Category: Sunday Email

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

• TODAY: 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.

The sale of cat and dog food donated by IPN, the Dalton-based pet food manufacturer, has raised £360 towards the Race Night fundraising. All the pet food has now been sold. Thank you to everyone who purchased for their pets.

Entry tickets will be priced at £8, to include a two-course supper, and will go on sale early in the New Year…though tickets can be reserved if anyone wishes to make sure they don’t miss out!

Contact Doug Allan on 07785 223707 or email him at [email protected]

Many apologies to the surgery and to those who were inconvenienced by my message. I’m afraid I  misunderstood the message on Topcliffe Surgery website. If you have equipment you no longer need, please read the leaflet on Topcliffe Surgery’s website that tells you how to deal with returns.
Returning Equipment No Longer Needed – Topcliffe Surgery

This is the sixth phase of the Government’s Household Support Fund. The funding will be used to bolster local foodbanks, help people to stay warm and well in their homes and support those struggling to pay for bills or utilities.

Eligible families will also again be able to claim supermarket vouchers to help pay for food and other essentials. Further details about the Household Support Fund direct award scheme, including eligibility and voucher amounts, is due to be released in January 2025.
You can access more information about the support available in North Yorkshire on this site: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-and-volunteering/cost-living-support-0

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• Sunday 26 January 2025 – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
• 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.

• Wicked – to Thursday 19 December – matinees on Sunday 15 and Wednesday 18 December.
• Red One – Friday 20 to Monday 23 December – matinees on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December. 
• CLOSED – Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December.
• Conclave – Friday 27 December to Thursday 2 January – no matinees.
• Moana 2 – Friday 3 to Thursday 9 January – matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 January.

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/ 

All these questions and more will be answered in this fascinating festive journey through the history of Thirsk. Tours last 1½ hours and will take place on Saturday 21 December and Saturday 28 December – all from 11am until 12.30pm. Meet at Thirsk Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place and please wear sensible shoes. There is no fixed price but donations will be gratefully received. Any queries call 07467 696486.

• 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/

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

• 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.

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”.

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.

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.

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 [email protected]

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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/ 

• 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/

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.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

• TODAY: Sunday 1 December at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine. 
• Wednesday 4 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
• 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.

An announcement out last week states that YAA has agreed a land purchase and is now beginning the process of applying for planning permission for the project. The organisation is now engaging with Skipton on Swale Parish Council, North Yorkshire Council and other local stakeholders.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently tenants at RAF Topcliffe and for some years have been looking to identify sites in the proximity of Topcliffe to build and develop our own Northern air support unit. 

“YAA has operated out of RAF Topcliffe for over ten years and has benefited from the full support of the Royal Air Force, the British Army 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and local residents.

“To enable us to plan and develop for the long-term future, and to give additional stability for our critical care service, we have opted to pursue developing our own purpose-built air support unit for the Northern region. It will complement the excellent facilities we have at our Nostell base, close to Wakefield.”

• Keep a torch and spare batteries at home.
• Have blankets and warm clothing to hand.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and any battery packs you may have.
• Turn off any appliances which should not be left unattended when switched on, such as cookers and microwaves – you never know when then power may be switched back on.
• Consider leaving a light switched on so they know when the power has come back on.
• Check on any elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives.

You’ll find information about emergency support with everyday living costs, benefits, Pension Credit, energy bills, food and managing debt all in one place here. North Yorkshire Council’s cost of living web page also has information about schemes to help families, free adult learning courses and local community-based support including Warm Welcome spaces as well as advice on staying safe and well.

If you’re less confident with technology and have friends or family who might be able to help you understand what support is available with the cost of living, please ask them to look at the web page with you. You can also go into any North Yorkshire library or North Yorkshire Council office.

If you’re not sure who to turn to, you can call North Yorkshire Council’s customer service centre on 0300 131 2 131 Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm asking for ‘cost of living help’ when prompted. https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-and-volunteering/cost-living-support-0

• Asenby Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday 4 December.
• Topcliffe Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 5 December.

Both parish councils meet in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Final visit of 2024 on Friday 20 December.  Re-opening on Friday 22 January). 

• Friday 6 December – Thirsk Town Hall 6.30-9.30pm. Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake. 
• 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

The tree should be in place by 11am and will need decorating after that. If anyone is available to help, please just pop along. Throughout the festive season the lights will be on from 4 to 11pm.

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 and bookings at: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• Advent Carol Service & Procession: TODAY: Sunday 1 December – 5.30pm. A candlelit service to mark the beginning of Advent, sung by the Cathedral Choir.
• Nativity Exhibition: Wednesday 4 to 6 December – showcasing the work of pupils from local primary schools.
• G4 at Christmas: Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm.
• 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/

Christmas Fair: The Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday 7 December, 10 am until 12 noon. There will be lots of stalls, a tombola, carol singing, a visit from Santa and bacon butties for sale. Admission is £2 for adults, which includes a drink and mince pie, admission for children £1 which includes a gift from Santa.

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 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.

• Paddington in Peru – to Thursday 5 December 
• Gladiator 2 – Friday 6 to 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/ 

• Driftwood Scented Decorations – Washed up pieces of wood can be beautiful and sculptural without any human intervention, but on this workshop you’ll make them to smell nice and fill your house with scents of clementine, pomegranate or frankincense. Friday 6 December from 1.30 to 3.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £20.
• Bella Gaffney – ‘Reflections’ – A captivating blend of original compositions and traditional tunes that delve into both British folk and Americana. Friday 6 December at 7.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £10-£12.
• 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

Although I haven’t ventured out to see this, I am told that Topcliffe Bridge has again been hit by a car and that significant damage has been caused. The collision was hard enough to have dislodged a section of the coping and damaged a number of the large blocks. The crash is thought to have happened Friday night, before or during the snow storm. It was a red vehicle and part of its bumper was left lying in the roadside. I wonder what the chances are that the driver reported the accident to the police or his/her insurer?

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

• TODAY: Sunday 24 November at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
• Sunday 1 December at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine. 
• Wednesday 4 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
• 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.

Householders will be able to purchase a 2025 garden waste collection licence early in the new year.   

All of the original points highlighted have been warmly received without exception. They were:

• Cleaning and re-touching of the lettering on the Asenby stones at the village entrances.
• Planting of flower beds at each stone.
• Erection of signs at the village entrances and at the end of Cundall Road, making motorists aware of children playing.
• Improvements to the bus shelter, including a second flower planter at the entrance, additional bookshelves, including a children’s section, and the re-arrangement of the notice boards to accommodate the new bookshelves. Also, control of ivy and a general clean and re-painting where necessary.
• Keeping the four benches in the village and those on the Riverside Walk clean and well maintained.

Three additional suggestions have been made:

• Clear the branch debris from behind the bus shelter
• There are 2 road signs on the main road which have been hit and are leaning precariously. This has already been reported to NYC
• The path between the brow of the hill and the bus stop past Crab Manor needs clearing of leaves as it is dangerous to pedestrians. This is an annual task

It was also mentioned by a number of people that planting flowers at the stone village signs has been tried before and failed, mainly due to neglect after planting and careless grass cutting. This will not be the case this time.

We will now begin to carry out the tasks listed in the original plan, and include those listed above. As we complete our work we will update you on our progress. Thank you again for your interest in our village’s appearance.

Final visit of 2024 on Friday 20 December.  Re-opening on Friday 22 January). 

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.

• Thursday 28 November – 10am to 1pm – at the Village Hall – Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake.
• Friday 6 December – Thirsk Town Hall 6.30-9.30pm. Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake. 
• 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

• Friday 29 November – Friends of Topcliffe School – Christmas Fair.
• 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.

• Asenby Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday 4 December.
• Topcliffe Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 5 December.

Both parish councils meet in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

The tree should be in place by 11am and will need decorating after that. If anyone is available to help, please just pop along. Throughout the festive season the lights will be on from 4 to 11pm.

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 and bookings at: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/

• 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.

• Paddington in Peru – to Thursday 5 December – matinees on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.
• Gladiator 2 – Friday 6 to 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/ 

• Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November, both at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
• Advent Carol Service & Procession: Sunday 1 December – 5.30pm. A candlelit service to mark the beginning of Advent, sung by the Cathedral Choir.
• Nativity Exhibition: Wednesday 4 to 6 December – showcasing the work of pupils from local primary schools.
• G4 at Christmas: Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm.
• 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/

• Mulled Wine and Macrame – Relax with a mulled wine and learn the basics of Macrame using various knotting techniques. Leave with your own Macramé keyring. Friday 29 November between 7 and 9pm. Tickets £15.
• Driftwood Scented Decorations – Washed up pieces of wood can be beautiful and sculptural without any human intervention, but on this workshop you’ll make them to smell nice and fill your house with scents of clementine, pomegranate or frankincense. Friday 6 December from 1.30 to 3.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £20.
• Bella Gaffney – ‘Reflections’ – A captivating blend of original compositions and traditional tunes that delve into both British folk and Americana. Friday 6 December at 7.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £10-£12.
• 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

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

• TODAY: Sunday 17 November at 10.45am – Sung Eucharist.
• Sunday 24 November at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
• Sunday 1 December at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine. 

Santa/Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeerland
XM4 5HQ

To get a reply from Santa you must include a stamped envelope with your full name and address.

If you would like to be added to the list of recipients, please get in touch by the end of November. If you live in Asenby, contact Carole on 01845 577718 and if you live in Topcliffe, Anne-Marie on 07740 175311. If you have previously received a gift at Christmas, there’s no need to get in touch as you are already known to the organisers.

The renting out of stalls and the catering raised around £450 for Village Hall funds and a raffle raised £150, which was shared between the Village Hall and Animal Rescue Crew.

A huge thank you is due to Karen Morley and the enthusiastic team of volunteers who helped on the day. Also thanks are given to the many villagers who kindly baked a wide range of cakes and traybakes and donated them to the event. 

• BBQ & Disco 14th Sept raised £1,076
• The Christmas Fayre was Sat 16th
• Sunday Brunch Sun 26th January
• Horse Race Night 22nd February
• The Flying Oysters Sat 29th March

The next committee meeting will be held on January 14th 2025.  We hope this has been of interest and informative.

Householders will be able to purchase a 2025 garden waste collection licence early in the new year.   

These products will go on sale at bargain prices on Saturday 23 November between 9.30am and 12 noon from a stall outside Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. First come, first served, for real bargain prices.

The gallery sells paintings, prints and cards created by owners Liz and Dave Marsh, plus a fantastic array of items created by other artists, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, bags, gift wrap, bronze resin sculptures, scarves and items of homeware. You’ll find the perfect Christmas gifts right here on your doorstep.

Last week’s lunch set a new record with 62 meals being served. In total £233 was raised and a donation of £50 was made to the Blue Cross animal shelter in Topcliffe. The balance helped pay the rent for the Village Hall and will help replenish food stocks in the kitchen. Any surplus will be added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

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.

• Thursday 28 November – 10am to 1pm – at the Village Hall – Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake.
• Friday 6 December – Thirsk Town Hall 6.30-9.30pm. Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake. 
• There’ll be a winter sketch and draw class on Thursday 27 February in the Village Hall from 10am to 2pm. Save the date or message to pre-book your space. Suitable for beginners and artists at all levels.       
• For more information and to book, visit http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• Friday 29 November – Friends of Topcliffe School – Christmas Fair.
• 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.

• Asenby Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday 4 December.
• Topcliffe Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 5 December.

Both parish councils meet in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

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 and bookings at: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/

Party Nights
Party nights during the festive season are filling up quickly. The only dates with spaces left are Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December. These party nights are for small or large groups from local businesses and the local community. Expect a night of delicious food, (three-course menu), plenty of festive fun and fantastic music provided by the in-house DJ. Get your tickets, priced £65 per person, from 01845 578000 or email [email protected]
 
Note: exclusive hire is available for groups of over 50 people, 

Christmas Opening Hours

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• The Crime is Mine – to Thursday 21 November – no matinee
• The Wild Robot – Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.
• Paddington in Peru – Friday 29 November to Thursday 5 December – matinees on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.
• Gladiator 2 – Friday 6 to 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/ 

• Christmas Gift and Food Fair: Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November – 9.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets £5, children under 16 free.
• Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November, both at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
• Advent Carol Service & Procession: Sunday 1 December – 5.30pm. A candlelit service to mark the beginning of Advent, sung by the Cathedral Choir.
• Nativity Exhibition: Wednesday 4 to 6 December – showcasing the work of pupils from local primary schools.
• G4 at Christmas: Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm.
• 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/

• Mulled Wine and Macrame – Relax with a mulled wine and learn the basics of Macrame using various knotting techniques. Leave with your own Macramé keyring. Friday 29 November between 7 and 9pm. Tickets £15.
• Driftwood Scented Decorations – Washed up pieces of wood can be beautiful and sculptural without any human intervention, but on this workshop you’ll make them to smell nice and fill your house with scents of clementine, pomegranate or frankincense. Friday 6 December from 1.30 to 3.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £20.
• Bella Gaffney – ‘Reflections’ – A captivating blend of original compositions and traditional tunes that delve into both British folk and Americana. Friday 6 December at 7.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £10-£12.
• 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