St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: Sunday 13 September at 10.45am, Holy Communion
- Thursday 17 September at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Sunday 20 September at 10.45am Sung Matins
- Thursday 24 September at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Friday 25 September at 7pm, Harvest Service with ‘Bring & Share’ finger food and wine to follow. Further announcements with full details in due course
- Sunday 27 September at 10.45am, Holy Communion
- Thursday 1 October at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Sunday 4 October at 8.30am Said Holy Communion (BCP)
- And at 6.30pm, Choral Evensong, followed by wine and pre-supper nibbles
- Thursday 8 October at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer.
Refreshments follow Sunday and Thursday services, but not the Sunday 8.30am Said Holy Communion.
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Baldersby-St James Annual Book Sale
Today, Sunday 13 September, is the second day of the annual book sale at Baldersby St James. It’s on between 10am and 5pm. This is the big fund raiser of the year for St James Church. This year funds will go towards the repair of the church ceiling, which is now securely netted making the church safe to use again until the repairs are done.
Help requested
Putting away all the books remaining after the sale is a big job, made easier if there are lots of volunteers to help! Can you give an hour or two from 4.30pm?
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Sutton Bank – A170 annual closure
From today, Sunday 13 September, Sutton Bank is closed to all traffic whilst annual maintenance is carried out. The bank is closed until Sunday 4 October. Diversions are in place during this time. The National Park Centre at the top of Sutton Bank will remain open for business throughout the closure period.
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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 13 September – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
Last Sunday’s challenging quiz was prepared and presented by David. And the winners were Sue, Derek, Alan and Joanne. Well done to them and everyone else who took part.
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Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. What is the name of Jeremy Clarkson’s farm in his TV series?
2. In which decade did the first mammal go into space?
3. Who is the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
4. In which city will you find the Spinnaker tower?
5. In which decade were the theory tests added to the UK driving test?
6. Which team knocked England out of this year’s World Cup?
7. In which month is Bastille Day?
8.In which TV programme did Andy Burnham’s wife appear in 1992?
9. In which county is Jodrell Bank located?
10. In which comic did the Bash Street Kids appear?
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The Tattler – search for back copies
The former Warm Hub team is organising a coffee morning on Saturday 26 September at the Village Hall to help support The Tattler newsletter and the Sunday Email. It’s extremely kind of them as there are regular costs that have to be met.
As editor, I have offered to put on a display of copies of The Tattler produced since I took on the editorship and production in 2018. I have copies since that date. Does anyone have copies of earlier editions that could be added to the display?
If so, please get in touch asap so that a comprehensive display of as many issues as possible can be put together. Contact Doug Allan at doug@dougallan.co.uk
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Short report on the meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee held on Tuesday 8 September (prepared by Doug Allan, Village Hall Secretary)
The Chair reported on two resignations for the committee. Firstly, he thanked Emily Collard for her excellent contribution to the work of the committee over 10 years, particularly as Minutes Secretary. He noted that Emily had always had the knack of typing up the minutes as the meeting progressed, reviewing them the same evening and circulating them the next day. Emily’s commitment and efficiency will be missed and Trustees wished her well as she moves on to work with another village organisation.
Second, the Chair thanked Malcolm Sollitt in his absence and commented that although he had only been a Trustee for seven months, he had made a very useful contribution to the work of the committee as a Trustee able to represent the views of Asenby Parish Council and the residents of Asenby. It’s hoped that Asenby Parish Council will put forward a replacement in due course.
The Chair also reported on the retirement of Judith Lowe as Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show Secretary. The committee acknowledged the dedicated service, commitment and organisation given by Judith over 14 years. It was noted that Judith was among a small group of residents who resurrected the show after it had been dormant for quite a few years. She first took on the role when she was a member of the Village Hall Committee and retained the job of Show Secretary when she resigned from the committee in 2022.
The committee is seeking a replacement Show Secretary and hopes that someone in the community will step forward. It is also creating a small Show Committee to support the organisation of the show. The date of the 2027 show is set as Saturday 28 August.
The committee heard reports of the success of a number of recent events (BBQ & Boogie Night, Summer Fair & Brunch and Produce Show) which had boosted the funds of the Village Hall and acknowledged plans for future events including the Halloween Party on 31 October, Flying Oysters Dance on 7 November and Christmas Fayre on 14 November.
The Treasurer reported that the Village Hall’s accounts for 2025/26 were ‘signed off’ by the Independent Examiner and that the current financial position is relatively healthy. The Bookings Administrator indicated that the number of bookings this financial year is currently lower than they were last year, but it is likely that the situation will balance out as the year progresses.
It was agreed that at the Village Hall’s Week event, in March 2027, the main display will be of old photographs of Topcliffe and Asenby. Anyone with photographs that might enhance such a display is asked to get in touch with a committee member.
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Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Council is seeking to co-opt a new councillor. If and qualifying resident feels like they might be interested then please message Parish Clerk, Colin Grimston, to set up an informal chat – clerk@asenbyparish.gov.uk
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Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are invited to a special Halloween party in the Village Hall on Saturday 31 October from 7pm. The event organisers are promising a night of fun and games, music and laughter. Children are welcome to attend, but only if accompanied by their parent(s) or guardian.
Everyone attending is asked to take along a sharing plate of spooky food and this is a Bring Your Own Drinks event. Some of the games will be charged at £1, so please have plenty of change if you can. It would be great to see your fancy dress outfits, but it is optional.
Tickets are just £2.50 per person and they’re available from Topcliffe Post Office or from Sheila Squires at Swaleside Holiday Park on 07803 008461. Any surplus funds will be shared equally between the Village Hall and the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre at Topcliffe.
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Search is on for a new Produce Show Secretary
Following the recent retirement of long-serving Show Secretary, Judith Lowe, the Village Hall Committee is on the lookout for someone to take on the job. The role involves a bit of pre-planning work – though the show formula is well-honed – and management of the show day, which is normally a Saturday at the end of August or early September.
The Committee is also considering setting up a small Show Committee to help organise and manage the popular annual event.
On show days, there’s always an abundance of assistance available from Village Hall Committee members and supporters of the show, and starting next year there’ll also be support from Show Committee members.
Anyone interested is being Show Secretary or joining a Show Committee is asked to drop an email to the Village Hall Secretary at doug@dougallan.co.uk – please include a telephone number so he can ring you to chat through the matter.
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Carole’s moonlight walk for charity
On Thursday 3 October Asenby resident, Carole Ford, is undertaking a sponsored Moonlight Walk to raise funds for Herriot Hospice in Thirsk. She says: “I think we all know that hospices are under severe financial strain. Yet they provide essential help to families whose loved ones are experiencing life threatening situations. Several of my friends and family have benefitted from their support over the years, which is why I want to give a little back to the hospice.”
If you are able to support Carole please go to her Just Giving page –
https://justgiving.com/page/carole-ford-3
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The Rat Run to Barcelona
There’s another fundraising event taking place right now, but this one involves a journey somewhat different to that of Carole Ford’s.
Caitlin Anderson and Tom Lambert, who live in Topcliffe, are doing an amazing journey from Topcliffe to Barcelona driving a clapped-out sports car. Rat Run 2026 is more than just a road trip though, it’s an opportunity to support Charlie’s Dallas Charity, a foundation set up after the tragic loss of brother Charles Dallas Lancaster after a long battle with mental illness. The aim is to raise funds for the vital work the charity does to improve mental health, raise awareness and provide help and hope to those who need it most. Mental health affects countless individuals, families and communities. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Charlie’s Dallas Charity continue delivering essential support to those who need it.
Those able to donate can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tomandcaitlinvtheworld
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New parking meters
North Yorkshire Council is replacing parking ticket machines across the county, including in Thirsk. Customers will no longer receive a ticket to display in their vehicle. Instead, they will enter their vehicle registration number on the payment machine, select the length of stay required and pay using cash or card or a parking app (where available).
Aside from no longer receiving a printed ticket, customers should notice very little difference in how they pay for parking. The council’s installation team will carefully manage the transition to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth changeover at each location. Signage is also being updated to explain the new payment process, as well displaying parking tariffs and specific car park information.
The new machines will continue to accept cash as well as card payments. Parking apps will also be available where currently provided. Once payment has been made, the machine will confirm that your parking session has been successfully registered against your vehicle registration number.
ANPR technology is not being used in council car parks. Civil enforcement officers will be able to check parking sessions electronically using vehicle registration numbers, removing the need to check printed tickets.
Moving to a ticketless system reduces maintenance requirements, improves reliability, cuts paper usage and provides a more efficient service for customers and the council.
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Have a voice in Hambleton policing
North Yorkshire Police are looking for new members to join the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) in Hambleton and Richmondshire. IAG members play a vital role in shaping local policing by offering honest feedback, sharing community perspectives and helping the force to better understand the issues that matter to the public.
People from all backgrounds, experiences and communities across Hambleton and Richmond. You don’t need any special qualifications: the only requirement is being able to receive and send emails and join on-line meetings, which will occur quarterly.
If you might be interested, please email lauren.wilkinson@northyorkshire.police.uk
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Art classes
The regular art classes hosted by Becky Thompson at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall started again last Monday. It’s a block of six Monday classes running between 10am and 12 noon.
The following special one-off classes are planned and anyone interested in attending is invited to get in touch:
- Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s Magical Gardens’. Friday 18 September at Thirsk Town Hall between 6.30 and 9.30pm.
- Draw or paint your pet – or any dog, cat or other animals in pastels. Back due to popular demand. Bring your favourite photograph to copy. At Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Thursday 1 October. Either 10am til 1pm or 10 til 3pm.
- Autumn Flora and fauna: Nature’s Table. Using water colours, acrylics, charcoal or pencil to create studies of local nature. Sutton Bank Nature Hub on Thursday 8 October, 10am ’til 1pm or 10am ’til 3pm. Only 10 places available. £60 pp.
- Paint and Relax with Monet! – Friday 16 October 6.30 to 9.30pm at Thirsk Town Hall.
- Paint a Glass Vase/Storm Lantern – create beautiful floral designs in gorgeous colours. Thursday 5 November between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Topcliffe Village Hall.
- Pain an Autumn Sunset with bright reflections and beautiful hues. Friday 6 November between 6.30 and 9.30pm at Thirsk Town Hall.
- Painting in Acrylics: Sparkly winter landscapes and fun festive scenes. Learn how to add silver and gold leaf to enhance your painting. Thursday 3 December between 10am and 1pm at Topcliffe Village Hall.
- Seasonal Special crafts experience: creating and painting baubles, paper Nordic stars and glass hanging tealights. Friday 4 December between 6.30 and 9.30pm at Thirsk town Hall. Only 15 spaces available. £45.
All classes are friendly and non-competitive, allowing participants to proceed at their own speed. For more information and to book classes online, go to https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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Coffee Mornings at The Angel Inn
Following the amazing success of last year’s event, The Angel team are organising another coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Nurses. It’s on Friday 18 September from 10am until 1pm.
And there’ll be a fundraiser for second charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK, on Saturday 21 November, also between 10am and 1pm.
Donations of cakes to supplement those made by the Angel chef, will be gratefully received at both events.
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Coffee Mornings at the Village Hall
The former Warm Hub team is planning some coffee mornings at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall to raise funds for a couple of local organisations and good causes. Serving- coffee, tea, scones and bakes, homemade biscuits, delicious cakes, savoury treats and cherry buns. Three events have so far been put in the diary and they will all be on from 10.30am to 12 noon.
- Saturday 26 September – to support The Tattler and Sunday Email. There’ll be a display of copies of The Tattler from over the years.
- Wednesday 28 October – to assist with the running costs of the Boccia Club, which provides exercise and coordination activities for elderly villagers.
- Saturday 5 December (date changed from 21 November to avoid a clash with a similar event being held at The Angel Inn) – to raise funds for the Topcliffe-based Blue Cross animal shelter and re-homing centre.
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Flying Oysters at the Village Hall
The Flying Oysters will be returning to Topcliffe on Saturday 7 November. Organiser, Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent supper consisting of pie and peas and a pudding.
Expert raffle organiser, Chrissy Findlay, has agreed to organise a raffle at the event and is already bringing together a fantastic selection of prizes donated by local businesses and organisation.
All funds raised will help support the Village Hall. Tickets, priced £15 are now on sale at Topcliffe Post Office and from Doug Allan…and they are already selling fast!
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Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.
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The Ritz Cinema
- TODAY: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical – a sing along matinee organised as part of Thirsk’s Bookmarked event. Pre-booked tickets only.
- Sunny Dancer – to Thursday 17 September – no matinees.
- Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger – Friday 18 September at 7.30pm.
- The Dog Stars – Saturday 19 to Thursday 24 September – no matinees.
- National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope – Friday 25 September at 7.30pm.
- Pressure – Saturday 26 to Thursday 1 October. Matinee on Wednesday 30 September.
- Bad Apples – Friday 2 to Thursday 8 October – no matinees.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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Coffee and Chat
Every Tuesday from 10.00am in the church at Baldersby St James. Please drop in to church for coffee and a feast of home-made scones and biscuits. Jigsaws always available to borrow.
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Racing at Thirsk
Finale Day – Monday 14 September – gates open 11am. Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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Events at Rural Arts
Here is basic information about events coming up at The Old Courthouse in Thirsk. Check out the website for more details and booking information – http://www.ruralarts.org
Make & Meet: Candle Making: Get creative and transform everyday candles into beautiful hand-painted decorations. Wednesday 16 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Willow Standing Deer: Use simple weaving techniques to create your own willow deer. The perfect addition to your home! Thursday 17 September,10am-3:30pm.
Rowan McCabe – ‘Hard Knocks’: Rowan McCabe returns to the stage with Hard Knocks, a show of spoken word and comedy about community and connection. With support from local poet Olivia Mulligan. The show is part of Bookmarked:Thirsk. Saturday 19 September, 7:30pm. £13 early bird or £14.50 full price.
Japanese Woodblock Printing: Explore this captivating Japanese woodblock printing technique made famous by artists like Hokusai and his iconic Great Wave. Mokuhanga is a wonderfully accessible and eco-friendly method that uses water-based inks and requires no press, making it perfect for artists of all levels. Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Thirsk Jobs Fair: Looking for work or a fresh start? Meet local employers, explore full-time and part-time roles, find learning opportunities and get advice and support for next steps. There’s no need to book a place, just pop in! Thursday 24 September, 10am – 12noon.
Bellinis and Botanical Plaster Casts: In this workshop, you’ll use leaves, flowers and natural textures to create an elegant botanical plaster cast tile. Experiment with arranging your chosen foliage before casting it into plaster to produce a unique decorative piece for your home. Friday 25 September 7pm – 9pm.
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Summer Shows
There’s still a few summer shows across North Yorkshire before the end of the show season:
- Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, Friday 18 to Sunday 21 September – book online at http://www.flowershow.org.uk/autumn-show
- Stokesley Show, Saturday 19 September – 8am until 6pm.
- Eggleston Show, Saturday 19 September – Hayberries Farm, Mickleton – 10am to 4pm.
- Nidderdale Show, Sunday 20 September at Pateley Bridge. 7.45am to 6pm.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Sunday 20 September 10am-3pm on Thirsk Market Square. 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.
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Dalton Coffee Morning
There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support on Wednesday 23 September in the Dalton Village Hall from 10.30am until 12 noon. Pop along and enjoy a cuppa, a piece of cake and a chat with friends and neighbours. There is no set charge, but donations will be greatly appreciated.
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Barbara Rae: Monotypes
Major exhibition by the internationally acclaimed artist, Barbara Rae is on until Saturday 26 September (not Sunday or Mondays) at the Zillah Bell Gallery, 15 Kirkgate, Thirsk. Rae, who was created Dame Barbara Rae in 2025 for services to art, is exhibiting over thirty monotypes and original prints. Many of these works have never been seen before. 10am – Free entry.
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Masham Sheep Fair
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September between 10am and 4pm. Sheep showing, sheep racing, craft market, Bishop Blaize procession, fleece stalls, sheepdog demonstrations, hand bell ringers, Morris dancers, art exhibition and tours of Theakstons and Black Sheep breweries, as well as a small children’s fair.
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The Thirsk Friends of the Lambert Hospice
Friends of the Lambert Hospice is holding several fundraising lunches, with guest speakers, in partnership with The Angel Inn at Topcliffe.
- The autumn lunch will be on Thursday 8 October
- The winter lunch will be on Thursday 3 December.
Details, times and prices are at http://.www.thirskfriendsofthelamberthospice.org The funds are needed to support end of life and palliative care services in the area.
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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
- The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.
- Motown by Candlelight – Friday 27 November at 7.30pm.
- The Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas by Candlelight – Friday 4 December at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Live comedy comes to Sessay Village Hall
The Laughing Pug Comedy Show is coming to Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 24 October with the brilliant Paul Tonkinson, Helen White, Fran Garrity & Chris Lumb. The show will start at 7pm (doors open from 6pm) and tickets are £15. There’ll be a fully licensed bar available on the night. Follow this link for tickets and further information:
Sessay Village Hall Comedy Night at Sessay Village Hall event tickets from TicketSource
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Quiz answers
1. Diddly Squat
2. 1940s (was a Rhesus monkey in 1949)
3. John Healy
4. Portsmouth
5. 1990s (1996)
6. Argentina
7. July
8. Blind Date
9. Cheshire
10. Beano
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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