainder, after hall rental payment and the purchase of some essential supplies, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
Sutton Bank closure
On Tuesday 16 January the A170 at Sutton Bank will be closed from 6.30pm to 10.30pm for repairs to the barriers.
World axe throwing championship coming to Thirsk
An international axe throwing championship is coming to the UK for the first time ever and Thirsk will be the host town.

Baldersby-based club, the Axemore Throwing Club, is taking the lead on planning and delivering the world championships, which are sanctioned by the Global Axe Throwing Commission, the international governing body for double-bit axe throwing.

The world double-bit axe throwing championships are held every two years and have previously been held in Germany in 2017, Sweden in 2019 and Canada in 2022 ( a year later than normal due to Covid).

The event will be staged at Thirsk racecourse on the weekend 23 to 25 August. Not surprisingly, national and local tourism boards will be using this event to promote Thirsk to the international tourists, and already bookings are starting to come in for B&Bs, hotels and campsites.

Trading opportunity
There’ll be a wide range of additional activities on the racecourse over the weekend, including a huge market area. Organisers are now seeking local businesses and organisations which would like to have hot food sites or have stalls offering artisan crafts, food or drink, or can present workshops or might be able to offer other activities. For more information, please email Naomi at bluecrow7
New Chief Constable appointed
Tim Forber, who is presently serving as Deputy Chief Constable at South Yorkshire Police, has been confirmed as the new Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police. The announcement follows a robust recruitment process in December. Mr Forber’s starting date is yet to be confirmed.

The photograph shows Mr Forber with Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe.
Weekly art classes
Weekly art classes are on in the Village Hall each Monday through to 5 February. The sessions, which are two hours long, from 10-12pm, are led by artist and teacher, Rebecca Jayne. She will guide participants with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own artwork.

And looking ahead to the spring
Start spring feeling more confident with drawing and sketching. Join this four-hour workshop from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday 24 March at the Village Hall. Rebecca Jayne, will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own drawing and sketches of a range of still life arrangements. All materials will be provided and refreshments are included. You can bring your own lunch or pay for a light lunch pre-ordered from a local caterers nearer the time.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • Matinees Only – TODAY – Sunday 14 and Wednesday 17 January – The Red Shoes
  • To Thursday 18 January – no matinees – What Happens Later
  • Friday 19 to Thursday 26 January – matinee on Wednesday 24 January – Ferrari
  • Friday 26 January to Thursday 1 February – matinee on Wednesday 31 January – Anyone But You

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

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.
Thorp Perrow
The popular Arboretum is offering all visitors half price entrance until Friday 9 February 2024. So why not wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk with friends and family…and maybe treat yourself to a hot chocolate and delicious food from the tea room?

Tickets can be pre booked on their website – just enter the code ‘halfprice’ in the promotions box and click apply – https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2 Alternatively you can purchase tickets from the admission area upon arrival.

Some events coming up

  • 24 January – Rose Pruning Workshop – The first session in the spring flower series. Learn all about the theory and techniques of rose pruning. Find out why pruning is essential for healthy growth before using your new-found knowledge and skills on specimens in the Arboretum.
  • 7 February – A Literacy Celebration of Winter – Enjoy winter-inspired poetry and prose in this workshop of walking, talking and lively discussion. With well-known (and not so well-known) works of literature both historic and modern, see winter through the eyes of those with the right words in the right order in this casual workshop celebrating seasonal literature.
  • 21 February – Snowdrop Workshop – The second in the spring flower series. A hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, plant the bulbs ready to take home…and take part in some snowdrop conservation in the Arboretum.
  • 6 March – Spring Pruning Workshop – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Bible talks at the Village Hall
The series of undenominational bible talks continues at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. They will be held on Thursdays 18 and 25 January from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van will be back in Topcliffe next Friday, 19 January.

Rural Arts in the New Year

  • To Saturday 20 January – ‘People and Places’ – an exhibition of work created by members of the Heart & Craft and the ArtBeat Community. Curated by Artist Jane Claire Wilson the exhibition celebrates the creativity and sociability of local people. 10am – 4pm. Free Entry.
  • Wednesday 17 January – ‘Print & Texture’ – Experiment with different inking effects to explore pattern, texture and mark
    making. You will print your own unique artworks on different papers and fabrics. 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20.
  • Friday 19 January – ‘Mosaic Mirror’ – Learn how to accurately cut tiles, selecting from a wide range of designs, colours and materials. 10am. £65.
  • Saturday 20 January – ‘Draw and Paint Dogs’ – develop your life drawing skills with model Cocker Spaniel, Inca. 2 – 5pm. £85.
  • Wednesday 24 January – a workshop introducing punch needle embroidery to beginners. Participants will produce a patterned coaster. 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20.
  • Thursday 25 January – ‘Sing, Sign and Sensory’ – a fun and engaging activity for children aged up to two years of age. These enchanting performance workshops presented by Effectus Theatre combine the power of music, sign and sensory play to create a magical experience. 10:30 to 11:15am. £7.50.

Visit Rural Art’s website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
The next meeting of the village hall committee will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 January.
Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Comedy Night at The Angel will be held on Thursday 25 January. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. See poster here for details. More info and tickets from the venue or online at: https://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-january-25th-2024/ or call 01845 578000
Five Loose Chippings
Some readers will remember the name and performance of the Thirsk-based group of musicians, the Five Loose Chippings, who a few years ago played at our Village Hall. Well, there’s another opportunity to see them locally when they perform at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30pm on Friday 26 January. The band has made a name for themselves playing a variety of music from blues, country and bluegrass through to pop classics and western swing. No set entry charge: pay as you decide. Online at www.ruralarts.org
Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 is fast approaching. It takes place between 26 and 28 January. It’s the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey, and it’s so easy to take part.

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and you don’t need to have a garden: any outdoor space near where you live will work just fine. So, join half a million nature lovers and help the RSPB understand how birds are faring.

To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, you’ll need to put aside just one hour any time on the weekend 26 to 28 January, and count all the different birds you see in your garden, balcony or local park. When you’re done, go online and tell the RSPB what you saw. It’s that simple. For more information and to sign up for the birdwatch, go to http://bit.ly/2024-garden-birdwatch
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 1 February in the Village Hall.
Sessay Comedy Night
There’s a Comedy Night being staged in our neighbouring village of Sessay on Wednesday 7 February. It’s at the village hall and starts at 7.30pm, though the doors and bar opens at 7pm. There are more details on the poster linked here.
The Catton Kitchen
The Shack’s first events of the year has been announced. Amy and Hugo are working with teams at our two local National Parks – Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, along with the Heritage Fund UK, to bring Dark Skies In The Vale events to Catton village. The dates are Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February from 6 to 8.30pm. So, if you fancy an evening under the stars with storytelling, nature walks, astronomers and a serving of some home grown/reared food, then get your free tickets now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/teesswale

And a reminder that the Catton Kitchen is open as normal over the winter months – Friday and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 12noon.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Lucy Day is holding Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. If you are interested in attending, please email lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.
Yoga with Alex
‘Yoga with Alex’ classes are held at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. See poster here for more details. These classes are suitable for anyone wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local! The list is here.
Bin Collections
Topcliffe:

  • Refuse – Mondays 15 and 29 January and 12 February
  • Recycling – Thursdays 25 January and 8 February
  • Green Waste – Thursdays 22 February and 7 March.

Asenby:

  • Recycling – Mondays 15 and 29 January and 12 February
  • Refuse – Mondays 22 January and 5 and 19 February
  • Green Waste – Wednesday 24 January

The Council always warns that dates on its website are subject to possible change. You can check the council’s website to ensure you have the correct collection dates. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
Faro Finance ​| ​07726 775533 | ​farofinance.co.uk
Accounts | Advisory | Bookkeeping | Company Formations | Payroll | Planning | Tax | VAT

Posted on by

Sunday Email: Issue 192
Welcome to the first Sunday Email of 2024.

Doug
07785 223707
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 7 January – The first quiz of the New Year is on at 8pm in the Village Hall. All welcome.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – Sunday (7 January) at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Epiphany
  • Sunday 14 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 21 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Grants for local initiatives
Final reminder: The newly elected councillor for Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council is looking for projects that could get funds from his local grants budget. Cllr Rev Dan Sladden has a budget of £5,200 to allocate to schemes he wishes to back and he is now inviting applications. The deadline is Saturday 14 January.

If you have any queries or wish to submit additional information in support of your application, contact Cllr Sladden via cllr.dan.sladden@northyorks.gov.uk
New Year benefits check
Billions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed every year yet it can take just a few minutes to check your entitlement. Try this website – www.entitledto.co.uk – to see if you are missing out. You only need to answer a series of very basic questions and then you’ll be advised of any benefits you might get and an estimate of their value. These include income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, council tax reduction, carer’s allowance and Universal Credit.

Although the benefits system is overly complex and confusing the official online tool (mentioned above) can check, in minutes if you are missing out on any financial help that you are entitled to. Even if you don’t think this is relevant to you, it’s still worth completing the check – you may be pleasantly surprised.
Weekly art classes
A new set of five art classes in the Village Hall starts tomorrow, Monday 8 January and runs through to Monday 5 February. The sessions, which are two hours long, from 10-12pm, are led by artist and teacher, Rebecca Jayne. She will guide participants with helpful tips and techniques and support you with in creating your own artwork.

And looking ahead to the spring
Start spring feeling more confident with drawing and sketching. Join this four-hour workshop from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday 24 March at the Village Hall. Rebecca Jayne, will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own drawing and sketches of a range of still life arrangements. All materials will be provided and refreshments are included. You can bring your own lunch or pay for a light lunch pre-ordered from a local caterers nearer the time.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Lucy Day is holding Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. If you are interested in attending, please email lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.
Tiny Stars dance classes
Classes are again underway at Topcliffe & Asenby Village hall every Wednesday from 9.45 to 10.30am. These fun and friendly pre school sessions fled by qualified dance teacher, Miss Hazel, focus on dance and creative movement, visual storytelling and adventures, discovering music and singing and free play and creative crafts.

Parents or guardians are required to stay and welcome to join in or watch. The sessions are suitable for all pre-school ages (walking). The cost is £5 per session, billed half termly, or £7.50 per session pay as you go. The first session is free.

Email: tinystarsdance for more information or to book your place.
Warm Hub lunch
The Warm Hub lunch, on Wednesday 10 January, will be a one-off special two-course lunch consisting of either a chicken or beef dinner and a pudding. It will be provided by using some of the cash surplus from the Senior Citizens’ lunch held last Wednesday.

Only twenty-two meals were served at last Wednesday’s lunch, which was perhaps not surprising as the weather was poor and it was in the middle of the festive celebrations. Nonetheless, donations amounted to £73 of which £50 has gone to help support the cost of producing The Tattler, with the remainder used to pay hall rental.
Yoga with Alex
‘Yoga with Alex’ classes are held at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. See poster here for more details. These classes are suitable for anyone wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com
Thorp Perrow
The popular Arboretum is offering all visitors half price entrance until Friday 9 February 2024. So why not wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk with friends and family…and maybe treat yourself to a hot chocolate and delicious food from the tea room?

Tickets can be pre booked their website – just enter the code ‘halfprice’ in the promotions box and click apply – https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2 Alternatively you can purchase tickets from the admission area upon arrival.

Some events coming up

  • 24 January – Rose Pruning Workshop – The first session in the spring flower series. Learn all about the theory and techniques of rose pruning. Find out why pruning is essential for healthy growth before using your new-found knowledge and skills on specimens in the Arboretum.
  • 7 February – A Literacy Celebration of Winter – Enjoy winter-inspired poetry and prose in this workshop of walking, talking and lively discussion. With well-known (and not so well-known) works of literature both historic and modern, see winter through the eyes of those with the right words in the right order in this casual workshop celebrating seasonal literature.
  • 21 February – Snowdrop Workshop – The second in the spring flower series. A hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, plant the bulbs ready to take home…and take part in some snowdrop conservation in the Arboretum.
  • 6 March – Spring Pruning Workshop – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk
The Ritz is closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

  • To Thursday 11 January – matinees on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January – Wonka
  • Friday 12 to Thursday 18 January – no matinees – What Happens Later
  • Matinees Only – Sunday 14 and Wednesday 17 January – The Red Shoes
  • Friday 19 to Thursday 26 January – matinee on Wednesday 24 January – Ferrari
  • Friday 26 January to Thursday 1 February – matinee on Wednesday 31 January – Anyone But You

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

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

Rural Arts in the New Year

  • Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 January – ‘People and Places’ – an exhibition of work created by members of the Heart & Craft and the ArtBeat Community. Curated by Artist Jane Claire Wilson the exhibition celebrates the creativity and sociability of local people. 10am – 4pm. Free Entry.
  • Wednesday 17 January – ‘Print & Texture’ – Experiment with different inking effects to explore pattern, texture and mark
    making. You will print your own unique artworks on different papers and fabrics. 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20.
  • Friday 19 January – ‘Mosaic Mirror’ – Learn how to accurately cut tiles, selecting from a wide range of designs, colours and materials. 10am. £65.

Visit Rural Art’s website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.
Bible talks at the Village Hall
The series of undenominational bible talks will continue in the New Year at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. They will be held on Thursdays 11, 18 and 25 January from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Madagascar Day
Pupils in the Silver Birch class at Topcliffe Academy will be holding a Madagascar Day on Friday, 12 January to raise much needed funds for the Madagascar Smile Project. On the day, children will be invited to wear something red, green or white – the colours of the country’s flag – in exchange for a £1 donation. There’ll also be a bake sale and pupils can purchase items for 50p. Parents and other village residents can also support the fund raising by leaving a cash donation at the school reception.
Thirsk Repair Cafe
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, such as phones, computers, clothes, appliances, tools (including sharpening) furniture and toys. The cost is a voluntary donation. It’s on Saturday 13 January between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library on Chapel Street. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com
Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 18 January in the Upper Committee Room in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Clerk to Asenby Parish Council
This job continues to be vacant. The role of the Clerk is to support parish councillors with administrative duties. It’s a paid post and previous experience whilst desirable is not essential as guidance and support will be available. For further information please email: asenbypc@gmail.com

Asenby Website
The Parish Council’s revamped website has information about the work of the Parish Council itself and lots of other village matters. It can be found at http://www.asenby.org
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van will not be in Topcliffe until Friday 19 January.
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
The next meeting of the village hall committee will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 January.
Five Loose Chippings
Some readers will remember the name and performance of the Thirsk-based group of musicians, the Five Loose Chippings, who a few years ago played at our Village Hall. Well, there’s another opportunity to see them locally when they perform at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30pm on Friday 26 January. The band has made a name for themselves playing a variety of music from blues, country and bluegrass through to pop classics and western swing. No set entry charge: pay as you decide. Online at www.ruralarts.org
Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 is fast approaching. It takes place between 26 and 28 January. It’s the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey, and it’s so easy to take part.

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and you don’t need to have a garden: any outdoor space near where you live will work just fine. So, join half a million nature lovers and help the RSPB understand how birds are faring.

To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, you’ll need to put aside just one hour any time on the weekend 26 to 28 January, and count all the different birds you see in your garden, balcony or local park. When you’re done, go online and tell the RSPB what you saw. It’s that simple. For more information and to sign up for the birdwatch, go to http://bit.ly/2024-garden-birdwatch
Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Comedy Night at The Angel will be held on Thursday 25 January. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. See poster here for details. More info and tickets from the venue or online at: https://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-january-25th-2024/ or call 01845 578000
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 1 February in the Village Hall.
The Catton Kitchen
The Shack’s first events of the year has been announced. Amy and Hugo are working with teams at our two local National Parks – Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, along with the Heritage Fund UK, to bring Dark Skies In The Vale events to Catton village. The dates are Friday 23 and Saturday 24 February from 6 to 8.30pm. So, if you fancy an evening under the stars with storytelling, nature walks, astronomers and a serving of some home grown/reared food, then get your free tickets now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/teesswale

And a reminder that the Catton Kitchen is open as normal over the winter months – Friday and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 12noon.
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local! The list is here.
Bin Collections
This week readers are asked to check the council’s website to ensure they know the correct collection dates. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

Now that the festive decorations have been taken down, anyone can recycle their Christmas tree, free of charge, at any household waste recycling centre. The centre at Sowerby is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

Topcliffe residents (but unfortunately not Asenby residents) can have their tree collected on 11 January, as part of the ‘Hambleton 2023/24’ garden waste subscribers service. Trees must be chopped up with the bin closed, trees left at the roadside will not be collected. Normal garden waste is accepted during this collection.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
Faro Finance ​| ​07726 775533 | ​farofinance.co.uk
Accounts | Advisory | Bookkeeping | Company Formations | Payroll | Planning | Tax | VAT

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Sunday Email: Issue 191
Welcome to the Sunday Email. I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and I would like to wish you a happy and peaceful New Year.

Doug
07785 223707
Village Quiz
The quiz will not be held tonight (31 December). In the New Year the quiz will start again on Sunday 7 January.
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – (Sunday 31 December) – no service today (5th Sunday in the month)
  • Sunday 7 January at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Epiphany
  • Sunday 14 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 21 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
The Catton Kitchen

  • TODAY – New Year’s Eve, 31 December, 10am to 12 noon.
  • New Year’s Day, 1 January 2024, 10am to 12 noon (or when they are finished serving).
Baldersby St James Carol Service
TODAY: The village carol service planned for Christmas Eve had to be cancelled due to a power failure so a later than normal Candlelit Carol Service will be held in the church at 4.30pm today Sunday 31 December). Everyone is welcome to attend.
New Year’s Eve in Ripon
TONIGHT: The town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations start at 9.15pm in the Market Square with live music from a steel band and culminate in a firework display at midnight. There’ll be a Watchnight service at the cathedral followed by a torchlight procession to the Market Square in time for ringing in the New Year at midnight.
The Swan’s holiday opening hours
The Swan’s opening hours over next couple of days are;

  • Sunday 31 December – 5pm until close (no food served)
  • Monday 1 January – Closed
  • Tuesday 2 January – bar only 5 until 7pm
  • Wednesday 3 January – normal hours.
Post Office opening hours
Topcliffe Post Office’s hours of business over the next few days are:

  • Sunday 31 December – closed
  • Monday 1 January – closed
  • Tuesday 2 January – normal hours.
Topcliffe Surgery
The surgery will be closed on New Year’s day – 1 January. Anyone needing medical attention when the surgery is closed should call NHS 111 service (or 999 in an emergency).
Sunday lunch at The Angel Inn
Sunday lunches are served in the conservatory and function room. Booking is recommended. Menus can be viewed here. Please call 01845 578000 to make a booking or for more information.
Cross Talk newsletter
The January edition of the local church newsletter, Cross Talk, is now out and you can read it kitnorris
Barclay’s Bank closure
It has been announced that Barclay’s Bank in Northallerton will close on Thursday 14 March. This follows the recent closure of its Thirsk, Easingwold and Ripon branches.

Those looking for alternative banking arrangements may wish to consider transferring to the Nationwide Bank in Thirsk, though it has limited opening hours – Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

There’s now only three ATMs (cash withdrawal machines) in the Market Place – they’re at the Co-op supermarket, Heron Foods and HSBC Bank. There’s also a couple of machines at Tesco. All have no withdrawal charges and accept most bank cards.
Queen Mary’s School
Congratulations to Queen Mary’s School for being recognised as one of the top six fee-paying schools (without a sixth form) in The Sunday Times 2024 Parent Power Schools’ Guide.
Grants for local initiatives
The newly elected councillor for Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council is looking for projects that could get funds from his local grants budget. Cllr Rev Dan Sladden has a budget of £5,200 to allocate to schemes he wishes to back and he is now inviting applications. The deadline is Saturday 14 January.

If you have any queries or wish to submit additional information in support of your application, contact Cllr Sladden via cllr.dan.sladden@northyorks.gov.uk
Knit & Natter
The weekly Knit & Natter sessions start again on Thursday 4 January at 1.30pm in the Village Hall rear committee room. All welcome.
Weekly art classes
A new set of five art classes in the Village Hall starts on Monday 8 January and runs through to Monday 5 February. The sessions, which are two hours long, from 10-12pm, are led by artist and teacher, Rebecca Jayne. She will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with in creating your own artwork.

And looking ahead to the spring
Start spring feeling more confident with drawing and sketching! Join this four-hour workshop from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday 24 March at the Village Hall. Rebecca Jayne, will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own drawing and sketches of a range of still life arrangements. All materials provided and refreshments are included. You can bring your own lunch or pay for a light lunch pre-ordered from a local caterers nearer the time.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops
Warm Hub lunch
The Warm Hub lunch, on Wednesday 10 January, will be a one-off special two-course lunch consisting of either a chicken or beef dinner and a pudding. It will be provided by using some of the cash surplus from the Senior Citizens’ lunch held last Wednesday.

Twenty-two meals were served at last Wednesday’s lunch, which was maybe not surprising as the weather was atrocious and it was in the middle of the festive celebrations. Nonetheless, donations amounted to £73 of which £50 has gone to help support the cost of producing The Tattler with the remainder used to pay hall rental.
Thorp Perrow
The popular Arboretum is offering all visitors half price entrance between Monday 1 January and Friday 9 February 2024. So why not wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk with friends and family…and maybe treat yourself to a hot chocolate and delicious food from the tea room?

Tickets can be pre booked their website – just enter the code ‘halfprice’ in the promotions box and click apply – https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2 Alternatively you can purchase tickets from the admission area upon arrival.

Some events coming up

  • 24 January – Rose Pruning Workshop – The first session in the spring flower series. Learn all about the theory and techniques of rose pruning. Find out why pruning is essential for healthy growth before using your new-found knowledge and skills on specimens in the Arboretum.
  • 7 February – A Literacy Celebration of Winter – Enjoy winter-inspired poetry and prose in this workshop of walking, talking and lively discussion. With well-known (and not so well-known) works of literature both historic and modern, see winter through the eyes of those with the right words in the right order in this casual workshop celebrating seasonal literature.
  • 21 February – Snowdrop Workshop – The second in the spring flower series. A hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, plant the bulbs ready to take home…and take part in some snowdrop conservation in the Arboretum.
  • 6 March – Spring Pruning Workshop – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk
The Ritz is closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

  • To Thursday 4 January with a matinee on Wednesday 3 January – Wish
  • Friday 5 to Thursday 11 January – matinees on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January – Wonka
  • Friday 12 to Thursday 18 January – no matinees – What Happens Later
  • Matinees Only – Sunday 14 and Wednesday 17 January – The Red Shoes
  • Friday 19 to Thursday 26 January – matinee on Wednesday 24 January – Ferrari
  • Friday 26 January to Thursday 1 February – matinee on Wednesday 31 January – Anyone But You

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

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

Rural Arts in the New Year

  • Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 January – ‘People and Places’ – an exhibition of work created by members of the Heart & Craft and the ArtBeat Community. Curated by Artist Jane Claire Wilson the exhibition celebrates the creativity and sociability of local people. 10am – 4pm. Free Entry.
  • Wednesday 17 January – ‘Print & Texture’ – Experiment with different inking effects to explore pattern, texture and mark
    making. You will print your own unique artworks on different papers and fabrics. 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20.
  • Friday 19 January – ‘Mosaic Mirror’ – Learn how to accurately cut tiles, selecting from a wide range of designs, colours and materials. 10am. £65.

Visit Rural Art’s website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.
Bible talks at the Village Hall
The series of undenominational bible talks will continue in the New Year at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. They will be held on Thursdays 11, 18 and 25 January from 7.30 to 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Madagascar Day
Pupils in the Silver Birch class at Topcliffe Academy will be holding a Madagascar Day on Friday, 12 January to raise much needed funds for the Madagascar Smile Project. On the day children will be invited to wear something red, green or white – the colours of the country’s flag – in exchange for a £1 donation. There’ll also be a bake sale and pupils can purchase items for 50p. Parents and other village residents can also support the fund raising by leaving a cash donation at the school reception.
Thirsk Repair Cafe
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, such as phones, computers, clothes, appliances, tools (including sharpening) furniture and toys. The cost is a voluntary donation. It’s on Saturday 13 January between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library on Chapel Street. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com
Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 18 January in the Upper Committee Room in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Clerk to Asenby Parish Council
It would be wonderful if, as we start the New Year, someone would step forward to take on the role of Clerk to the Parish Council. The job is currently being done on a temporary basis by former council chairman Peter Palmer, but he has made it clear that he won’t continue to do the job for much longer. A Clerk is needed to support parish councillors with administrative duties. It’s a paid post and previous experience whilst desirable is not essential as guidance and support will be available. For further information please email: asenbypc@gmail.com

Asenby Website
Don’t forget to check out the Parish Council’s revamped website which has information about the work of the Parish Council itself and lots of other village matters. It can be found at http://www.asenby.org
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van will not be in Topcliffe until Friday 19 January.
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
The next meeting of the village hall committee will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 January.
Five Loose Chippings
Some readers will remember the name and performance of the Thirsk-based group of musicians, the Five Loose Chippings, who a few years ago played at our Village Hall. Well, there’s another opportunity to see them locally when they perform at The Courthouse in Thirsk at 7.30pm on Friday 26 January. The band has made a name for themselves playing a variety of music from blues, country and bluegrass through to pop classics and western swing. No set entry charge: pay as you decide. Online at www.ruralarts.org
Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 is fast approaching. It takes place between 26 and 28 January. It’s the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey, and it’s so easy to take part.

Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and you don’t need to have a garden: any outdoor space near where you live will work just fine. So, join half a million nature lovers and help the RSPB understand how birds are faring.

To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, you’ll need to put aside just one hour any time on the weekend 26 to 28 January, and count all the different birds you see in your garden, balcony or local park. When you’re done, go online and tell the RSPB what you saw. It’s that simple. For more information and to sign up for the birdwatch, go to http://bit.ly/2024-garden-birdwatch
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 1 February in the Village Hall.
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local! The list is here.
Bin Collections
Over the New Year holiday period readers are asked to check the council’s website to ensure they know the correct collection dates. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

After the festive season you can recycle your Christmas tree, free of charge, at all household waste recycling centres.

The household waste recycling centre at Sowerby is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays. It will be closed on New Year’s Day and 3 January.
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
Faro Finance ​| ​07726 775533 | ​farofinance.co.uk
Accounts | Advisory | Bookkeeping | Company Formations | Payroll | Planning | Tax | VAT

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Sunday Email: Issue 190
Welcome to the Sunday Email.

I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Doug
07785 223707
Christmas quiz and party
It was a full house at last Sunday’s bumper Christmas quiz and there was a real party atmosphere with lots of drinks poured and a fantastic buffet supplied by the quizzers themselves. The quiz – which consisted of 140 questions, – was put together by Jim Shaw and Doug Allan. Everyone present was a winner…but the team in first place was Susan & Derek Sykes and Phil Haley. Congratulations and well done.
Village Quiz – dates
The quiz will not be held over the festive period – tonight (24 December) and next week, Sunday 31 December. In the New Year the quiz will start again on Sunday 7 January.
Carol Services
Asenby: The evening of carol singing in Asenby on Wednesday last went very well with sixteen carollers in total, including members of St Columba’s choir some local parents and children talking part. many people were on the look out for the carol singers passing by, and some commenting that they had missed the singing in recent years! The evening finished with mulled wine and mince pies at Asenby Hall and a very respectable £126.72 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Care.

Topcliffe: The carol service at the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall on Thursday evening also went really well. There were around 30 adults and chidren…and they were all in good voice. Afterwards everyone enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies in the hall. Thanks to all of those who turned out on a cold night. You made it all worthwhile. Sorry there are no photographs; we were all too busy singing to have thought about taking any!
St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – Christmas Eve – No morning service. TONIGHT at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass and Eucharist led by Rev’d Robert Williams.
  • Christmas Day, Monday 25 December – No Service.

Everyone is most welcome to come along for any of these services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.
Christmas Day at Maple Park
The operators of the Maple Park Cafe are inviting people who might be alone or lonely on Christmas Day to pop in between 10am and 12 noon for refreshments and company. The cafe is part of the Maple Park crematorium complex on the A61, just west of Busby Stoop. See promotional leaflet here.
Christmas in Ripon
TODAY (24 December) – Festival of Lessons and Carols: The Christmas Story told in readings and music from the Ripon Cathedral Choir. At the cathedral at 5.30pm.

TONIGHT – Midnight Mass: At the cathedral at 11pm.

Christmas Eucharist: Christmas day service and communion at the cathedral. 10.30am on Monday 25 December.

Boxing Day Eucharist and Pilgrimage: St Stephen’s Day communion service at the cathedral at 9.30am on 26 December. Followed by a pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

New Year’s Eve in Ripon: The town’s New Year’s Eve celebrations start at 9.15pm in the Market Square with live music from a steel band and culminate in a firework display at midnight. There’ll be a Watchnight service at the cathedral followed by a torchlight procession to the Market Square in time for ringing in the New Year at midnight

See more festive events in Ripon by visiting http://www.christmasin ripon.co.uk
The Catton Kitchen
Opening hours over the festive season are as follows:

  • TODAY – Christmas Eve – 10am to 12 noon.
  • Friday 29 December, 10am to 2pm
  • Saturday 30 December, 10am to 2pm
  • New Years Eve, 31 December, 10am to 12 noon.
  • New Years Day, 1 January 2024, 10am to 12 noon.

Christmas and New Year orders can be collected during these times or by special arrangement at other times.
The Swan’s festive opening hours
See the attached leaflet here for The Swan’s opening hours and when food is being served over the holiday period..
Post Office opening hours
Topcliffe Post Office’s opening hours over the holiday period are shown on the poster here.
Thirsk Garden Centre
The garden centre’s opening hours over Christmas and New Year are shown here.
Deer Shed wins Festival of the Year award
The popular family orientated Deer Shed festival which is held at Baldersby Park each year has won the Festival of the Year award in the The LIVE Awards.

The LIVE Awards, which recognise the leading companies and individuals in the £4.5bn UK live music business, were presented on 12 December in London, in front of an invited industry audience.
The Christmas nativity – A Midwife Crisis
Topcliffe Academy’s reception classes – Willow and Ash – performed an amazing nativity play last week and lots of parents and other residents of the village popped along to enjoy it. ‘A Midwife Crisis’ carried the message of Christmas and filled the audience with festive cheer. It was so lovely for the children to have the opportunity to perform on stage and work collectively to achieve such a high quality performance and showcase some talented individuals.
Be safe and secure over Christmas
North Yorkshire Police have issued some timely advice about how we can stay safe and keep our homes secure over the festive period. They suggest that spending just a few minutes doing a few simple checks can mean our homes stay safe and secure

  • Always lock your doors – both front and rear – especially when going out but even when you are at home. The police say that most burglaries happen via unlocked doors as opportunistic thieves seek out any opening that they can take advantage of.
  • Shut your curtains on an evening, and if you are going out leave lights and a radio on to give the impression you are home.
  • Keep your keys and valuables out of sight, and not within reach of windows or letterboxes. The most common items taken in a burglary are car keys, cash and bank cards, so especially keep these items out of sight.
  • Be careful how you dispose of boxes that contained expensive Christmas presents. Take them to the recycling centre: leaving them in your blue bin may be a great way for an opportunist to know what you have inside the house.
  • Double check your vehicles, sheds and garages are locked.

Community Messaging
Did you know that North Yorkshire Police operate a Community Messaging service? It’s a free email alert system that anyone can join. Local police teams use the system to let people know what’s happening in their area and to offer details about such things as burglary prevention and property marking events, plus information about crime appeals.
https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/as/ny/north-yorkshire-community-messaging/
Football Success
Topcliffe Academy’s Year 5/6 girls football team had amazing success in the area finals of the recent competition held at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College. They came away as winners and will now compete in the North Yorkshire Girls’ Football Finals to be held on Thursday, 18 January at York College.

The team – Beth, Ava C, Ava S, Matilda, Kensie, Gabi, Lilly, Amelia, Millie and Honour have so far had an outstanding competition, winning every single one of their games. Congratulations to all.
Warm Hub lunch
The next regular lunch will be on Wednesday 27 December.

The following lunch, on Wednesday 10 January, will be a one-off special two-course lunch consisting of either a chicken or beef dinner and a pudding. It will be provided by using some of the cash surplus from the Senior Citizens’ lunch held last Wednesday.
Events at The Angel Inn

Sunday lunches: Sunday lunches are served in the conservatory and function room. Booking is recommended. Menus can be viewed here.

Christmas: Opening for food on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (booking essential). There’ll be no food served on Christmas day, however drinks will be served from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

Comedy Night: Yes it’s back! The regular Stand-Up Comedy Night is returning to The Angel Inn on Thursday 28 December. Doors open at 7.30pm. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets £10 pre-paid or £12 on the night.

New Year’s Eve: a fantastic New Year’s Eve party with buffet and music from The Doubtful Bottle. Starts 8pm. Tickets £25 per person.

Please call 01845 578000 for more information.

Rural Arts in the New Year

There’s a comprehensive and interesting variety of bright and bold workshops, exhibitions, performance and screenings for the January – April period. With almost 200 creative events and activities there’s something for everyone.

A few examples are:

  • Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 January – ‘People and Places’ – an exhibition of work created by members of the Heart & Craft and the ArtBeat Community. Curated by Artist Jane Claire Wilson the exhibition celebrates the creativity and sociability of local people. 10am – 4pm. Free Entry.
  • Wednesday 17 January – ‘Print & Texture’ – Experiment with different inking effects to explore pattern, texture and mark
    making. You will print your own unique artworks on different papers and fabrics. 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20.
  • Friday 19 January – ‘Mosaic Mirror’ – Learn how to accurately cut tiles, selecting from a wide range of designs, colours and materials. 10am. £65.

Visit Rural Art’s website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk
The Ritz is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

  • Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 December – Matinee on Wednesday 27 December and Friday 29 December to Thursday 4 January with matinees on Saturday 30 December and Wednesday 3 January – Wish
  • Friday 5 to Thursday 11 January – matinees on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January – Wonka

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
Thirsk Repair Cafe
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, such as phones, computers, clothes, appliances, tools (including sharpening) furniture and toys. The cost is a voluntary donation. It’s on Saturday 13 January between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library on Chapel Street. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van will not be in Topcliffe until Friday 19 January.
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local! The list is here.
Bin Collections
It was mentioned last week that there was a statement on North Yorkshire Council’s website announcing that dates of collections are subject to change. Well, annoyingly, they did change after the Sunday Email was published so some readers may have recorded dates that are now incorrect. I don’t like publishing incorrect information, so over Christmas and New Year it will be best if readers check the council’s website to ensure they know the correct collection dates. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

After the festive season you can recycle your Christmas tree, free of charge, at all household waste recycling centres.

The household waste recycling centre at Sowerby is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays. This year they will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27 December, New Year’s Day and 3 January
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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