Doug Allan - Page 5 - Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 24 May 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 316

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 24 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 28 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 31 May at 10.45am – Benefice Holy Communion for Trinity Sunday, followed by refreshments.
Thursday 4 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Thursday 4 June at 7pm – A special Choral Eucharist to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with the choir singing the glorious mass setting by Thomas Tallis. All are warmly invited to join this service of thanksgiving. Wine and pre-supper nibbles will be served afterwards.
Sunday 7 June at 8.30am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 7 June at 6.30pm, Festival Choral Evensong for St Columba’s Day, followed by wine and finger food.

Hambleton District Show
TODAY: Sunday 24 May (second day of event) – the largest horse show in the north of England is on at Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. http:// www.hambletonshow.com

TONIGHT: Sunday 24 May – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Great quiz last week set by Stuart and won by Rachel, Andy and Jim. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. Name the smallest U.S state (in terms of area)
2. Who was Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021?
3. Who wrote the children’s books, Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham?
4. How many minutes are there in a week?
5. What do the letters QR (as in QR code) stand for?
6. Name the four European capitals that the Danube flows through.
7. Who was the first female recipient of the Nobel Prize?
8. What was the name of the actress who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street from 1964 to 1987?
9. Which animated film features a lion cub named Simba?
10. Which constituency did former Prime Minister Tony Blair represent?

An extra test
We all know that those seeking British citizenship and settlement have to take a test as part of their application, but have you ever seen the questions…and would you be able to answer them? Here are just a few that Stuart included in his quiz to test you. You might be grateful that there are multiple answers to choose from:

1. What is the title of chairperson of the General Asembly of the Church of Scotland?  a) Archbishop b) Bishop c) Dean d) Moderator
2. Which of the following is a responsibility expected of all residents?  a) Vote in every election b) attend a place of worship c) Learn to speak Welsh d)Respect and obey the law.
3. John Constable (1776-1837) was a landscape painter most famous for his works of which area?
a) The Lake District b) The Scottish Highlands c) The Cotswolds d) Dedham Vale on the Sussex-Essex border
4. The Paralympics have their origin in the work of Dr Ludwig Guttman at which hospital? a) Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire b) St Thomas’ in London c) Addenbrooke in Cambridge  d) Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
5. What is the longest distance in miles on the UK mainland (from John O’Groats to Land’s End)?
a) 500 miles b) 650 miles c) 870 miles d) 1100 miles
6. What percentage (approximately) of the total UK population lives in England? a) 75% b) 80% c) 84% d) 90%.
7. The Boer War of 1899-1902 was fought in South Africa against settlers from which country?
a) France b) Germany c) Portugal d) The Netherlands
8. In what year did the Emancipation Act abolish slavery throughout the British Empire?
a) 1776 b) 1807 c) 1815 d) 1833.

Peter Lowe
Around 150 people attended the funeral for Asenby resident Peter Lowe last Thursday at Maple Park Crematorium. Judith Lowe wishes to thank everyone who attended the service and joined the family for refreshments afterwards at The Angel Inn in Topcliffe. She also wants to thank all those who sent messages of condolence and those who donated to the collection in support of Cancer Research UK, which raised an amazing £1365. Finally, a big thank you to Dave, Maggie and the team at The Angel who put on a wonderful spread.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
The Village Hall is available for hire to local organisations, businesses and individuals. It is a superb venue with fully equipped kitchen – an ideal place for family parties. Book online by visiting the village hall pages on either the Topcliffe or Asenby village websites.

Yorkshire Water roadworks in Sandhutton
The company has given notice that it will be replacing ageing water pipes in the village with the help of its partner, United Infrastructure, until the end of August. They then will change direction and move from Low Farm, through Sandhutton, to Busby Stoop. There will be ‘rolling’ traffic lights in place on the A167. These will start at Low Farm and move towards Newsham Road.

Soup & Sweet
The next Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 27 May between 11.30am and 12.45pm. Everyone, of all ages from Topcliffe and Asenby and surrounding areas, is welcome to attend. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and other unavoidable expenses.

Just a reminder that after this week’s Soup & Sweet lunch there are only two more lunches planned. They will be on Wednesdays 10 and 24 June.

Art classes in the Village Hall
The next batch of weekly art classes in the Village Hall will start on Monday 1 June. For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day
The annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage will take place on Sunday 7 June.

St Columba’s was founded between 635 and 640AD by King, later Saint, Oswald, meaning we are moving ever closer to beginning our 1400th anniversary celebrations in just nine years’ time. However, plans for this year’s celebration will be somewhat simpler, including the annual village BBQ in the church hall and churchyard, starting at 12.30pm, to which everyone is very warmly invited. Please take with you your preferred wine and soft drinks, though some will be available. And if you would like to take along a salad and/or cake to share that would be most kind and helpful.

Then, from 2pm, why not join one of the groups climbing the church tower to enjoy the magnificent views from the top? The last group will leave at 4pm. For those without a head for heights you might wish to linger over the various display boards in the church, or join a guided tour to discover in more detail the history of the church and its features, some still remaining from the mediaeval church even after the Victorian rebuild. Or else just enjoy exploring our beautiful churchyard, our village ‘greenspace’, which is now emerging thanks to the tireless work and dedication of our team of local volunteers.

The day concludes at 6.30pm with a festival service of Choral Evensong sung by the full church choir directed by Linda Hewlett. Choral Evensong is said by some to be the jewel in the crown of Anglican church music and we are lucky to have this sung every month throughout the year. So why not come give it a try and end your busy day with some glorious music, followed by a glass of wine?

All events, BBQ included, are completely free, but if you would like to give a donation to help cover a few costs and hopefully also add to our much-needed building repair and maintenance fund, that would be very much appreciated.

A ladies nature evening
Join a ‘Curious by Nature’ relaxed and welcoming outdoor evening either on your own or with friends. Cook tea over the fire using fresh farm ingredients and practice fire-lighting and outdoor cooking skills. Try your hand at woodcraft or decorate pre-loved glassware with stained glass painting and give it a new life. Or if you prefer, bring a book, unwind, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Saturday 13 June from 6 to 8pm. All tools and materials for activities provided, including fresh ingredients to cook a delicious shared meal. Hot drinks and juice. £16.50 per adult. Feel free to bring your own drink or tipple to enjoy throughout the evening. https://booking.page/en/company/book/curiousbynature?book=1

Big events later in the year at the Village Hall
Here’s a reminder of two dates you may wish to put in your diary. They’re both big fundraisers for the Village Hall.

BBQ & Boogie Night
The ever-popular BBQ and Boogie Night will be held on Saturday 22 August. The organisers – Jim, Carol, Andy, Chrissy, Malcolm and Myra – have committed themselves to the third annual shindig.

The Flying Oysters
Top north east band, The Flying Oysters, has been booked for another performance later this year. It’ll be on Saturday 7 November. Organiser Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent pie and pea supper.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

The Devil wears Prada 2 – to Thursday 28 May. Matinee on Wednesday 27 May.
The Sheep Detectives – Friday 29 May to Thursday 4 June. Matinee on Sunday 31 May.
Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reaney – Sunday 31 May.
The Playboy of the Western World – National Theatre Live – Friday 5 June.
The Christophers – Saturday 6 to Thursday 11 June.
Finding Emily – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 June. matinee on Wednesday 17 June.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.
Something Social: Collage & Cocktails – Friday 29 May, 7-9pm
Something Social: Pennants and Pimms – Friday 26 June, 7-9pm
Tetrapak Adventures: Intaglio Printing – Saturday 4 July, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Silverdrop Earrings – Saturday 4 July, 10am to 1pm.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 26 May between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.

Racing at Thirsk

Sky Bet Sunday Series – Sunday 31 May – gates open at 1pm and first race at 3.45pm.
Afternoon Racing – Friday 5 June – gates open at 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Free walking tour of Thirsk
Meet by Thirsk’s information centre, Market Place to join a walk exploring the history of Thirsk on this 90-minute walking tour. Discover ancient skeletons, local legends, and a connection to Lord Nelson. A journey through the town’s fascinating past. Please wear sensible shoes. Sunday 31 May at 11am. Free, donations welcome. Just turn up.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

UK’s largest tractor festival
Newby Hall, Ripon on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June. More than 1,400 vintage and modern tractors and another 2,200 exhibits including stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on show across 120 acres of the Newby estate. 10am-4pm. £22, Child (4-15) £16, Family (1+3 or 2+2) £65. Tickets via http://www.tractorfest.uk

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
Sunday 7 June between 9am and 2pm on the Market Place, Thirsk. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Gardeners’ Question Time in Sessay

A special Gardeners’ Question Time is being held at Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 13 June. Tickets are just £10 online from http://www.sessayvillagehall.co.uk or from Heather Dale on 07467 549302. Best to buy as soon as possible as tickets will be in high demand.

Ladies Pop-up Shop & Fun Fashion Show
Buy your favourite high street brands at really low prices. Friday 19 June at 7pm. at Dalton Village Hall. To raise funds for new tables and chairs. Tickets £5 include a glass of prosecco if purchased in advance. Call Beckii on 07734 474781.

Repair Cafe
The next Repair Cafe at Thirsk Library, Meadowfields, will be on Saturday 20 June between 10am and 12.30pm. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken items. Voluntary donations.

Sunday 28 June 2026 between 10am and 4pm there’ll be 36 slots available. Each slot is 30 minutes inside the aviary. Maximum six people in at any given time. Morndyke is the only parrot sanctuary in Europe that runs a mixed aviary ecosystem on this scale and with species diversity. Pre booking required: £18 pp. Must be 8yrs and above.

Email contact@morndykeparrotsanctuary.org.uk to book a slot. First come, first served.
Payment required at the time of booking. Bank Transfer to: Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary
Sort Code: 20-59-43 Account Number: 33268462.

Night of Nature concert
If you love nature and music, this RSPB event is for you. It’s at the Royal Hall, Harrogate on the evening of Saturday 15 August. Experience stunning cinematic visuals of jaw-dropping wildlife and habitats, brought to life by the soaring harmonies of the UK’s leading harmonies group, G4, alongside the spellbinding strings of the Blackheath Quartet.

With a cinema-sized screen and immersive music, this is a visceral celebration of nature like no other. From moving moments that invite quiet reflection to uplifting rhythms that’ll have you tapping your toes (or even on your feet!), this event is truly a feast for the senses. Rediscover the magic of our planet in a way you’ve never seen – or heard – before.

Book online at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/night-of-nature?utm_source=20260313_EEVT_Night_of_Nature_Concert_Invite_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=4&utm_campaign=

Quiz answers

1. Rhode Island
2. Angela Merkel
3. Dr Seuss
4. 10,080
5. Quick Response
6. Vienna (Austria); Budapest (Hungary); Belgrade (Serbia) and Bratislava (Slovakia).
7. Marie Curie
8. Jean Alexander
9. The Lion King
10. Sedgefield.

Answers to the citizenship test questions

1. Moderator
2. Respect and obey the law
3. Dedham Vale
4. Stoke Mandeville Hospital
5. 870 miles
6. 84%
7. The Netherlands
8. 1833.

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

Posted on 17 May 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 315

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 17 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 21 May at 11am – Thursday Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 24 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 28 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 31 May at 10.45am – Benefice Holy Communion for Trinity Sunday, followed by refreshments.
Thursday 4 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Thursday 4 June at 7pm – A special Choral Eucharist to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with the choir singing the glorious mass setting by Thomas Tallis. All are warmly invited to join this service of thanksgiving. Wine and pre-supper nibbles will be served afterwards.
Sunday 7 June at 8.30am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 7 June at 6.30pm, Festival Choral Evensong for St Columba’s Day, followed by wine and finger food.

Meet the Owls
TODAY: Sunday 17 May at 10am. Get up close to beautiful birds of prey with Gosling Raptors, including Eagle Owls, Barn Owls and more at Monk Park Farm. Learn from expert handlers, gently interact, and enjoy a calm, fascinating experience. Included in farm admission, with optional photo opportunities available for a small donation. Prices starting from £3pp. Online http://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk or on the door.

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 17 May between 10am and 3pm. On Thirsk Market Place. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

TODAY: Jumble sale to raise cash for Longacre Owl Sanctuary

TONIGHT: Sunday 17 May – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Another excellent quiz, this time with a numbers theme and set by Shirley. The winners were the Long Street Mafia, namely Chrissy, Andy, Rachel and Stuart. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

How many years are celebrated in a traditional ‘crystal wedding anniversary’?
How many American Presidents have been assassinated whilst in office?
At what age did Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain all die?
David Beckham wore which number shirt at Real Madrid in honour of sporting legend Michael Jordan?
How many lines are there traditionally in a sonnet?
How many possible first moves are there in chess?
How many is a gross?
What number is the ‘answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything’ in the The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
How old was the Queen Mother when she died in 2002?
What is the maximum number of clubs golf players are allowed in their bag?

Vacancy for Parish Clerk at Baldersby
Baldersby & Baldersby St James Parish Council is on the lookout for a new Parish Clerk. The council would ideally like to recruit someone who lives fairly local. The full advertisement can be read here. The closing date is shown as Thursday 21 May, but it is likely that this date will be put back to allow more time for expressions of interest to be made and formal applications to be submitted.

Access to Leeds Bradford Airport
Here is some very important information anyone who is planning to visit Leeds Bradford Airport in the next two weeks needs to know. Check out the map below to see the diversions that are in place from tomorrow, Monday 18 May to Friday 29 May.

Asenby Parish Annual Meeting
Asenby’s Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm in the Upper Meeting Room at Asenby & Topcliffe Village Hall. (entry via side/back door).

Please note that, although organised and chaired by members of the Parish Council, this is not a Parish Council meeting. Electors/residents may attend and speak about village matters. The agenda can be read here.

The Parish meeting will be followed by the Annual Parish Council meeting at approximately 7.30pm.

Peter Lowe’s Funeral
The funeral of Peter Lowe will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 21 May at Maple Park Crematorium and afterwards at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe.

The last lunch, held on Wednesday 13 May, was a quiet day with just 19 meals served. A donation of £50 made to support The Tattler newsletter and Sunday Email.

Future of Warm Hub and Soup & Sweet Meals
The team that for seven years or so has organised winter meals under the banner ‘Warm Hub’ and lighter ‘Soup and Sweet’ lunches throughout the summer, has reluctantly decided that now is the time to stop these regular events. The small group of volunteers has shown staggering commitment to the community by preparing and serving meals on a fortnightly basis, but the final regular lunch will be on Wednesday 24 June.

Richard Byas said: “It is extremely sad that the fortnightly lunch sessions will come to an end, but the very small group of volunteers feel that the amount of work involved has simply become too much. I’m sure that many regulars will really miss the opportunity to meet their friends and neighbours for a bite to eat, but there’s a limit to what can be asked of individuals in terms of their dedication, financial contribution and time commitment.”

All is not lost however as the volunteers have indicated that they hope to organise occasional brunches, lunches or teas to specifically support local charities and good causes, such as the senior citizen’s Boccia club, the community newsletter, The Tattler, and the Blue Cross animal rescue centre. And, of course, those volunteers who have traditionally helped out at specific events, such as the summer and Christmas fairs, will continue to do so.

Base Camp Activities for Kids
There’s lot’s for children to do at the various Base Camp days being organised at Baldersby Park this coming half term break.

Base Camp’s Got Talent: Tuesday 26 May – (5-11 year olds) – So many young people with an array of talents attend Base Camp, so it’s time to put them on a show.
Wild Science – Pond Life & Bubbles: Wednesday 27 May FULLY BOOKED.
Woodcraft & Campfire Cooking: Thursday 28 May – (7-13 year olds) – A day of creation and connection. Crafting wood into decorations to take home, foraging for seasonal ingredients and making cakes in the hot coals.

Bookings online at: Upcoming Outdoor Events & Forest School Sessions | Basecamp Learning

Art class in the Village Hall
The next batch of weekly art classes in the Village Hall will start on Monday 1 June. For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day
The annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage will take place on Sunday 7 June.

St Columba’s was founded between 635 and 640AD by King, later Saint, Oswald, meaning we are moving ever closer to beginning our 1400th anniversary celebrations in just nine years’ time.
However, plans for this year’s celebration will be somewhat simpler, including the annual village BBQ in the church hall and churchyard, starting at 12.30pm, to which everyone is very warmly invited. Please take with you your preferred wine and soft drinks, though some will be available. And if you would like to take along a salad and/or cake to share that would be most kind and helpful.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Michael – to Thursday 21 May – no matinees
The Devil wears Prada 2 – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 May. Matinee on Wednesday 27 May.
The Sheep Detectives – Friday 29 May to Thursday 4 June. Matinee on Sunday 31 May.
Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reaney – Sunday 31 May.
The Playboy of the Western World – National Theatre Live – Friday 5 June.
The Christophers – Saturday 6 to Thursday 11 June.
Finding Emily – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 June. matinee on Wednesday 17 June.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Events on in Dalton Village Hall
Jumble Sale: To raise funds for the Longacre owl sanctuary. TODAY: Sunday 17 May between 10am and 1pm.
Coffee Morning: The May Coffee Morning in the village hall is on Wednesday 20 May from 10.30 until 12 noon. Pop along and have a natter, a cuppa and a piece of cake. There is no charge, but donations for this month’s charity are welcome.

Pop-up Pub: There will be a Pop-up Pub on Friday 22 May from 7pm in the village hall. Families welcome.

Ladies Pop-up Shop & Fun Fashion Show: Buy your favourite high street brands at really low prices. Friday 19 June at 7pm. To raise funds for new tables and chairs. Tickets £5 include a glass of prosecco if purchased in advance. Call Beckii on 07734 474781.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Japanese Four Hole Stab Bind – Tuesday 19 May, 1.30 to 3.30pm – Explore the elegance of traditional Japanese bookbinding in this hands-on workshop.
Enamel Pendant – Thursday 21 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Join Heather, the North East representative for the Guild of Enamellers and a proud member of Heritage Crafts, creating a beautiful pendant.
Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England. Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May – Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. http:// www.hambletonshow.com

Racing at Thirsk

Sky Bet Sunday Series – Sunday 31 May – gates open at 1pm and first race at 3.45pm.
Afternoon Racing – Friday 5 June – gates open at 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

Gardeners’ Question Time in Sessay

Quiz answers

1. 15
2. 4 (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy)
3. 27
4. 23
5. 14
6. 20
7. 144
8. 42
9. 101
10. 14

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

Posted on 10 May 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 314

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 10 May at 10,45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 14 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 17 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 21 May at 11am – Thursday Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 24 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 28 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 31 May at 10.45am – Benefice Holy Communion for Trinity Sunday, followed by refreshments

The Yorkshire Flea Market
TODAY: Sunday 10 May from 10am to 5pm at Thirsk Auction Mart. 100 dealers in antiques and vintage items. Free parking, cafe. £4 per person.

Sunday Quiz Night
TONIGHT: Sunday 10 May – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

What a great evening was had at the quiz last week. One of the best attended we have had with 35 participants. Excellent quiz set by Carol and Myra and won by Shirley, Alex, Julie, Rachel and Jim. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. Who is the Greek Godess of wisdom and warfare?
2. In which London park is the new monument to Queen Elizabeth II?
3. In the film Titanic who played the part of Molly Brown?
4. Which woman was the first Vice President of the United States?
5. What was the original name of the Hoover Dam?
6. Which UK city is the highest above seawater?
7. Which London underground line was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 25th anniversary of ascending the throne?
8. What was the first food grown in space?
9. What wine does Hannibal Lecter drink in Silence of the Lambs?
10. What is the common name for the condition caused by a lack of vitamin C?

Peter Lowe’s Funeral
The funeral of Peter Lowe will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 21 May at Maple Park Crematorium and afterwards at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe.

Christian Aid Coffee Morning
Twenty eight people attended the Christian Aid Coffee Morning last Wednesday (6 May) in the Village Hall and £210 was raised for the charity. The organisers would like to thank all those who provided cakes for the coffee morning, those who helped with setting up and serving the drinks and, of course, all those who attended and donated so generously to this worthwhile cause.

Summer Fair stalls go on sale
Interest is already being shown in having stalls at this year’s annual Summer Fair in the Village Hall on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. Last year the stalls were taken very quickly and some hopeful stallholders had to be turned way, so please book early to avoid disappointment. The stalls are available for £10. Call Karen Morley on 07736 086369.

Karen confirms that she and her lovely team will be putting on bacon sandwiches (plus veggie options) and endless tea and coffee on the day. Get it in your diary!

Baldersby St James Book Sale
This is the final reminder until nearer the event that the organisers of the annual book sale held in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James are on the lookout for books. Every year they need to have new books of all categories for their regular buyers. Anyone with clean books to donate can leave them in the church. The Book Sale dates are Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Rug Mats

The first Rugs Mat class was held at the Village Hall last Tuesday and it was a great success with nine in attendance.

Future classes are fortnightly at10am on Tuesdays – 19 May, 2, 16 and 30 June and 14 July. Further classes may be organised if the participants are keen to continue beyond the initial six sessions.

The class leader is Helen Shakespeare. The cost is just £5 a session per person and initially all equipment and materials will be provided to get people started, but those who catch the rug making bug will be encouraged to purchase their own tools and seek out their own materials.

Recent Village Hall Committee Meetings
On Tuesday 5 May the Village Hall Committee held its AGM followed by an Ordinary Meeting. A short note about each meeting can be read here. The full minutes are available on the Village Hall pages of the village website.

Soup & Sweet
The next Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 13 May between 11.30am and 12.45pm. Everyone, of all ages from Topcliffe and Asenby and surrounding areas, is welcome to attend. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and other unavoidable expenses.

The organisers don’t receive grant support or surplus food from supermarkets: everything is bought and paid for, cooked and brought into the hall by volunteers, many of whom are senior citizens themselves.

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of the next art class coming up in the Village Hall:

Paint Beautiful Cottage Gardens and Meadow Landscapes in acrylics. Thursday 14 May, 10am to 1pm.
Watch out for details of the next block of six weekly art classes that will begin on Monday 1 June.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Yorkshire on show in mosaics
The Bath House at RHS Gardens Harlow Carr, Harrogate, is staging the annual BAMM North mosaic exhibition through to Sunday 17 May. The theme for this year’s exhibition and sale is Up Hill and Down Dale: A Celebration of Yorkshire with over twenty mosaicists contributing, including local artist Siobhan Gifford from Asenby. There will be mosaic kits for sale along with various other small mosaics, cards and the like in the pop-up shop. Entrance to The Bath House is free once you have accessed the gardens.

Asenby Parish Annual Meeting
Asenby’s Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm in the Upper Meeting Room at Asenby & Topcliffe Village Hall. (entry via side/back door).

Please note that, although organised and chaired by members of the Parish Council, this is not a Parish Council meeting. Electors/residents may attend and speak about village matters. The agenda can be read here.

The Parish meeting will be followed by the Annual Parish Council meeting at approximately 7.30pm.

St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day

The annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage will take place on Sunday 7 June.

St Columba’s was founded between 635 and 640AD by King, later Saint, Oswald, meaning we are moving ever closer to beginning our 1400th anniversary celebrations in just nine years’ time.

However, plans for this year’s celebration will be somewhat simpler. There’ll be the usual village BBQ in the church hall and churchyard, starting at 12.30pm, to which everyone is very warmly invited.

Then, from 2pm, why not join one of the groups climbing the church tower to enjoy the magnificent views from the top? For those without a head for heights you might wish to linger over the various display boards in the church, or join a guided tour to discover in more detail the history of the church and its features, some still remaining from the medieval church even after the Victorian rebuild. Or else just enjoy exploring our beautiful churchyard, our village ‘greenspace’, which is now emerging thanks to the tireless work and dedication of our team of local volunteers.

Hope to see you there. Watch out for fuller details in due course.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Glenrothan – to Thursday 14 May – matinee on Wednesday 13 May.
All My Sons – National Theatre Live – Friday 15 May .
Michael – Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 May – no matinees
The Devil wears Prada 2 – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 May. Matinee on Wednesday 27 May.
The Sheep Detectives – Friday 29 May to Thursday 4 June. Matinee on Sunday 31 May.
Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reaney – Sunday 31 May.
The Playboy of the Western World – National Theatre Live – Friday 5 June.
The Christophers – Saturday 6 to Thursday 11 June.
Finding Emily – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 June. matinee on Wednesday 17 June.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Landscape in Pastel – Saturday 16 May – Spend a full day exploring the expressive possibilities of pastels as you learn to capture the atmosphere, light and texture of the landscape. 10am – 4pm.
Japanese Four Hole Stab Bind – Tuesday 19 May, 1.30 to 3.30pm – Explore the elegance of traditional Japanese bookbinding in this hands-on workshop.
Enamel Pendant – Thursday 21 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Join Heather, the North East representative for the Guild of Enamellers and a proud member of Heritage Crafts, creating a beautiful pendant.
Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Events on in Dalton Village Hall
Jumble Sale: To raise funds for the Longacre owl sanctuary. Sunday 17 May between 10am and 1pm.
Coffee Morning: The May Coffee Morning in the village hall is on Wednesday 20 May from 10.30 until 12 noon. Pop along and have a natter, a cuppa and a piece of cake. There is no charge, but donations for this month’s charity are welcome.

Pop-up Pub: There will be a Pop-up Pub on Friday 22 May from 7pm in the village hall. Families welcome.

Simon Palmer returns to his roots
Although landscape artist Simon Palmer has lived and worked in North Yorkshire for over 40 years, he has predominantly exhibited in London Galleries. Lovers of Yorkshire’s unique countryside will have the opportunity to enjoy his work on home soil. The artist is showing more than 20 of his immediately recognisable original paintings in this major exhibition at Zillah Bell Galley in Thirsk. To Saturday 30 May 10am-5pm. (Not Sunday or Mondays). http://www.zillahbellgallery.co.uk

Racing at Thirsk

Sky Bet Irish Day – Saturday 16 May – gates open at 11am, fist race at 1.52pm.
Sky Bet Sunday Series – Sunday 31 May – gates open at 1pm and first race at 3.45pm.
Afternoon Racing – Friday 5 June – gates open at 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Meet the Owls
Get up close to beautiful birds of prey with Gosling Raptors, including Eagle Owls, Barn Owls and more at Monk Park Farm. Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May at 10am. Learn from expert handlers, gently interact, and enjoy a calm, fascinating experience. Included in farm admission, with optional photo opportunities available for a small donation. Prices starting from £3pp. Online http://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk or on the door.

Thirsk Artisan Market
On Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 17 May between 10am and 3pm. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England. Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May – Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. http:// www.hambletonshow.com

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

Gardeners’ Question Time in Sessay
A special Gardeners’ Question Time is being held at Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 13 June. Tickets are just £10 online from www.sessayvillagehall.co.uk or from Heather Dale on 07467 549302. Best to buy as soon as possible as tickets will be in high demand.

Quiz answers

1. Athena
2. Regent’s Park
3. Kathy Bates
4. Kamala Harris
5. Boulder Dam (changed to Hoover Dam in 1947)
6. Sheffield (at 548m above sealevel)
7. Jubilee Line
8. Spring Onion
9. Chianti
10. Scurvy.

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

Posted on 3 May 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 313

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Last Thursday, I lost one of my closest and dearest friends. Peter Lowe who many of you will know who from all his activities in Asenby and Topcliffe. Peter recently celebrated his 80th birthday and although he hadn’t been well for a while, his health deteriorated suddenly a couple of weeks ago and he passed away on Thursday in The Friarage.

Peter was not only my friend. He had a huge capacity for friendship and he regarded everyone as a friend…and equally, everyone was his friend.

This is obviously a very painful and difficult time for his wife Judith and all the family. The loss of Peter will leave a huge gap in their lives, as it will in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Details of Peter’s funeral arrangements will be included in a future Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 3 May, at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper nibbles and wine
Thursday 7 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 10 May at 10,45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 14 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 17 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 21 May at 11am – Thursday Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 24 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 28 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 31 May at 10.45am – Benefice Holy Communion for Trinity Sunday, followed by refreshments

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 3 May between 9am and 2pm on Thirsk’s Market Place. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Sports Cars in the Park
TODAY: Sunday 3 May. More than 1,000 sports cars will be on display at this event on A really fantastic day out for the whole family, with a great atmosphere and your ticket includes free entry into Newby Hall’s amazing grounds with its legendary adventure playground. £22, Child (4-15) £16, Family (2+2) £65. Tickets online http://www.newbyhall.com/event

Sunday Quiz Night
TONIGHT: Sunday 3 May – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

An excellent musical and general knowledge quiz last week prepared by Jim and won after a decider by Myra, Carol, Malcolm and Andy. Well done the winners and everyone else participating.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. Who is the host of the ITV quiz The Floor?
2. In which country does Gruyère cheese originate?
3. “I Need you more than want you and I want you for all time” are the lyrics from which famous song?
4. The A167 starts in Topcliffe but where does it terminate?
5. In what year did the original Twin Towers Wembley Stadium hold its last event before
demolition?
6. Who are the current holders of the Women’s FA Cup?
7. The comic characters Sid Snot, Marcell Wave, Cupid Stunt and Gizard Puke were all created by which DJ for his TV Show?
8. What sort of food is burrata?
9. How many gills in a quart?
10. In which European city and its surroundings is Shakespear’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ set?

Youngster’s big steps for charity

Eight year old Nya Watson, who lives with her parents Mark and Lucy in Winn Lane, Topcliffe, has successfully completed her April walking challenge and has raised over £1,500 in the process.

Nya and her dog Renley met their target of walking 60 miles in the month to support ‘Stand up to Cancer’ walking challenge. With the help of friends, family and strangers, Nya and Renley have so far raised an amazing £1,258, boosted by gift aid by a further £290.75. Utterly amazing.

The sponsorship page is still open so if you are prepared to support Nya’s fundraising, please visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/marks-giving-page-272644?nu=1

Summer Fair stalls go on sale
The date of the annual Summer Fair in the Village Hall has been set as Saturday 1 August. Anyone who wishes to have a stall at the fair is now encouraged to book their space. The cost is £10. Last year the stalls were taken very quickly and some hopeful stallholders had to be turned way, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Call Karen Morley on 07736 086369.

Household Waste Recycling Centres registration
Don’t forget that you now have to be registered before visiting any of North Yorkshire Council’s household waste recycling centres. Registration, which is free, only takes a couple of minutes to complete and once done, lasts for three years. You can register on North Yorkshire Council’s website. Nothing will be sent in the post, and staff will check vehicle number plates on arrival.

Cross Talk church newsletter
The May edition of the local church newsletter Cross Talk is now in circulation. You can read a copy here.

Saltburn Smugglers – Raffle

Raffle tickets are still for sale to anyone whether they are going to the concert on Sunday 28 June or not. Get tickets in advance from Jane Gallon on 07909 614086 or Catherine Catterick on 07709 321048.

Baldersby St James Book Sale
It may be four months away but already the organisers of the annual book sale held in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James are on the lookout for books. Every year they need to have new books of all categories for their regular buyers. Anyone with clean books to donate can leave them in the church.

The Book Sale dates are Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Rug Mats
The first Rugs Mat class at the Village Hall will take place at 10am on Tuesday 5 May. Then there’ll be fortnightly sessions at 10am on the following Tuesdays – 19 May, 2, 16 and 30 June and 14 July. Further classes may be organised if the participants are keen to continue beyond the initial six sessions. The cost is just £5 a session per person and initially all equipment and materials will be provided to get people started, but those who catch the rug making bug will be encouraged to purchase their own tools and seek out their own materials.

One or two more participants could be accommodated, so if you are interested in joining this class, please contact Doug Allan – 07785 223707 or email doug@dougallan.co.uk

Village Hall AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 5 May at 7.30pm.

At this meeting the Village Hall Committee is planning to adopt a modernised Constitution that updates many of the governing rules initially introduced when the hall was first opened back in 1961. Anyone wishing to see a copy of the Constitution should contact the Secretary – doug@dougallan.co.uk

Residents of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages are invited to attend the AGM. Immediately after the AGM there’ll be an Ordinary Meeting of the committee.

Coffee morning in aid of Christian Aid
St Columba’s Church volunteers are organising a Coffee Morning to raise funds for Christian Aid on Wednesday 6 May between 10.30am and 12 noon. It will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Donations of cakes on the day gratefully received.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held in the ground floor committee room at the Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 7 May.

Sell your jewellery and gold…or at least have it valued
Next Friday,8 May, a company named R & D Jewellers will be in the Village Hall to offer a valuation service to anyone with gold, watches and other items. They will also be prepared to purchase the items you would like to get rid of. The company’s experts will be in the hall from 11am to 4pm

Fraud Surgery
North Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team based will be holding a fraud surgery at HSBC Bank, 77 Market Place in Thirsk on Friday 8 May between noon and 2pm. You are invited to take this opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what the Safer Communities team is doing to tackle fraud.

The last lunch on Wednesday 29 April saw 37 meals served and a donation of £50 was made to the Community Works charity in Thirsk.

Art class in the Village Hall
Here are details of the next art class coming up in the Village Hall:

Paint Beautiful Cottage Gardens and Meadow Landscapes in acrylics. Thursday 14 May, 10am to 1pm.
Watch out for details of the next block of six weekly art classes that will begin on Monday 1 June.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Asenby Parish Meeting
Asenby’s Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm, followed immediately by the Annual Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm. Both meetings will be held in the upper floor meeting room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day

The annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage will take place on Sunday 7 June.

St Columba’s was founded between 635 and 640AD by King, later Saint, Oswald, meaning we are moving ever closer to beginning our 1400th anniversary celebrations in just nine years’ time.

Hope to see you there. Watch out for fuller details in due course.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May (all matinees).
Talifornia Schemin – to Thursday 7 May – matinee on Wednesday 22 April.
Glenrothan – Friday 8 to Thursday 14 May – matinee on Wednesday 13 May.
Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reaney – Sunday 31 May.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Duncombe Park Country Fair
All the fun of a country fair with stunt riding, mini Grand National, gun dog display, terrier racing, fun dog show, working ferret display and lots more. Duncombe Park, Helmsley on Monday 4 May between 9am and 5pm. £35 Family (2 +2), £15 Adult, £12 OAP, £6 Child, Free Under 5yrs.Tickets online at http:// www.dpcountryfair.co.uk

Music Monthlies: Basset
Canadian folk/roots duo, Basset, are full of timeless heart, with deeply human lyrics and stunning duo harmonies reminiscent of the early folk revival. Their live performances are both sincere and disarmingly funny, with warmth enough to soothe anyone ready to lean in. Thursday 7 May at 7:30pm at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk. £13. Tickets online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/at-the-courthouse/music-monthlies-basset/

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Origami Fairy Lights – Friday 8 May – Join Laura from L & S Crafts in this relaxing origami class where you will learn how to create a stunning string of origami fairy lights. 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
Drawing with Thread – Saturday 9 May – Join textile artist Hayley Mills-Styles for
this workshop and create a hand embroidered picture using different colours and textures of fabric and some simple hand embroidery stitches. 10am – 4pm.
Silver Wrap Rings – Saturday 9 May – Learn the basics of silversmithing as you
design and make your own silver ring wrap ring and apply different techniques to create textures and finishes. 10am – 1pm.
Landscape in Pastel – Saturday 16 May – Spend a full day exploring the expressive possibilities of pastels as you learn to capture the atmosphere, light and texture of the landscape. 10am – 4pm.
Japanese Four Hole Stab Bind – Tuesday 19 May, 1.30 to 3.30pm – Explore the elegance of traditional Japanese bookbinding in this hands-on workshop.
Enamel Pendant – Thursday 21 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Join Heather, the North East representative for the Guild of Enamellers and a proud member of Heritage Crafts, creating a beautiful pendant.
Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Repair your stuff
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. The next Repair Café is at Thirsk Library, Meadowfields, Thirsk on Saturday 9 May from 10am to 12.30pm. Voluntary donations please.

Events on in Dalton Village Hall
Ceiidh: There will be a Ceilidh with pie and pea supper in the village hall on Saturday 9 May, starting at 7pm. Tickets are £15, available from Beckii on 07734 474781. The bar will be open.

Coffee Morning: The May Coffee Morning in the village hall is on Wednesday 20 May from 10.30 until 12 noon. Pop along and have a natter, a cuppa and a piece of cake. There is no charge, but donations for this month’s charity are welcome.

Pop-up Pub: There will be a Pop-up Pub on Friday 22 May from 7pm in the village hall. Families welcome.

Simon Palmer returns to his roots
Although landscape artist Simon Palmer has lived and worked in North Yorkshire for over 40 years, he has predominantly exhibited in London Galleries. Lovers of Yorkshire’s unique countryside will have the opportunity to enjoy his work on home soil. The artist is showing more than 20 of his immediately recognisable original paintings in this major exhibition at Zillah Bell Galley in Thirsk. Saturday 9 to Saturday 30 May 10am-5pm. (Not Sunday or Mondays). http://www.zillahbellgallery.co.uk

The Yorkshire Flea Market
At Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 10 May from 10am to 5pm. 100 dealers in antiques and vintage items. Free parking, cafe. £4 per person.

Racing at Thirsk

Sky Bet Irish Day – Saturday 16 May – gates open at 11am, fist race at 1.52pm.
Sky Bet Sunday Series – Sunday 31 May – gates open at 1pm and first race at 3.45pm.
Afternoon Racing – Friday 5 June – gates open at 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England. Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May – Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. http:// www.hambletonshow.com

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

Quiz answers

1. Rob Brydon
2. Switzerland
3. Wichita Lineman
4. Newcastle upon Tyne (The Westerhope Interchange to be precise)
5. 2000
6. Chelsea
7. Kenny Everett
8. A soft Italian cheese
9. 8
10. Athens

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

Posted on 19 April 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 311

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 19 April, 10.45am – Sung Matins
Thursday 23 April at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Sunday 26 April, 10.45am Holy Communion
Thursday 30 April at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Sunday 3 May at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper nibbles and wine
Thursday 7 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 10 May at 10,45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments

Sunday Quiz Night
TONIGHT: Sunday 19 April – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

An excellent quiz presented by Mike and won by Malcolm, Alan, Irene and Bob. Well done the winners and everyone else participating.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. Pteronophobia is the fear of what?
2. What does Thirsk mean in old Norse?
3. A group of ravens is known as a what?
4. Which U.S. president previously worked as a bartender?
5. What is the SI unit of electrical resistance?
6. Who sang the theme tune for the Bond film, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’?
7. Three of these bands were formed in Yorkshire, but which one wasn’t? Beautiful South, Pulp, The Verve and Whitesnake?
8. Who was the couple first to be shown in bed together on TV?
9. What is the proper name of the national anthem of the USA?
10. Who wrote the novel ‘Where Eagles Dare’?

Rug Mats
The Village Hall Committee is trying to gauge if there would be any interest in attending a fortnightly rug mat making session. There is a class leader willing to run rug mat sessions if between eight and ten people are prepared to attend. The best time and date would be Tuesday morning from 10am to 12 noon. The cost would be £5 a session per person. Initially all equipment and materials would be provided to get people started, but those who catch the rug making bug will be encouraged to purchase their own tools and seek out their own materials. An additional bonus might be that a few renowned rug makers may be lined up for guest appearances.

So, expressions of interest are required. Please contact Village Hall Trustee, Doug Allan (07785 223707 or doug@dougallan.co.uk), if you might be interested. If the numbers are right, the first session could be organised fairly quickly.

Rugs made of rags were very common in working-class homes in the UK in the 19^th century, but the origins could be much earlier. Textiles used to be very labour-intensive to make and were never thrown away – they were recycled and re-used until they fell apart. People used coal sacks or food sacks as backing then, if they were lucky, they could find a tool for pushing or pulling bits of old cloth through the backing to make a rug. They often improvised to create tools, using things like large nails.
Across the country there were different names for the craft. In Scotland, for example, they’re clootie mats, and in Yorkshire, peg mats. There is a theory that they developed from techniques brought over by the Norse invaders many centuries ago.
The most common traditional uses for rag rugs were as ‘slip mats’ to go in front of the door to stop draughts, as floor mats by the side of beds or in front of the fire, and sometimes they were put on beds at night and on the floor during the day. Mats worked their way through the household, from bedside or fireside, to front door, to back door, to dog kennel, to compost heap.

David Pilgrim
Many people in Topcliffe will remember former resident David Pilgrim, who was a very active member of our community for many years. He and his wife Brenda moved to Embleton in Northumberland quite a few years ago. The news was received this week that David sadly passed away in February.

The Saltburn Smugglers

The Smugglers concert on Sunday 28 June in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall is a sell out. Raffle tickets are on sale now to anyone, whether they are going to the concert or not, and as you can see there are some fantastic prizes.

The Crab & Lobster, Asenby – Sunday Lunch x 4
Grantley Hall Hotel – Afternoon Tea x 2
The Old Deanery, Ripon – Sunday Lunch x 2
Maple Park Cafe, Thirsk – Afternoon Tea x 2
Peter Wright, Yorkshire Vet – Signed Book
Watkins Wright, Thirsk – Gift Voucher
Hambleton Brewery – Gift pack x 4 Beers
Catton Kitchen – Veg Box
Northern Lavender – Gift Pack
Creative Lashes, Thirsk – Gift Voucher
Dovecote Larder, Topcliffe – Mini Hamper
Kristina’s, Thirsk – Gift Voucher.

Prizes will be drawn in the order as shown above. Get tickets in advance from Jane Gallon on 07909 614086 or Catherine Catterick on 07709 321048.

Ripon Men’s Shed
Topcliffe resident Colin Ratcliffe, a long-time supporter of Ripon Men’s Shed, is facing the ride of his life and hoping to raise lots of cash for the group at the same time! He is refurbishing a stylish rocking horse and once the spruce up is complete the reinvigorated ‘Rocky’ will be offered to the highest bidder in a blind auction on the group’s open Day on Saturday 25 April – 10am to 2pm. If you can’t make it to the Open Day at 28 Water Skellgate in Ripon, but would like to place a bid on Rocky, please send a direct message with your bid to shedmanager@ripon-mens-shed.org

Asenby Parish Councillor Steps Down
Asenby Parish councillor, Tim Rawden, has stepped down from his position with the council. The Parish Clerk will shortly announce the time period for which residents will be able to request an election. If ten requests are not received then the Parish Council will be able to co-opt a resident who expresses interest.

If you would like to know more please contact the Clerk using the message box on the home page of the Asenby Parish website: https://www.asenbyparish.gov.uk/community/asenby-parish-council-21006/contact/

Register to use Household Waste Recycling Centres
Residents will soon need to register before visiting any of North Yorkshire Council’s household waste recycling centres. Registration, which will be free, will only take a couple of minutes to complete and once done, will last for three years.

Residents can register online from Monday 27 April (see link below) and use the centres straight away. Nothing will be sent in the post, and staff will check vehicle number plates on arrival. This will help the council make sure that their household waste recycling centres are only used by North Yorkshire residents.

Apparently, around 16% of current users live outside the county and restricting usage to residents is expected to generate savings of up to £400,000 per year.

Owners of commercial-like vehicles will only be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste, once registered.
Household waste recycling centres | North Yorkshire Council

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

Spring Retreat Pastels Experience: Celebrate Spring by painting with soft pastels to create inspired scenes and floral displays, landscapes and gardens. Thursday 23 April, 10am to 3pm.
Spring Retreat Paint in Oils: Tropical Flowers in Oils. A true pop of colours and contrasts against more traditional dark backgrounds. Friday 24 April from 10am to 1pm.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Soup & Sweet
The next Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 29 April between 11.30am and 12.45pm. Everyone, of all ages from Topcliffe and Asenby and surrounding areas, is welcome to attend. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and other unavoidable expenses.

The last Soup & Sweet lunch on Wednesday 15 April saw 35 meals served. A donation of £50 was made to the local branch of McMillan Nurses.

Can you help out? There are very few helpers who do the cooking and with holidays fast approaching the Soup & Sweet organisers will be under pressure to prepare the soups needed. If you are able to help by cooking a pan of soup please let Karen Morley know (07736 086369). It doesn’t matter when you cook it, as Karen has facilities for freezing it to use on future dates.

Yorkshire on show in mosaics
The Bath House at RHS Gardens Harlow Carr, Harrogate, is staging the annual BAMM North mosaic exhibition from 23 April to 17 May. The theme for this year’s exhibition and sale is Up Hill and Down Dale: A Celebration of Yorkshire with over twenty mosaicists contributing, including local artist Siobhan Gifford from Asenby. There will be mosaic kits for sale along with various other small mosaics, cards and the like in the pop-up shop. Entrance to The Bath House is free once you have accessed the gardens.

Village Hall AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 5 May at 7.30pm.

Residents of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages are invited to attend the AGM. Immediately after the AGM there’ll be an Ordinary Meeting of the committee.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held in the ground floor committee room at the Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 7 May.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Project Hail Mary – to Thursday 23 April – no matinees
The Audience – Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in this National Theatre Live special – Friday 24 April at 7.30pm.
The Magic Faraway Tree – Saturday 25 to Thursday 30 April – matinee on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April.
California Schemin – Friday 1 to Thursday 7 May – matinee on Wednesday 22 April.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Saturday 2, Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May (all matinees).
Glenrothan – Friday 8 to Thursday 14 May – matinee on Wednesday 13 May.
Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reagan – Sunday 31 May.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Book Club – Tuesday 21 April, 6.30 to 8pm.
Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.
Something Social: Etching and Elderflower Gin – Friday 24 April, 7 to 9pm.
Animals in Pastel – Saturday 25 April – 10am – 4pm.
Bookbinding: Australian Reverse Piano Bind – Tuesday 28 April – 1:30pm – 3:30pm.
Beautiful Botanicals: Collagraph Printing – Saturday 2 May – 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Spoken Word Poetry Evening – Saturday 2 May – 8pm.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Coffee Morning in Dalton Village Hall
This month’s Coffee Morning will be held on Wednesday 22 April at 10.30am in aid of the ‘Together We Can Project’ in Uganda. Rev Sheilagh Williamson will be travelling out to Africa in May and is staying with a local family. She regularly takes items needed by local people and money to purchase items for them, such as chickens. She also provides funds for the education of women and children, teaching them skills to be able to work for themselves. She will hopefully be coming to the coffee morning to talk about the project. Please come along and support this worthy cause.

Harrogate Spring Flower Show
At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Harrogate from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April. Stunning show garden features, live talks and demonstrations, great garden shopping, and the biggest exhibition by florists and flower arrangers in the country. 9.30am-5.00pm. £29 (£24 up to 7 April), Child free (with adult).

Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 28 April between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.

Spilman’s Tulip Festival
Being staged at Church Farm Sessay to Thursday 30 April. Around 250,000 tulips, fifty different varieties. Experience the true beauty of tulips in the Yorkshire countryside this spring. Check the website at – http://www.spilmans.co.uk

Racing at Thirsk

Thirsk Hunt Cup, Saturday 2 May – gates open at 11am. Watch top sprinters compete in the course’s most valuable race of the season. With live music, bars & food vendors.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On Thirsk’s Market Place, on Sunday 3 May between 9am and 2pm. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Sports Cars in the Park
More than 1,000 sports cars will be on display at this event on Sunday 3 May. A really fantastic day out for the whole family, with a great atmosphere and your ticket includes free entry into Newby Hall’s amazing grounds with its legendary adventure playground. £22, Child (4-15) £16, Family (2+2) £65. Tickets online http://www.newbyhall.com/event

Gardeners’ Question Time in Sessay
Below there are details of a special Gardeners’ Question Time being held at Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 13 June. Tickets are just £10 online from www.sessayvillagehall.co.uk or from Heather Dale on 07467 549302. Best to buy as soon as possible as tickets will be in high demand. This poster will next appear in the Sunday Email in mid-May.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

Night of Nature concert
(This item appears now so that those who wish to make a booking now can do so. It will appear again nearer the date.)

If you love nature and music, this RSPB event is for you. It’s at the Royal Hall, Harrogate on the evening of Saturday 15 August. Experience stunning cinematic visuals of jaw-dropping wildlife and habitats, brought to life by the soaring harmonies of the UK’s leading harmonies group, G4, alongside the spellbinding strings of the Blackheath Quartet.

Quiz answers

1. Being tickled
2. Fen or Lake
3. Unkindness
4. Abraham Lincoln
5. Ohm
6. Lulu
7. The Verve
8. Fred & Wilma Flintstone
9. Star Spangled Banner
10. Alistair MacLean.

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