St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 8 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Father Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 11 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Sunday 15 December at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Wednesday 18 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Sunday 22 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Father Robert Williamson
- Sunday 22 December at 6.30pm – Traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by refreshments and wine.
Here’s a list of services and events over the festive season at St Columba’s Church.
- Monday 23 December at 2pm – Crib Service led by the Rev Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas story, particularly suitable for families and children.
- Tuesday 24 December at 11.30pm – Midnight Communion for Christmas led by Father Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) – No Service
- Sunday 29 December (Fifth Sunday) – No Service
- Sunday 5 January at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Epiphany followed by pre-supper refreshments and wine
All at St Columba’s would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 8 December– The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last week’s quiz was set by Sue and the winners were Derek, Alan, Lynne and Mac. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.
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Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Tait
A couple who now live in Topcliffe had to postpone their wedding when Covid hit…but they finally tied the knot at Northallerton Registry Office on Friday and held their reception in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall yesterday.
Adam and Florence Tait, of Manor Close, have been in Topcliffe for three years and decided that a Village Hall reception would be their perfect celebration, reflecting their love of village life and wishing to support their local Village Hall.
Over sixty relatives and friends were guests at the party – the only wedding reception booked in the Village Hall this year.
Florence said: “It was very disappointing having to postpone our initial wedding plans because of the pandemic and before we could make fresh arrangements, our twin, Violet and Fred arrived. Now that they are three years old, we thought it was time to get hitched and make things formal.
“The main catering was to be from a visiting pizza van, but at the last moment the company cancelled due to the poor weather. Thankfully, Bianco’s in Thirsk stepped in and saved the day, supplying all the meals we needed. I made the decorations with help from my mum and my best friend Becca.
“The Village Hall was a perfect venue and committee members were extremely helpful and ensured that everything worked like clockwork. We’ve been made very welcome here in Topcliffe. It’s obviously a different lifestyle to what we knew in Newcastle, where I lived, and Knaresborough, where Adam is from, but we do love it and we’ve fully embraced village life”.
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Got your Tattler?
The December edition of the Tattler was published last week and distributed door to door in Asenby and Topcliffe. I hope you enjoyed the read. Anyone living on the fringes of our two villages who doesn’t get a delivery, can ask for an electronic version. Just email doug@dougallan.co.uk
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The Topcliffe Big Race Night
Arrangements are underway to stage the next Big Race Night at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 February 2025. Those who have been to previous Race Nights know what great fun it is with eight video races and the added excitement of betting on the horse of your choice. There’ll also be a raffle with some super prizes. Lots of local businesses have already taken up sponsorship opportunities and supplied fantastic raffle prizes.
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Name your horse
Punters now have the chance to name a horse in each of the eight races. There are 64 horses to be named at a cost of £5 each on a first come, first served basis. Contact Doug Allan on 07785 223707 or email him at doug@dougallan.co.uk
If you haven’t been to a Big Race Night before, give it a try and join in the fun and entertainment. You’ll also be helping to raise much-needed funds to support and maintain our Village Hall. Entry tickets will be priced at £8, to include a two-course supper, and will go on sale early in the New Year.
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Sale of dog and cat food
There’s still a few cat and dog food products available for sale if anyone is interested. It’s no good being stored in my garage! It needs to go, so I’ve reduced prices. Please get in touch with Doug Allan on 07785 223707. Here’s what’s left:
Harrington’s Dog Food
2 x Adult Dog Natural Choice – Turkey & Veg – 15kg bags – RRP £36…£10 each
AATU Dog Food
1 pack – AATU Chicken plus. 6 x tinned meals – RRP £19.50………….…£9
Barking Heads Dog Food
1 x Barking Heads – Wet Beef Waggington 300gm pouches x 10 )
1 x Barking Heads – Wet Chop Lickin’ Lamb 300gm pouches x 10 ) £7.50 each.
1 x Barking Heads – Wet Poached Salmon 300gm pouches x 10 )
Harrington’s Cat Food
5 x Fisk fillets in jelly – 12 x 85gm……………………………………………£4 each.
8 x Mixed meat selection in jelly – 12 x 85gm …………………………….£4 each.
The pet food was donated by Dalton-based manufacturers IPN (Inspired Pet Nutrition) as away of them sponsoring the Big Race Night and supporting our village hall.
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Buy local at Christmas
You don’t need to travel miles using up valuable fuel to get a Christmas tree as Josh Barningham is selling real fresh Yorkshire ones right here in Topcliffe. Josh has a wide range of trees of many sizes and prices. Call in at Winn Lane farm, Long Street on weekends – Saturdays 10 til 4pm, Sundays 10 til 3pm. Or call 07716 334211 to order and arrange delivery.
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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe Fridays 5 ’til 7pm. 13 December). Final visit of 2024 on Friday 20 December. Re-opening on Friday 22 January.
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
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Topcliffe’s Christmas tree was erected outside the Village Hall yesterday. The spectacular tree has been donated by Gordon and Shirley Walker, who live on Swale View Holiday Park. The tree had outgrown their garden and they were happy to see it put up in Topcliffe as a centre piece during the festive season.
A huge thank you to Josh Barningham who kindly cut the tree down and transported to to the Village Hall. And to Malc Morley who helped get the tree sorted in its new position
The tree will be decorated this week once the current bad weather improves.
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Postal deadline for Christmas cards and gifts
As the festive season draws ever closer, it’s time to get writing your Christmas cards. The recommended final posting dates for items to arrive in time for Christmas are 18 December for second class and 19 December for first class. Anything posted special delivery guaranteed must be sent by 22 December. These are the same dates for presents and cards. Of course, those are the latest dates to guarantee delivery. To be extra safe, post items as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment over the festive period.
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Cllr Dan Sladden wants to help
In his article in the current edition of The Tattler, Cllr Dan Sladden, who represents Topcliffe & Sowerby on North Yorkshire Council, expressed the desire to identify and help any residents living in Topcliffe who may be entitled to Pension Credit but are currently not claiming it. He suggested that the application process can be daunting so he is offering to assist those who wish to apply. He thinks, on the balance of probabilities, that in Topcliffe there could be around a dozen pensioners who might qualify.
Cllr Sladden also mentioned that he has £4,700 remaining in his Locality Budget (each councillor is allocated £10,000 each year to spend on local initiatives in their area) and he is on the lookout for appropriate projects to support. If you are involved with a local club or organisation and have a suitable project that needs supporting, please get in touch with him.
Finally, Cllr Sladden is happy to be contacted if you have a neighbourhood problem or concern about a local service, especially any provided by North Yorkshire Council.
You can contact Cllr Sladden on 07466 487989 or by email at cllr.dan.sladden@northyorks.gov.uk
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Health equipment amnesty
Our local NHS and Social Care Service is appealing for the return of heath equipment that has been loaned to patients. In our area alone, thousands of pieces of equipment are out on loan, including walking sticks, commodes, crutches and lots more.
Each year, the local NHS service loses thousands of pounds worth of equipment, but it is now hoping that equipment that is no longer in use or needed will be returned so that other patients requiring assistance can be helped. Items can be returned to the NHS via Topcliffe Surgery. All equipment returned will be assessed, safety tested and either repaired and reused or stripped down for recycling.
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The Catton Kitchen
Christmas orders for meat, vegetables and puddings are now being taken. Please place your orders no later than Tuesday 10 December, but earlier if possible. Orders at: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/
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Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
By now it’s thought that everyone who wants to attend the Christmas lunch will have been in touch and bought their ticket. But if by chance there is anyone who hasn’t purchased a ticket and would like to do so, please get in touch with Judith Lowe asap. 01845 577911.
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Santa Claus to visit Asenby
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Thirsk Artisan Market
On Sunday 15 December between 10am and 3pm. A Christmas market provided by local independent producers and makers of arts and crafts, plus food and drink. Thirsk Market Place.
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Topcliffe Academy – important dates
- Tuesday 17 December – Christmas Dinner and Christmas Jumper Day
- Wednesday 18 December – Carol Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
- Friday 20 December – Break up for Christmas at 2pm.
- Tuesday 7 January – School re-opens for start of Spring Term.
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Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 18 December from 11.30 to 12.45pm. (Please note that there won’t be a Warm Hub lunch on Wednesday 11 December as that is the day of the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch).
The last warm Hub lunch, held on 27 November, saw 58 meals served and £167 raised. A donation of £50 has been made to Herriot Hospice and, after paying rent to the Village Hall and paying for some essential ingredients for future meals, the balance went in to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
On the 18th there’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have a meal delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a meal on the day the Warm Hub is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
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Carols around the Christmas Tree in Topcliffe
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Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are invited to gather at the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall to sing carols at 7pm on Friday 20 December. Special guests will be some of the children of Topcliffe Academy’s new choir. Sheets with the words of the carols…and a few other festive songs…will be provided, but you’ll need to bring a torch or a mobile phone to light your way. And don’t forget to wrap up warm! Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the hall. Refreshments for children too. There’ll be no set price, but donations will be welcome to help cover the cost.
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Christmas Opening Hours at The Angel Inn
- Christmas Eve – open until 8pm for food. Drinks normal hours.
- Christmas Day – open for drinks only – 11.30am to 1.30pm.
- Boxing Day – Sunday lunch menu until 4pm. Bar until 6pm.
- New Year’s Eve – Bar open 12 noon through to 1am. Food served 12 noon to 2pm.
- New Year’s Day – the Sunday lunch menu will be available until 4pm. Bar until 6pm.
- The Angel will be closed from 6 to 9 January.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance
The Angel are planning an unforgettable evening of dining, music, dancing and entertainment at their New Year’s Eve celebration. 7pm until 1am. Check out the details here.
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Winter art classes
- Next block of six Monday morning classes at the Village Hall – starts 6 January.
- Winter sketch and draw class at the Village Hall on Thursday 27 February from 10am to 2pm.
- Paint Beautiful Gardens from around the World in oils on Thursday 27 March from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Save the dates or pre-book your space. Suitable for beginners and artists at all levels. For more information and to book, visit http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
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Village Hall Fundraising Events – dates for your diary
In addition to the Christmas Fayre mentioned above, volunteers have more events planned at the Village Hall in the coming months and you might want to make a note these dates:
- Sunday 26 January 2025 – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
- Saturday 22 February 2025 – The Big Horse Race – one of the most popular events held each year.
- 29 March 2025 – The Flying Oysters – back by popular demand, everyone’s favourite dance band.
There’ll be more information announced about all of the events in due course.
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Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
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Christmas at Rural Arts
- Wrapping Paper – Make wrapping paper that is worthy of being a gift itself. There will be a choice of how you decorate your paper, either through print, letter press or calligraphy, but the creative design will be up to you. Tuesday 10 December – 10.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Christmas Stockings – A really fun workshop to make your own Christmas Stockings that can be filled and hung up next to a fireplace, end of a bed, or simply put underneath the tree. Tuesday 10 December – 1.30 – 3.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Upcycled Wooden Furniture – If you have small wooden piece of furniture that sits unloved in a corner of your home, then this upcycling workshop is the perfect way to give it some love and put it centre stage in a room. Wednesday 11 December – 10.30am – 12.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Organic Wreath Making – Fed up with the throwaway culture of Christmas, where decorations and gifts are discarded just weeks later? This year, ditch the plastic and embrace a greener holiday. Make this Christmas not just merry, but truly sustainable. Friday 13 December – 10.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets £30.
Rural Arts is based at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org
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The Ritz Cinema
- Gladiator 2 – Thursday 12 December – matinee on Wednesday 11 December.
- Between the Lights – Sunday 8 December.
- Wicked – Friday 13 to Thursday 20 December.
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/
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Ripon Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah: Saturday 14 December – 7.30pm. Tickets £25 (or £22 unreserved).
- Festival of Lessons and Carols: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December at 5.30pm.
- Midnight Mass – Tuesday 24 December – 11pm.
- Bowie by Candlelight – Friday 17 January at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight – Friday 14 February at 7.30pm
- Take That – tribute group Re-Take That in concert – Friday 14 March at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Christmas in Dalton
Pop-up Pub and Bingo: This will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Saturday 14 December from 7 pm. To raise funds for the village’s Christmas tree. The Dalton Dazzlers children’s choir will be singing carols at Ivy House at 6.45 pm to start the evening.
Carols by Candlelight: This year’s Carols by Candlelight at St John the Evangelist Church will be on Sunday 15 December at 6pm. (not Friday as in previous years). The Dalton Dazzlers Children’s Choir will be making an appearance. The service will be followed by refreshments.
Christmas Panto: This year’s Christmas Panto, Beauty and the Beast, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Monday 23 December. It will be presented by Chaplins Mini Pantos. Doors open at 6.15 pm for a prompt 6.30 start. Tickets are £14 for adults and £8 for children. A family of two adults and two children £40, Under 4 year olds free. Call Eleanor on 07841 0363 for tickets.
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Winter Warmer Cruises
On Saturday 21 to Monday 23 December at 9.45am, Ripon Scenic Cruises is offering a half hour festive cruise with a mulled wine, fruit punch or luxury hot chocolate, along with a choice of brownie or mince pie. (GF and vegan options available). Warm blankets for knees. Dog friendly too! Tickets are £8.95 available online at https://buytickets.at/riponsceniccruises.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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