Sunday Email – Page 21 – Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 20 October 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 233

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Remember that clocks go back at 1am on Sunday 27 October.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 20 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 27 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
Sunday 3 November at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine.
Thursday 7 November (see information below).
Sunday 10 November at 10.45am – Remembrance Sunday Service.
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.

Feast of All Souls – special service
To mark the Feast of All Souls, there’ll be a Choral Requiem Mass at St Columba’s on Thursday 7 November at 7.30pm. Father Robert Williamson will take the mass. (This service has been transferred from its usual date of 2 November).

The Feast of All Souls is the occasion in the church calendar when we are invited to remember and give thanks for the lives of family and friends who are no longer with us. The Choral setting is the lovely Missa Pro Defunctis by Claudio Casciolini (1697-1760). Everyone is most welcome to attend this wonderful commemoration of those we have loved, and there is an opportunity for them to be remembered by name during the service. More details in due course.

Dalton Indoor Car Boot Sale
TODAY: Sunday 20 October between 10am and 12 noon. Indoor car boot sale at Dalton Village Hall. Admission £1 per adult. Refreshments are available.

Antique and vintage retail event
TODAY: Sunday 20 October between 11am and 6pm. Around 100 dealers with a great variety of items at Thirsk Auction Mart. Ample free parking. All indoors. Family run cafe. Dogs on leads admitted. £3 adults and under 16s free. http://www.antiquesfairs.com

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 20 October – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last Sunday’s quiz was set by David and won by the team named appropriately PASS, which stands for Peter, Alan, Shirley and Sylvia. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.

Your local councillor…always available to help
Local councillor, Dan Sladden, who represents the Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council aims to be accessible to people and to listen to their concerns and ideas for our community. He has already been quite active in support of issues in Topcliffe and his support has been very welcome. His email address is cllr.dan.sladden@northyorks.gov.uk and his phone number is 07466 487989 – so do not hesitate to contact him if you have any issues you would like to discuss with him.

Thefts in Topcliffe
Police are advising residents living in Topcliffe to be extra vigilant following several thefts in recent weeks. You are advised to make sure that all your property is secure and you don’t leave valuables either in your car or your house on show for the thieves that are operating locally.

Huge Cabin Stolen
North Yorkshire Police are investigating the theft of a 24 foot cabin from a property in Topcliffe on Friday 11 October at around 10am and are seeking any CCTV footage to help identify the culprits. The blue and white cabin, which has NHS signage on it, was stolen from land attached to Prospect House – a field opposite the Sheepwash entrance on Catton Lane. Anyone with any information, CCTV or doorbell footage capturing the incident is asked to contact PC 1141 Kelly and quote reference 12240182130 Email: laura.kelly@northyorkshire.police.uk

Car broken in to
Between the hours of 11pm on Monday 14 October and 10am on Tuesday 15 October, a car on Long street, Topcliffe was entered and items were taken, if you were in the area between those times and noticed anything unusual please contact Police on 101 quoting incident number 12240187904.

Topcliffe Academy – Emergencies during school closures
Neighbours of the school often ask what they should do if they are aware of incidents at the school during holiday periods. Unfortunately, there’s no live-on-site caretaker so calls need to be made as follows:

If you think there is a break-in taking place please call the police on 999.
If there is something else that needs reporting, please call 01845 577412 and leave a message (this will be picked up) or email admin@topcliffeacademy.org
Or call Elevate Multi Academy Trust on 01423 541996.

Star bakers sought
The production company responsible for The Great British Bake Off is on the lookout for the next batch of bakers who will compete in series 16 of the popular TV show. If you’ve got what it takes apply at http://www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk

The Elm Gallery
The Elm Gallery opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday,10am to 5.30pm and Sundays from 12 to 5.50pm.

Child safety as the nights draw in
Now the nights are getting darker earlier North Yorkshire Police is asking parents and guardians to make sure children are aware of how to stay safe if they’re cycling or walking. The top tips are:

Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, even for short journeys.
Make sure you have lights on your bike, and they are charged up.
Make sure your front light is white and your rear light is red so other road users know which way you are travelling.
Make sure your bike is fitted with front, side and rear reflectors at all times.
Wear high visibility clothing during the day and reflective clothing or have reflective strips for when it gets darker. These could be on gloves, vests, sashes, bags or even bikes.
If you’re walking keep to footpaths where there is one. If there isn’t one keep to the righthand side so you can see on-coming traffic.
Pay attention to your surroundings, take out earphones so you can hear vehicles approaching.
Use designated crossing points where they are available.

‘We Care’ scheme
There’s a new scheme aimed at supporting people with disabilities or those who may be vulnerable when they are out and about in North Yorkshire…or even when at home or in their own village.
Although North Yorkshire is one of the safest places to live in the UK, for some people, going out can be intimidating. The ‘We Care’ scheme looks to provide a sense of safety and independence for those who may be more vulnerable and enables the police to provide them with a better level of service.

The scheme ensures important information is available to the police about scheme members so if they ever need to dial 999 or 101, the police are aware of any special needs the caller has and can assist them and provide a level of service in line with their requirements.

People of any age can join – so far, the youngest is seven, and the oldest is over 100. The scheme is free for any resident of North Yorkshire. When applying to join, an information pack is supplied to the applicant or to a family member or guardian. This includes a ‘help me’ card, which can be carried and used if the person ever finds themself in need of any help when out and about. The card lists contact details for parents, carers, next of kin or friends who can be contacted.

Most importantly, the pack also contains a form that collects important information about the scheme member. This information will be stored securely by the police and will be used to identify the scheme member if they should ever need to contact 999 or 101. There’s more detail about the scheme available via WeCare@northyorkshire.police.uk

Thank you from Holly
Last Sunday, Asenby resident and Meditation and Yoga teacher Holly Knowles turned the Village Hall into a tranquil oasis for the day as she presented an Autumnal Pause Retreat. The workshop – her first since returning from Australia where she lived for ten years – was a great success. Holly wants to thank those who helped to make the day possible, and in particular her mum Jane, who was a great help.

Watch out for details for more of Holly’s workshops in the New Year. You can stay in contact with Holly by visiting her social media pages @salty.soul.yoga.

Pumpkin Carving
The Angel Inn is organising a pumpkin carving competition this Halloween. Children and adults should carve their pumpkin at home and drop them off at The Angel Inn in exchange for Halloween treats. Drop off times are:

Sunday 27 October – 12noon to 8pm
Monday 28 October – throughout the day.
Tuesday 29 October – throughout the day.

There’ll be various age categories:

Under 5s – petrifying pumpkins
5s to 8s – ghoulish ghosts
9s to 12s – spooky skeletons
13s to 15s – mischievous monsters
16s to 25s – tricksters
25+ – wicked witches.

The winner in each category will receive a £10 voucher. Winners announced 4 November.

Basecamps at Baldersby Park
Adventure camps will be held for 5 to 13 year-olds at half-term on 28, 29 and 30 October at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe. There’ll be exciting activities each day between 10am and 3pm. For more information and to book, please call Hannah on 07979 526883.

Warm Hub Lunch
The Warm Hub next lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 30 October from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

Last week’s lunch was very busy with 53 meals served £161 raised from donations. Yorkshire Air Ambulance were given £50 and, after rent and food expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Local art classes this autumn and winter

Friday evenings at Thirsk Town Hall starting Friday 8 November – 6.30-9.30pm. Paint autumn scenes in oils.
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

Christmas Party Nights at The Angel Inn
The Angel Inn has announced dates in the festive season when it will be holding party nights. They are:

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December

These party nights are for small or a 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 holly@theangelinntopcliffe.co.uk

Note: exclusive hire is available for groups of over 50 people,

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. Watch out for more information in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

Christmas dinner event to support Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary
The Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary located near Busby Stoop is planning a Christmas dinner event at The Angel Inn on Thursday 28 November. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7pm. The charity fundraiser will include a meal, an auction of gifts and promises, tombola and merchandise stall. The dress code is smart – so no jeans or trainers! Tickets priced £25 can be purchased from Tricia Phillips on 07785 763738 or by email – tricia-phillips@hotmail.com See poster here.

The aim is to raise much-needed funds to help support the flock of 170 parrots at the sanctuary – many which arrived as unwanted pets and others that had been abandoned. Most days more parrots are turned away because the sanctuary simply can’t cope with the numbers. The sanctuary costs in excess of £30,000 a year to run so more funds are always welcome to support the sanctuary and also to help with providing parrot welfare advice and support. You can follow the sanctuary’s work on Facebook or by checking their website at http://morndykeparrotsanctuary.org.uk

Christmas Wreath-making Workshop
Sahra Rayner of Willow View Farm, Topcliffe has announced that her annual Christmas wreath-making workshops will be held on Monday 2 December. The first will be between 1 and 3pm and the second between 7 and 9pm, both at The Angel Inn. Tuition given and materials provided. Festive refreshments available. £50 per person. Limited places available. See poster here. Contact Sahra to book your space: 07734113069 or hello@willowviewfarm.co.uk

Carols and Santa in the Park
Asenby Parish Council is planning a special festive event in the village’s Community Park on Friday 13 December. It’ll include carol singing and a visit by Santa. Make a note in your diary and watch out for fuller details nearer the date.

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 note these dates in your diary or on your calendar:

Friday 20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
Sunday Saturday 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.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm

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

EVENTS ON IN THE AREA

Digital Buddies help with online issues
Thirsk Community Library has launched a Digital Hub aimed at encouraging and educating people on how to get online safely and make the most of their digital devices. The library is currently offering two 2-hour drop-in sessions a week, Monday and Thursday, from 10.30 am to 12.30pm, manned by Digital Buddies, who will help people with any technical issues with computers, tablets or smartphones.

People may simply need help with a one-off task, such as applying for a blue badge or bus pass, which needs to be done online these days, or they might want help with how to operate a new device, and possibly need several sessions as they learn how to use it. They can just show up at the drop-in sessions, or contact the library to book an appointment.

The Ritz Cinema

The Outrun – To Thursday 24 October – no matinee.
Buffalo Kids – Friday 25 to Thursday 31 October – matinees on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.
Portraits of Dangerous Women – Friday 1 to Thursday 7 November – matinee on Wednesday 6 November.
Joker: Folie a Deux – Friday 8 to Thursday 14 November – no matinee.
Programme to be confirmed – Friday 15 to Thursday 21 November.
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/

The Big Draw Festival
The Big Draw Festival, a worldwide celebration of drawing, continues at Rural Arts in Thirsk.

Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).

At The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org

Baldersby St James Musical Evening
There’ll be a musical evening featuring The Hummingbirds, a close harmony trio, at the church in Baldersby St James on Friday 25 October at 7.30pm. They perform 1930s to 1950s classic songs with a twist. Supper will be provided but bring your own drinks. Tickets £8 on the door.

Ghost Story: The Room Upstairs
This spooky Clap Trap Production written by BAFTA nominated Tom Needham, performed by Cal Stockbridge, Florrie Stockbridge & Natasha Jones, will be on at Thirsk Hall on Friday 25 October at 6.30pm. Performed in the Old Dining Room at Thirsk Hall. £20 adults only. Book online http://www.thirskhall.com/events

Fountains Abbey by Floodlight
Harrogate Theatre Choir will perform for one hour in the Cellarium at Fountains Abbey on Friday 25 October at 7pm. It will be a feast for all your senses. Watch as the night sky falls over the abbey and the ruins start to glow with light, and hear the voices of Harrogate Theatre Choir ring out through the ruins. http://www.harrogatetheatrechoir.co.uk

Halloween Event at the bookshop
White Rose Bookshop & Cafe is holding a free Halloween event on Saturday 26 October with children’s author, Jane Clack. There’ll be a fancy dress competition, plus storytime at 10am and 3.30pm. Halloween Cafe treats, book signing and give aways. No need to book.

Autumn Adventure Cruises on Ripon Canal
These outings run from 26 October until 3 November from 10am daily. Spot the wildlife and fairy doors along the canal and solve the puzzle, with all children up to 14 years of age winning a prize. Cruise suitable for all ages. Enjoy the beginnings of autumn whilst staying dry and warm. Cosy blankets for knees, luxurious hot chocolate and spiced pumpkin lattes. Book online at https://www.ripon-scenic-cruises.co.uk/

Kids’ Halloween Party
Dalton Village Hall is hosting a kids’ Halloween party on Thursday 31 October from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Admission price of £2 includes a hotdog and there will be a disco.

Bring Him Home
The Dishforth Military Wives Choir is presenting a special concert with music and words for Remembrance on Friday 8 November at 7.30pm at St Oswald’s Church, Sowerby. See poster here for more information and booking details.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

The Polar Express
The annual festive treat of a ride on The Polar Express from Leeming Bar station up the Wensleydale line starts on the weekend of 16/17 November. Last year over 50,000 guests took the magical journey and its popularity guarantees another bumper event this year. Book online at Wensleydale Railway | Bringing Rail back into the dale (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)

Thirsk Yarnbombers
The group that is responsible for some amazing knitted decoration in and around Thirsk Market Place is holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 20 November between 10.30 and 11.45am at Thirsk Town Hall. There’ll be a stall where knitted and crocheted items will be on sale. Proceeds will go to support the group’s future projects.

Rainton wreath-making sessions
This festive season wreath-making sessions are being held at Rainton Village Hall on six days – Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1, Tuesday 3, Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Tuition, all materials and cake included in the price of £30. All funds raised will help support Rainton Village Hall. See poster here.

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

Posted on 13 October 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 232

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

Aurora Borealis lights up our night sky

There were fantastic views of the Aurora Borealis over Topcliffe and Asenby
last Thursday evening (10 October). The photograph above was taken by Eric Cross in Asenby. There are more photographs on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

Getting up a head of steam

Last Sunday (6 October) lunchtime a number of steam traction engines visited Topcliffe and parked up for a public viewing at The Angel Inn. It was all part of ‘Steam it up Sunday’. They are majestic reminders if a bygone age and it was lovely to see them in our village. Here are a few more images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Churchyard maintenance

A huge thank you to all those who turned out yesterday (12 October) to help with the autumn tidy up in St Columba’s churchyard. Volunteers included John, Karen, Andrew, Caleb, Chris and Richard. Thanks also to John Blair who carted away the green waste and to Clare who provided the tea and flapjack. The tidy up will continue next Saturday (19 October) and any additional help will be very much appreciated. Here are a few more photographs – 1, 2, 3, and 4

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 13 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
Sunday 20 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 27 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
Sunday 3 November at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 13 October – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Gerry and the winners were Malcolm, Nigel and David. Well done the winners and all those who took part.

Funeral arrangements

The funeral of Nellie Bowman, who died on 13 September, will be held tomorrow at 12 noon on Monday 14 October at St Columba’s Church and cremation at 1pm at Maple Park.
The funeral of Arthur Morley, who lived in Swale View, and who died on 24 September aged 85, will be held at Maple Park Crematorium at 2.30pm on Tuesday 15 October. Refreshments afterwards at Thirsk Rugby Club.

Notice of vacancy on Asenby Parish Council
Final reminder that a notice of a vacancy for a councillor on Asenby Parish Council has been published. The vacancy arose following the resignation of former chairman, Colin Grimston, who gave up his seat in order to take on the role of Clerk to the Council. The vacancy will be open until 22 October and if appropriate an election will be held before Christmas. Otherwise, a person will be co-opted onto the Parish Council.

Free Christmas Day Dinner
Last chance via the Sunday Email to book your free Christmas Day lunch. David Martin, the owner and chef at Maple Park Café near Busby Stoop, is offering a free lunch on Christmas Day to anyone who is on their own and would like a good lunch and some company. Doors will open at 12 noon and the lunch will be served around 1pm. Those who have recently lost a loved one will be particularly welcomed. The numbers are limited to sixty and it’s first come, first served (though booking is essential). If you know someone who might like this special festive treat, please let them know. Book on david.martin@mapleparkcafe.co.uk or 07527 954295.

Great review for The Angel
The Yorkshire Post has published an excellent review of The Angel at Topcliffe. You can read it here.

Have your say on priorities for police, fire and rescue services
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is asking for the public’s help in setting the priorities for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. He has a duty to consult with communities, businesses, stakeholders and staff to develop plans which set out the strategic direction and priorities for these services.

You can now give your views in a six-week public consultation, which will be open until Monday 18 November. The survey can be found at: www.YourPoliceAndFire.com and it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Working together to reduce rural crime
Farmers, landowners, business owners and residents in and around Topcliffe and Asenby are being invited to sign up to the Rural Watch scheme operated by the police in North Yorkshire. This should be of interest to anyone living in and around our two villages that wishes to help keep local communities safe, encourage community spirit and help to reduce opportunities for crime and vandalism on our patch.

To register your interest, simply email your name, phone number and address to mark.atkinson@northyorkshire.police.uk and you will be added to the WhatsApp group for our area. For more information about Rural Watch and to sign up from the website, go to https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/rw/rural-watch/

Warm Hub Lunch
As autumn takes hold, the regular Soup & Sweet lunch will be replaced by Warm Hub lunches, which are generally more substantial. The next lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 16 October from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

Local art classes this autumn and winter

Don’t miss out on this special one-off class – Autumn Sketch & Draw – at the Village Hall on Thursday 17 October between 10am and 2pm. Rebecca Jayne is running this class in response to many requests. If you attended the last one, please come along to develop your skills further. There will be different topics! Click here to read more and book.
Friday Evenings at Thirsk Town Hall starting Friday 8 November – 6.30-9.30pm. Paint autumn scenes in oils.
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.

For more information and to book, visit http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. Watch out for more information in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

Christmas Wreath-making Workshop
Sahra Rayner of Willow View Farm, Topcliffe has announced that her annual Christmas wreath-making workshops will be held on Monday 2 December. The first will be between 1 and 3pm and the second between 7 and 9pm, both at The Angel Inn. Tuition given and all materials provided. Festive refreshments available. £50 per person. Limited places available. Contact Sahra to book your space:
07734113069 or hello@willowviewfarm.co.uk

20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
26 January 2025 – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
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.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm

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

EVENTS ON IN THE AREA

Badmington Club seeks more players
Thirsk Badmington Club, which meets at Dalton Village Hall, is on the lookout for more members. The club, which meets on Tuesdays between 7.30 and 9.30pm, would welcome male and female players of all abilities for both friendly and competitive games. Contact the club via their Facebook page.

Digital Buddies help with online issues
Thirsk Community Library has launched a Digital Hub aimed at encouraging and educating people on how to get online safely and make the most of their digital devices. The library is currently offering two 2-hour drop-in sessions a week, Monday and Thursday, from 10.30 – 12.30, manned by Digital Buddies, who will help people with any technical issues with computers, tablets or smartphones.

Alongside this, Thirsk Community Library will be celebrating Get Online Week from 14 to 19 October. This is an annual digital inclusion campaign aimed at helping people get online, whether they want to start managing their money online, learn about online safety or gain basic digital skills for employment. There’ll be various digital events throughout the week – see flyer here – as well as the regular Digital Buddies sessions.

Obviously, anyone reading this version of the Sunday Email is already online, but perhaps you would benefit from some help with other skills? If you have a relative or friend who might need some help, please make this information available to them.

The Ritz Cinema

The Critic – To Thursday 17 October – matinee on Wednesday 16 October.
Starve Acre – Sunday 13 October.

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/

‘New to You’ sale
The Friends of the Lambert Hospice in Thirsk are organising a ‘New to You’ sales on Saturday 19 October between 10am and 3pm at Thirsk Town Hall. You can donate children’s, men’s and women’s clothes as well as accessories, homeware and bric-a brac. Please contact either Dawn on 07774 983275 or Sars on 07890 405159 if you can help. See poster here.

Travels with my Camera
On Saturday 19 October at 7.30pm Peter Rushton will give a talk and film show ‘Travels with my Camera’ in Sessay Village Hall. Admission £10 including choice of home-made pudding. Tickets from Margaret on 01845 501452 or Pat on 01845 501491.

Repair Cafe
The next monthly Repair Cafe will be held at Thirsk Library on Meadowfields in Thirsk on Saturday 19 October between 10am and 1pm. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or worn-out items. No set charge: just a voluntary donation. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com

Dalton Indoor Car Boot Sale
The next indoor car boot sale at Dalton Village Hall will be on Sunday 20 October between 10am and 12 noon. You can book a table now for £10. Contact Deborah Sayer on 07762 085408. On the day, public admission will be £1 per adult. Refreshments will be available.

Thirsk Artisan Market
Takes place on Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 20 October between 10am and 3pm. Locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. http://info@littlebirdmade.co.uk

Antique and vintage retail event
Being held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 20 October between 11am and 6pm. Around 100 dealers with a great variety of items. Ample free parking. All indoors. Family run cafe. Dogs on leads admitted. £3 adults and under 16s free. http://www.antiquesfairs.com

Wensleydale Railway
There’s something for everyone at Wensleydale Railway over the coming months. They are planning plenty of events and activities and here’s a taste of what’s on with a link to the booking system:

Sunday 20 October – Autumn Tea Train.
Saturday 26 October – Gin Train.

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
Bookings: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/

The Big Draw Festival
The Big Draw Festival, a worldwide celebration of drawing, continues at Rural Arts in Thirsk..

Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).

At The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org

Remember that clocks go back
1am on Sunday 26 October.

Autumn Adventure Cruises on Ripon Canal
These outings run from 26 October until 3 November from 10am daily. Spot the wildlife and fairy doors along the canal and solve the puzzle, with all children up to 14 years of age winning s a prize. Cruise suitable for all ages. Enjoy the beginnings of autumn whilst staying dry and warm. Cosy blankets for knees, luxurious hot chocolate and spiced pumpkin lattes. Book online at https://www.ripon-scenic-cruises.co.uk/

Pumpkin Carving
The Angel Inn is organising a pumpkin carving competition this Halloween. Children and adults should carve their pumpkin at home and drop them off at the Angel in exchange for Halloween treats. Drop off times are:

Sunday 27 October – 12noon to 8pm
Monday 28 October – throughout the day.
Tuesday 29 October – throughout the day.

There’ll be various age categories:

Under 5s – petrifying pumpkins
5s to 8s – ghoulish ghosts
9s to 12s – spooky skeletons
13s to 15s – mischievous monsters
16s to 25s – tricksters
25+ – wicked witches.

The winner in each category will receive a £10 voucher. Winners announced 4 November.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

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

Posted on 6 October 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 231

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

TODAY – Sunday 6 October – at 12 noon an opportunity to see some incredible steam traction engines as they make a special stop at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe, as part of the national ‘Steam it Sunday’ event.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 6 October from 9am to 2pm in Thirsk Market Place. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the centre of Thirsk.

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 6 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong and Harvest Festival service, followed by a supper in church. All are very welcome.
Sunday 13 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
Sunday 20 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 27 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 6 October – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last week’s excellent quiz was set by Dave and the winners were Linda, Malc, Sue and Gerry. It was a mix-up quiz where all the quizzers are mixed up in different teams, and it worked extremely well.

Funeral arrangements

The funeral of Asenby resident Manton Capps, who died on 21 September, aged 84, will be at Harrogate Crematorium on Wednesday 9 October at 1pm.
The funeral of Nellie Bowman, who died on 13 September, will be held at 12 noon on Monday 14 October at St Columba’s Church and cremation at 1pm at Maple Park. Friends and neighbours are welcome to attend.
Details of the funeral of Arthur Morley, who lived in Swale View, and who died on 24 September, will be included in next week’s email.

Village Hall Library
Arrangements have been made for regular opening times for the library in the Village Hall. It will be open specifically on three occasions to coincide with other events on in the hall, namely:

1.30 to 3.30pm each Tuesday whilst the Boccia Club is on.
11.30 to 1.30pm on alternate Wednesdays when the Warm Hub lunch is on.
1.30 to 3.30pm each Thursday when the Knit & Natter club is meeting.

When the library sign is positioned on the pavement outside the hall, that means the library is open for business.

The library, which is free to use, holds hundreds of fiction novels by all the leading authors, plus some factual books. It also now has many books for young children and teenagers.

Notice of vacancy on Asenby Parish Council
The electoral office at North Yorkshire Council has published a notice of a vacancy for a councillor on Asenby Parish Council. The vacancy arose following the resignation of former chairman, Colin Grimston, who gave up his seat in order to take on the role of Clerk to the Council. The vacancy will be open until 22 October and if appropriate an election will be held before Christmas. Otherwise, a person will be co-opted onto the Parish Council.

Jenny seeks jewellery donations
Topcliffe resident and leading light in the Friends of Topcliffe School, Jenny Bumby, is looking for any old necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery items that residents of Topcliffe and Asenby no longer wear and are happy to donate to a good cause. She will spruce up anything she is given and create special gift bags to sell at the Topcliffe Christmas Fayre on 16 November. All funds raised will help with important projects at Topcliffe Academy. If you can help, please drop off any items at the school reception before 25 October.

Free Christmas Day Dinner
David Martin, the owner and chef at Maple Park Café near Busby Stoop, is offering a free lunch on Christmas Day to anyone who is on their own and would like a good lunch and some company. Doors will open at 12 noon and the lunch will be served around 1pm. Those who have recently lost a loved one will be particularly welcomed. The numbers are limited to sixty and it’s first come, first served (though booking is essential). If you know someone who might like this special festive treat, please let them know. Book on david.martin@mapleparkcafe.co.uk or 07527 954295.

CrossTalk newsletter
The October edition of the church newsletter CrossTalk is out now. You can read a copy here.

The Angel Macmillan Coffee Morning

The coffee morning held at The Angel on Friday 27 September was an amazing success with over 80 people popping in and helping to raise over £1,000…and still counting. There were some fantastic prizes in the raffle. Here are just a few photographs of people enjoying each other’s company and raising funds for a good cause at the same time. 1. 2, 3, 4.

Buskers sought
Little Bird Made, the company behind the Little Bird markets, are looking for people with musical talent and a passion for singing who might like to do some busking at local events. The locations and dates are:

Thirsk – 17 November
Leyburn – 23 November
Ripon – 24 November and 22 December
Easingwold – 14 December
plus a few locations a little further afield.

If you have a talent and would like to perform live music, contact them at info@littlebirdmade.co.uk

Dinner service
No bids were made for the dinner service donated by a Topcliffe resident to raise funds for the Village Hall. The dinner service will be on display at the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 16 November and offers for it will be considered.

Request to register CCTV installations
Anyone who has installed CCTV on their property is being encouraged to register their system with North Yorkshire Police so that they can easily access potential evidence to help solve crimes.

The police have a new computer system which could greatly improve the way investigations are handled, and access to private CCTV footage could assist the success of the new arrangement.

The police already rely heavily on CCTV when investigating crime but having more knowledge about where systems are in place will be extremely beneficial and will help prosecute more offenders, more quickly. If you have CCTV, please read the leaflet here and consider registering.

Churchyard maintenance
An autumn tidy up will be held in the churchyard at St Columba’s on Saturday 12 October starting at 9.30am. Can you spare a couple of hours to help? There’s a number of different jobs needing to be tackled, including grass cutting, hand weeding, strimming and cutting back tree and bush branches. Please bring any tools that you think might help.

Autumnal Pause One-Day Mini Retreat
Asenby resident Holly Brown is organising an ‘Autumnal Pause’ Yoga gathering at which she will share some Yogic practices and teachings that have helped her navigate life over the past decade. The Village Hall with be transformed into a calming oasis for the day on Sunday 13 October as she guides participants through some gentle movement in the morning (this is for all abilities) focusing on creating a healthy breath to nourish the body. This will be followed by a delicious ‘long table’ lunch where a homemade feast prepared by Holly will be served. The afternoon will be spent together learning about the science of Yogic numerology, ending with the practice of Yoga Nidra (a laying down meditation).
SPECIAL OFFER: Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are being offered tickets at a special bonus price of just £45. All details can be found via this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/autumnal-pause-retreat-tickets-1020079674767?aff=oddtdtcreator

The last Soup & Sweet lunch held on 2 October saw 59 meals served and £206 raised from financial contributions. A donation of £50 has been made to help subsidise the cost of the Pensioners’ Christmas lunch in December and, after expenses, the balance has been added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. Watch out for more information in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
26 January – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
22 February 2025 – The Big Horse Race – one of the most popular events held each year!
29 March – 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.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm

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

EVENTS ON IN THE AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Lee – To Thursday 10 October – matinee on Wednesday 9 October.
The Critic – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 October – matinee on Wednesday 16 October.
Starve Acre – Sunday 13 October.

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/

The Big Draw Festival
The nation gets drawing in October as Rural Arts helps celebrate The Big Draw Festival, a worldwide celebration of drawing. The festival is made up of a collection of thousands of creative events, activities and workshops across the globe run by organisations big and small, from individuals to entire cities…and it’s not just for children and young people.

The Mind of Mike Barfield Exhibition – Tuesday 8 to Saturday 19 October – A selling exhibition of Mike Barfield’s original Private Eye cartoons from over two decades.
A Taste of Art: Mindful Mark Making – Wednesday 9 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm. These ‘Taste Of’ sessions are an affordable way to experience different forms of art and craft. For just £20 you get two hours of tutored workshops. All materials are provided.
Mike Barfield: An Illustrated Talk – Friday 11 October at 7pm.
Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).

All on at The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org

Halloween Outdoor Cinema
An Outdoor Cinema event showing two blockbuster films – ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘The Lost Boys’ at Thirsk Racecourse on Friday 11 October. 5 to 7.30pm Hocus Pocus and 8 to 10:30pm The Lost Boys. Tickets online from https://www.cinemaoutdoor.co.uk/thirsk outdoorcinema

Thirsk Yarnbombers
The group that is responsible for some amazing knitted decoration in and around Thirsk Market Place is holding a couple of events soon.

On Saturday 12 October they’ll be having a craft stall on Thirsk Market. There’ll be a variety of knitted and crocheted items on sale and everything raised will go to the Herriot Hospice Homecare.
On Wednesday 20 November between 10.30 and 11.45am the group will hold a coffee morning at Thirsk Town Hall. There’ll be a stall where knitted and crocheted items will be on sale. Proceeds will go to support the group’s future projects.

Sunday 20 October – Autumn Tea Train.
Saturday 26 October – Gin Train.

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
Bookings: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/

Dalton Musical Evening
There’ll be a musical evening featuring The Hummingbirds, a close harmony trio, on Friday 25 October at 7.30pm. They perform 1930s to 1950s classic songs with a twist. Supper will be provided but bring your own drinks. Tickets £8 on the door.

Autumn Adventure Cruises on Ripon Canal
These outings run from 26 October until 3 November from 10am daily. Spot the wildlife and fairy doors along the canal and solve the puzzle, with all children up to 14 years of age winning s a prize. Cruise suitable for all ages. Enjoy the beginnings of autumn whilst staying dry and warm. Cosy blankets for knees, luxurious hot chocolate and spiced pumpkin lattes. Book online at https://www.ripon-scenic-cruises.co.uk/

Kid’s Halloween Party
Dalton Village Hall is hosting a kid’s Halloween party on Thursday 31 October from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Admission price of £2 includes a hotdog and there will be a disco.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

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

Posted on 29 September 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 230

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 29 September – No Service (5th Sunday)
Sunday 6 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong and Harvest Festival service, followed by a supper in church. All are very welcome.
Sunday 13 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
Sunday 20 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 27 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.

Masham Sheep Fair
TODAY: Sunday 29 September – The second day of the Masham Sheep Fair is on between 10am and 4pm. Sheep showing, sheep racing, craft market, Bishop Blaize Procession, fleece stalls, sheepdog demonstrations, hand bell ringers, Morris dancers, art exhibition and tours of Theakstons and Black Sheep Breweries, as well as a small children’s fair. http://www.mashamsheepfair.com

Helperby Sports and Classic Car Show
TODAY; Sunday 29 September between 10am and 2pm. Despite heavy rain on recent days, the all clear has been given to the show to go on! It’s located on the Helperby Sports Association Field at the south end of the village and there’s plenty of parking close by. Entry is free, though donations will be welcomed in support of improvements to the sports pavilion. Refreshments available.

If you go, watch out for Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton, who will be there showing his ’68 Beetle.

Carlton Miniott Charity Event
TODAY: Sunday 29 September between 2 and 5.30pm, Carlton Stores & Post Office is organising a charity day at Carlton Miniott Playing Field. There’s lots to see and do. There’ll be an 11-aside football match (30 minutes each way) between Carlton Stores and the Old Red House teams. Kickoff 4pm. Around the field there’ll be stalls with food and drink, mini games of football, tombola, sweet stall, bric a brac and hook a duck! All cash raised with go to the new eye unit at the Friarage Hospital. See poster here.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 29 September – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last week’s quiz was a brilliant test of general knowledge set by Sue. The winners were Chris, Andy and David. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.

Manton Capps – Asenby

Manton Capps, who adopted Asenby as the place for his retirement 24 years ago, died on 21 September, aged 84. He is survived by his wife Patricia. Manton was born in South Shields and he served for seven years in the Merchant Navy. Later he worked in textile manufacturing in Leeds for 35 years.

Many Asenby residents will have met Manton on his daily walks with their dog Lily. He loved to meet and chat with villagers. Manton’s funeral will be at Harrogate Crematorium on 9 October at 1pm.

Boccia Club seek new members
The regular Tuesday Boccia Club held in the Village Hall is looking for a few more members. Boccia is a friendly and fun activity for people of all ages and physical and mental ability. It’s on between 1.30 and 3.30pm each week. And after the fun comes the tea and cakes! Just £3 per session. Pop along and have a go. Everyone’s welcome.

Asenby Parish Council updates

Changes to Asenby Parish Council – As from the 1 October 2024 Peter Palmer, pictured above, will be stepping down as Clerk to the Council. His 16 years of commitment as councillor and clerk are very much appreciated by all of those involved, both present and past. His replacement will be Colin Grimston who will step down as a councillor to become our new clerk. A local resident will fill the gap on the Parish Council, keeping the membership at five. Councillor Steve Gallon will take on the role of Chair. Further details will be provided at a later date.

Dogs in Asenby Community Park: Currently dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed anywhere in the Community Park. Following the receipt of several requests for a change of policy, councillors discussed the possibility of allowing dogs into the main park area (not the play area) at the Parish Council meeting on 25 September. Unfortunately, the problem of dog faeces in the park, despite the fact dogs aren’t supposed to be taken in there, is huge and needs someone to clean it up at least every 2 or 3 days. Councillors are fully aware that the majority of dog walkers are responsible residents but they are concerned that this problem could escalate if dogs are allowed in the park. With that in mind, a decision was made to keep the current restriction in place for the time being, but it was agreed that if the issues with dog poo in the park were to improve significantly then the Parish Council will reconsider its decision at the next meeting in December.

If you are one of those who allow your dog into the park, then it is respectfully suggested that you stop for the benefit of others, and so that there can be an immediate improvement. If you know someone with a dog who may not see this message then we would be grateful if you would share it with them.

Facts: It is illegal not to pick up your dog’s poo in a public area. Following recent legislation, it is now illegal not to carry poo bags if you are walking a dog.

Asenby Parish Council http://www.asenby.org

Young drivers in the spotlight
This week North Yorkshire Police is shining the spotlight on younger drivers and their passengers to highlight the main causes of road traffic collisions among this group of people. Under the national campaign, ‘Operation Spotlight’, the police will be focusing their attention on younger drivers and their habits behind the wheel.

In 2022, around a fifth of all deaths and serious injuries from collisions involving cars involved a young car driver or rider. Young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over. There are five key reasons why there are so many fatalities among this age group – driving under the influence of drink or drugs, not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone whilst driving, excessive/inappropriate speed and careless/dangerous driving.

Between January and August this year there has been twenty fatal collisions in North Yorkshire. And behind every serious or fatal collision is a family that is devastated by the loss of a loved one and the ripple effect which it has on all those involved. By supporting this campaign, it shows our continued commitment to reduce the number of fatalities in the form of education and targeted activity.

Police will be out and about engaging with young drivers on the county’s road network and there’ll be several events at schools and colleges.

Tackling Rural Crime
North Yorkshire Police has reported a rise in rural burglaries over recent months across the county. As a result, Hambleton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team is working alongside specialist operation units including the Rural Task Force, Roads Policing Group and the Operational Support Group to combat the increase in rural thefts.
Under the banner Operation Heel, these teams are actively patrolling during the night stopping suspicious vehicles, stop searching people and targeting known offenders to disrupt their criminal activity.
The police are asking the public to act as their ‘eyes and ears’, reporting anything suspicious by dialing 999, especially as the nights get darker and longer. The message is “be vigilant, keep all property locked and secured, ensure you have good working CCTV and avoid leaving valuables in easy to target places”. The police are happy to mark farm machinery or quad bikes so that they are instantly identifiable. Email reply@neighbourhoodalert.co.uk for details.

Bids invited for dinner service

This is a final chance to bid for this beautiful part dinner service. It has been donated by a kind resident of Topcliffe, who wishes for it to be sold and the money given to the Village Hall. It comprises of a large meat plate, six dinner plates, six tea plates, six cups and saucers, three soup dishes, one milk jug and a mended gravy boat. The majority of the pieces are stamped ‘Enoch Woods, English scenery. Wood and Sons, England’. Online the dinner plates alone are selling for between £13 and £23 each. If you wish to make an offer for for the dinner service please email Karen Morley at thomisfamily@gmail.com before Tuesday 1 October.

Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 2 October from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made soups, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

Last week a load of fruit was donated by Heather Allon and Judith Lowe, both of Asenby. This harvest has now been made into apple & raspberry and pear & raspberry crumbles, in various sizes, and they’ll be on sale this Wednesday, with all cash raised going into the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Serenity Yoga Retreat
A four-week series of yoga and relaxation classes starts at the Village Hall on Friday 4 October. The ninety-minute sessions, 9.30 to 11am, are being organised by Stokesley-based Mind, Body & Soul Mentor, Carole Anne Knott and each session is a mini retreat offering gentle flow to slow Yoga (Hatha to Yin) and guided relaxation, including postures and breathing. The block of four sessions, together with a full set of chakra crystals and essential oil roller ball, costs just £49. Book online at http://www.caroleanneknott.co.uk

Autumnal Pause One-Day Mini Retreat
Asenby resident Holly Brown is organising an ‘Autumnal Pause’ Yoga gathering to honour the change in seasons. She will share some of the Yogic practices and teachings that have helped her navigate life over the past decade. The Village Hall with be transformed into a calming oasis for the day on Sunday 13 October as she guides participants through some gentle movement in the morning (this is for all abilities) focusing on creating a healthy breath to nourish the body. This will be followed by a delicious long table lunch where a homemade feast prepared by Holly will be served. The afternoon will be spent together learning about the science of Yogic numerology, ending with the practice of Yoga Nidra (a laying down meditation). All details can be found via this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/autumnal-pause-retreat-tickets-1020079674767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. Watch out for more information in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
26 January – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
22 February 2025 – The Big Horse Race – one of the most popular events held each year!
29 March – 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.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm

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

EVENTS ON IN THE AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – to Thursday 3 October – no matinee.
Lee – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 October – matinee on Wednesday 9 October.
The Critic – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 October – matinee on Wednesday 16 October.
Starve Acre – Sunday 13 October.

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/

Ask the Experts online fraud advisory session
The Counter Fraud Coordinator for the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, Andy Fox, is to hold an online fraud advisory session aimed at youngsters about to go to university and their parents. It will take place between 7 and 9pm on Tuesday 1 October (note change of date – was 3 September). The event will be conducted using Microsoft Teams and persons registering for the event will be emailed a link prior to the date. You do not need to have Microsoft Teams installed on your computer to participate, just a good internet link. To register for the event please click on this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-students-from-fraud-tickets-976142587757

Sessay Events

St Cuthbert’s Church in Sessay will be holding its Harvest Festival on Friday 4 October at 7pm. The church service will be followed by a celebration supper and auction in the Village Hall.
On Saturday 19 October at 7.30pm Peter Rushton will give a talk and film show ‘Travels with my Camera’. Admission £10 including choice of home-made pudding. Tickets from Margaret on 01845 501452 or Pat on 01845 501491.

Strictly Comes to Thirsk
An evening of dancing, wine, nibbles and laughter whilst raising money for the Dementia Day Care Service operated by Community Works 7pm on Friday 4 October at Thirsk Town Hall. Fancy Dress optional – any era from 20s to the 60s. Grand raffle. For tickets, priced £15, contact Alice on 07947 259335 or email alice@communityworks.uk

Thirsk Hall’s Oktoberfest
This popular event is back for a second year. It takes place on Friday 4 October at Thirsk Hall. It’s a Yorkshire-inspired Oktoberfest being organised in partnership with Frank Family Butchers and thesm0keyjoe for a night of bangers and beer. 6.30pm. Adults £5, children (0-15) free.

Pick Your Own Pumpkins
If you want first pick of this season’s best pumpkins, gourds and squashes of all shapes, sizes and colours, make sure you head down to Yorkshire Pumpkins in Cundall on their opening weekend – 5 and 6 October. Beyond the opening weekend, the farm will be open between 10am and 4pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 October, then every day from 24 – 31 October. Take plenty of layers, sturdy footwear and gloves as pumpkins can be prickly for small hands. Refreshments available, plus fun pumpkin games, bale mountain and rides on tractors. Tickets purchased in advance online are required. It is £1.50 per person. Lodge Farm, Cundall, YO61 2RN – between Boroughbridge and Thirsk. http://www.yorkshirepumpkins.com

The World of James Herriot
A special celebratory evening is being held to mark 25 years since the opening of the World of James Herriot visitor attraction in Thirsk. The black tie event is being staged on Saturday 5 October in The Garden Rooms at Tennants of Leyburn. It starts at 6.45pm and likely to last until 11.30pm.

The evening includes live performances by internationally renowned tenor Sean Ruane and The York String Quartet. Plus, special guests including James Herriot’s son and daughter Jim Wight and Rosie Page, the Yorkshire Vet team, and more. Book online at VisitThirsk.uk/herriotdinner

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
In the Market Place on Sunday 6 October from 9am to 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the centre of Thirsk.

A Taste of Art: Mindful Mark Making – Wednesday 9 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm. These ‘Taste Of’ sessions are an affordable way to experience different forms of art and craft. For just £20 you get two hours of tutored workshops .All materials are provided.
The Mind of Mike Barfield Exhibition – Tuesday 8 to Saturday 19 October – A selling exhibition of Mike Barfield’s original Private Eye cartoons from over two decades.
Mike Barfield: An Illustrated Talk – Friday 11 October at 7pm.
Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).

All on at The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org

Thirsk Yarnbombers
The group that is responsible for some amazing knitted decoration in and around Thirsk Market Place is holding a couple of events soon.

On Saturday 12 October they’ll be having a craft stall on Thirsk Market. There’ll be a variety of knitted and crocheted items on sale and everything raised will go to the Herriot Hospice Homecare.
On Wednesday 20 November between 10.30 and 11.45am the group will hold a coffee morning at Thirsk Town Hall. There’ll be a stall where knitted and crocheted items will be on sale. Proceeds will go to support the group’s future projects.

Repair Cafe
The next monthly Repair Cafe will be held at Thirsk Library on Meadowfields in Thirsk on Saturday 19 October between 10am and 1pm. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or worn-out items. No set charge: just a voluntary donation. For further details
or if you would like to volunteer, please email thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com

Sunday 20 October – Autumnal Tea Train.
Saturday 26 October – Gin Train.

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
Bookings: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

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

Posted on 22 September 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 229

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Thank you very much to the mystery person who left a ream of printing paper on my doorstep Saturday morning. Each week ten copies of the Sunday Email are printed out and delivered to households in Topcliffe that don’t have access to computers or smart phones.

The Warm Hub Community Fund gives occasional donations to help cover production costs, but having some extra help to purchase consumables is always welcome.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 22 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 September – No Service (5th Sunday)
Sunday 6 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong and Harvest Festival service, followed by a supper in church. All are very welcome.

Refreshments are served after most services.

Nidderdale Show
TODAY: Sunday 22 September – This popular Pateley Bridge event is on until 6pm tonight. It celebrates the best of agricultural traditions with top class livestock, horse and dog sections and boasts one of the finest exhibitions of animals anywhere in the UK. Tickets online or at gate (costs more). http://www.nidderdaleshow.co.uk

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 22 September – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last Sunday’s general knowledge and music quiz was set by Jim and won by Carol, Sue, Alan and Derek. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.

Nellie Bowman’s funeral arrangements
David and Alan Bowman have told the Sunday Email that their mother’s funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday 14 October at St Columba’s Church and cremation at 1pm at Maple Park. Friends and neighbours are welcome to attend.

Churchyard maintenance
Throughout the summer a small team of volunteers has worked hard to keep large areas of the grass around St Columba’s church well maintained…and their contribution and effort is very much appreciated.

As autumn takes a hold and nettles and other weeds are dying back throughout the churchyard, including the two terraces at the rear, plans are being made for an autumn tidy up so that these spaces can also be more easily maintained on an ongoing basis. Can you spare a couple of hours to help? Volunteers are asked to meet at the church at 9.30am on Saturday 12 October. There’s a number of different jobs needing to be tackled, including grass cutting, hand weeding, strimming and cutting back tree and bush branches. Please bring any tools that you think might help.

Bids invited for dinner service

This beautiful part dinner service has been donated by a kind resident of Topcliffe, who wishes for it to be sold and the money given to the village hall. It comprises of a large meat plate, six dinner plates, six tea plates, six cups and saucers, three soup dishes, one milk jug and a mended gravy boat. The majority of the pieces are stamped ‘Enoch Woods, English scenery. Wood and Sons, England’. Online the dinner plates alone are selling for between £13 and £23 each. If you wish to make an offer for for the dinner service please email Karen Morley at thomisfamily@gmail.com before Tuesday 1 October.

Electoral Register – annual check
Every year, the elections office at North Yorkshire Council is required by law to confirm whether the details they hold on the electoral register for every household are correct. This is known as the annual canvass. All households should recently have received an email or letter from the council with instructions on how to check and confirm your details and submit your return.

By completing the annual canvass online, you are helping to save time and money. It just takes a few minutes to complete online. If you haven’t already completed the canvass please refer to your email or letter to get the codes supplied and go online at https://www.householdresponse.com/Home/Welcome

Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will take place on Wednesday 25 September at 7pm in the upper committee room of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Macmillan Coffee Morning at The Angel
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe will be holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 27 September between 10am and 12noon. All welcome.

Warm Hub – Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 2 October from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made soups, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.

It was a quieter day at last week’s lunch with just 26 meals served and five home deliveries. But even so £129 was raised in donations. Of this sum, £50 was presented to the Eye Unit at the Friarage Hospital. The balance, after expenses, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

The aim is to give participants the confidence to introduce or enhance yoga to improve strength, balance and flexibility, help to ease physical and emotional stress and pain, aid relaxation and better sleep, lift energy and mood, relieve anxiety and stress, as well as being part of a safe and friendly social group.

The block of four sessions, together with a full set of chakra crystals and essential oil roller ball, costs just £49. Book online at http://www.caroleanneknott.co.uk

Autumnal Pause One-Day Mini Retreat

In this modern, often frantic world, taking time to slow down, pause and find our breath is more important than ever. We can easily find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, so busy ‘doing’ we forget the art of simply ‘being’.

With this in mind, Asenby resident Holly Brown is organising an ‘Autumnal Pause’ Yoga gathering to honour the change in seasons. She will share some of the Yogic practices and teachings that have helped her navigate life over the past decade. The Village Hall with be transformed into a calming oasis for the day on Sunday 13 October as she guides participants through some gentle movement in the morning (this is for all abilities) focusing on creating a healthy breath to nourish the body. This will be followed by a delicious long table lunch where a homemade feast prepared by Holly will be served.
The afternoon will be spent together learning about the science of Yogic numerology, ending with the practice of Yoga Nidra (a laying down meditation. All details can be found via this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/autumnal-pause-retreat-tickets-1020079674767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. All stalls have now been reserved, but if anyone wishes to be advised of any cancellation, they can leave their details with Karen Morley on 01845 577426. The money raised by the fayre organisers will go towards supporting the Village Hall. Watch out for more information about this event in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.

Dates for your diary
In recent months we’ve had some excellent fundraising events organised to support and maintain our Village Hall. There’s been the Ceilidh, the Alex Scott concert and dance, Produce Show and the BBQ and Dance held last weekend. These raised around £3,000 to boost Village Hall funds.

In addition to the Christmas Fayre mentioned above, volunteers have more events planned in the coming months and you might want to note these dates in your diary or on your calendar:

20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
26 January – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
22 February 2025 – The Big Horse Race – one of the most popular events held each year!
29 March – 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.

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm

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

EVENTS ON IN THE AREA

Ripon International Festival
A wide range of classical and folk concerts and performances by international artists at venues in and around Ripon until Wednesday 9 October. Check out the details on their website –
http://www.riponinternationalfestival.org

Rural Arts – workshops and classes

People and Places: Capturing the Everyday – Thursday 26 September, 11am -to 4pm. Learn all about digital camera techniques and photography composition to get the best out of your camera and you.
Life Drawing – Saturday 28 September – 10am to 1pm.

All events are held at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Book online at
https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/workshops/

The Ritz Cinema

Widow Clicquot – to Thursday 26 September – matinee on Wednesday 25 September.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – Friday 27 September to Thursday 3 October – no matinee.
Lee – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 October – matinee on Wednesday 9 October.
The Critic – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 October – matinee on Wednesday 16 October.
Starve Acre – Sunday 20 October.

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/

Five Loose Chippings

This popular local group is on stage at the Thirsk and Sowerby Institute on Friday 27 September at 7.30pm. They present a selection of Americana, Country and Pop classics in their own classic style. The band is a ‘not-for-profit’ outfit that helps organisations undertake much-needed fundraising. There’s no set charge to attend: you just pay what you feel is appropriate.

Masham Sheep Fair
Takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 28 and 29 September from 10am to 4pm. Sheep showing, sheep racing, craft market, Bishop Blaize Procession, fleece stalls, sheepdog demonstrations, hand bell ringers, Morris dancers, art exhibition and tours of Theakstons and Black Sheep Breweries, as well as a small children’s fair. http://www.mashamsheepfair.com

Carlton Miniott Charity Event
Carlton Stores & Post Office is organising a charity day on Sunday 29 September between 2 and 5.30pm at Carlton Miniott Playing Field. There’s lots to see and do. There’ll be an 11-aside football match (30 minutes each way) between Carlton Stores and the Old Red House teams. Kickoff 4pm. Around the field there’ll be stalls with food and drink, mini games of football, tombola, sweet stall, bric a brac and hook a duck! All cash raised with go to the new eye unit at the Friarage Hospital. See poster here.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
In the Market Place on Sunday 6 October from 9am to 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the centre of Thirsk.

A Taste of Art: Mindful Mark Making – Wednesday 9 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm. These ‘Taste Of’ sessions are an affordable way to experience different forms of art and craft. For just £20 you get two hours of tutored workshops .All materials are provided.
The Mind of Mike Barfield Exhibition – Tuesday 8 to Saturday 19 October – A selling exhibition of Mike Barfield’s original Private Eye cartoons from over two decades.
Mike Barfield: An Illustrated Talk – Friday 11 October at 7pm.
Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).

All on at The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org

Sunday 20 October – Autumnal tea Train.
Saturday 26 October – Gin Train.

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
Bookings: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

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