Category: Sunday Email

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY: Sunday 15 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins followed by refreshments.
• Thursday 19 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Richard Byas
• Sunday 22 June, 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Revd Robert Williamson.
• Thursday 26 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
• Sunday 29 June – No Service (5th Sunday).

Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.

1.  An ostrich egg weighs over 3kg true or false?
2.  What country is known as the long white cloud?
3.  In Greek Mythology who is the messenger of the Gods?
4.  Name and year of the last US moon mission?
5.  Highest paid sports person in 2022?

Besides a variety of stalls and a raffle, the summer fair will include afternoon tea, which will be available for a donation.

Funds raised on the day will help boost the Warm Hub Community Fund, which is periodically distributed to those in financial need.

A summary of the questionnaire results incorporating some key points from the meeting as well as the plan and next steps from the Toll Booth Group can be read here.

Following on from the meeting, it has become apparent that a number of conversations and questions have been generated. For the ease of managing this, the Toll Booth Group has decided to issue a second questionnaire so that all interested parties can raise any new or additional questions anonymously, which will then be submitted to the relevant parties (Parish Council or Toll Booth Group) and hopefully answered in due course. Please note that even if you did not attend the update meeting, you can still ask any questions in the new questionnaire. All questions and comments will be gratefully received. Please click in this link to start the questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QV7XPKN  or alternatively scan the QR code below:

The Toll Booth Group’s next steps will be to review the various survey reports commissioned on the building and to ascertain what works are actually required in the immediate and longer-term.

Thank you all once again for your involvement and encouragement. The Toll Booth Group will keep you updated as progress is made.  

The last lunch on Wednesday 11 June saw 34 meals served and £122 contributed in donations. Of this, £50 was given to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund. A big thank you to the staff at The Angel who kindly provided soup and cake for this lunch.

Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

Tickets are £24.95 and can be booked online at http://bit.ly/4kC50Yy  Alternatively you can pop into the main bar to buy your tickets, which includes a luxury BBQ feast, live country music, giant outdoor games and a few surprises too! Strictly over 16s. Well behaved dogs welcome.

• Hallow Road – to Thursday 19 June – no matinee.
• The Phoenician Scheme – Friday 20 to Thursday 26 June – no matinee.
• The Ballad of Wallis Island – Friday 27 June to Thursday 3 July – matinee on Wednesday 2 July.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 July – matinee on Sunday 6 July.
• Jane Austen Wrecked My Life – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 July – matinee on Wednesday 16 July.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/ 

See full details here.

• Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
• U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
• Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

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

There’s s special event – the Festival of Archaeology – on Sunday 27 July. For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk 

It’s all kicking off on Saturday 16 August starting at 7.30pm. The organisers are sticking to the same format and once again aim to raise funds to support the village hall. Food on the BBQ will include burgers and sausages, served with coleslaw and salad. There’ll be alternatives for those with special dietary requirements, though the organisers need to be informed in advance about requirements.

Those attending will need to bring their own liquid refreshment, whether it be water, whiskey, wine or Weissbier…and not forgetting their best dancing shoes. It’s planned that there’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing star-studded prizes.

Tickets, which again will be priced at just £12.50, will go on sale nearer the date of the event from Topcliffe Post Office. Those with special dietary requirements can call the dedicated number – 07761 501820 – when ordering their tickets to advise on requirements. Watch out for further details in the Sunday Email, on Top Residents and on posters put up around the village. See you there or be square!  

1. False
2. New Zealand
3. Hermes
4. Apollo 17 in 1972
5. Lionel Messi.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.

1. Can you name the three national parks in Wales?
2. What is the chemical symbol for silver?
3. From which country do Panama hats come?
4. Which king put a tax on beards in 1535?
5. In which county is Jodrell Bank?
6. What did Tommy Cooper slip into taxi drivers’ pockets saying ‘have a drink on me’?

Around 50 residents attended the meeting and watched an interesting presentation that covered the history of the historic building, the recent and current uses and the work undertaken by the group to establish the Toll booth’s place in the community and potential future uses. In addition, the steps taken by the Parish Council and responses from the Toll Booth Group were outlined.

It was stated that the first mention of the Toll Booth was in September 2024 when a valuation was actioned the results of which, have not been communicated in proceeding meeting minutes. At subsequent meetings a number of building surveys were also instigated. One short assessment costing £600 was followed by a more comprehensive one undertaken by Savills of York costing £1540. This latter report, which the Toll Booth has access to, cannot be shared with other residents as the Parish Council states there are legal restrictions.

The Toll Booth Group believes this restriction is unwarranted and is petitioning the Parish Council to have the report released generally on the basis that residents paid for it and should be able to read it.

The Savill’s report suggested that the cost of repairs could be up to a maximum of £60,000-£70,000 over a period of fifteen years. That is different to the statement made in the Parish Council’s leaflet which seemed to suggest that a minimum cost of £70,000+  must be faced in the immediate future. It was noted that the report actually only presented uncosted estimates and, of course repairs could be less.

At its meeting in February this year, the Parish Council met behind closed doors to discuss the report with an unidentified consultant present. The outcome was that the council agreed that the potential cost of keeping the building ‘was beyond the Parish Council’s capabilities’. It was agreed that a leaflet explaining the problems and offering 3 options for dealing with them, would be distributed in the village. That leaflet emphasised that the Parish Council’s preferred option would be to sell the building. It was highlighted in the presentation that residents who contributed to that village discussion have not heard back from the Parish Council.

At the council’s April meeting 18 residents attended to express their concern that the Parish Council as custodians of the Toll Booth plan to sell it. They argued that it is an important part of the village’s history and ought to stay in community ownership and preferably be used more intensively. The Parish Council agreed to hear back from these residents on any ideas they had for future use and financial arrangements that would help lift the burden from local council tax payers. That’s when the Toll Booth Group was formed.

The group has undertaken much research into the history of the Toll Booth and reviewed the Parish Council minutes. The group has developed an action plan, which included presenting a questionnaire to all residents of Topcliffe. There were 99 responses to the questionnaire and it demonstrated a strong support for keeping the building (87 respondents), even if there are some costs involved. And 89 residents want to save the building for community use, with plenty of positive ideas being put forward as to how this might happen. The Parish Council has been given the detailed results of the questionnaire.

The meeting was attended by one parish councillor. An opinion was given in defence of a number of decisions made by the Parish Council and it was argued that the building is in such a bad state of repair that the community can’t afford to keep it. It was also argued that the cost of repairs could see the Parish Council precept rising by 100% for several years. It was highlighted by the Toll Booth Group that no such detailed valuation currently exists and that the Toll Booth Group is looking to complete the project with the due diligence it deserves in order to clarify all of these points before such decisions can be made.

Finally, the meeting agreed that a petition aimed at encouraging the Parish Council towards more open and positive dialogue that explores the wishes of the people to retain the building should be engaged. The majority of residents attending the meeting were the first to sign it.

Men from the area who are over the age of 50 who fancy joining this merry band would be very welcome. Just pop along any Tuesday evening to see what it’s all about, or take your trainers and have a go. It’s a lot of fun! More details from Steve Gallon on 07366 419416.

• Sunday 8 June – see St Columba’s Day article above.
• Thursday 12 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Richard Byas.
• Sunday 15 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins followed by refreshments.
• Thursday 19 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Richard Byas
• Sunday 22 June, 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Revd Robert Williamson.
• Thursday 26 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
• Sunday 29 June – No Service (5th Sunday).

Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

Tickets are £24.95 and can be booked online at http://bit.ly/4kC50Yy  Alternatively you can pop into the main bar to buy your tickets, which includes a luxury BBQ feast, live country music, giant outdoor games and a few surprises too! Strictly over 16s. Well behaved dogs welcome.

• Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning – to Thursday 12 June – matinee Wednesday 11 June.
• Hallow Road – Friday 13 to Thursday 19 June – no matinee.
• The Phoenician Scheme – Friday 20 to Thursday 26 June – no matinee.
• The Ballad of Wallis Island – Friday 27 June to Thursday 3 July – matinee on Wednesday 2 July.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 July – matinee on Sunday 6 July.
• Jane Austen Wrecked My Life – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 July – matinee on Wednesday 16 July.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/ 

See full details here.

• Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
• U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
• Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

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

There’s s special event – the Festival of Archaeology – on Sunday 27 July For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk 

It’s all kicking off on Saturday 16 August starting at 7.30pm. The organisers are sticking to the same format and once again aim to raise funds to support the village hall. Food on the BBQ will include burgers and sausages, served with coleslaw and salad. There’ll be alternatives for those with special dietary requirements, though the organisers need to be informed in advance about requirements.

Those attending will need to bring their own liquid refreshment, whether it be water, whiskey, wine or Weissbier…and not forgetting their best dancing shoes. It’s planned that there’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing star-studded prizes.

Tickets, which again will be priced at just £12.50, will go on sale nearer the date of the event from Topcliffe Post Office. Those with special dietary requirements can call the dedicated number – 07761 501820 – when ordering their tickets to advise on requirements. Watch out for further details in the Sunday Email, on Top Residents and on posters put up around the village. See you there or be square!  

1. Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast.
2. Ag
3. Ecuador.
4. Henry VIII
5. Cheshire.
6. A tea bag.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY: Sunday 1 June at 8.30am, ‘Said’ Holy Communion (BCP), Revd Dawn Ward
• TODAY: Sunday 1 June at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper wine and nibbles
• Thursday 5 June at 11am – Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
• Sunday 8 June – Festival Choral Eucharist for St Columba’s Day, Father Robert Williamson, followed by refreshments and Village BBQ at 1pm (see article below).
• Sunday 15 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins followed by refreshments.
• Thursday 19 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
• Sunday 22 June, 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Revd Robert Williamson.
• Thursday 26 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
• Sunday 29 June – No Service (5th Sunday).

Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.

1. Who wrote the novel Dr Zhivago?
2. Name the two London boroughs that start with ‘E’
3. What’s another name for a tightrope walker?
4. What is the common name for the family of plants to which potatoes, peppers and tomatoes belong?
5. What was Homers ‘Iliad’ an account of?
6. Yuri Gagarin was the first man to orbit the earth. What was the name of his spacecraft?

Regular Monday morning classes
The next block of six Monday morning classes in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will start on Monday 2 June. There’s an early bird offer for anyone who books online before Friday 23rd May. If you can’t make daytime classes, consider joining the Monday evening online class via Zoom.

Tuesday evening classes at Thirsk Town Hall
Some people may wish to attend Becky’s evening classes held in Thirsk Town Hall. They start on Tuesday 3 June, are held from 6.30 to 8.30pm and also run for six weeks.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/workshops

As a taster, it has been revealed that 87% of respondents agreed that ‘given the age and history behind the building we should do our best to hold on to the building and utilise it for the benefit of the community.’

The full details of the views expressed will be presented on the big screen by a representative of the Toll Booth Group, a group of volunteers wanting to retain the historic building for the benefit of the local community. 

The last lunch, held on 28 May, saw 33 meals served and a total of £92 raised from donations. Of this sum, £50 was given to help with production costs of the Tattler newsletter. After paying village hall rent, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

The full list and show rules, together with timings on the day, are available here or can be found on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk

• The Salt Path – to Thursday 5 June – matinee Wednesday 4 June.
• Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 June – matinee Wednesday 11 June.
• Hallow Road – Friday 13 to Thursday 19 June – no matinee.
• The Phoenician Scheme – Friday 20 to Thursday 26 June – no matinee.
• The Ballad of Wallis Island – Friday 27 June to Thursday 3 July – matinee on Wednesday 2 July.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 July – matinee on Sunday 6 July.
• Jane Austen Wrecked My Life – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 July – matinee on Wednesday 16 July.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/ 

There are also some special events coming up. 

• Great Big Green Week – Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June – A volunteer-led tour looking at what the monks of Byland Abbey can teach us about sustainability.
• Festival of Archaeology – Sunday 27 July

For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk 

• Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
• U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
• Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

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

It’s all kicking off on Saturday 16 August starting at 7.30pm. The organisers are sticking to the same format and once again aim to raise funds to support the village hall. Food on the BBQ will include burgers and sausages, served with coleslaw and salad. There’ll be alternatives for those with special dietary requirements, though the organisers need to be informed in advance about requirements.

Those attending will need to bring their own liquid refreshment, whether it be water, whiskey, wine or Weissbier…and not forgetting their best dancing shoes. It’s planned that there’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing star-studded prizes.

Tickets, which again will be priced at just £12.50, will go on sale nearer the date of the event from Topcliffe Post Office. Those with special dietary requirements can call the dedicated number – 07761 501820 – when ordering their tickets to advise on requirements. Watch out for further details in the Sunday Email, on Top Residents and on posters put up around the village. See you there or be square!  

1. Boris Pasternak
2. Ealing and Enfield
3. Funamulist
4. Nightshade
5. The Trojan wars
6. Vostok 1

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY: Sunday 25 May at 10.45am, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
• Thursday 29 May at 11am, Morning Prayer to celebrate Ascension Day. Revd. Dawn Ward (or Richard Byas, if Dawn is delayed), followed by fellowship and refreshments.
• Sunday 1 June at 8.30am, ‘Said’ Holy Communion (BCP), Revd Dawn Ward
• Sunday 1 June at 6.30pm, Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper wine and nibbles
• Thursday 5 June at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
• Sunday 8 June, Festival Choral Eucharist for St Columba’s Day, Father Robert Williamson, followed by refreshments and Village BBQ at 1pm.

Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.

1. Which meringue-based dessert has the same name as a Russian ballet dancer? 
2. By what common name is the flower Heartease known?
3. Which country’s international car index mark is PL?
4. In which country are the Drakensberg Mountains?
5. What is the common name of burnt gypsum?
6. Louboutin shoes are famous for having red soles. What did Louboutin use to colour the prototype shoes?

And the decider: How many muscles does a cat have in each ear?

But, as the maintained areas expand and with people being away or unavailable from time to time, it would be very helpful if a few more volunteers were to get involved and put in a shift or two as and when.

The church has been able to fund a self-propelled replacement for one of the two mowers that recently failed, though this may yet be repaired to bring our total to three! If you would like to talk further about getting involved, please get in touch with John Phillips on 01845 577034. Finally, a big thankyou again to those who responded so generously to the recent appeal for gardening equipment.

The last lunch held on Wednesday 14 May saw 36 lunches served and donations totalling £106. The sum of £50 was presented to the Animal Rescue Crew charity and after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Don’t forget that residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

• Wednesday 28 May – wild science with Becca Clarkson – natural science experiments outdoors.
• Thursday 29 May – archery with the Thirsk Bowmen – expert tuition with real arrows.

Book via the website at: https://basecamplearning.co.uk/

Regular Monday morning classes
The next block of six Monday morning classes in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will start on Monday 2 June. There’s an early bird offer for anyone who books online before Friday 23rd May. If you can’t make daytime classes, consider joining the Monday evening online class via Zoom.

Tuesday evening classes at Thirsk Town Hall
Some people may wish to attend Becky’s evening classes held in Thirsk Town Hall. They start on Tuesday 3 June, are held from 6.30 to 8.30pm and also run for six weeks.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/workshops

• Phase one – from Monday 2 June to Friday 20 June. Two-way traffic lights between 9.30am and 3:30pm.
• Phase two – from Friday 6 June to Monday 16 June. A full road closure between 9pm and 5am between the B1448 to the roundabout at Tesco/Lidl.
• Phase three – from Friday 13 June to Friday 4 July. A full road closure between 7pm and midnight between Tesco/Lidl and the Railway Bridge.

A61 at Skipton-on-Swale
Resurfacing work on the A61 at Skipton-on-Swale will start on Monday 2 June, for five weekdays. 
The road will be closed between 7:30am and 5pm. A fully signed diversion will be in place.

A19 at Bagby Crossroads
Resurfacing work on the A19 at Bagby Crossroads will begin on Tuesday 3 June lasting for five weeknights. The road will be closed from 9pm until 5am during this work. A fully signed diversion will be in place.

• Thunderbolts* – to Thursday 29 May – matinee Wednesday 28 May.
• The Salt Path – Friday 30 May to Thursday 5 June – matinee Wednesday 4 June.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/ 

Dishfest 
DishFest is making a grand return this summer with a new-look festival on Saturday 31 May.  The organisers are cranking it up with fresh musicians, a DJ extravaganza, and a whole new setup that’ll make your heart sing. Get ready for an afternoon into the evening filled with music, street food, beer marquee with seating and good vibes. It will all take place on the afternoon and through to the evening, on the Dishforth Playing Fields. Bring your own table and chairs, but please do not bring your own alcohol on site. 

Tickets are limited and the event did sell out last year, so don’t leave it too late to book. Go online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dishfest-2025-tickets-1288240896199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

• Great Big Green Week – Sunday 8 June
• Festival of Archaeology – Sunday 27 July

For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk 

• Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
• U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
• Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

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

1. Pavlova
2. Pansy
3. Poland
4. South Africa
5. Plaster of Paris
6. He used his personal assistant’s nail polish.

The decider: A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY: Sunday 18 May at 10.45am, Sung Matins, followed by refreshments.
• Thursday 22 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd. Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
• Sunday 25 May at 10.45am, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
• Thursday 29 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd. Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
• Sunday 1 June at 8.30am, Said Holy Communion (BCP), Revd Dawn Ward
• Sunday 1 June at 6.30pm, Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper wine and nibbles
• Thursday 5 June at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
• Sunday 8 June, Festival Choral Eucharist for St Columba’s Day, Father Robert Williamson, followed by refreshments and Village BBQ at 1pm.

Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.

1.  Which country did Celine Dion represent in the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest?
2. In which continent is Surinam?
3. What collective name is given to a group of frogs?
4. Which city gets the most International visitors?
5. Which continent has the most countries?
6. Who played the Queen in the third series of The Crown?

Once the survey is closed, the results will be made public so that everyone can see exactly how residents feel about the future of this important building. Already a wide range of future uses have been suggested.

The next phase of the project will be to look into the cost implications. Meanwhile the Toll Booth Group is continuing investigations into the history of the building as this in itself is proving very interesting.

NOTE: The next bi-monthly meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held on Tuesday 15 July at 7.30pm.

Spring Sketch and Draw with more Confidence
Last month Becky held a ‘Winter Sketch and Draw’ experience at which everyone had such a wonderful time. As a follow up, she is continuing the seasonal theme and arranging a ‘Spring Sketch and Draw’, which will take place on Thursday 22 May between 10am and 2pm at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. This will be a great experience and help artists of all abilities to continue to develop their practice and skills.

‘Sketch and Draw in Pencil and Charcoal’
This special one-off class will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Thursday 22 May between 10am and 2pm. All materials provided. You can take your own lunch or pay for a light lunch pre-ordered from a local caterer nearer the time.

Regular Monday morning classes
The next block of six Monday morning classes in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will start on Monday 2 June. There’s an early bird offer for anyone who books online before Friday 23rd May. If you can’t make daytime classes, consider joining the Monday evening online class via Zoom.

Tuesday evening classes at Thirsk Town Hall
Some people may wish to attend Becky’s evening classes held in Thirsk Town Hall. They start on Tuesday 3 June, are held from 6.30 to 8.30pm and also run for six weeks.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/workshops

The last lunch held on Wednesday 14 May saw 36 lunches served and donations totalling £106. The sum of £50 was presented to the Animal Rescue Crew charity and after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Don’t forget that residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

• Thursday 29 May – archery with the Thirsk Bowmen – expert tuition with real arrows. 
• Wednesday 28 – wild science with Becca Clarkson – natural science experiments outdoors.

Book via the website at: https://basecamplearning.co.uk/

• A Minecraft Movie – Sunday 18 May.
• The Accountant 2 – to Thursday 22 May – no matinee.
• Thunderbolts* – Friday 23 to Thursday 29 May – matinee Wednesday 28 May.
• The Salt Path – Friday 30 May to Thursday 5 June – matinee Wednesday 4 June.

Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/ 

Dishfest 
DishFest is making a grand return this summer with a new-look festival on Saturday 31 May.  The organisers are cranking it up with fresh musicians, a DJ extravaganza, and a whole new setup that’ll make your heart sing. Get ready for an afternoon into the evening filled with music, street food, beer marquee with seating and good vibes. It will all take place on the afternoon and through to the evening, on the Dishforth Playing Fields. Bring your own table and chairs, but please do not bring your own alcohol on site. 

Tickets are limited and the event did sell out last year, so don’t leave it too late to book. Go online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dishfest-2025-tickets-1288240896199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

• Great Big Green Week – Sunday 8 June
• Festival of Archaeology – Sunday 27 July

For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk 

• Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
• U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
• Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

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

1. Switzerland.
2. South America.
3. An army or a colony.
4. Bangkok.
5. Africa with 54.
6. Olivia Coleman.