Sunday Email – Page 22 – Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 15 September 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 228

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 15 September at 10.45am – Sung Matins
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.

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 15 September on the Market Place in Thirsk between 10am and 3pm. Locally-produced arts & crafts, food & drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent
producers and makers.

Herriot Hospice unveils new hospice
TODAY: Sunday 15 September between 12 noon and 3pm – Herriot Hospice Homecare is unveiling its new in-patient hospice at The Lambert. It’s a state-of-the-art facility which will provide care and support for those with terminal illness and be a base for the charity’s expanding ‘At Home’ service. The public are invited to visit, meet the team and tour the hospice.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 15 September – The quiz will be held this evening at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last week’s quiz was set by Alan and was won by John, Andy, Debbie and Jim. Well done the winners and everyone else who competed.

Weekly art classes
TOMORROW: Monday 16 September – the next block of six weekly art classes start at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. These classes, which run for two hours from 10am, are led by qualified teacher and talented artist, Rebecca Jayne. Classes are suitable for total beginners through to well-practised artists. Don’t worry if you can’t make any of the dates, as you can join the live class on zoom on Monday nights or play the weekly video at a time to suit you. Book online at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

Racing at Thirsk
TOMORROW: Monday 16 September – The last race day of the season at Thirsk.

Nellie Bowman
One of Topcliffe’s oldest residents passed away on Friday morning, 13 September. Nellie Bowman was aged 94 and had not been in the best of health for some time. Her son’s David and Alan asked for this message to be included in the Sunday Email so that all of Nellie’s friends and neighbours could be informed. Details of Nellie’s funeral arrangements will be included in a future Sunday Email.

Late Summer BBQ and Dance

What a fantastic time was had by those who attended the summer BBQ and Dance at the Village Hall last night. It was a full house and the food cooked by Andy and Malcolm was excellent. Afterwards the crowd of around 80 danced the night away to music masterminded by DJ Jim Shaw. There were some brilliant raffle prizes including a weekend’s use of a hot tub, golf vouchers for use at several local course, meat vouchers from Franks Family Butchers and Heck sausages…and lots of other great prizes. The raffle organised by Carol, Chris and Myra raised well over £300 and the full total raised on the night will be announced later. All the cash raised will to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

Events like this take a considerable amount of time and energy to organise, so a big thank you is due to everyone who played a part in holding an excellent social gathering whilst also providing invaluable help and support for our Village Hall. Well done.

Here are a few more photographs – 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Report of Village Hall meeting
This is Jim Shaw’s brief report on the proceedings at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Village Hall Committee.

Committee Chairman Richard Byas opened the meeting with Matters Arising from the last meeting and moved onto the recent installation of the Village Halls Wi-Fi which has successfully been in operation since the beginning of August and working well. The external sensor lights issue has been addressed and are now working properly. The rerouted pipe work installed following the repair of the leaking pipe has been boxed in by Malc Morley and the front of the Hall has been professionally cleaned.

Treasurer Linsey Payne reported that although the Leakage Allowance Refund was progressing, albeit slowly previous Treasurer Tony Bruce did feel we were making progress but she did state nothing was agreed and until it was we must not incur any additional expenditure.

Helen Fothergill stated that the Hallmaster Booking System was working well and in discussion with Doug Allan reported that Community First Yorkshire had requested a booking for a day seminar in the new year which he had been invited to address their meeting.

The Committee have been approached to have a signal booster for smart meter communication to be installed on the Hall roof for an annual sum. The Chairman agreed to meet with their representative to evaluate and hopefully agree.

Malc Morley wondered if an “A” board could be placed outside the hall to advertise when the Library is open. Committee agreed.

Fundraisers – the Alex Scott Concert and the annual Produce Show had both raised a considerable amount for the Hall. The Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 16 November and the Horse Race Night on 22 February 2025.

The Next Meeting will be on 12 November.

We hope this is both of interest and informative to our community. The full Minutes of the meeting can be found on the village website under the Village Hall menu button.

Baldersby St James Book Fair
The annual book fair held in St James’s Church last weekend was an amazing success with lots of people, including many from Topcliffe and Asenby – going along to support it. The two-day event raised well over £4,000 which will help with maintenance costs at the church. The Church Warden asked me to give a big thank you to all customers but also to the many volunteers that worked so hard to make the event such a wonderful success.

Children and Youngsters books now available in Village Hall Library
The opportunity was taken to obtain from Baldersby a selection of children’s books and novels suitable for teenagers. These are now available to any young people who wish to borrow them. The library has no set opening times, but access can be gained whenever the Village Hall is open for another activity.

Leeming RAF Station
The RAF Station at Leeming is hosting more aircraft activities which will include low and late flying and probably more noise that we are used to. There’ll be multiple aircraft types involved in training events for the rest of September and into October.

M62 closures – major disruption will disrupt travel
Anyone travelling on the M62 is reminded to check for motorway closures planned every night until 23 September. Junctions 18 to 20 are affected. These junctions are just over the county border in Greater Manchester. It’s due to Network Rail rebuilding a 42-metre-long, 2,000 tonne railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton near Rochdale. It means anyone aiming to travel on the M62 needs to use alternative routes … but they will probably also be very busy so it’s best to leave a lot more time for your journey.

Price of First Class stamp to increase
Royal Mail has announced that the cost of a first class standard stamp will increase by 30p – an inflation busting 22% – from 7 October. The price goes up from £1.35 to £1.65. A first class large stamp will go up by 24%, from £2.10 to £2.60. The cost of second class stamps will remain at 85p. If you use first class stamps consider beating the increase by buying a supply of stamps now: they can still be used after the increase is applied.

Community Works
Thirsk-based charity Community Works is looking for kind-hearted individuals to join its team of volunteer drivers. They’re needed to help people within the Thirsk and surrounding villages who don’t have access to transport to go to hospital, doctor and dentist appointments…and to get to social engagements, mostly in the local area, but now and again a bit further afield. If you feel that you would like to know more, please get in touch with Kate, Car Scheme Co-Ordinator on 01845 524494.

Watch out for parking fee scam
A scam involving bogus parking fines is doing the rounds in our area – so please be careful. North Yorkshire Police have received six reports in the last week of residents getting a text telling them to pay a parking fine. The message includes a link to pay and suggests the fine will increase if not paid within 28 days. These messages come from mobile numbers starting 07 and the link takes the user to a website that looks very much like an official government one. The good news is none of the six people who reported receiving these bogus texts handed over any money. But others out there may not have been so vigilant. Share this warning with friends and family. If you receive an unexpected message with a link, be extremely cautious – think carefully before you do anything, and delete it if you’re not 100% certain it’s legitimate.

Yoga with Alex
You can join ‘Yoga with Alex’ sessions at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. See poster here for more details. These classes are suitable for beginners and those with experience wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com

Warm Hub – Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 18 September 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.

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.

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. The money raised by the fayre organisers will go towards supporting the Village Hall. For more information call 01845 577426 or email – thomisfamily@gmail.com

The Big Topcliffe Horse Race
Make a note in your diary. The Topcliffe Horse Race will be held at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 February 2025. Put the date on your calendar and watch out for more details later in this year.

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

Monday Makers – a free 10-week course for those wishing to start their own creative business. Monday 16 September to Monday 18 November, 10am-1pm. Develop your skills. Explore and develop your creative ideas, promoting and selling your creative products online, basic accounting for your creative business, hands on printmaking, ceramics and jesmonite and 1:1 coaching.
Felt and Fizz – Friday 20 September, 7- 9pm – A new evening workshop which is perfect for friends to enjoy a glass of fizz and the unique sociability that comes from crafting together. Learn all about needle felting and produce your own needle felted landscape. All done with a glass of fizz!
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

Alien: Romulus – to Thursday 19 September – no matinee.
Widow Clicquot – Friday 20 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/

Music@Junction 50
There’s a concert being held at Baldersby St James Church on Thursday 19 September at 7pm featuring husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic. They’ll be performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624.

Helperby Beer Festival
The annual beer festival takes place in and around Helperby Village Hall on Saturday 21 September 2024 from 12.30pm. You can look forward to ten hours of live music and the opportunity to sample some of the over 30 beers on sale. Tickets online in advance – Helperby Beer Festival

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 22 September – Summer’s End Tea Train.
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/

Nidderdale Show
This popular Pateley Bridge event is on Sunday 22 September from 7.45am to 6pm. 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

Five Loose Chippings

The popular band that has performed here in Topcliffe will be 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.

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

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 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.

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.

‘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.

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 8 September 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 227

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 8 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 September at 10.45am – Sung Matins
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.

Baldersby St James book sale
TODAY: Sunday 8 September – This second day of this year’s book sale is on today between 10am and 5pm.

Sutton Bank Closure
TODAY: Sunday 8 September – Sutton Bank will be closed to all traffic from today through to Sunday 15 September for annual maintenance. Diversions will be signposted.

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

Last week’s quiz was a set by husband and wife quizmasters Andy and Chris. It was a great double act and the result was a close finish, but in the end the winning team was ‘The Four of Us’, namely Derek, Alan, Sue and Joanne. Well done the winning team and everyone who took part.

Snooker Club fees held
At the annual meeting of the Snooker Club held last Sunday it was agreed that the membership subscriptions for the year starting 1 September is to be held at £30. Those wishing to remain in membership or join the club, should contact Treasurer Dave Bowman to make payment.

If you do not intend to remain in membership, please return your door key as soon as possible. David can be contacted on 01845 577843.

Thanks to churchyard grasscutters
Throughout the summer a small team of volunteers has worked hard to keep the grass around St Columba’s church looking more like lawn than the wilderness it has often been. There’s no need to name the lawnmower heroes as they know who they are… and they don’t want identifying or to see their names in print. But here’s a BIG THANK YOU to you all.

But no thanks for the dog poo
If you’re pushing a lawnmower around the churchyard the last thing you want to encounter is piles of dog poo. But in the last couple of weeks a careless dog owner has been allowing his pet(s) to use the lawns as a toilet. Please take responsibility for your dogs and clear up after them.

New bowlers sought
Topcliffe Carpet Bowls Club, which meets throughout the year on Thursday evenings in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, is looking for new members. The weekly sessions run from 7:30pm to around 9:30pm.

Mel Arkley, who organises the group, says that members enjoy a ‘not too energetic’ sport and a have a good laugh at the same time. He adds: “Our games are non-competitive and experience is not necessary as all instruction and guidance is provided.”

There is no annual membership fee but a weekly charge of £2 is made, which includes a hot drink and biscuits to finish off the evening. If you are interested or have any questions please call Mel Arkley on 01845 578728 or you’re welcome to simply turn up to any Thursday evening and join in. You’ll be made very welcome.

Bake Off seeks amateur bakers
Researchers working for the TV show ‘The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice’ hosted by Jo Brand, are looking for amateur bakers who may like to be in the audience and have their homemade bakes discussed on the show by Tom Allen and his iconic whisk mic. Anyone who fits the bill and would like to be involved, is asked to get in touch by emailing: extrasliceaudience@loveproductions.co.uk

M62 closures – major disruption will disrupt travel
Anyone travelling on the M62 to Manchester Airport or anywhere else across the Pennines is warned that there’ll be complete motorway closures in September. The M62 will be totally shut for two consecutive weekends just over the county border in Greater Manchester. It’s due to Network Rail rebuilding a 42-metre-long, 2,000 tonne railway bridge that takes trains over the M62 in Castleton near Rochdale.

The closures are on the eastbound carriageway between Junction 18 and Junction 20 and the westbound carriageway between Junction 19 and Junction 20. Both carriageways have been shut this weekend and they will again be closed from 9pm on Friday, 20 September to 6am on Monday, 23 September. From Monday, September 9 to Friday, September 20 the motorway will also be shut every night between Junction 19 and Junction 20 from 9pm to 6am.

It means anyone aiming to travel on the M62 needs to use alternative routes … but they will probably also be very busy so it’s best to leave a lot more time for your journey.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 September in the Village Hall.

Late Summer BBQ and Dance
Have you got your tickets yet? There’s only a week to go until the Late Summer BBQ and Boogie Night on Saturday 14 September at the Village Hall. It starts at 7.30pm. After the BBQ there’ll be music and dancing. This is a bring your own drinks event. Tickets are £12.50 and available from Topcliffe Post Office. Anyone with special dietary requirements should call Jim Shaw on 07761 501820.

Weekly art classes

The next block of six weekly art classes at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall starts on Monday 16 September. These classes, which run for two hours from 10am, are led by qualified teacher and talented artist, Rebecca Jayne. Classes are suitable for total beginners through to well-practised artists. Don’t worry if you can’t make any of the dates, as you can join the live class on zoom on Monday nights or play the weekly video at a time to suit you. Book online at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

At last week’s lunch a total of £111 was raised. A donation of £50 was made to help support The Tattler and Sunday Email and, after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

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.

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

Rural Arts – workshops and classes

Taste of Natural Textile Dyeing – Autumnal Colours – Wednesday 11 September
Going the Course! – Ceramics for beginners – Wednesday 11 September to Wednesday 2 October (four weekly classes).
Monday Makers – a free 10-week course for those wishing to start their own creative business. Monday 16 September to Monday 18 November, 10am-1pm. Develop your skills. Explore and develop your creative ideas, promoting and selling your creative products online, basic accounting for your creative business, hands on printmaking, ceramics and jesmonite and 1:1 coaching.
Felt and Fizz – Friday 20 September, 7- 9pm – A new evening workshop which is perfect for friends to enjoy a glass of fizz and the unique sociability that comes from crafting together. Learn all about needle felting and produce your own needle felted landscape. All done with a glass of fizz!
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

Kensuke’s Kingdom – to Thursday 12 September. Matinee on Wednesday 11 September.
Alien: Romulus – Friday 13 to Thursday 19 September – no matinee.
Widow Clicquot – Friday 20 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.

Heritage Open Day – take a look behind the scenes of our local volunteer-led cinema. 10am on Saturday 14 September.

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/

Harrogate Flower Show
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September. Tickets are now on sale and you can save £5 by buying in advance. This year in the grounds of Newby Hall. Autumn Show | Autumn Show (flowershow.org.uk)

Repair Cafe
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” in exchange for a voluntary donation. The next Repair Café will be held at the Community Library in Meadowfields, Thirsk between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 14 September (last entries by 12.30pm). For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email – thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com

Saturdays – 14 September and 26 October – Gin Train.
Sunday 22 September – Summer’s End Tea Train.
Sunday 20 October – Autumnal tea Train.

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

Racing at Thirsk
The last race day of the season at Thirsk will be held on Monday 16 September.

Five Loose Chippings

Andy Fox states: “Many young people will be getting ready to attend university. This is an exciting time for them and a worrying time for their parents. Unfortunately students are targeted by scammers, usually on social media with such scams as rental fraud, money muling, ‘get rich quick’ scams, ticket scams and a particular worrying trend of sextortion.

“During this online session experts will be advising on the types of scams currently in use, how to spot them and how to stay safe, including advice on how to protect yourself online. The evening will consist of a number of presentations by officers from the Fraud and Cyber Crime Unit. There will be the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of experts.

This 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 the below link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-students-from-fraud-tickets-976142587757

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 1 September 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 226

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 1 September at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
Sunday 8 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 September at 10.45am – Sung Matins
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.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 1 September between 9am and 2pm. On the Market Place in Thirsk there’ll be round 20 artisan food and drink stalls. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Dalton Yard Sale
TODAY: Sunday 1 September between 10am and 1pm. There’s to be a village-wide yard sale in Dalton. Householders across the village will be setting up stalls outside their homes and they’ll be selling lots of items. You can collect a free map showing the participants for Dalton Village Hall. See poster here.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 1 September – The quiz will be held this evening at 8pm in the Village Hall.

Last week’s special party quiz was set by Roger. There were prizes for the winners – Alan, Sue and Derek – and for the teams that came second and third. Congratulations to the winning teams and everyone else who took part.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024

Yesterday, the annual Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show was held in the Village Hall and all in all it was a great success. Dozens of people entered horticultural, floral, baking and hobby items in an attempt to win the various category competitions and walk off with a trophy.

Congratulations to Doug Allan who won the horticultural trophy and to Doug and Peter Lowe who shared the trophy for the most firsts, with eleven each.

The baking section was won for the second year running by Fiorella Shepherd.

The floral trophy was taken by Cath Towers with a fantastic display built around a typewriter.

The hobbies competition was won by Heather Holt who knitted an amazing bee and honeycomb blanket.

There were quite a few entries in the children’s section and some very happy children went away with certificates and sweets.

Thank you to Show Secretary Judith Lowe for all the hard work to organise the event. Also to volunteers who helped set up and clear away. Special thanks to the judges and to all those who submitted entries. And finally, thank you to all those who came along to experience the show.

£356.23 was raised through show entry fees, sale of refreshments and the raffle. This cash will go to help maintain and support the Village Hall.

More photographs here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. There’ll be more in The Tattler which is out around 10 September.

Northern Lavender
Asenby-based Northern Lavender – the largest lavender farming business in the UK – has just finished its annual harvest of lavender and you can watch the a video on all this activity here https://www.instagram.com/p/C-50BM4sYnw/?hl=en You can also read more about this amazing company on our doorstep by going to http://northern lavender – Northern lavender

Car damaged in Topcliffe
Here’s a warning for all car owners to be on their guard against wanton damage to their vehicles. Just over a week ago a car parked on Front Street was ‘keyed’ by a passerby. The police have been informed and have said they will be on alert for similar vandalism. If you experience any damage to your car please be sure to report it. The police will only take action if there is an obvious problem.

Cross Talk
The September issue of the monthly church newsletter, Cross Talk, is now out. You can read it here.

Village Hall Library
The library in the Village Hall is free to use. It holds hundreds of fiction novels by all the leading authors, plus some factual books. We are building up a children’s and teenagers section and would welcome the donation of any books that are suitable.

Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
Christmas Fayre organiser, Karen Morley, reports that all the stalls available at this year’s Christmas Fayre have now been taken. Thanks you to all those businesses, charities and individuals that have made bookings. There should be a good selection of craft or product stalls offering a wide range of gifts just in time for Christmas

The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. All money raised by the fayre organisers will go towards supporting the Village Hall. For more information call 01845 577426 or email – thomisfamily@gmail.com

Topcliffe Academy: dates for your diary

Monday, 2 September – Staff Training Day
Tuesday, 3 September – School reopens for the start of autumn term.

Warm Hub – Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 4 September 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.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 5 September at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Sutton Bank Closure
Sutton Bank will be closed to all traffic from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 September for annual maintenance. Diversions will be signposted.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 September in the Village Hall.

Late Summer BBQ and Dance
This special event is being held to help raise funds for the Village Hall. It’s on Saturday 14 September starting 7.30pm. After the BBQ there’ll be music and dancing. This is a bring your own drinks event. Tickets are £12.50 and available from Topcliffe Post Office. Anyone with special dietary requirements should call Jim on 07761 501820.

Weekly art classes

Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will take place be 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.

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

Harold and the Purple Crayon – to Thursday 5 September – matinee today Sunday 1 September.
Kensuke’s Kingdom – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 September – matinee on Saturday 7 September.
Alien: Romulus – Friday 13 to Thursday 19 September – no matinee.
Widow Clicquot – Friday 20 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.

Heritage Open Day – take a look behind the scenes of our local volunteer-led cinema. 10am on Saturday 14 September.

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 Jury’s Out!
Rural Arts has occupied The Old Courthouse in Thirsk as an art centre for years. Come along to this open session between 6 and 7.30pm on Friday, 6 September to hear about plans for the 2025 programme. In their first ‘Jury’s Out’ session, Rural Arts wants to hear from you. Is there something they could be doing that they are currently not? This is an open discussion and it’s hoped that you will be generous with your ideas and conversation. Expect lively debate and workshopping!

Baldersby St James book sale
This year’s book sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September between 10am and 5pm. The organisers are looking for volunteers to help arrange the book displays (Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September) and after the event to tidy the books away (Sunday 8 September at 4pm). They also invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Racing at Thirsk

• Saturday 7 September – Ladies Day
• Monday 16 September – Season Finale

Rural Arts – workshops and classes

Taste of Natural Textile Dyeing – Autumnal Colours – Wednesday 11 September
Going the Course! – Ceramics for beginners – Wednesday 11 September to Wednesday 2 October (four weekly classes).
Monday Makers – a free 10-week course for those wishing to start their own creative business. Monday 16 September to Monday 18 November, 10am-1pm. Develop your skills. Explore and develop your creative ideas, promoting and selling your creative products online, basic accounting for your creative business, hands on printmaking, ceramics and jesmonite and 1:1 coaching.
Felt and Fizz – Friday 20 September, 7- 9pm – A new evening workshop which is perfect for friends to enjoy a glass of fizz and the unique sociability that comes from crafting together. Learn all about needle felting and produce your own needle felted landscape. All done with a glass of fizz!
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/

Saturdays – 14 September and 26 October – Gin Train.
Sunday 22 September – Summer’s End Tea Train.
Sunday 20 October – Autumnal tea Train.

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

Five Loose Chippings

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 25 August 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 225

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 25 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 1 September at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
Sunday 8 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 September at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 22 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 September – No Service (5th Sunday)
Sunday 6 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Refreshments are served after most services.

Asenby Picnic in the Park
TODAY: Sunday 25 August between 2 and 5pm there’ll be a picnic in Asenby Community Park. All welcome. Take your own drinks and food. There’ll be a performance from local singer Harry Hutch. Free entry. Meet your friends and neighbours. Poster here.

World axe throwing championships
TODAY: Sunday 25 August – the final day of the international axe throwing championships. Being held in the UK for the first time ever and Thirsk is the host town. It’s on at Thirsk racecourse. Organised by the Baldersby-based Axemore Throwing Club. See poster here.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: The quiz tonight is a private party just for those who have joined previous quizzes in last few months.

Just when you think things can’t get any better, they do! Last Sunday’s quiz was packed: one of the largest crowds we’ve had – 38 participants. And Sheila did an excellent quiz which was won by the Long Street Mafia – Malc, Charles, Andy and Jim. Fantastic evening. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.

Thirsk Duck Race
TOMORROW: Monday 26 August between 11am and 4pm – A duck race down the Cod Beck in Thirsk and Norby on Bank Holiday. Great prizes. Beef burgers, cake stall, drinks and games! Family-fun afternoon! In support of Thirsk Youth Club. Duck tickets £2 from local shops.

Newburgh Priory Plant Fair
TOMORROW: Monday 26 August between 11am and 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) there’s to be another Specialist Plant Fair at Newburgh Priory. There’ll be nurseries, growers and garden accessory stalls selling locally grown, rare and unusual plants. Entry £5, Children free. Please remember to take some cash as not all stallholders take card payments.

Village Hall Library
Thank you to all those people who donated their unwanted books to the library in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. They’ve all been sorted through and the best have been kept to replenish the shelves of the library and the remainder have been donated to the church in Baldersby St James for their annual book sale on 7 and 8 September.

Our library, which has existed for several years and is free to use, holds hundreds of fiction novels by all the leading authors, plus some factual books. But it was pointed out recently that there are no books for children and teenagers, so we’d like to do something about that. We will check out the Baldersby St James book fair to see if there’s any titles we can obtain. If you have any books that are suitable for children and teenagers, please consider donating them to the the Village Hall library.

Asenby Parish Council – vacancy for a clerk

An appeal from Cllr Colin Grimston, Chair of Asenby Parish Council

“Asenby Parish Council has reached a ‘make or break’ situation in terms of its administration. The current Clerk retires at the end of September and we are in need of a successor if the council is to continue. Not being able to continue would be a huge disappointment for current parish councillors and volunteers since they’ve made excellent progress of late improving the village.

“The post of Clerk involves primarily administration such as preparing meeting agendas and minutes, monitoring emails, recording finances and sharing updates. It is a paid post with monthly payments using PAYE. A new Clerk will be fully supported and training is available for any areas that would be helpful or of benefit.

“I’m aware individuals might be interested but have concerns over the job or their experience. Please contact me if you have any questions and I will be pleased to talk through the role. The Parish Council welcomes expressions of interest from anyone in the Asenby parish or from further afield.”

Colin Grimston can be contacted on 07810 301 811.

Street Safe
Do you have any concerns about safety when you are out and about where you live? If so, you might be interested in Street Safe, an anonymous reporting tool which allows you to share any concerns with a multiple agency group, which includes Police and local council.

If there are places you avoid because they make you feel uncomfortable or paths you feel that you don’t want to walk down because, for example, it is poorly lit, or the bushes are overgrown, or there is always dog mess on the ground or, then you can contact Street Safe to make your feelings heard.

The information is passed to the senior management teams of a range of agencies to ensure that patrols can take place in the right places at the right time. You can find the out more here: https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/streetsafe

Anyone want to hire a stall at Christmas Fayre?
Christmas Fayre organiser, Karen Morley, is inviting local groups and individuals who would like to book a craft or product stall, or organise a fundraising activity for their favourite charity, at this year’s fayre to reserve their space now. The cost is £5 for a table. The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. All money raised by the fayre organisers will go towards supporting the Village Hall. For more information or to book a stall, call 01845 577426 or email – thomisfamily@gmail.com

Leeming RAF Station
Just a reminder that there’ll be increased movement by aircraft operating from RAF Leeming until 15 September 2024. The RAF Station will be hosting multiple aircraft types for events which will include low flying and some periods of 24 hour operation.

The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 29 August. Doors open 7.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets £10 if purchased in advance or £12 on the door. For more information and tickets call 01845 578000. See poster here.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024
It’s nearly upon us! Just one week to go until the Produce Show on Saturday 31 August. It will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and there will be 83 classes in five categories: 47 horticultural classes: 17 baking, jams, preserves and pickles classes: 3 floral classes: 11 hobbies classes and 5 specific classes that only children can enter. The full list of categories and show rules, together with timings on the day, are available here.

On the day:

Entries should be taken to the Village Hall between 9am and 11.30am.
Judging 12 noon – 2pm.
Public viewing of exhibits from 2pm
Trophy presentations and raffle at 2.45pm
Removal of exhibits by 3.30pm.

Topcliffe Academy: dates for your diary

Monday, 2 September – Staff Training Day
Tuesday, 3 September – School reopens for the start of autumn term.

Last week’s lunch saw 43 meals served and £125 raised. The organisers made a £50 donation to The Bootshop charity and, after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 5 September at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Sutton Bank Closure
Sutton Bank will be closed to all traffic from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 September for annual maintenance. Diversions will be signposted.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 September in the Village Hall.

Late Summer BBQ and Dance
Jim Shaw, Andy Findlay and Malcolm Ealand are organising this special event to help raise funds for the Village Hall. It’s on Saturday 14 September starting 7.30pm. After the BBQ there’ll be music and dancing. This is a bring your own drinks event. Tickets are £12.50 and available from Topcliffe Post Office. Anyone with special dietary requirements should call Jim on 07761 501820.

Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will take place be 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.

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

Summer activities at the library
There’s a lot is going on at Thirsk Community Library this summer. The Summer Reading Challenge, Mini Engineering, Knitterlings with the Thirsk Yarnbombers, Lego drop-in sessions and so much more. Drop into the library for more information or check out their website at https://thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk/

The Ritz Cinema

Deadpool & Wolverine – to Thursday 29 August – no matinee.
Harold and the Purple Crayon – Friday 30 August to Thursday 5 September – matinees on Saturday 31 August and 1 September.
Kensuke’s Kingdom – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 September – matinee on Saturday 7 September.

Heritage Open Day – take a look behind the scenes of our local volunteer-led cinema. 10am on Saturday 14 September.

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/

To Monday 26 August – Industrial Diesel Weekend.
Saturdays – 31 August, 14 September and 26 October – Gin Train.
Sunday 22 September – Summer’s End Tea Train.
Sunday 20 October – Autumnal tea Train.

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

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

The Choir of King’s College: Thursday 29 August at 7.30pm. The King’s Men perform songs from The Byrds to The Beatles.
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/

Rural Arts events

Workshop at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Natural Textile Dyeing – Wednesday 28 August, 10am to 1pm.

http://Workshops – Rural Arts

Racing at Thirsk
• Friday 30 August – All Creatures Great and Small Family Day
• Saturday 7 September- Ladies Day
• Monday 16 September – Season Finale

Summer Music Series
The summer Rural Arts/de Mowbray Music evening concert series continues with on Friday 30 August with Native Gallantry – baroque strings. The concert starts at 6.30pm and tickets are £10 (£8 for concessions). Venue: The Courthouse, Thirsk. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/performances

Hell Wath activity day
The Friends of Hell Wath Nature Reserve on the River Skell in Ripon are holding a children’s activity day on Saturday 31 August between 1 and 3.30pm. There’ll be lots of forest activities including den making, stick whittling, wood modelling and other things associated with life in the woods. No need to book. Just turn up and register at the Panther’s Clubhouse on Hell Wath Lane. See poster here.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 1 September between 9am and 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to Thirsk centre. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Dalton Yard Sale
There’s to be a village-wide yard sale in Dalton on Sunday 1 September between 10am and 1pm. Householders across the village will be setting up stalls outside their homes and they’ll be selling lots of items. You can collect a free map showing the participants for Dalton Village Hall. See poster here.

Five Loose Chippings

Other events in the area this summer
Here are some dates to note in your diary.

Reeth Show – Monday 26 August – 9.30am to 5pm. http://www.reethshow.co.uk
Ripley Food & Drink Festival – Ripley Castle – 10am to 6pm on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foodfestival/1020553/r/website
Harrogate Flower Show – Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September. Tickets are now on sale and you can save £5 by buying in advance. This year in the grounds of Newby Hall. Autumn Show | Autumn Show (flowershow.org.uk)

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

Posted on 18 August 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 224

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Barningham
Many of you will have seen photographs of Hannah and Josh’s wedding on Facebook. They were married last Saturday at The Yoredale House Hotel, Bainbridge in beautiful Wensleydale. It would be remiss not to mention such an important event in the Sunday Email. Congratulations and good luck for the future Mr & Mrs Barningham.

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 18 August at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 25 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 1 September at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
Sunday 8 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 15 September at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 22 September at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Sunday 29 September – No Service (5th Sunday)
Sunday 6 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong

Refreshments are served after most services.

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 18 August from 10am to 3pm on the Market Place in Thirsk. Locally-produced arts and crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers.http:// https://littlebirdmade.com

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 18 August – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Sue and the winners were The Three Degrees – Debbie, Lynne and Sheila. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.

Anyone want to hire a stall at Christmas Fayre?
Christmas Fayre organiser, Karen Morley, is inviting local groups and individuals who would like to book a craft or product stall, or organise a fundraising activity for their favourite charity, at this year’s fayre to reserve their space now. The cost is £5 for a table. The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. All money raised by the fayre organisers will go towards supporting the Village Hall. For more information or to book a stall, call 01845 577426 or email – thomisfamily@gmail.com

Alex Scott concert at the Village Hall
Last night the Village Hall was bouncing to the sound of solo artist Alex Scott. Eighty people filled the hall to hear Alex singing a wide range of popular songs and to expend excess energy on the dance floor. The event raised over £620 for village hall funds. Thank you to everyone who attended. Your support is very much appreciated. Here are a few photographs taken on the night 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Leeming RAF Station
There will be increased movement by exercising aircraft operating from RAF Leeming from 17 August to 15 September 2024. The RAF Station will be hosting multiple aircraft types for events which will include low flying and some periods of 24 hour operation. A spokesperson for Leeming said: “We understand our responsibility as good neighbours to inform the local community of such events that are additional to our normal flying activities and every effort will be made to keep the disturbance to a minimum.”

Warm Hub – Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 21 August 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.

Asenby Picnic in the Park
There’s to be a picnic in Asenby Community Park on Sunday 25 August between 2 and 5pm. Take your own drinks and food. There’ll be a performance from local singer Harry Hutch. Free entry. Meet your friends and neighbours. Poster here.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024
Just two weeks to go until the Produce Show on Saturday 31 August. It will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and there will be 83 classes in five categories: 47 horticultural classes: 17 baking, jams, preserves and pickles classes: 3 floral classes: 11 hobbies classes and 5 specific classes that only children can enter. The full list of categories and show rules, together with timings on the day, are available here.

On the day:

Entries should be taken to the Village Hall between 9am and 11.30am.
Judging 12 noon – 2pm.
Public viewing of exhibits from 2pm
Trophy presentations and raffle at 2.45pm
Removal of exhibits by 3.30pm.

Topcliffe Academy: dates for your diary

Monday, 2 September – Staff Training Day
Tuesday, 3 September – School reopens for the start of autumn term.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 5 September at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 September in the Village Hall.

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 Cathedral Tours
Every Thursday in August from 2 to 2:30pm you can explore Ripon Cathedral with knowledgeable guides for free. Highlights of the 30-minute tour include:
🔹The historic crypt dating back 1350 years
🔹The breathtaking Great East Window
🔹Sir Ninian Comper’s decorative Reredos
🔹Harold Gosney’s beautiful Mother and Child copper statues
🔹The intricate medieval woodcarvings that inspired scenes in “Alice in Wonderland”

Find out more here: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/events/free-guided-tours-available-in-august/

The Ritz Cinema

Twisters – To Thursday 22 August – no matinee.
Deadpool & Wolverine – Friday 23 August to Thursday 29 August – no matinee.
Harold and the Purple Crayon – Friday 30 August to Thursday 5 September – matinees on Saturday 31 August and 1 September.
Kensuke’s Kingdom – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 September – matinee on Saturday 7 September.

Heritage Open Day – take a look behind the scenes of our local volunteer-led cinema. 10am on Saturday 14 September.

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/

World axe throwing championship coming to Thirsk
An international axe throwing championship is coming to the UK for the first time ever and Thirsk will be the host town. The event will be staged at Thirsk racecourse on the weekend 23 to 25 August. Baldersby-based club, the Axemore Throwing Club, is taking the lead on planning and delivering the world championships, which are sanctioned by the Global Axe Throwing Commission, the international governing body for double-bit axe throwing. See poster here.

Ripon Canal Cruise
The final date in 2024 for an afternoon tea cruise is Saturday 24 August. Book at http://https;//buytickets.at/riponsceniccruises/1169606

Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August – Industrial Diesel Weekend.
Saturdays – 31 August, 14 September and 26 October – Gin Train.
Sunday 22 September – Summer’s End Tea Train.
Sunday 20 October – Autumnal tea Train.

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

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Summer Beer Festival: Saturday 24 August – 11.30am to 7pm.
Guest beers, refreshing cider and delicious street food.
The Choir of King’s College: Thursday 29 August at 7.30pm. The King’s Men perform songs from The Byrds to The Beatles.
Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.

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

Thirsk Duck Race
A duck race down the Cod Beck in Thirsk and Norby on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August between 11am and 4pm. Great prizes. Beef burgers, cake stall, drinks and games! Family-fun afternoon! In support of Thirsk Youth Club. Duck tickets £2 from local shops.

Newburgh Priory Plant Fair
There’s to be another Specialist Plant Fair at Newburgh Priory on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August between 11am and 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). There’ll be nurseries, growers and garden accessory stalls selling locally grown, rare and unusual plants. Entry £5, Children free. Please remember to take some cash as not all stallholders take card payments.

Rural Arts events

Workshop at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Natural Textile Dyeing – Wednesday 28 August, 10am to 1pm.

http://Workshops – Rural Arts

Racing at Thirsk
• Friday 30 August – All Creatures Great and Small Family Day
• Saturday 7 September- Ladies Day
• Monday 16 September – Season Finale

Sutton Bank Closure
Sutton Bank will be closed to all traffic from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 September for annual maintenance. Diversions will be signposted.

Five Loose Chippings

Other events in the area this summer
Here are some dates to note in your diary.

Wensleydale Show – Leyburn – Saturday 24 August from 9am – http://www.wensleydaleshow.org.uk
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
Reeth Show – Monday 26 August – 9.30am to 5pm. http://www.reethshow.co.uk
Ripley Food & Drink Festival – Ripley Castle – 10am to 6pm on Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foodfestival/1020553/r/website
Harrogate Flower Show – Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September. Tickets are now on sale and you can save £5 by buying in advance. This year in the grounds of Newby Hall. Autumn Show | Autumn Show (flowershow.org.uk)

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