Sunday Email – Page 24 – Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 30 June 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 217

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY – Sunday 30 June – No Service (5th Sunday).
Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 14 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 21 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 28 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

The Asenby Park Fun Run
TODAY: Sunday 30 June, 2 to 4pm – the Asenby Park Fun Run and activities day. A perfect opportunity for villagers to come together to see the amazing efforts by local volunteers and the Parish Council to create a new community space.

Dedicated runners can challenge themselves on the 1km course, and there’s a more gentle jog around for the less serious. Also a 400m route that children can enjoy.

There will be lots of games and there’s a new football net now in place making it ideal for those who want a kick-about. Also lookout for the cake stall as well as tea and coffee… and of course the obligatory raffle and tombola. Tickets for the raffle will be on sale at £2 each or £8 for a strip of five tickets and it’s cash only. There are some great prizes to be won.

The new trees are coming along nicely and some new signage at the park entrance has been erected to help identify them. Wild flowers continue to emerge amongst the long grass, so see how many can you identify.

Sorry, but dogs are not permitted in the community park (guide dogs and assistance dogs excepted).

The Yorkshire Flea
TODAY: Sunday 30 June – The Yorkshire Flea vintage and antique event is on today at Thirsk Auction Mart between 11am and 6pm. There’ll be around 100 reputable traders in vintage, collectables and antiques. Good disabled access and ample free parking. Onsite cafe. Dogs on leads admitted. Admission £3 per adult. Accompanied children under 16 years free of charge.

Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
TODAY: Sunday 30 June – the band’s summer concert will be held in Thirsk Parish Church at 2pm. All welcome.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 30 June– The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

Last week’s quiz winners were the Three Musketeers – Alan, Sue and Derek. The excellent quiz was set by Sylvia. Fewer than normal attended but there was football on the television and lots of regulars are on holiday.

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

Ceilidh success!

The Topcliffe Ceilidh held last Saturday at the Village Hall was a sell-out and a huge success. Eighty villagers danced the night away to music provided by the excellent Cod Beck Ceilidh Band. The food prepared by Karen Morley and served by Linda Carver and a few others, went down a treat…and lots of lucky people went home with a fantastic raffle prize. Well done all those involved, especially organisers Sarah Barber and Jane Burnett, but also the Post Office staff who helped sell tickets and all the local businesses that provided prizes for the raffle. The flowers provided by Sahra Raynor of Willow View Farm Cut Flowers & Foliage were amazing and all were sold at the end of the evening to boost funds. Finally, thanks to all of those who bought tickets and went along for a great evening, which raised over £900 for the Village Hall.

Here’s a few more photographs of the night – 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5, 6 , 7.

Parish Clerk needed
Asenby Parish Council continues to search for a new Parish Clerk. The Clerk is needed to support parish councillors with administrative duties. The council meets a number of times each year depending on needs within the village. This is a paid post and would particularly suit someone who has held a similar post in the past, although this is not essential as guidance and support will be available. For further information please email: asenbypc@gmail.com

Topcliffe racing pigeon club

Our local pigeon fanciers’ club finished the season with the most points accumulated in the Stockton and District Federation area. Topcliffe South Road Flying Club was formed 10 years ago. Pigeons are released as far away as Eastbourne and pre-Covid, even from Europe! The club has fifteen members and approximately 150 birds birds, flying every week from April to September. Members compete against clubs from Stockton, Middlesbrough and Thirsk.

Your local councillor…always available to help
Local councillor, Rev. Dan Sladden, who represents the Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council has indicated that he intends to stay in touch with residents all year round – not just at election time. One of his main campaign promises, which no doubt helped in getting him elected last November, was his clear desire 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.

Microchipping for cats
It’s now a legal requirement that cats (only a few exceptions) must be microchipped. On Monday 1 July, between 3 and 5pm, the Blue Cross is holding a free microchipping session for cats at its rehoming centre near Topcliffe. Blue Cross can only see people by appointment, so sorry no walk ins. Each slot is five minutes long. Owners must arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork. There’s plenty of car parking.
Ring 0300 777 1848 or email – thirsk@bluecross.org.uk

Topcliffe Academy – Dates for your diary

Tuesday, 2 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 2pm
Wednesday, 3 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 6pm
Friday, 5 July – School Sports Day and FOTS Summer Fair, 1pm.
Monday, 8 – Friday, 12 July – Year 6 Induction Week at Thirsk School
Friday, 19 July – End of Year Celebration Service, St Columba’s Church, 10am
Friday, 19 July – School closes for the summer holidays at 2pm.

National Election
Voting in the Parliamentary Election takes place on Thursday 4 July. Electors in Topcliffe will vote at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and those living in Asenby need to travel to Rainton Village Hall. Voting takes place between 7am and 10pm. Don’t forget to take photo ID.

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall committee will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm.

Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 10 July 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.

The lunch held on 26 June saw 51 meals served and a total of £141 raised. A donation of £50 has been made to the Boccia Club, which meets each week in the Village Hall, and the balance after expenses, has been added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The date of the next meeting is yet to be set.

The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 25 July. 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.

Deer Shed Festival
This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Chef’s Table at The Catton Kitchen
Following the success of last year’s Chef’s Table event, it is being repeated this year on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August. There’ll be a delicious range of meat, seafood, vegetables and cheese served over seven or eight courses, with wine pairing. Tickets are £140 per person. Booking essential. Contact Amy at Catton Kitchen via the Facebook page or by calling 07747 083155.

Alex Scott in concert at The Village Hall

Alex is a very talented solo artist with a great repertoire of songs from the 1960s to the present…all guaranteed to get you on the dance floor or at least to get your feet tapping. This cabaret-style evening on Saturday 17 August is going to be extremely popular and already over half the avvailable tickets have been sold. This is a bring your own drinks and nibbles evening. All profits will go to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

Tickets priced at £10 are selling well, so don’t delay and miss out! Get yours from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024
The show will be held on Saturday 31 August 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.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA

Cruises on the Ripon Canal
Ripon Scenic Cruises are offering afternoon tea and prosecco cruises each Saturday afternoon in June, July and August. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/riponsceniccruises

Racing at Thirsk
• Wednesday 3 July – afternoon racing
• Wednesday 17 July – afternoon racing
• Friday 26 July – GRIY Summer Festival

The Ritz Cinema

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – to Thursday 4 July – matinee on Wednesday 3 July.
Wilding – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 July – no matinee.
Inside Out 2 – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 July – matinees on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July.
The Bikeriders – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 July – no matinee.
The Dead Don’t Hurt – Friday 26 July to Thursday 1 August – no matinee.
Despicable Me 4 – Friday 2 to Thursday 8 August – matinees on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August.
Fly me to the Moon – Friday 9 to Thursday 15 August – matinee on Wednesday 14 August.

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/

Baldersby St. James Church

Music@Junction 50 – Sadly the planned concert on Thursday 4 July has had to be cancelled as it coincides with the church being used as a Polling Station for the General Election. The concert planned for Thursday 19 September at 7pm features husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. See poster here. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624
This year’s Book Sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The organisers invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Ripon Theatre Festival
The Ripon Theatre Festival is back for 2024 and there’s a great programme in store. It will feature the very best in touring theatre, street entertainment, family shows, comedy, dance and storytelling across five days and six nights. There’ll also be community performances, workshops and pop-up surprises. Ticketed and free performances for all ages. Bringing colour and culture to brighten the city.

Hilarity Bites Festival Special: This comedy collaboration has a twist of theatre and a dash of music with a good dollop of improvisation. At Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate on Tuesday 2 July. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Show at 8pm. Tickets £10.

Tales from the Scriptorium: – medieval heritage crafts and stories – two interactive sessions at Fountains Abbey on Tuesday 2 July. Book online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT

Look After Your Knees: A solo performance by Yorkshire-based physical comedian Natalie Bellingham about the pain and beauty of love, what it is to both connect and unravel. Wednesday 3 July at 8pm at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate. Tickets £12.Presented in memory of Ripon Theatre Festival founder, Ian Holloway. There will be a collection after the show for St Michael’s Hospice.

A spoonful of Julie: a tribute to Julie Andrews packed with songs and medleys – Wednesday 3 July lunchtime (1pm) at Holy Trinity Church, Ripon.
Short Story Writing Workshop with Ilaria Passeri: a practical and creative session at Ripon Library at 11am on Friday 5 July.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook; – poetry and performance from WW1 in Ripon Cathedral where Wilfred Owen spent his last birthday. Friday 5 July at 2pm.

Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.

Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.

The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle: Newby Hall & Gardens is the venue for a special Ripon Festival event on Saturday 6 July. They will be welcoming the fabulous Illyria, masters of outdoor theatre, who will present The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle, a very funny, exciting and much-loved family adventure. Great opportunity for a family picnic.

Fate and the Warrior – rehearsed reading of a new play about Caribbean author Edgar Mittelholzer – at the Workhouse Museum at 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Collage Master Class – Wednesday 3 July – See how the great artists used collage in their work. Practice composition and colour, and develop your own personal collage style! 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Ceramic Clocks – Wednesday 3 July – Roll, score, slip and decorate your very own ceramic wall clock. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £23.00 per person.
Freehand Machine Embroidery – Wednesday 10 July – Learn the creative art of freehand machine embroidery and applique, using the machine needle and thread as your drawing medium. 10.00am – 1.00pm.
Wild Wire Flowers – Friday 12 July – 10am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 3.30pm.
Working with Jesmonite – Wednesday 17 July
Taste of Collage – Wednesday 17 July – A fun morning exploring all things cutting and sticking: how the great artists have used collage and you can too! 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Kilburn Feast
Here’s a taste of the entertainment, eating and drinking and fun and games planned for this year’s Kilburn Feast, which is on from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July.

Friday 5 July

Pub Quiz at 8pm at the Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Saturday 6 July

Quoits Contest –2pm – ladies followed by men’s. Village Square.
BBQ – 4pm – with live music at the Forresters Arms.
Mouse Derby at 7pm – The Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Sunday 7 July

Family Fun & Entertainment – starting 12 noon – free children’s entertainment, decoration of feast cart and donkeys on Kirk’s Field and at Kilburn Village Institute.
Tug o’ War – kids and adults – from 12 noon – Village Square.
Activities and stalls – 2pm – Village Square
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
St Mary’s Church service – 3pm
The Great Twattleton Beck Duck Race – 4.30pm. Buy your duck from the Forresters Arms.
Lord Mayor’s Parade – 5.30pm.

All monies raised will be donated to three local charities – Herriot Hospice, St Mary’s Church and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Free car parking.

Steam & Vintage Rally
This year’s annual Steam and Vintage Rally at Duncombe Park, Helmsley will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. Presented by the Great Yorkshire Traction Engine Club, there’ll be steam and stationary engines, fair ground organs, vintage
tractors, commercial vehicles, models, crafts and autojumble. Family entertainment,
licenced bar and evening entertainment. Pre-book and save money. General Admission: Adult £14, 65+/Concession £12. 5-16 year olds £8, under 5 free. Saturday evening ticket
£10. Family £32, Book online http://www.gytec.co.uk

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On Thirsk Market Place Sunday 7 July between 9am and 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the town.

Vet signs his new book
Local Vet and TV star Julian Norton will be signing copies of his new book, Ruminations of a Yorkshire Vet, at White Rose Bookstore on Thirsk Market Place from 1pn on Sunday 7 July.

Galeón Andalucía in Whitby
This amazing replica of a Spanish galleon will be visiting Whitby Harbour from Wednesday 10 to Monday 15 July. It’s a replica of the ship used by the Spanish during the 16^th to 18^th centuries. Once on board, you are free to stroll around its decks, talk to crew members and visit an exhibition, watch videos and projections and see historical documents. 10am to 8pm. £12, child (5-10) £6, under 5s free, Family (2+3) £30. Book online at www.tickets.velacuadra.es

Pickhill Strawberry Fayre
This year’s event is on Saturday 13 July starting 1pm and running through to 11pm. Children’s entertainment from 5 until 7pm, followed by a DJ playing all the hits from 7 until 9pm, and finally a band – Doubtful Bottle – playing from 9 until 11pm.

There’s a bar and lots of food offerings, including BBQ, Chines, pizza and jacket potatoes…and freshly picked strawberries. There’ll also be an ice cream van on site. Look out for a range of stalls and craft stands, plus games and lots of entertainment for the young ones. See poster here.

Thorp Perrow

Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Catton Fest
The big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.

An Evening with Ian Moore
Follow the hilarious misadventures of Ian Moore and his family as their search for serenity in rural France leads them on a journey of chaos, commotion and comedy. This will be a highly entertaining evening and includes a talk, reading, Q&A session and book signing. Monday 15 July at 7pm at White Rose Books, Thirsk. £5 including a welcome drink and £2 off the purchase of the book. Please telephone 01845 524353.to reserve a place.

Gathering in The Garden
Join the Thirsk friends of the Lambert Hospice at the Gathering in The Garden at Thirsk Hall on Thursday 18 July from 6.30 to 8.30pm to raise funds for the Lambert Hospice. Price includes fizz, canapés and Strings Attached. Tickets £20 from 07774 983275.

Open Day at Nature Reserve
There’s to be an open day at High Batts Nature Reserve, near Lightwater Valley, on Sunday 21 July between 10am and 4pm. It’s free and there’ll be lots going on – check out the poster here for full detaills.

Leeming Families Air Display
RAF Leeming is planning a families air display on the afternoon of Thursday 25 July (no specific has been published yet but I’ll let you know when it is) and it will provide an opportunity for the general public to watch from various viewing points around the airbase boundary. The display will include take off and landings by Eurofighter Typhoons, Hawker Hunters, Quatari Hawks and Chinook Helicopters…and a fly-past by The Red Arrows. The public will not be allowed on the base, but several viewing areas, including Roman Road, Leeming, DL7 9SN, are available. There’s ample free public car parking.

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 28 July – Yorkshire Day Afternoon Tea Train.
Sunday 18 August at 2.30pm – Summer Afternoon Tea Train

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

Thirsk Model Railway Show
On at Thirsk Town Hall on Westgate from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 28 July. It will feature fifteen model railway layouts, a variety of traders and lots of different demonstrators, as well as refreshments, a children’s competition and a tombola. Profits to be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Adults £5, accompanied children free of charge.

Beatles by Candlelight
The Beatles By Candlelight comes to Ripon Cathedral. Thursday 15 August 2024 at 7.30pm. Featuring a fantastic band and a cast of West End singers. All your favourite Beatles songs. Book online at http://www.concertsbycandlelight.com

de Mowbray Music Festival
Thirsk’s annual music festival is on Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 August. Staged at venues throughout Thirsk, it offers something for everyone. See full programme on the poster here.

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

A Taste of Yorkshire – Sutton Bank National Park Centre – Sunday 7 July – Enjoy a fantastic range of local produce and drinks to both sample and buy. 10am – 4pm. Free entry, no booking required.
The Great Yorkshire Show –Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 July. (Tickets for Wednesday 10 July have sold out).
Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
Hampsthwaite Feast & Show – Friday19 and Saturday 20 July –http://www.hampsthwaite.org.uk/hampsthwaitefeast
Masham Steam Engines & Fair Organs – This very popular annual rally is on in Masham on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July. Adult £12, Family (2+3) £25. Tickets from http://www.hello@mashamsteamrally.com
Picton Show – (near Yarm) – Saturday 20 July – sports, gymkhana and horticultural show. 9am-4pm. http://www.pictonhorticulturalshow.weebly.com
Historic Vehicle Rally – Sunday 21 July – Newby Hall near Ripon – Vintage and classic cars – the North’s biggest one-day car show. 10am-3pm. Adult £14, child £9, family £40, under 4s free (gardens only, house has supplement). www.newbyhall.com
Borrowby Show – Saturday 27 July – Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton YO7 4AX. Noon-6pm. www.borrowbyshow.co.uk
Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show – Sunday 28 July – staged at Newby Hall – Baking, handicrafts, horticulture, children’s classes, flower arranging, photography and farm produce. Dog, cattle, sheep, horse and donkey classes. Tickets include entry into the gardens and legendary adventure playground. 10am-4pm. Book online www.boroughbridgeshow.co.uk
Ryedale Agricultural Show – Tuesday 30 July – Wellburn Park near Kirbymoorside YO62 7HG. 8.30am-6pm. Online or card payment on the day. www.ryedaleshow.co.uk
Osmotherley Show – Saturday 3 August – Home Farm, Thimbleby DL6 3PY. Traditional agricultural show.c10am-10pm. £8, Child (5-11) £5, free parking. www.osmotherleyshow.co.uk
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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.

Posted on 23 June 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 216

Welcome to your Sunday Email. It’s a little late this week as I was travelling home overnight on the Rotterdam to Hull Ferry and the WiFi signal was inadequate to allow the email to be sent.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY – Sunday 23 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Fr. Robert Williamson.
Sunday 30 June – No Service (5th Sunday).
Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 14 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 21 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 28 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Repair your stuff
TODAY: Sunday 23 June – The repair café is on at Thirsk Library on Chapel St in Thirsk. 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 for the cost of a voluntary donation. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com. 10am-1pm, last entries by 12.30pm. Free, donations welcome.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 23 June– The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

Another great quiz in the Village Hall last Sunday, this time hosted by Alan and won, once again, by Pete, Shirley, Sylvia and Sheila. More new faces were welcomed. Join us tonight if you fancy a challenge.

Coast to coast charity tractor ride drops in on Topcliffe

Dozens of tractors involved in a charity run from Liverpool to Whitby and back called in for pit-stops at The Angel Inn at Topcliffe on both legs of the journey last week. The charity drive is in aid of Cancer Research and Air Ambulances and is claimed to be ‘the longest tractor drive in the world’. Unfortunately, because there was no advance warning, there weren’t many locals around to witness the gathering. More photographs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Blue Cross Veterinary Care
The Topcliffe branch of Blue Cross provides veterinary care for sick and injured pets when their owners can’t afford private veterinary fees. Their animal hospital and pet care clinic offers compassionate treatment to ensure that every pet receives the care it deserve. f you receive certain means-tested benefits and live within the Topcliffe catchment area you may qualify for assistance. Use the Blue Cross handy postcode checker on their website to find out – https://www.bluecross.org.uk/veterinary
.

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

The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 27 June. 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 Academy – Dates for your diary

Friday, 28 June – Mental Health Awareness Day – Non uniform day with an ‘Express Yourself’ theme (wear what’s you!)
Tuesday, 2 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 2pm
Wednesday, 3 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 6pm
Friday, 5 July – School Sports Day and FOTS Summer Fair, 1pm.
Monday, 8 – Friday, 12 July – Year 6 Induction Week at Thirsk School
Friday, 19 July – End of Year Celebration Service, St Columba’s Church, 10am
Friday, 19 July – School closes for the summer holidays at 2pm.

The Asenby Park Fun Run
Sunday 30 June, 2 to 4pm – It is with great excitement that the organisers start a seven-day countdown to the Asenby Park Run. They believe this will be the perfect opportunity for villagers to come together to see the amazing efforts by local volunteers and the Parish Council over the past 12 months that have led to new life being breathed into this important community space. It will also be a perfect opportunity to have a nice day amd maybe meet some friendly old and new faces. There will be lots of games, a fun run for all abilities, a cake stall and of course the obligatory raffle and tombola.

Organisers have been overwhelmed with the generosity of local businesses and residents alike who have donated prizes, from Afternoon Tea for Two at Grantley Hall, to gift vouchers for the Crab & Lobster Restaurant…plus lots more. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased before the event from Stable End, Cundall Road, Asenby until the end of Saturday 29 June…and then on the day at the event. Raffle tickets are priced at £2 each or £8 for a strip of five tickets and it’s cash only.

If it is not convenient for you to call and collect your tickets then please contact Holly Knowles on 07565 199344 with the following details – name, number of tickets required, address for delivery – and arrangements will be made to get the tickets to you. The draw will take place on the day and all those not present will be contacted.

Microchipping for cats
On Monday 1 July, between 3 and 5pm, the Blue Cross is holding a free microchipping session for cats at its rehoming centre near Topcliffe. Blue Cross can only see people by appointment, so sorry no walk ins. Each slot is five minutes long. Owners must arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork. There’s plenty of car parking.
Ring 0300 777 1848 or email – thirsk@bluecross.org.uk

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall committee will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm.

Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The date of the rescheduled meeting is yet to be set.

Deer Shed Festival
This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Alex Scott in concert at The Village Hall
Alex is a very talented solo artist with a great repertoire of songs from the 1960s to the present…all guaranteed to get you on the dance floor or at least to get your feet tapping. This cabaret-style evening on Saturday 17 August is going to be extremely popular and already nearly half the avvailable tickets have been sold. This is a bring your own drinks and nibbles evening. All profits will go to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

Tickets priced at £10 are selling well, so don’t delay and miss out! Get yours from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA

Racing at Thirsk
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
• Wednesday 3 July – afternoon racing
• Wednesday 17 July – afternoon racing
• Friday 26 July – GRIY Summer Festival

The Ritz Cinema

Hard Miles – to Thursday 27 June – matinee on Wednesday 26 June.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Friday 28 June to Thursday 4 July – matinee on Wednesday 3 July.

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

Baldersby St. James Church

“The Average Angel” – a One Woman Play – in church on Friday 28 June at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £6 on the door.
Music@Junction 50 – Sadly the planned concert on Thursday 4 July has had to be cancelled as it coincides with the church being used as a Polling Station for the General Election. The concert planned for Thursday 19 September at 7pm features husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. See poster here. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624
This year’s Book Sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The organisers invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Jane Clack – local children’s author
Well-known author Jane Clack will be signing her new book,’ Adventures of Zoli and her Turbo-charged Broom’, at White Rose Books on Saturday 29 June at 11am. Entry is free. Check out http://www.whiterosebooks.co.uk

Harrogate Food & Drink Festival
This annual festival is taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June. A feast and amazing entertainment on The Stray. http://Buy Tickets – The Harrogate Food & Drink Festival 2024: A Feast on The Stray – The Stray, Oatlands Drive, Harrogate (tickettailor.com)

The Yorkshire Flea
The next Yorkshire Flea vintage and antique event will be held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 30 June between. There’ll be around 100 reputable traders in vintage, collectables and antiques. Good disabled access and ample free parking. Onsite cafe. 11am and 6pm. Dogs on leads admitted. Admission £3 per adult. Accompanied children under 16 yrs free of charge.

Hilarity Bites Festival Special: An extra special gig featuring Tarot, Black Liver, Joe Kent-Walters and host Lee Kyle. This comedy collaboration has a twist of theatre and a dash of music with a good dollop of improvisation. At Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate on Tuesday 2 July. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Show at 8pm. Tickets £10.

Look After Your Knees: A solo performance by Yorkshire-based physical comedian Natalie Bellingham about the pain and beauty of love, what it is to both connect and unravel. It’s a celebration of being human in all its banality, sprinkled with joy and ridiculousness. Wednesday 3 July at 8pm at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate. Tickets £12.Presented in memory of Ripon Theatre Festival founder, Ian Holloway. There will be a collection after the show for St Michael’s Hospice.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook; – poetry and performance from WW1 in Ripon Cathedral where Wilfred Owen spent his last birthday. Friday 5 July at 2pm.

Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.

Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.

Fate and the Warrior – rehearsed reading of a new play about Caribbean author Edgar Mittelholzer – at the Workhouse Museum at 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Collage Master Class – Wednesday 3 July
Freehand Embroidery – Wednesday 10 July
Wild Wire Flowers – Friday 12 July
Working with Jesmonite – Wednesday 17 July

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Kilburn Feast
Here’s a taste of the entertainment, eating and drinking and fun and games planned for this year’s Kilburn Feast, which is on from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July.

Friday 5 July

Pub Quiz at 8pm at the Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Saturday 6 July

Quoits Contest –2pm – ladies followed by men’s. Village Square.
BBQ – 4pm – with live music at the Forresters Arms.
Mouse Derby at 7pm – The Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Sunday 7 July

Family Fun & Entertainment – starting 12 noon – free children’s entertainment, decoration of feast cart and donkeys on Kirk’s Field and at Kilburn Village Institute.
Tug o’ War – kids and adults – from 12 noon – Village Square.
Activities and stalls – 2pm – Village Square
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
St Mary’s Church service – 3pm
The Great Twattleton Beck Duck Race – 4.30pm. Buy your duck from the Forresters Arms.
Lord Mayor’s Parade – 5.30pm.

All monies raised will be donated to three local charities – Herriot Hospice, St Mary’s Church and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Free car parking.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On Thirsk Market Place Sunday 7 July between 9am and 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the town.

Thorp Perrow

Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Catton Fest
The big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.

Leeming Air Display
RAF Leeming is planning a families air display on the afternoon of Thursday 25 July and it provides an opportunity for the general public to watch from the various viewing points around the airbase boundary. The display will include landings and take-offs by Eurofighter Typhoons, , Hawker Hunters, Quatari Hawks and Chinook Helicopters…and a fly-past by The Red Arrows. The public will not be allowed on the base, but several viewing areas will be available.

Sunday 28 July – Yorkshire Day Afternoon Tea Train.
Sunday 18 August at 2.30pm – Summer Afternoon Tea Train

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

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

Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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.

Posted on 16 June 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 215

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY – Sunday 16 June at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 23 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Fr. Robert Williamson.
Sunday 30 June – No Service (5th Sunday).
Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 14 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 21 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 28 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Racing at Thirsk
• TODAY: Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Skybet Sunday Series
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
• Wednesday 3 July – afternoon racing
• Wednesday 17 July – afternoon racing
• Friday 26 July – GRIY Summer Festival

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 16 June– The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

Last week’s quiz proved as popular as ever, with a few new participants. A great quiz hosted by Sheila and won by Sue, Derek and Alan.

Catton Kitchen extends opening hours
From this Thursday (20 June) the Catton Kitchen is extending its opening hours and will open Thursday to Sunday. Check out their Facebook page for times and events.

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

Topcliffe Ceilidh
There’s only a handful of tickets left at the Post Office, so it’s looking like the ceilidh is going to be a sell-out. If you’ve never been to a ceilidh before then now is your chance to give it a try – and it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed. It’s great fun, and you don’t need a partner because everyone mixes up. And it’s a chance to meet people and make new friends. If you’re not very nimble on your feet, come along anyway to enjoy the music, a drink and a pulled pork roll with friends.

The organisers – Sarah Barber and Jane Burnett – are enormously grateful to everyone who has generously donated raffle prizes to this event, including:

The Angel – Sunday lunch for two
The Swan – £25 voucher
The Gallery – £25 voucher
Carol & Jim Shaw and Myra & Malcolm Ealand – A hamper
The Ritz Cinema, Thirsk – two tickets
Nicky James at Studio 18 – A cut and blow dry

And many more. So don’t forget to bring some cash for raffle tickets! Also remember it’s a bring your own drinks event.

Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 26 June 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.

The lunch held on 12 June saw 50 meals served and £178 raised from voluntary donations. The Blue Cross at Topcliffe has received a donation of £50 and, after rent and expenses, the balance has been added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Topcliffe Academy – Dates for your diary

Friday, 28 June – Mental Health Awareness Day – Non uniform day with an ‘Express Yourself’ theme (wear what’s you!)
Tuesday, 2 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 2pm
Wednesday, 3 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 6pm
Friday, 5 July – School Sports Day and FOTS Summer Fair, 1pm.
Monday, 8 – Friday, 12 July – Year 6 Induction Week at Thirsk School
Friday, 19 July – End of Year Celebration Service, St Columba’s Church, 10am
Friday, 19 July – School closes for the summer holidays at 2pm.

Volunteers are needed to plan/host the afternoon, and of course, bake cakes to sell. The organisers are also looking for raffle prizes. If you can help in any way, please email the Parish Council initially and they will pass the information on to the organisers.

To contact Asenby Parish Council about any of the above items, please email asenbypc@gmail.com or info@asenby.org

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall committee will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm.

Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The date of the rescheduled meeting is yet to be set.

Deer Shed Festival
This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Alex Scott in concert at The Village Hall
Alex is a very talented solo artist with a great repertoire of songs from the 1960s to the present…all guaranteed to get you on the dance floor or at least to get your feet tapping. This cabaret-style evening is going to be extremely popular and already nearly half the avvailable tickets have been sold. This is a bring your own drinks and nibbles evening. All profits will go to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

Tickets priced at £10 are selling well, so don’t delay and miss out! Get yours from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA

Cruises on the Ripon Canal
Ripon Scenic Cruises have a range of cruises planned including:

Father’s Day – Sunday 16 June – private cruises from 10am for a minimum one hour and maximum two and a half hours. Each dad onboard will receive a bottle of local craft ale. Maximum twelve guests.
Afternoon tea and prosecco – each Saturday afternoon in June, July and August.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/riponsceniccruises

Thirsk Artisan Market
The next artisan market in Thirsk Market Place will be held on Sunday 16 June from 10am to 3pm. Locally-produced arts and crafts, plus food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers.

Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Lunch – Fathers Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Saturday 22 June – The Jazz Train – enjoy a scenic journey through the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the sounds of the Swale Valley Stompers Jazz Band. The Jazz Train | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Sunday 28 July – Yorkshire Day Afternoon Tea Train. Yorkshire Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

The Ritz Cinema

If – to Thursday 20 June – matinees on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Hard Miles – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 June – matinee on Wednesday 26 June.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Friday 28 June to Thursday 4 July – matinee on Wednesday 3 July.

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

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Ceramic Hare – Friday 21 June
Collage Master Class – Wednesday 3 July
Freehand Embroidery – Wednesday 10 July
Wild Wire Flowers – Friday 12 July
Working with Jesmonite – Wednesday 17 July

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Dalton Fest
This year’s Dalton Fest will be held on Saturday 22 June at Dalton Village Hall and on the village’s playing field. Gates open at 2pm, music starts at 4pm. The Black Bears will be headlining, along with many other bands. There will be pizzas and fish and chips on sale, along with ice cream. Picnics are welcome but no barbecues please. The bar will be open, where candy floss, sweets and novelties can also be purchased. A great day out for all the family. Tickets are available from Eleanor on 07841 036340 and are priced at £12 for adults, £6 for children (up to 16 years of age). A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £28.

Repair your stuff
The next repair café at Thirsk Library on Chapel St in Thirsk will be held on Sunday 23 June. 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 for the cost of a voluntary donation. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com. 10am-1pm, last entries by 12.30pm. Free, donations welcome.

Baldersby St. James Church

“The Average Angel” – a One Woman Play – in church on Friday 28 June at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £6 on the door.
Music@Junction 50 – Sadly the planned concert on Thursday 4 July has had to be cancelled as it coincides with the church being used as a Polling Station for the General Election. The concert planned for Thursday 19 September at 7pm features husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. See poster here. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624
This year’s Book Sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The organisers invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook; – poetry and performance from WW1 in Ripon Cathedral where Wilfred Owen spent his last birthday. Friday 5 July at 2pm.

Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.

Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.

Fate and the Warrior – rehearsed reading of a new play about Caribbean author Edgar Mittelholzer – at the Workhouse Museum at 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/

Kilburn Feast
Here’s a taste of the entertainment, eating and drinking and fun and games planned for this year’s Kilburn Feast, which is on from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July.

Friday 5 July

Pub Quiz at 8pm at the Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Saturday 6 July

Quoits Contest –2pm – ladies followed by men’s. Village Square.
BBQ – 4pm – with live music at the Forresters Arms.
Mouse Derby at 7pm – The Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Sunday 7 July

Family Fun & Entertainment – starting 12 noon – free children’s entertainment, decoration of feast cart and donkeys on Kirk’s Field and at Kilburn Village Institute.
Tug o’ War – kids and adults – from 12 noon – Village Square.
Activities and stalls – 2pm – Village Square
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
St Mary’s Church service – 3pm
The Great Twattleton Beck Duck Race – 4.30pm. Buy your duck from the Forresters Arms.
Lord Mayor’s Parade – 5.30pm.

All monies raised will be donated to three local charities – Herriot Hospice, St Mary’s Church and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Free car parking.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On Thirsk Market Place Sunday 7 July between 9am and 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the town.

Thorp Perrow

Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Catton Fest
The big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.

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

Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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.

Posted on 9 June 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 214

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY – Sunday 9 June at 10.45am – St Columba’s Day, Festival Choral Eucharist.
TODAY – Sunday 9 June at 6pm – Service of Compline.
Sunday 16 June at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 23 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Fr. Robert Williamson.
Sunday 30 June – No Service (5th Sunday).
Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Sunday 14 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Sunday 21 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Sunday 28 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

St Columba’s Festival
TODAY: Sunday 9 June – St Columba’s Church is holding a Heritage and History Day. At 10.45am there will be a Festal Choral Eucharist led by Rev. Canon Steven Harvey and the choir will sing the Missa Secunda by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) as the setting. Refreshments will be served after the service.

There’ll be a BBQ lunch with hot food being available from 1.15pm. Drinks, including wine, will be available along with ‘bring and share’ salads and puddings. Everyone is very welcome to either or both of these events. After lunch the usual tours of the church, tower and churchyard will take place, but for reasons of safety, children will need to be at least ten years old to be able to climb the tower. The day will close with a service of Compline at 6pm.

Local art and craft studios – open days
TODAY: (Sunday 9 June) – Last day of the North Yorkshire Open Studios event. The open studios can be visited between 10am and 5pm. See poster here and location map here.

Tractor Fest
TODAY (Sunday 9 June) is the final day of Tractor Fest, which is taking place at Newby Hall. It’s the UK’s largest vintage tractor and engine show with over 1,600 exhibits. Visitors also get access to the award-winning gardens and other attractions. 10am-4pm. £60 family, £20 adult, £15 child, under 4s free. Tickets: Online. www.bookings.newbyhall.com

Flower Power Plant Fair
TODAY – Sunday 9 June – There’s a plant fair in the gardens of Thirsk Hall starting 11am. There’ll be a selection of refreshments throughout the day and you can also plan to have lunch in the grounds. Entry £5 per person, Under 13s free.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 9 June– The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

Last week’s excellent quiz was set by Shirley. Two teams had equal points and a decider was necessary. The question was how long, in metres, was the Titanic and the answer was 269m. Peter, Sylvia, Sheila and Paul were closest and declared the winners.

Road repairs in East Lea/Back Lane
Contractors who were scheduled to undertake repairs to Back Lane and East Lea (opposite the doctors’ surgery) starting 6 June failed to arrive on site. The date on the sign announcing the roadworks was changed to suggest they’ll now come on Tuesday 11 June. Access will unavailable throughout the day whilst resurfacing is underway. There’ll also be some pothole repairs to School Lane.

Asenby Community Park volunteers

Last Monday a team of volunteers helped rake grass and prepare the ground for wild flower sowing at Asenby Community Park. Organiser Colin Grimston thanked the volunteers for their help and support, which is appreciated by both the Parish Council and village residents.

Dog owners are asked not to forget to pick up after their dogs.

Blue Cross Month
Just a reminder that throughout June, Blue Cross in Topcliffe will be hosting various fundraising events to raise awareness with its supporters and the wider general public. Each Saturday there’ll be coffee and cake served from 11am. The charity would welcome any baking donations.

Members of the public are invited to invited to support Blue Cross online through their GoFundMe page. All contributions, no matter how small, can help provide care and support to the many pets at the centre receiving care and awaiting new homes. For more information please visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/yorkshire-thirsk-rehoming-centre

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

Topcliffe Academy – Dates for your diary

Tuesday, 11 June – Class Photographs
Friday, 28 June – Mental Health Awareness Day – Non uniform day with an ‘Express Yourself’ theme (wear what’s you!)
Tuesday, 2 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 2pm
Wednesday, 3 July – Maple Class Production Performance, 6pm
Friday, 5 July – School Sports Day and FOTS Summer Fair, 1pm.
Monday, 8 – Friday, 12 July – Year 6 Induction Week at Thirsk School
Friday, 19 July – End of Year Celebration Service, St Columba’s Church, 10am
Friday, 19 July – School closes for the summer holidays at 2pm.

Bags2School Recycling Day
The Friends of Topcliffe School are organising a Bags2School clothes recycling event on Wednesday 12 June. Please try and get your bags to the school by 9am.The items that can be donated include clothes, paired shoes, handbags, hats, bags, scarves and ties, bras, jewellery, socks, belts, soft toys, household linen, curtains, towels and bedding. But please, no soiled/damaged clothing, duvets or blankets, pillows or cushions, carpets, rugs or mats, school uniform, corporate workwear or textile offcuts.

Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 12 June 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.

Catton Kitchen – opening hours to be extended
The popular Catton Kitchen is extending its opening hours. From Thursday 13 June it will open Thursday to Sunday. Check out their Facebook page for times and events.

Topcliffe Ceilidh – last few tickets available
The Topcliffe Ceilidh is on Saturday 22 June at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The Cod Beck Ceilidh Band will be providing the music and calling. Doors open from 7pm and dancing starts at 7.30pm. This is a bring your own drinks event. There’s only a few tickets left, priced £10 from Topcliffe Post Office. The supper is a pulled pork and apple sauce roll (alternative for vegetarians).There’ll be a raffle with some great prizes. This is a fundraiser to help support the Village Hall.

Event in the Park
The first event to take place in the revitalised Asenby Community Park is being planned by Matilda and Catherine Catterick. The date for your diary is Sunday, 30 June at 2pm. The afternoon will include an informal Park Run, with a Wonderful Walk for those less energetic, and a cake stall. Volunteers are needed to plan/host the afternoon, and of course, bake cakes to sell. If you can help generally, or provide any other form of entertainment, please email the Parish Council initially and they will pass the information on to the organisers.

To contact Asenby Parish Council about any of the above items, please email asenbypc@gmail.com or info@asenby.org

Microchipping of cats
New rules mean that most cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. All owners must have their cat (farm cats and feral cats are excluded) microchipped by 10 June 2024 and owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.

On Monday 1 July, between 3 and 5pm, the Blue Cross is holding a free microchipping session for cats at its rehoming centre near Topcliffe. Blue Cross can only see people by appointment, so sorry no walk ins. Each slot is five minutes long. Owners must arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork. There’s plenty of car parking.
Ring 0300 777 1848 or email – thirsk@bluecross.org.uk

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall committee will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm.

Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Topcliffe Parish Council
Many apologies for giving the wrong date for the next Topcliffe Parish Council meeting in last week’s email. Of course, it can’t be on the 4 July as that is the date of the general election and the hall is needed as a Polling Station. The date of the rescheduled meeting is yet to be set.

Deer Shed Festival
This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Alex Scott in concert at The Village Hall
Alex is a very talented solo artist with a great repertoire of songs from the 1960s to the present…all guaranteed to get you on the dance floor or at least to get your feet tapping. This cabaret-style evening is likely to be extremely popular so make sure you get your tickets as soon as possible. This is a bring your own drinks and nibbles evening. All profits will go to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA

Hatha Yoga
If you are fancying taking up yoga, there’s plenty of choice and opportunity with Yoga with Alex, who takes classes in Thirsk and Boroughbridge. These classes are beginners and those with some experience.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga
You might also consider Vinyasa Flow yoga with Lucy Day, who holds her classes at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. If you are interested in attending, please email lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.

The Ritz Cinema

La Chimera – to Thursday 13 June – matinee on Wednesday 12 June.
If – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 June – matinees on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Hard Miles – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 June – matinee on Wednesday 26 June.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Friday 28 June to Thursday 4 July – matinee on Wednesday 3 July.

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

Racing at Thirsk
• Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Skybet Sunday Series
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
• Wednesday 3 July – afternoon racing
• Wednesday 17 July – afternoon racing
• Friday 26 July – GRIY Summer Festival

Cruises on the Ripon Canal
Ripon Scenic Cruises have a range of cruises planned including:

Father’s Day – Sunday 16 June – private cruises from 10am for a minimum one hour and maximum two and a half hours. Each dad onboard will receive a bottle of local craft ale. Maximum twelve guests.
Afternoon tea and prosecco – each Saturday afternoon in June, July and August.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/riponsceniccruises

Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Lunch – Fathers Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Saturday 22 June – The Jazz Train – enjoy a scenic journey through the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the sounds of the Swale Valley Stompers Jazz Band. The Jazz Train | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Sunday 28 July – Yorkshire Day Afternoon Tea Train. Yorkshire Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Ceramic Hare – Friday 21 June
Collage Master Class – Wednesday 3 July
Freehand Embroidery – Wednesday 10 July
Wild Wire Flowers – Friday 12 July
Working with Jesmonite – Wednesday 17 July

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Baldersby St. James Church

“The Average Angel” – a One Woman Play – in church on Friday 28 June at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £6 on the door.
Music@Junction 50 – Sadly the planned concert on Thursday 4 July has had to be cancelled as it coincides with the church being used as a Polling Station for the General Election. The concert planned for Thursday 19 September at 7pm features husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. See poster here. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624
This year’s Book Sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The organisers invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook; – poetry and performance from WW1 in Ripon Cathedral where Wilfred Owen spent his last birthday. Friday 5 July at 2pm.

Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.

Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.

Fate and the Warrior – rehearsed reading of a new play about Caribbean author Edgar Mittelholzer – at the Workhouse Museum at 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/

Kilburn Feast
Here’s a taste of the entertainment, eating and drinking and fun and games planned for this year’s Kilburn Feast, which is on from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July.

Friday 5 July

Pub Quiz at 8pm at the Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Saturday 6 July

Quoits Contest –2pm – ladies followed by men’s. Village Square.
BBQ – 4pm – with live music at the Forresters Arms.
Mouse Derby at 7pm – The Forresters Arms – outside, weather permitting.

Sunday 7 July

Family Fun & Entertainment – starting 12 noon – free children’s entertainment, decoration of feast cart and donkeys on Kirk’s Field and at Kilburn Village Institute.
Tug o’ War – kids and adults – from 12 noon – Village Square.
Activities and stalls – 2pm – Village Square
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band
St Mary’s Church service – 3pm
The Great Twattleton Beck Duck Race – 4.30pm. Buy your duck from the Forresters Arms.
Lord Mayor’s Parade – 5.30pm.

All monies raised will be donated to three local charities – Herriot Hospice, St Mary’s Church and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Free car parking.

Thorp Perrow

Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Catton Fest
The big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.

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. 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.

The event will be staged at Thirsk racecourse on the weekend 23 to 25 August. Not surprisingly, national and local tourism boards will be using this event to promote Thirsk to the international tourists, and already bookings are starting to come in for B&Bs, hotels and campsites.

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 https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/performances

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

Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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.

Posted on 2 June 20242 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 213

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY – Sunday 2 June at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
Sunday 9 June at 10.45am – St Columba’s Day, Festival Choral Eucharist
Sunday 16 June at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 23 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Fr. Robert Williamson
Sunday 30 June – No Service (5th Sunday)

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 2 June – 9am to 2pm – Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the Market Place in Thirsk.
http:// www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Local art and craft studios – open days
TODAY: (Sunday 2 June) and next weekend – Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June – Art studios around the area are open as part of the North Yorkshire Open Studios event. The open studios can be visited between 10am and 5pm and a 10% discount will be given off any piece of artwork on sale at any of the studios if all seven studios are visited and the ‘passport’ stamped. See poster here and location map here.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 2 June– The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.

A lovely evening was had by all at last week’s quiz. Debbie set a testing quiz and Pete & the three Ss – Sheila, Sylvia and Shirley – took the honours. Well done to the winners and all the other competitors. And thanks also to Karen for a lovely supper provided to celebrate Malc’s birthday.

Bench for Village Hall
The bench that was donated late last year to the Village Hall by the former Bowling Club that played at Topcliffe Playing Field, has come out of winter storage and is now positioned on the terrace near the front door to the hall. It looks great and will be welcomed by many who want to sit awhile and watch the world go by.

Churchyard maintenance volunteers

Doug, Karen and Andrew continued the regular grounds maintenance at St Columba’s churchyard yesterday.

It’s hoped that a few more tidy up days can be sorted during June and July to keep the grass looking neat and tidy…and also to begin clearance work on the terraces which are well overgrown with long grass and nettles. Watch out for details of planned dates on the Top Residents and Asenby Village Facebook pages. If a few people volunteer for just a couple of hours now and again, it’s surprising what a difference can be made.

Worries over development plans at Dalton Industrial Estate
Topcliffe Parish Council is expressing concern about changes to agreed plans for an extension to the Dalton 49 development area on Dalton Industrial Estate. The following article appeared last week in the Yorkshire Post.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/residents-of-village-linked-to-signing-of-magna-carta-raise-concerns-over-proposals-to-expand-one-of-biggest-industrial-estates-4646724

Road repairs in East Lea/Back Lane
Contractors are scheduled to undertake repairs to Back Lane and East Lea (opposite the doctors’ surgery) on Thursday 6 June. Access will unavailable throughout the day whilst resurfacing is underway. There’ll also be some pothole repairs to School Lane.

The Tattler
The June edition of The Tattler is now out and should have dropped through your letterbox some time in the last few days. I hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Cross Talk newsletter – June
The latest edition of the church newsletter, Cross Talk, is now out. You can read it here.

Blue Cross Month
June is a special time at Blue Cross as efforts to raise funds for pets in need are intensified. Throughout the month, the charity will be hosting various fundraising events to raise awareness with its supporters and the wider general public. There’ll be coffee and cake served each Saturday morning from 11am…and they’ll welcome any baking donations.

Blue Cross has been active nationally since 1897 – originally set up as Our Dumb Friends’ League to save injured London horses, but its role widened soon after to offer care to pet animals of all types.

The local branch of the charity – based near Topcliffe – opened in 1987 and the homing centre was rebuilt in 2009. It provides a comprehensive range of support services for people and their pets, including kennels, foster care and a direct home-to-home rehoming scheme called Home Direct.

Members of the public are invited to participate in its fundraising initiatives by giving support online through their GoFundMe page. All contributions, no matter how small, can help provide care and support to the many pets at the centre receiving care and awaiting new homes. For more information please visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/yorkshire-thirsk-rehoming-centre

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

Topcliffe Academy – Dates for your diary

Monday, 3 June – School re-opens for second half of summer term
Friday, 7th June – Non-Uniform Day – children bring a donation for the tombola/raffle instead of cash.
Tuesday, 11 June – Class Photographs
Wednesday, 12 June – FOTS Bags2School Collection Day, 9am
Friday, 28 June – Mental Health Awareness Day – Non uniform day with an ‘Express Yourself’ theme (wear what’s you!)

Art classes at the Village Hall
The next block of six art classes starts tomorrow, Monday 3 June, in the Village Hall. They are on from 10am to noon. For more information and to book your place go to
https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

St Columba’s Festival
This year’s Festival and History Day will be held on Sunday 9 June. The event will be more simple than usual with just one day to celebrate St Columba. At 10.45am there will be a Festal Choral Eucharist led by Rev. Canon Steven Harvey and the choir will sing the Missa Secunda by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) as the setting. Refreshments will be served after the service.

There’ll be a BBQ lunch with hot food being available from 1.15pm. Drinks, including wine, will be available along with ‘bring and share’ salads and puddings. Everyone is very welcome to either or both of these events. Please give advance notice to John Phillips (01845 577034) if you intend to come to the BBQ so that he has some idea of catering requirements.

After lunch the usual tours of the church, tower and churchyard will take place, but for reasons of safety, children will need to be at least ten years old to be able to climb the tower. The day will close with a service of Compline at 6pm.

The last lunch on Wednesday 29 May saw 52 meals served and £112 raised in donations. The week’s chosen charity was Cancer Research, Thirsk, and they have received £50. After rent payment and other minor costs, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Topcliffe Ceilidh – last few tickets available
The Topcliffe Ceilidh is on Saturday 22 June at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The Cod Beck Ceilidh Band will be providing the music and calling. Doors open from 7pm and dancing starts at 7.30pm. This is a bring your own drinks event. Tickets are £10, which are on sale at Topcliffe Post Office, are selling fast so to avoid disappointment get yours soon. The supper is a pulled pork and apple sauce roll (alternative for vegetarians).There’ll be a raffle with some great prizes. This is a fundraiser to help support the Village Hall.

The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 27 June . 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 Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 4 July in the Village Hall.

Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall committee will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm.

Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. All welcome.

Deer Shed Festival
This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.

Alex Scott in concert at The Village Hall
Alex is a very talented solo artist with a great repertoire of songs from the 1960s to the present…all guaranteed to get you on the dance floor or at least to get your feet tapping. This cabaret-style evening is likely to be extremely popular so make sure you get your tickets as soon as possible. This is a bring your own drinks and nibbles evening. All profits will go to help support and maintain the Village Hall.

Chef’s Table at The Catton Kitchen
Following the success of last year’s Chef’s Table event, the idea is being repeated this year on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August. There’ll be a delicious range of meat, seafood, vegetables and cheese served over seven or eight courses, with wine pairing. Tickets are £140 per person. Booking essential. Contact Amy at Catton Kitchen via the Facebook page or by calling 07747 083155.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA

Sessay Floral Art Demonstration
Renowned floral designer and TV regular Jonathan Moseley will be demonstrating a range of floral art techniques at Sessay Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday 4 June. Tickets are £20 to include a glass of wine and raffle ticket. Call Doreen Till on 01845 577906 or email doreentill3@outlook.com – paces are strictly limited,

The Ritz Cinema

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – to Thursday 6 June – matinee on Wednesday 5 June.
La Chimera – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 June – matinee on Wednesday 12 June.
If – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 June – matinees on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Hard Miles – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 June – matinee on Wednesday 26 June.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Friday 28 June to Thursday 4 July – matinee on Wednesday 3 July.

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

Poppy Project D-Day Concert
On Thursday 6 June between 7 and 10pm, Ripon Cathedral will host a special concert to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and 75th anniversary of the Royal Engineers Freedom of the City of Ripon. The concert will include performances by Mark Sidwell, Ripon City Band, The Dishforth Military Wives Choir, The Duchy Belles and Charlotte Potter. The event is organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project and tickets are £15.

For more information see poster here and to book tickets visit: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/events/ripon-community-poppy-project-d-day-concert/?occurrence=2024-06-06

There’ll be a full-sized knitted tank on the forecourt of the Cathedral on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June.

Summer Music Series
These summer Rural Arts/De Mowbray Music evening concerts last around an hour and are a chance to greet the weekend in style, joined by talented performers from a range of musical backgrounds. Each concert starts at 6.30pm and tickets are £10 (£8 for concessions). Venue: The Courthouse, Thirsk.

Friday 7 June – The Derrick Harris Trio – all things jazz.
Friday 30 August – Native Gallantry – baroque strings.

Book online at https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/performances

Racing at Thirsk

• Friday 7 June – afternoon racing
• Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Skybet Sunday Series
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
• Wednesday 3 July – afternoon racing
• Wednesday 17 July – afternoon racing
• Friday 26 July – GRIY Summer Festival

Great Knaresborough Bed Race
The annual bed race with supporting parade through Knaresborough streets. 11am-4pm on Saturday 8 June. Free. www.bedrace.co.uk

Conserving Nature
Nosterfield Nature Reserve is holding its next conservation club on Saturday 8 June between 10am and 1pm. It’s open for young people aged 14-18 years who enjoy working outdoors, are interested in finding out more about wildlife and keen to develop practical conservation skills. On the day, you’ll find out about how butterflies and moths are recorded at the reserve and help to identify and record species.

The Reserve works with ‘Power of 10 award scheme’ which offers rewards to young people for their volunteer hours, so you can work towards your first award. To find out more and to book a free place, visit https://www.luct.org.uk/events-1/2024/6/8/conservation-club-8-june

Tractor Fest
This year’s Tractor Fest will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June at Newby Hall. It’s the UK’s largest vintage tractor and engine show with over 1,600 exhibits as well as in excess of 12,000 visitors who also get access to the award-winning gardens and other attractions. 10am-4pm. £60 family, £20 adult, £15 child, under 4s free. Tickets: Online. www.bookings.newbyhall.com

Flower Power Plant Fair
There’ll be a plant fair in the gardens of Thirsk Hall on Sunday 9 June starting 11am. There’ll be a selection of refreshments throughout the day and you can also plan to have lunch in the grounds. Entry £5 per person, Under 13s free.

Cruises on the Ripon Canal
Ripon Scenic Cruises have a range of cruises planned including:

Father’s Day – Sunday 16 June – private cruises from 10am for a minimum one hour and maximum two and a half hours. Each dad onboard will receive a bottle of local craft ale. Maximum twelve guests.
Afternoon tea and prosecco – each Saturday afternoon in June, July and August.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/riponsceniccruises

Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Lunch – Fathers Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Saturday 22 June – The Jazz Train – enjoy a scenic journey through the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the sounds of the Swale Valley Stompers Jazz Band. The Jazz Train | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)
Sunday 28 July – Yorkshire Day Afternoon Tea Train. Yorkshire Day Lunch | Wensleydale Railway (wensleydale-railway.co.uk)

Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

Ceramic Hare – Friday 21 June
Collage Master Class – Wednesday 3 July
Freehand Embroidery – Wednesday 10 July
Wild Wire Flowers – Friday 12 July
Working with Jesmonite – Wednesday 17 July

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Baldersby St. James Church

“The Average Angel” – a One Woman Play – in church on Friday 28 June at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £6 on the door.
Music@Junction 50 – Sadly the planned concert on Thursday 4 July has had to be cancelled as it coincides with the church being used as a Polling Station for the General Election. The concert planned for Thursday 19 September at 7pm features husband and wife Andrea and Djodje Gajic performing Ad Libitum on violin and accordion. See poster here. Further details available from Colin Reid – colinreid97@yahoo.co.uk – or by telephone – 01765 640624
This year’s Book Sale will be held on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The organisers invite donations of any books, which can be left in the church at any time during the day.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook; – poetry and performance from WW1 in Ripon Cathedral where Wilfred Owen spent his last birthday. Friday 5 July at 2pm.

Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.

Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.

Fate and the Warrior – rehearsed reading of a new play about Caribbean author Edgar Mittelholzer – at the Workhouse Museum at 3pm on Sunday 7 July.

Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/

Thorp Perrow

Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August

More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Catton Fest
The big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.

Advance Notice of Upcoming Summer Events
Here are some dates to note in your diary.

Kilburn Feast – 5 to 7 July – https://www.kilburnyorks.com/kilburn-feast
Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
World Axe Throwing Championships: This event will be staged at Thirsk racecourse on the weekend 23 to 25 August. More details later.
Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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.