Sunday Email – Page 3 – Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 26 July 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 325

Welcome to your Sunday Email. It’s arriving a little earlier this week. Enjoy.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s regular services

TODAY: Sunday 26 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 30 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 2 August at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, with former organist Matthew Atherton accompanying the service.
Thursday 6 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 9 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 13 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 16 August at 10.45 – Sung Matins, with former organist Matthew Atherton accompanying the service.
Thursday 20 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 23 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 27 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 30 August (5th Sunday) – Benefice Service (time and place tbc).

All services, other than the Said Holy Communion (BCP) at 8.30am on the first Sunday of the month, are followed by refreshments. Following the Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of the month, pre-supper nibbles and wine are served.

Thirsk Model Railway Show
TODAY: Sunday 26 July between 10am and 4pm. The annual Model Railway Show takes place at Thirsk Town Hall. There’ll be upwards of fourteen layouts, trade support, demonstrations, refreshments. Profits to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Adults/concessions £5 accompanied children free.

Ripon Classic Car Gathering
TODAY: Sunday 26 July at Ripon Racecourse. There’ll be classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, tractors, car clubs and specialist car stands. You can enjoy a family-friendly event with other attractions and activities taking place such as children’s entertainment, live music, stalls and trade stands of all descriptions, an auto jumble, games and quizzes as well as good food and much more. Check out the website for more information – http://riponclassiccargathering.co.uk

Events and entertainment start at approximately 10:15am but gates open from 9am. The show will end at 5pm. There’s ample free parking and a very modest entry fee of £5 per person. Children under 14 admitted free if accompanying an adult. Sorry no other concessions.

The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 26 July – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was prepared and presented by Alan and the winners were Shirley, Peter and Sylvia. Well done all the winners and everyone else who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. What was Sir Henry Percy’s nickname?
2. Where is the town of Tobermory?
3. What colour is burnt umber?
4. Arthur Jefferson was the real name of which comedy actor?
5. What would a phrenoligist study?
6. How many atoms of oxygen are there in a molecule of water?
7. In the Beverley Hillbillies what were the first names of Ged Clampett’s daughter.
8. What is the capital of Libya?
9. In which German town was Auf Wiedersehen set?
10. What was the name of the first Rolls Royce model?

Another car chase ends in Topcliffe
The second police car chase within a month ended dramatically in Topcliffe last week. Last month a Range Rover being chased from the A1 came off the A168 at Topcliffe and failed to stop at the Long Street junction, instead travelling across an allotment and coming to rest through the back door of a house in East Lea.

Then, last Monday, a similar model car was seen travelling at very high speed – said by some to be as high as 70 to 80 miles per hour – along Long Street from the Gallows Green area, followed by an unmarked police car flashing blue lights. The car was cut off from reaching Topcliffe Bridge and forced to try to turn up Church Street, where it lost control and demolished a significant part of the wall surrounding Jubilee Gardens. The occupants were taken away by ambulance.

It’s good to know that the village is playing a key role in bringing criminals to the law, but it is extremely worrying that villager’s lives are put at risk during these high speed car chases.

Asenby Business Park – planning application
Asenby Parish Council has submitted an objection to the proposed development of new commercial units and it can be viewed on North Yorkshire Council’s planning portal:

https://publicaccess.northyorks.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=TFMU90LTHR200

The Parish Council’s objections reflect comments received by villagers. It is hoped that more residents will submit their comments on this application.

By yesterday evening, Asenby Parish Council and twenty eight residents had registered their views. Asenby Parish Council, believes it is extremely important that as many residents as possible add their comments (object, support or neither) otherwise the Planning Department could be forgiven for thinking that local residents are indifferent. In that case their decision will be based on the arguments put forward by the applicant and the policies of North Yorkshire Council.

Interestingly, despite the relevance of this application to Topcliffe in terms of extra traffic that could be generated and will travel though the village, only two of the objections have been lodged by Topcliffe residents. The deadline for comments is shown on the portal as Sunday 26 July, but North Yorkshire Council has kindly agreed to extend the date to Sunday 2 August (a week later) in order to give residents of both villages extra time to have their say.

Village Hall seeks new Minutes Secretary
The Village Hall Committee continues its search for a new Minutes Secretary to take over from Emily Collard when she resigns in September. It’s hoped that there’s someone locally who can undertake the role, preferably as a Trustee Member of the Committee, but just dealing with the minutes at each meeting, without becoming a Trustee, is a possibility. The committee meets on a Tuesday evening six times each year – January, March, May, July, September, November. Anyone interested in the role is asked to contact Chair Richard Byas on 07801 721528 or Secretary Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

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

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

Topcliffe Summer Fair
Only one week to go before the annual summer fair is held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. It’s on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. There’ll be a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of products including jams and jellies, art prints, greeting cards, decorative bottles, rag rugs, knitted toys, macrame and cakes. Karen Morley and her team will be serving brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option – and endless mugs of coffee or tea with cakes. There’ll also be ice-creams on sale. Funds raised on the day, including from the raffle, will help support the Village Hall.

If anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 07736 086369.

Nature event at Asenby Community Park
Next Sunday, 2 August, youngsters of all ages are invited to a special nature day in Asenby Community Park starting 2pm. The aim is to do some serious crafting, including building a bug hotel for the insects that visit the parkland. There’ll also be a chance to create other things that the kids can take home with them. Children must bring their own adult as well as a pair of gloves. It’s going to be a great day’s adventure, so it’s hoped parents will take this opportunity to give their children a taste of the outdoors!

Guide Dogs Fundraising Group at Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
Asenby residents Amy and Peter Samuels, who are leading members of the Guide Dogs Dales & District Fundraising Group, will be in attendance at the Thirsk and Sowerby Festival on The Flatts on Sunday 2 August. They’ll have a stall, a shop and a tombola and they’ll be accompanied by their retired guide dog Henry and and at least one working guide dog, Storm, and his handler Dave.

Peter and Amy, along with other members of the group will be happy to talk to people about the work they do and the life of working and retired guide dogs.

The group now has a Facebook page and can be followed by going to: Guide Dogs Dales & District Fundraising Group.

PS: There are more details about the Thirsk & Sowerby Festival in the second half of this email.

The Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night
Don’t leave it too late! There’s only four weeks to go before this popular summer event at the Village Hall takes place. Tickets, which are on sale from Topcliffe Post Office, are selling fast! It’s on Saturday 22 August starting 7.30pm. Anyone with special dietary requirements is asked to contact Jim Shaw on 07761 501820. There’ll be a super raffle with some excellent prizes, including days out, afternoon teas, days at the races, hampers and the star prize, the chance to wine, dine and stay at one of our top local hostelries. It’s a Bring Your Own Drinks evening.

Music and pizza treat at The Angel Inn
There’s a treat in store for those visiting The Angel Inn’s beer garden for pizzas on Friday 28 August. Following his amazingly successful visit earlier this year, solo singer and guitarist, Leon Marshall, has been invited back. He will be entertaining the crowd with his extensive repertoire whilst his audience enjoy delicious pizzas. But please remember, outdoor dining is weather dependent. Contact reception to order tickets.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
It’s now only five weeks to go until this year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show. It will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.

Entries to be taken to the Village Hall between 9am and 11.30am.
Judging – 12 noon to 2pm.
Public viewing of exhibits – from 2pm.
Presentations and raffle – 2.45pm
Removal of exhibits – by 3.15pm

This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are:

Pork Pies in the Baking category – we were asked to add this by someone well known for his pork pies. Will there be any challengers to take first prize?
Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts – it was clear from previous shows that the woodworking skills of residents needed greater recognition, so a specific class has been introduced.
Handwriting for adults and children – many village shows feature the handwriting skills of children and adults, so we thought we would try it. Pupils of Topcliffe Academy are being encouraged to participate.

There is also a brand-new trophy – The Ray Fothergill Cucumber Cup, a special trophy donated by Joan Fothergill in memory of her husband Ray, who was a great supporter of the Produce Show, and he sadly passed away last year.

The five categories and classes are:
• Horticultural category with 47 classes
• Baking/jams/preserves and pickles category, with18 classes
• Floral category with three classes.
• Hobbies/handicrafts category with 12 classes
• Children’s category with seven classes.

The full list of categories and classes, plus the show rules and timings on the day, are available here or can be found on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk or requested from Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Supergirl – to Thursday 30 July – no matinees.
Minions & Monsters – Friday 31 July to Thursday 6 August – matinees on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
The Invite – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 August – no matinees.
The Odyssey – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 August – no matinees.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 August – matinees on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September – matinees on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

It’s Summer Show Time!
There are dozens of summer shows planned across North Yorkshire over the coming months.

Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show, Newby Hall HG4 5AE – TODAY: Sunday 26 July – 10am-4pm.
Ryedale Agricultural Show, Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB – Tuesday 28 July – Traditional agricultural show. 8.30am-6pm.
Osmotherly Show, Thimbleby – Saturday 1 August – 10am to 10pm.
Monkfest 2026 – Monk Park Farm, Bagby – Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 August – 10am start.
Thirsk and Sowerby Festival, Flatts Fields, Sowerby, YO7 1LY – Sunday 2 August – A free volunteer run family event, with loads of full-on fun, live music and more. 10am-5pm.
Tockwith Show, YO26 7QH – Sunday 2 August – from 8am.
Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, Whitby YO21 1UX -Tuesday 4 August – The oldest gooseberry show in the world, every year since 1800. 2-6.30pm
Thornton-le-Dale Show, YO18 7RT – Wednesday 5 August – 9am-7pm. Free parking.
Hinderwell Horse & Agricultural Show – Friday 7 August – 9am to 4.30pm.
Northallerton Craft Beer Festival, The Forum, DL6 1LP – Friday 7 (6pm) and Saturday 8 (12 noon) August.
Kirkby Fleetham Feast, DL7 0SA – Saturday 8 August – A traditional Village Show on the village green.
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival – Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 August.
Whitby Regatta, YO21 1TL – Saturday 8 to Monday 10 August – Sea-based and on-shore fun.
Ripley Show, HG3 3EA – Sunday 9 August – 8.30am to 5pm.
Danby Show, YO21 2NQ – Wednesday 12 August – 9am-4.30pm.
Rosedale Show, Pickering YO18 8SA – Saturday 15 August – From 9am.
Egton Horse & Agricultural Show – Thursday 20 August – 8.30am to 5pm.
Whitby Folk Week – Saturday 22 to Friday 28 August.
Bilsdale Show, Chop Gate – Saturday 29 August – 9am to 5pm.
The Wensleydale Show, Leyburn – Saturday 29 August – from 9am.

Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 28 July between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.

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

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 items. Saturday 1 August between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library. Free, but donations welcome.

St Wilfred’s Procession
The annual St Wilfred’s procession takes place in Ripon on Saturday 1 August starting 1.40pm. There’ll be brightly decorated floats driving round the city, generating a carnival atmosphere.

Racing at Thirsk

The William Hill Summer Cup – Saturday 1 August – gates open at 11am.
Superhero Day – Friday 7 August
Country Music Night – Friday 14 August – Country Music Night – gates open from 3.30pm,
All Creatures Great and Small Family Day – Friday 28 August – gates open 11am.
Ladies’ Day – Saturday 5 September – gates open 11am
Finale Day – Monday 14 September – gates open 11am.

Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 2 August from 9am to 2pm. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
This year’s festival will be held on Sunday 2 August on The Flatts in Sowerby. There’s a packed programme including Taylor Swift music, carnival rides, bouncy castle, owl adventures, crazy mini golf, stalls, classic vehicles, archery, falconry, assault course and plenty of food and drink options. It starts at 10am and goes through to 5pm.

Crime surgeries
Our local Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding two surgeries in August. They are at:

Thirsk Garden Centre on Friday 7 August at 10am.
Tesco at Station Road, Thirsk on Tuesday 25 August 26 at 10am

These surgeries are to give you the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what the Police are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

Historical Walking Tour of Thirsk
Explore the history of Thirsk on this 90 minute walking tour with an experienced local guide. Discover where the Shambles were and where the Hermit of Thirsk lived, hear about local connections to Lord Nelson and Oskar Schindler. All this and more. Saturday 8 August 11am – 12.30pm. Free- but donations. gratefully received. Just turn up.

Concert at Thorp Perrow
That 80’s Thing – Saturday 8 August – Back by popular demand! The band has been wowing audiences up and down the UK for eight years and have played at 100s of corporate events, private parties and weddings. The four-piece band consists of powerful vocals, soaring guitar, funkin’ bass and all important 80s drum sound.Gates open 6pm for gazebo bookings. 6.30pm for general public. Performance starts: 7.30pm and finishes around 9.45pm. For more information and to make a booking go to: https://booking.bookinghound.cloud/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2

Summer Holiday Activity Day
Carlton Lodge Activity Centre at Carlton Miniott has a children’s activity day on Monday 10 August. Campfires and Quivers – Aged between 8 and 14 years. More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days

de Mowbray Music Festival 2026

There’s a wide variety of events on at this year’s de Mowbray Music Festival at venues around Thirsk, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August. Tickets are now on sale and full details are available on the festival website – https://www.demowbraymusic.com/festival

Haunted Thirsk
Join Haunted Experiences for their Haunted Thirsk Guided walk around the beautiful historic town. The tour takes in some of the most historic and haunted areas of the town. No gimmicks or people leaping out, just great history and chilly ghostly tales. Friday 21 August starting at 6.30pm (please arrive early to ensure a prompt start for all) from Thirsk clock tower. Lasts approximately 75 minutes. £8, Concessions/under 18 £6, Family (2 +2) £25. Discount for local residents.

The Yorkshire Flea Market
At Thirsk Auction Mart where 100 dealers present their antiques and vintage items. Sunday 23 August from 11am – 5pm. Free parking, cafe. £4 10am-11am preview £8. Under 16s free.

Quiz answers

1. Hotspur
2. The Isle of Mull
3. Dark brown
4. Stan Laurel
5. The size and shape of the cranium
6. One
7. Elly May
8. Tripoli
9. Dusseldorf
10. Silver Ghost.

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

Posted on 19 July 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 324

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s regular services

TODAY: Sunday 19 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Thursday 23 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 26 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 30 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 2 August at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Thursday 6 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 9 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 13 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.

All services, other than the Said Holy Communion (BCP) at 8.30am on the first Sunday of the month, are followed by refreshments with wine. Following the Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of the month, pre-supper nibbles are served.

Public meeting about two intensive farm expansion plans near Topcliffe
TODAY: Sunday 19 July at 11am in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall. There’s a public meeting being held to inform local residents about two intensive farm expansions planned in the area. One is on Station Road, Topcliffe and the other at Eldmire. The meeting is being organised by CAFF – Communities Against Factory Farming, which is a coalition of people from many different backgrounds who share the aim of stopping factory farming.

Mini-beasts in the Market Place
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – The first day of the popular Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place.

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 19 July from 10am to 3pm on Thirsk Market Square. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

Walking tour through Thirsk’s history
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – Fascinating walking tour with a local knowledgeable guide. See where the Hermit of Thirsk lived and hear about the surprising Thirsk link to Lord Horatio Nelson’s amputation. Check out the ancient urine deflector. Also on Sunday 26 July – 11am – 12.30pm. Free but donations gratefully received. Meet at 93a Market Place.

Steam Engines & Fair Organs
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – The second day of the annual rally in Masham Market Square from 10am-5pm. £14, also advance, concession and family tickets. http://www.mashamsteamrally.com

Historic Vehicle Rally
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – Vintage and classic cars – the north’s biggest one-day car show with over 1,000 vehicles on display – at Newby Hall near Ripon. from 10am-3pm. £16, child £10, family £47, under 4s free. Book online at –http:// www.newbyhall.com/event

The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 19 July – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Last Sunday’s quiz night was special. It was the quizzer’s summer party so lots of food, drink, games and great company. The excellent quiz was prepared by Sheila. As it was a party night, prizes were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams with the highest scores.

First were Alan, Sue and Joanne
Second were Kate, David, Bob and Irene
Third were Steve, Collette, Carol and Gary.

Well done all the winners and everyone else who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. What did Princess Catherine complete in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer charity in June?
2. What is the real name of Suggs, the lead singer with Madness?
3. In which year did the Disney Magic Kingdom open in Florida?
4. Who was the original host of the radio quiz show I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue?
5. Three underground lines go through Oxford Circus, can you name them?
6. What are the ingredients of a Negroni cocktail?
7 What is the Christian name of Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s wife?
8. Name the female members of The Famous Five.
9. What was the title of Richard Osman’s second novel (after The Thursday Murder Club)?
10. Who played Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street?

Sutton Bank Closure
Sutton Bank on the A170 will be closed overnight on Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July between the hours of 7pm and 4am. This is to allow for repair works to vehicle safety barriers and tree pruning. Motorists should follow the signed caravan route.

Village Hall seeks new Minutes Secretary
Emily Collard, who for a number of years has acted as Minutes Secretary to the Village Hall Committee, has announced she will be leaving the committee and her last meeting will be on 8 September.

Emily has done a wonderful job and has always been super-efficient in preparing the minutes, getting them agreed and posting them on the Village Hall’s pages of the village website.
Chair Richard Byas said; “Emily has always done a great job and she will certainly be missed.”

Now the search is on for a new Minutes Secretary and it’s hoped that there’s someone locally who can undertake the role, preferably as a Trustee Member of the Committee, but just dealing with the minutes at each meeting, without becoming a Trustee, is a possibility.
The committee meets on a Tuesday evening six times each year – January, March, May, July, September, November.

Anyone interested in the role is asked to contact Chair Richard Byas on 07801 721528 or Secretary Doug Allan on 07785 223707.

If there is something else that needs reporting, please call 01845 577412 and leave a message (this will be picked up) or email admin@topcliffeacademy.org Or call Elevate Multi Academy Trust on 01423 541996.

Topcliffe Summer Fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. There’ll be a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of products including jams and jellies, art prints, greeting cards, decorative bottles, rag rugs, knitted toys, macrame and cakes. Karen Morley and her team will be serving brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option – and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.

Most stalls have now been sold, but there’s still a couple available for crafters, groups, charities or other organisations that would like to be involved. They are available at just £10. Please contact Karen on 07736 086369.

Finally, if anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen.

Nature event at Asenby Community Park
Youngsters of all ages are invited to a special nature day in Asenby Community Park on Sunday 2 August at 2pm. The aim is to do some serious crafting, including building a bug hotel for the insects that visit the parkland. There’ll also be a chance to create other things that the kids can take home with them. Children must bring their own adult as well as a pair of gloves.

The Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night
Tickets for this very popular summer event are now on sale from Topcliffe Post Office. The event will be held on Saturday 22 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall starting 7.30pm. Anyone with special dietary requirements is asked to contact Jim Shaw on 07761 501820. There’ll be a raffle with some excellent prizes. It’s a Bring Your Own Drinks evening.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
It’s now only six weeks to this year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show. Make sure you have the date in your diary, especially if you are intending to exhibit. It will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.

This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are:

Pork Pies in the Baking category – we were asked to add this by someone well known for his pork pies. Will there be any challengers to take first prize?
Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts – it was clear from previous shows that the woodworking skills of residents needed greater recognition, so a specific class has been introduced.
Handwriting for adults and children – many village shows feature the handwriting skills of children and adults, so we thought we would try it. Pupils of Topcliffe Academy are being encouraged to participate.

Flying Oysters performing at the Village Hall later this year
Here’s a reminder that The Flying Oysters will be returning to Topcliffe later this year. Please note the date in your diary. It’ll be on Saturday 7 November. Organiser Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent pie and pea supper. All funds raised will help support the Village Hall. Tickets will go on sale in September.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – to Thursday 23 July – matinee Wednesday 22 July.
Supergirl – Friday 24 to Thursday 30 July – no matinees.
Minions & Monsters – Friday 31 July to Thursday 6 August – matinees on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
The Invite – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 August – no matinees.
The Odyssey – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 August – no matinees.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 August – matinees on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September – matinees on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

It’s Summer Show Time!
There are dozens of summer shows planned across North Yorkshire over the coming months. Here is a selection.

Weeton Show, near Harrogate LS17 0AN – TODAY: Sunday 19 July – Events throughout the day from 8.30am. Free parking.
Birstwith Show, Harrogate HG3 2NN – Saturday 25 July. From Noon. £7, under 18s free.
Summer Family Day – Thirsk Racecourse, YO7 1QL – Friday 24 July – Live music, bars & food vendors. Heaps of free children’s entertainment including Inflatables, fairground stalls, jungle run, games, face painting, kids disco and more. Gates open 11am.
Borrowby Show, Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton YO7 4AX – Saturday 25 July – Traditional agricultural show. Noon-6pm.
Ryedale Festival – Friday 10 until Sun 26 July – Classical music festival with events in Sowerby, Helmsley, Pickering, York, Hovingham and Ampleforth.
Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show, Newby Hall HG4 5AE – Sunday 26 July – 10am-4pm.
Ryedale Agricultural Show, Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB – Tuesday 28 July – Traditional agricultural show. 8.30am-6pm.
Thirsk and Sowerby Festival, Flatts Fields, Sowerby, YO7 1LY – Sunday 2 August – A free volunteer run family event, with loads of full-on fun, live music and more. 10am-5pm.
Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, Whitby YO21 1UX -The oldest gooseberry show in the world, every year since 1800. 2-6.30pm
Thornton-le-Dale Show, YO18 7RT – Wednesday 5 August – 9am-7pm. Free parking.
Northallerton Craft Beer Festival, The Forum, DL6 1LP – Friday 7 (6pm) and Saturday 8 (12 noon) August.
Kirkby Fleetham Feast, DL7 0SA – Saturday 8 August – A traditional Village Show on the village green.
Whitby Regatta, YO21 1TL – Saturday 8 to Monday 10 August – Sea-based and on-shore fun.
Danby Show, YO21 2NQ – Wednesday 12 August – 9am-4.30pm.
Rosedale Show, Pickering YO18 8SA – Saturday 15 August – From 9am.

Dalton Village Coffee Morning
July’s Coffee Morning, in aid of Prostate Cancer, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 22 July, 10.30 until 12 noon. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. Pop along and enjoy coffee and cake and have a chat with friends and neighbours in support of a good cause.

Coffee if You Care
Suzanne Simpson, the Care Co-ordinator at Topcliffe Surgery wants carers to know about this special coffee and chat event being held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse in Thirsk on Wednesday 22 July between 10am and 12.30pm. It’s a friendly environment and an opportunity for all unpaid carers, those helping out their friends, families and neighbours, to get together and share experiences. Take along any questions you have. There’ll be support and signposting from GP surgery teams.

Summer Holiday Activity Days
Carlton Lodge Activity Centre at Carlton Miniott has announced Summer Holiday Activity Days during the forthcoming school summer holiday break. The new service provides activity programmes for children aged between 8 and 14 years. They include:

Zip, Leap, Climb – Thursday 23 July, 10am and 1.30pm – An adrenaline-packed morning or afternoon of a three-hour session on the High Ropes course, participating alongside others to tackle a range of challenges.
Campfires and Quivers; Monday 10 August – A great family day out experiencing exciting activities including archery, bushcraft, shelter building and a fun fact hunt activity.

More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days

Racing at Thirsk

Summer Family Day as part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival – Friday 24 July – gates open at 11am. Saver rate available for early bookings.
The William Hill Summer Cup – Saturday 1 August – gates open at 11am.
Superhero Day – Friday 7 August
Country Music Night – Friday 14 August – Country Music Night – gates open from 3.30pm,
All Creatures Great and Small Day – Friday 28 August

Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Ryedale Festival: Tenebrae in Ripon – Friday 24 July at 7.30pm.
80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.

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

Deer Shed Festival
The annual family festival at Baldersby Park near Topcliffe will be held from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July. There’ll be music, comedy, shows, science, sport, literary, theatre, workshops, arts, cinema and food. Adult: £229.95 full weekend.
Child from free to £105. Tickets online – http://www.deershedfestival.com

Thirsk Model Railway Show
The annual Model railway Show takes place at Thirsk Town Hall on Sunday 26 July between 10am and 4pm. There’ll be upwards of fourteen layouts, trade support, demonstrations, refreshments. Profits to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Adults/concessions £5 accompanied children free.

Ripon Classic Car Gathering
Organised by Ripon Old Cars, this extremely popular annual event returns to Ripon Racecourse on Sunday 26 July. There’ll be classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, tractors, car clubs and specialist car stands. You can enjoy a family-friendly event with other attractions and activities taking place on the day such as children’s entertainment, live music, stalls and trade stands of all descriptions, an auto jumble, games and quizzes as well as good food and much more. Check out the website for more information – http://riponclassiccargathering.co.uk

Now in its thirty-first year, the organisers are promising a bigger and better show than ever. Ripon Old cars is a not-for-profit group and all monies raised will go to nominated charities. The event and the entertainment start at approximately 10:15am but gates open from 9am. The show will end at 5pm. There’s ample free parking and a very modest entry fee of £5 per person, which must make this the cheapest car show in the country for visitors. Children under 14 admitted free if accompanying an adult. Sorry no other concessions.

PS: Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton will be displaying his vintage Beetle at this event.

Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
This year’s festival will be held on Sunday 2 August on The Flatts in Sowerby. There’s a packed programme including live Taylor Swift music, carnival rides, bouncy castle, owl adventures, crazy mini golf, stalls, classic vehicles, archery, falconry, assault course and plenty of food and drink options. It starts at 10am and goes through to 5pm.

Crime surgeries
Our local Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding two surgeries in August. They are at:

Thirsk Garden Centre on Friday 7 August at 10am.
Tesco at Station Road, Thirsk on Tuesday 25 August 26 at 10am

These surgeries are to give you the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what the Police are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

de Mowbray Music Festival 2026

Quiz answers

1. The National Three Peaks Challenge (Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis)
2. Graham McPherson
3. 1971
4. Humphrey Lyttelton
5. Bakerloo, Central and Victoria
6. Gin, Vermouth Rosso and Campari
7. Victoria
8. Georgina (George) and Anne
9. The Man Who Died Twice
10. Julie Hesmondhalgh.

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

Posted on 12 July 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 323

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s regular services

TODAY: Sunday 12 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 16 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 19 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Thursday 23 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 26 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 30 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 2 August at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
Thursday 6 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 9 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 13 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.

Ripon Theatre Festival
TODAY: Sunday 12 July – Various indoor and outdoor venues in Ripon. From stories in cosy spaces to eye-popping street drama, dance, puppetry and storytelling. Workshops, street performances, entertainment, family shows, open-air Shakespeare and lots more. Both indoors and in open-air settings. Professional productions alongside local talent, transforming Ripon into a hub of creativity and performance. See website for places, times, prices and how to book. Ticketed and free events. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/list

The Sunday Quiz

Last Sunday we had an excellent quiz with ‘mixed up’ teams. The quiz was prepared by Stephen and won by Lee, Roger, Sheila and Myra. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. In which year was the first football World Cup played?
2. What is beneath the Arc De Triomphe in Paris?
3. In which country is the Napa Valley wine region?
4. At the 2025 Grammy Awards who won the the Best Rock album and who won the Best rock performance awards?
5. In the novel and TV series, Poldark, who does Ross Poldark marry?
6. “The Scottish Play” is a common euphemism for which Shakespearean play?
7. Which woman other than Queen Elizabeth II, was first to appear on the £10 banknote?
8. In which country are The Angel Falls?
9. Who is the only Prime Minister not to have English as his first language?
10. What is the state capitol of California?

Another closure of Front and Church streets
TOMORROW: Monday 13 July – North Yorkshire Council has put up notices in Church Street and Front Street stating that they will be carrying out highway works between 7am and 5pm and that parking and loading is prohibited during these times. The notice fails to explain what work is to be undertaken. Worse still, a check with North Yorkshire highways team resulted in a complete blank of information. The person answering the call said there are no plans to undertake work in Topcliffe. There was even a request for a photograph of the signs – as above – but there was no response from the council beyond that! A case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing?

Water leaks cause havoc
This week residents of Topcliffe learned how difficult it can be to experience life without water flowing freely through our taps. Two days of having no, or very slow running water, puts an enormous strain on family household, made worse by the very hot weather. Yorkshire Water make some effort to inform households about the problems, but the flow of information is generally as bad as the flow of water! Similarly, the tried to support residents by pumping water from tankers into the system, and delivered a supply of bottled water to the village, which was gone in no time and was hardly enough for a village the size of Topcliffe.

The major mains burst, which was on Topcliffe Road in Thirsk, was reportedly fixed at 6am Saturday morning…but by 6.30am work teams were again rushing to the site to deal with a second burst. The water was back on later in the day and so far things appear to be ok. Let’s hope so as we all now know how critically important free-flowing water from our taps really is. Makes you wonder how residents living in Kent managed when they suffered weeks of not having water in their homes. That must have been intolerable.

Future of the Toll Booth
Although the voting card distributed to each household in Topcliffe was supposed to be returned by Friday 10 July, the Parish Clerk has indicated that because of potential delays to 2nd class post, any cards arriving up to Friday 17 July, will be counted in the ballot. At the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 2 July, parish councillors agreed that only votes returned will be counted (ie a non-returned vote will not be counted as a vote for the Parish Council’s preferred option).

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – A Brief Report on its meeting – Tuesday 7 July
The first thing on the agenda was the sad passing of Lesley Poole following a brief illness. Lesley had kept the hall clean for many years and will obviously be greatly missed. Her funeral is at Maple Park Crematorium 17 July followed by a gathering at the Crematorium’s café.

The hall’s ongoing condensation problem now appears to have been cured. Malcolm Morley reported that air vents installed by Howart Court Developments in the north and south walls of the hall had already shown an improvement, but we now have to wait for winter to see the true results. A new extra large extractor fan fitted in the kitchen at the same time unfortunately proved to be faulty and has to be returned to the supplier for repair or replacement. Malcolm also reported repointing of the eaves on the south wall had also been addressed in the same operation.

A new front door lock has been fitted to the hall’s front door following the Bookings Secretary’s report at the last meeting that she was no longer able to programme access codes. Initial operational problems with the new lock proved more to be ‘human’ than mechanical and the lock is now working well.

At the last meeting it was agreed a handyman should be sought to undertake minor work around the hall that could prove difficult for any Committee Member to undertake. Tasked with the job Committee Secretary Doug Allan had been successful in identifying two willing candidates.

It was announced at our last meeting that Emily Collard will be standing down in September and therefore we need a new Minutes Secretary. Emily, who has done a terrific job, will obviously be sorely missed and we wish her well. Anyone interested in the position please contact Secretary Doug Allan or any Committee Member.

In her report Treasurer Linsey Payne was pleased to announce that the ongoing saga of trying to set up a savings account with the hall’s banker, Santander, had now been concluded by opening an account with HTB. This alternative not only proved to be a very easy to arrange but also came with a better interest rate compared to that being offered by our bank.

Bookings Administrator Helen Fothergill reported that bookings in the past year were a little down compared to the previous year, although the summer months are always quieter. One booking that had to be cancelled because, unfortunately, it coincided with the day Front Street was closed for road works.

A new form of accident recording is being adopted to conform with GDPR regulations and instead of using a book containing personal details a form is now provided which once filled in must be deposited in the hall’s post box. .

Jim Shaw reported that tickets priced £12.50 for the BBQ and Boogie Night on Saturday 22 August are now on sale at the Post Office and from himself. Raffle prizes include days out at the races, rounds of golf and a voucher for a local prestigious hotel restaurant. Ticket sales are already going very well.

Plans for the Annual Produce Show are in place for Saturday 29 August, reported Secretary Doug Allan. He also confirmed that the Flying Oysters are confirmed to play for another great night on Saturday 7 November.

With no other business Chairman Richard Byas closed the meeting. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

We hope this has been informative and of interest.

Topcliffe Summer Fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. There’ll be a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of products including jams and jellies, art prints, greeting cards, decorative bottles, rag rugs, knitted toys , macrame and cakes. Karen Morley and her team will be serving brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option – and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.

Finally, if anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
This year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.

This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are:

Pork Pies in the Baking category – we were asked to add this by someone well known for his pork pies. Will there be any challengers to take first prize?
Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts – it was clear from previous shows that the woodworking skills of residents needed greater recognition, so a specific class has been introduced.
Handwriting for adults and children – many village shows feature the handwriting skills of children and adults, so we thought we would try it. Pupils of Topcliffe Academy are being encouraged to participate.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Toy Story 5 – to Thursday 16 July – matinees on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.
Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 July – matinee Wednesday 22 July.
Supergirl – Friday 24 to Thursday 30 July – no matinees.
Minions & Monsters – Friday 31 July to Thursday 6 August – matinees on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
The Invite – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 August – no matinees.
The Odyssey – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 August – no matinees.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 August – matinees on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September – matinees on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Great Yorkshire Show
The best animals in the country competing, alongside national breed shows, machinery, food and first-class entertainment to celebrate the very best of farming, food and the countryside. At the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 July. 8am-6pm. £36.50, also advance, concession and family tickets. Online booking essential – Ticket information and prices for 2026 Great Yorkshire Show

Racing at Thirsk

Afternoon Racing – Thursday 16 July – gates open at 11am.
Summer Family Day as part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival – Friday 24 July – gates open at 11am. Saver rate available for early bookings.
The William Hill Summer Cup – Saturday 1 August – gates open at 11am.

Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Dalton Village Events

Village Gala: – Will be held on Saturday 18 July, starting at 2pm. There will be children’s races, BBQ, owl adventures, tombola, teas and more. Come along and enjoy a fun family day out.
Coffee Morning: July’s Coffee Morning, in aid of Prostate Cancer, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 22 July, 10.30 until 12 noon. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. Pop along and enjoy coffee and cake and have a chat with friends and neighbours in support of a good cause.

Steam Engines & Fair Organs
The annual rally is in Masham Market Square on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July from 10am-5pm. £14, also advance, concession and family tickets. http://www.mashamsteamrally.com

Historic Vehicle Rally
Vintage and classic cars – the north’s biggest one-day car show, over 1,000 vehicles on display at Newby Hall near Ripon. Sunday 19 July from 10am-3pm. £16, child £10, family £47, under 4s free. Book online at –http:// www.newbyhall.com/event

Thirsk Artisan Market
On Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July from 10am to 3pm. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the
best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

Minibeasts in the Market Place
Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July.

Walking tour through Thirsk’s history
Fascinating walking tour with a local knowledgeable guide. See where the Hermit of Thirsk lived and hear about the surprising Thirsk link to Lord Horatio Nelson’s amputation. Check out the ancient urine deflector. Sunday 19 July and Sunday 26 July – 11am – 12.30pm. Free but donations gratefully received. Meet at 93a Market Place.

More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Ryedale Festival: Tenebrae in Ripon – Friday 24 July at 7.30pm.
80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.

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

PS: Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton will be displaying his vintage Beetle at this event.

Crime surgeries
Our local Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding two surgeries in August. They are at:

Thirsk garden Centre on Friday 7 August at 10am.
Tesco at Station Road, Thirsk on Tuesday 25 August 26 at 10am

These surgeries are to give you the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what the Police are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

de Mowbray Music Festival 2026

Quiz answers

1. 1930 (Uraquay were the hosts and winners)
2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (the eternal flame is above the tomb)
3. USA (in the state of California)
4. Rolling Stones best rock album, Hackney Diamonds and The Beatles for best performance ‘Now and Then’.
5. Demelza (played by Nee carne)
6. Macbeth
7. Florence Nightingale (1975 to 1992)
8. Venezuela
9. David Lloyd George (his first language was Welsh)
10. Sacremento.(since 1854).

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

Posted on 5 July 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 322

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 5 July at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
TODAY: Sunday 5 July at 6.30pm Choral Evensong.
Thursday 9 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 12 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 16 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 19 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Thursday 23 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 5 July from 9am to 2pm. On the Market Place in Thirsk. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Strawberry Sunday
TODAY: Sunday 5 July is Strawberry Sunday at Sessay Village Hall. All welcome. Raising funds for to help with the maintenance of Sessay church. 3 to 5pm

TONIGHT: Sunday 5 July – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

Last Sunday we had an excellent quiz presented by Dave and won Alan, Sue, Sheila and Stephen. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. Who played Rubeus Hagrid in early Harry Potter films?
2. What is the unit of currency in Japan?
3. What is the name of the deepest point in the Pacific Ocean?
4. Pt represents which element in the Periodic Table?
5. Who wrote the book on which the film Jaws is based?
6. What was John Wayne’s nickname?
7. Who designed the iconic little black dress?
8. Who plays the part of Alan Partridge?
9. Which Indian city is the Taj Mahal close to?
10. What is the main ingredient of the Indian dish Bombay Duck?

Great Sunday afternoon with the Saltburn Smugglers
Last Sunday’s sell-out concert by the Saltburn Smugglers was a tremendous success. Eighty residents, mainly from Asenby and Topcliffe, enjoyed a catalogue of sea shanty songs which they were encouraged to sing along to…and it has to be said, they were all in good voice!

The event was organised by Asenby Parish Council’s events committee, namely, Jane Gallon, Josie Noble, Jackie Irving and Catherine Catterick. They deserve a huge thank you for putting together a brilliant afternoon’s entertainment and for raising over £500 to support ongoing development and maintenance of Asenby Community Park and subsidise events that are staged there..

It is clear from the photographs that the packed audience thoroughly enjoyed the Smugglers and the community singing. In particular, two young Topcliffe residents enjoyed participating in one popular shanty song: they are Nya Watson aged 8 and Ellie Robinson, aged 4.

Cross Talk
The July edition of Cross Talk, the church newsletter, is now in circulation. You can read it here.

Decision time for the Toll Booth
Every household in Topcliffe should have received a voting card about the future of the Toll Booth building at the corner of Long Street and Front Street. One person in each household is invited to indicate which of two options they wish to support. They are:

I wish the Toll Booth to continue to be owned by the village and I am happy to pay the costs of restoration via an increase in council tax, or
The Parish Council should sell or transfer the building, so repair costs don’t fall on ratepayers.

By explanation, the Parish Council stated that now is the time to decide on the future of the building and how any restoration should be funded. It added that it is important that everyone has clear information before giving a view.

Following two independent surveys it is clear that some investment is required to tackle essential repairs. The Parish Council states that if the building remains in its ownership it would have to double the parish’s portion of council tax for at least two years, or maybe three, just to stabilise the structure. They suggest that would mean an additional £200 to £300 per year for the average household, though potentially more would be needed to restore the building for continued occupation by the snooker club.

On balance, the Parish Council believes that the most realistic way to secure the building’s future, without placing a long-term financial burden on the village, is to explore selling or transferring it to someone able to restore it as a commercial project.

Votes have to be returned by post by Friday 10 July. They conclude by adding that any vote not returned will be taken as support for selling or donating the building.

Planning application to expand Asenby Business Park
The Clerk of Asenby Parish Council recently posted on their village Facebook page about this planning application recently submitted to North Yorkshire Council:

A planning application (reference 26/02633/FUL) has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for the erection of a commercial building to provide five additional business units on land west of

All residents of both villages are encouraged to submit their comments on this application.

Sedgeby Solar Scheme
Plans for a massive solar farm and battery storage system covering fields just south of Topcliffe are being rigorously opposed by a campaign group – Protect Hambleton – made up of concerned villagers, farmers and environmentalists. A company named BayWa.r.e UK Ltd is proposing a 350MW system covering around 1,000 acres – that’s an area the size of about 600 football pitches!

The group believes the proposal will impact all communities between Thirsk and Easingwold, and could also affect places like Sessay, Dalton, Topcliffe and Asenby. They say that the scheme will:

take a massive amount of good quality farm land out of food production and convert it to industrial use
destroy the natural environment across a huge swathe of countryside
put the value of homes in the area at risk
create significant amounts of construction and maintenance traffic on roads throughout the area
potentially create a precedent for more industrialisation of land in the area.

The pre-planning investigations are now underway and statutory consultation will be required before a Development Consent Order is sought from the government, probably in the next two years or so. Such orders are not considered locally by our elected representatives – but taken out of local hands on the grounds of national strategic importance.

Protect Hambleton, which emphasises that it is not opposed to renewable energy but is against the permanent industrialisation of our finest landscapes, is gearing up for action and asks residents to act together to protect this lovely and important part of North Yorkshire. Those interested can register with Protect Hambleton by visiting their website at www.protecthambleton.org.uk and attending the first public meeting of the group at 7pm on Friday 10 July at Sessay Village Hall.

Village Meetings coming up this week

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee: The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held in the main hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 July.

Asenby Parish Council: The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 8 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

The Big Yorkshire Do
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe’s second annual summer Big Yorkshire Do will be held next Saturday 11 July. It’ll be a summer party packed with multiple live music acts throughout the day, two gardens open in which to roam and relax, and an unbeatable atmosphere from start to finish. There’s still a few standard tickets available. They are £16.96 (which includes a £1.96 booking fee) gives you entry to the event for the full afternoon through into the night.

This event is ticket only. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day. Bookings should be made online.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-yorkshire-do-tickets-1982671571041?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Please note that the entire venue will be closed to the general public on Saturday 11 July for this private event.

Topcliffe Summer Fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. There’ll be a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of products including jams and jellies, art prints, greeting cards, decorative bottles, rag rugs, knitted toys , macrame and cakes. Karen Morley and her team will be serving brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option – and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.

Finally, if anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen.

PS: Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton will be displaying his vintage Beetle at this event.

Summer Adventures in Nature
There’s some great children’s outdoor adventures at the Base Camp at Baldersby Park this summer holiday. See the full list in the poster below. All events are supervised by experienced staff and specialist practitioners. Suitable for children aged 5-13.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
This year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.

This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are:

Pork Pies in the Baking category – we were asked to add this by someone well known for his pork pies. Will there be any challengers to take first prize?
Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts – it was clear from previous shows that the woodworking skills of residents needed greater recognition, so a specific class has been introduced.
Handwriting for adults and children – many village shows feature the handwriting skills of children and adults, so we thought we would try it. Pupils of Topcliffe Academy are being encouraged to participate.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Disclosure Day – to Thursday 9 July – no matinee.
Toy Story 5 – Friday 10 to Thursday 16 July – matinees on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.
Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 July – matinee Wednesday 22 July.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Hilarity Bites Festival Special 2026
A Ripon Theatre Festival 2026 special event. Tuesday 7 July at 8pm. Hilarity Bites returns to Ripon Arts Hub with a special show for Ripon Theatre Festival, featuring two stars of Live at the Apollo, QI, and Have I Got News For You – Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ignacio Lopez. £15. https://tinyurl.com/4c352kd7.

Himalayan Garden Viking Weekend
Experience life in the turbulent Viking Age as the sea-borne Scandinavians clash
with the ancient kingdom of Northumbria at this Viking Weekend being staged at The Himalayan Garden near Grewelthorpe (HG4 3DA) on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Displays of crafts, cooking and combat. 10am-4pm. normal admission charges apply – see website – http://www.himalayangarden.com

The Big Family Weekend
Set to fill the city of Ripon with theatre, circus, music and dance for two whole days – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Highlights include Just More Productions with cooking, comedy and pyrotechnics in ‘Do What Ya Mama Told Ya!’ Ye Birdz from Chick on Sticks stiltwalking team, hot-air balloon walkabouts with Phileas Fogg: Day 79 and the return of Rhubarb Theatre. Free. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org

Meet the Superheroes
Everyone’s favourite superheroes will be at Monk Park Farm, near Bagby, for a supercharged weekend on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Spot characters roaming across the farm throughout the day. Enjoy all the usual farm activities, from animal encounters to play areas, Little Thirsk and more. A full day of family fun awaits. Starts 10am. From £3 per person. Book online at – http://eyup@monkparkfarm.co.uk or pay on the door.

Ripon Theatre Festival
Various indoor and outdoor venues in Ripon to Sunday 12 July. From stories in cosy spaces to eye-popping street drama, dance, puppetry and storytelling. Workshops, street performances, entertainment, family shows, open-air Shakespeare and lots more. Both indoors and in open-air settings. Professional productions alongside local talent, transforming Ripon into a hub of creativity and performance. See website for places, times, prices and how to book. Ticketed and free events. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/list

Racing at Thirsk

Afternoon Racing – Thursday 16 July – gates open at 11am.
Summer Family Day as part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival – Friday 24 July – gates open at 11am. Saver rate available for early bookings.

Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Dalton Village Events

Village Gala: – Will be held on Saturday 18 July, starting at 2pm. There will be children’s races, BBQ, owl adventures, tombola, teas and more. Come along and enjoy a fun family day out.
Coffee Morning: July’s Coffee Morning, in aid of Prostate Cancer, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 22 July, 10.30 until 12 noon. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. Pop along and enjoy coffee and cake and have a chat with friends and neighbours in support of a good cause.

Minibeasts in the Market Place
Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July.

Coffee if You Care
Suzanne Simpson, the Care Co-ordinator at Topcliffe Surgery wants carers to know about this special coffee and chat event being held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse in Thirsk on Wednesday 22 July between 10am and 12.30pm. Its a friendly environment and an opportunity for all unpaid carers, those helping out their friends, families and neighbours, to get together and share experiences. Take along any questions you have. There’ll be support and signposting from GP surgery teams.

More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Ryedale Festival: Tenebrae in Ripon – Friday 24 July at 7.30pm.
80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.

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

de Mowbray Music Festival 2026

Quiz answers

1. Robbie Coltrane
2. Yen
3. Mariana Trench (or Challenger Deep) – 10.984 meters below sea level
4. Platinum
5. Peter Benchley
6. The Duke
7. Coco Chanel
8. Steve Coogan
9. Agra
10. Fish

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

Posted on 28 June 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 321

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 28 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 2 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 5 July at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
Sunday 5 July at 6.30pm Choral Evensong.
Thursday 9 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 12 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
Thursday 16 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
Sunday 19 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
Thursday 23 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.

Thirsk Young Farmers’ Charity Auction
TODAY: Sunday 28 June, doors open at 2pm. This Charity Auction in memory of the late Jenny Kidson is being held to raise funds for Parkinson UK. It’s being held at Thirsk Auction Mart. There’ll be food, live music and a DJ. The bar will be open. Fun for all ages with activities for kids. Doors open at 2pm, and bidding starts at 4pm. 16 and over £10, 15 and under £5. Pay on the door.

TONIGHT: Sunday 28 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.

An excellent quiz presented by Mike and won by David, Carolyn and Chrissy. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.

Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.

1. By what name do we better know William Bonney?
2. What is the name of the famous museum in St Petersburg?
3. Which solo singer had a No 1 hit with ‘Leave Right Now’ in 2003?
4. Which British Prime Minister gave his name to a bag?
5. Which rock band made a guest appearance on Coronation Street in 2005?
6. Which was Charles Dicken’s first novel?
7. Which Soviet leader died in 1953?
8. Which underground station is between Bond Street and Westminster.
9. In which sport does Arthur Fury participate?
10. On which racecourse is the Scottish Grand national run?

Warm Hub comes to an end
Last Wednesday’s Soup & Sweet lunch was the very last organised as part of the Warm Hub initiative at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The lunches have come to an end after seven years as the team found it increasingly difficult to make the necessary commitment to the fortnightly event.

Over the seven years, it is estimated that over 200 lunch days have been held and around 6,500 meals (soup & sweet in the summer and a more substantial meal in winter months) – have been served. In addition, approximately £12,000 has been donated to local charities and organisations, including the Boccia Club, Royal British Legion, Herriot Hospice, Animal Crew Rescue, Blue Cross Animal Rescue Centre, Macmillan Nurses, Thirsk Community Works, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and our local newsletter, The Tattler. These groups will benefit from one final donation of about £50 each.

The team behind the fortnightly Warm Hub lunches deserves a huge thank you from the community and especially from the regulars who attended the lunches over the years. So, thank you Karen and Malcolm, Richard, the two Lindas, Chloe, Julie…and several occasional helpers who gave up their time to run an amazing event.

Although those attending made donations – some more than others – to cover costs including renting the Village Hall, it is probably not really understood how much these volunteers really did. Not just giving their time freely every other Wednesday but their amazing catering/cooking/baking skills are second to none. Then there was grocery shopping, preparing, cooking, baking, setting up, washing up, clearing up, and much much more. It is doubtful they claimed back all their food costs and certainly not their utility costs. By doing this, local charities also benefitted hugely from the Warm Hub.

We are going to really miss these lunches, but all is not lost as the team have promised they’ll hold occasional events to raise cash for village charities and good causes.

Funeral of Lesley Poole
The funeral of Lesley Poole, who lived on Alanbrooke Barracks, and had been the cleaner at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall for many years, will take place at Maple Park Crematorium on Friday 17 July at 2.30pm. The family have asked that no flowers be sent, instead there’ll be a collection at the service for Lesley’s chosen charity. There will be a gathering after the service in the cafe at Maple Park.

Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
It’s only nine weeks until the 2026 Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show is held in the Village Hall. It will be held on Saturday 29 August.

The organisers are again hoping that lots of residents of our two villages will be preparing entries in the various categories and that the hall will be packed with home grown fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as homemade produce, hobby items and baking.
This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are – Pork Pies in the Baking category, woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts and examples of handwriting for adults and children. There is also a brand-new trophy – The Ray Fothergill Cucumber Cup, a special trophy donated by Joan Fothergill in memory of her husband Ray, who was a great supporter of the Produce Show, who sadly passed away last year.

There are five categories:
•              47 classes in the Horticultural section.
•              18 classes in the baking/jams/preserves and pickles category.
•              3 floral classes.
•              13 classes in the hobbies/handicrafts section
•              7 specific classes that only children can enter.

The full list of categories and classes, plus the show rules and timings on the day, are available on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk or requested from Show Secretary Judith Lowe at lowepeter46@hotmail.com or by calling 01845 577911.

Art Class Appeal
Can anyone help Thirsk School’s young artists by donating any of the things mentioned in this poster?

Garden Help Wanted at Catton Kitchen
The Catton Kitchen is looking for help on their market garden. The work which would suit a retired person or someone looking for an extra bit of cash. Approximately eight hours a week ideally on Wednesdays, but this is flexible. Minimum wage. Anyone keen on gardening who is interested in this job should call Amy on 07747 083155.

Resurfacing on the A1(M) – Boroughbridge to Wetherby
A reminder for those travelling southbound on the A1(M) between junctions 48 (Boroughbridge) and 46 (Wetherby), that roadworks continue overnight through to July. There’ll be closures every weeknight (Monday to Friday, 8pm–6am) with diversions via the A168 and B1224. Allow plenty of extra time for your journeys during these works.

Village Meetings coming up

Topcliffe Parish Council; The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 2 July in the ground floor committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee: The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held in the main hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 July.

Asenby Parish Council: The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 8 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

The Big Yorkshire Do
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe’s second annual summer do is due to be bigger, bolder, and twice the size as last year’s. Expect an all-day summer party packed with multiple live music acts throughout the day, two gardens open in which to roam and relax, and an unbeatable atmosphere from start to finish. It’s on Saturday 11 July.

A standard ticket, priced £16.96 (which includes a £1.96 booking fee) gives you entry to the event for the full afternoon through into the night. It includes access to all outdoor areas (excluding the VIP area), plus entertainment throughout the day and evening, and the chance to enjoy food and drink available to purchase on the day.

It’s a ticket only event – only 450 tickets available – and bookings should be made online.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-yorkshire-do-tickets-1982671571041?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Tickets cannot be purchased on the day, all guests must have a valid ticket in advance. Please note that the entire venue will be closed to the general public on Saturday 11 July for this private event. Please note that all VIP tables have now been sold.

Coffee if You Care
Suzanne Simpson, the Care Co-ordinator at Topcliffe Surgery wants carers to know about this special coffee and chat event being held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse in Thirsk on Wednesday 22 July between 10am and 12.30pm. Its a friendly environment and an opportunity for all unpaid carers, those helping out their friends, families and neighbours, to get together and share experiences. Take along any questions you have. There’ll be support and signposting from GP surgery teams.

Topcliffe Summer Fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. Besides a variety of stalls and a raffle, the summer fair will include brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.

More than 50% of the available stalls have already been taken, but there’s still a few available for crafters, groups, charities or other organisations that would like to be involved. They are available at just £10. Please contact Karen Morley on 07736 086369. Watch out for more details on in future Sunday Emails and on Top Residents nearer the date.

Big events later in the year at the Village Hall
Here’s a reminder of two dates you may wish to put in your diary. They’re both big fundraisers for the Village Hall.

BBQ & Boogie Night
The ever-popular BBQ and Boogie Night will be held on Saturday 22 August. The organisers – Jim, Carol, Andy, Chrissy, Malcolm and Myra – have committed themselves to the third annual shindig. More details soon!

The Flying Oysters
Top north east band, The Flying Oysters, has been booked for another performance later this year. It’ll be on Saturday 7 November. Organiser Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent pie and pea supper.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Tuner – to Thursday 2 July – matinee on Wednesday 1 July.
The National Theatre – Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Friday 3 July at 7.30pm.
Disclosure Day – Saturday 4 to Thursday 9 July – no matinee.
Toy Story 5 – Friday 10 to Thursday 16 July – matinees on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.
Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 July – matinee Wednesday 22 July.

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Pig Keeper for a Day
Monk Park Farm near Thirsk has launched a brand-new Pig Keeper Experience this summer. The private, one-hour hands-on encounter allows guests to work
alongside an experienced farmer to learn about pig care, feeding, and welfare.
Participants will help prepare food, create enrichment activities, muck out pens, and lay fresh bedding. After the chores, visitors can get up close to feed, brush, and scratch the pigs while learning about their intelligence and personalities.

The experience includes full-day admission to the rest of the farm’s attractions. Places are limited to ensure a personal experience, and advanced booking is required via their website. http://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk

St Mary’s Lunchtime Organ Recitals
St Mary’s Church in Thirsk is delighted to welcome a number of accomplished organists for a series of Monday lunchtime organ recitals over the summer months. On Monday 29 June at 12.15pm you can hear Maximillian Elliot, Assistant Director of Music St Olave’s in York. He’ll also give a brief history of the organ. 12.15pm. Free including refreshments, with a retiring collection for the organ fund.

Concerts at Ripon Cathedral

Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 30 June at 7.30pm.
Thursday Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 2 July at 12.30pm.
Ryedale Festival: Tenebrae in Ripon – Friday 24 July at 7.30pm.
80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.

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

Racing at Thirsk

Afternoon Racing – Wednesday 1 July – gates open at 11am
Afternoon Racing – Thursday 16 July – gates open at 11am.
Summer Family Day as part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival – Friday 24 July – gates open at 11am. Saver rate available for early bookings.

Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.

Janice Burns & Jon Doran in Concert
Janice Burns and Jon Doran are an award-winning Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music. Their compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and sensitive interplay between mandolin, bouzouki and guitar. Thursday 2 July at 7:30pm at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk. £15.
http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/at-the-co urthouse/music-monthlies-janice-burn s-jon-doran/

Strawberry Tea
Strawberry teas will be served at St John’s Church, Dalton on Saturday 4 July between 2 and 4pm. No set charge but donations welcomed.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Tetrapak Adventures: Intaglio Printing – Saturday 4 July, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Silverdrop Earrings – Saturday 4 July, 10am to 1pm.

Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/

Live Music on Easingwold Market Place
Kaminari UK Taiko Drummers – Japanese style drumming. Saturday 4 July, 1pm – 3pm. Free.

Concerts at Thorp Perrow

Sarah Collins & Keep the Faith Concert – Saturday 4 July – Sarah Collins is a firm favourite on today’s retro music scene with many appearances at UK and European festivals and events. Along with her band, Keep the Faith, she will be performing an evening of soul, Motown and disco.
That 80’s Thing – Saturday 8 August – Back by popular demand! The band has been wowing audiences up and down the UK for eight years and have played at 100s of corporate events, private parties and weddings. The four-piece band consists of powerful vocals, soaring guitar, funkin’ bass and all important 80s drum sound.

Timings for both events: Gates open 6pm for gazebo bookings. 6.30pm for general public. Performance starts: 7.30pm and finishes around 9.45pm. For more information and to make a booking go to: https://booking.bookinghound.cloud/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2

Strawberry Sunday
Sunday 5 July is Strawberry Sunday at Sessay Village Hall. All welcome. Raising funds for to help with the maintenance of Sessay church. 3 to 5pm

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 5 July from 9am to 2pm. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows.

Ripon Theatre Festival
Various indoor and outdoor venues in Ripon from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July. From stories in cosy spaces to eye-popping street drama, dance, puppetry and storytelling. Workshops, street performances, entertainment, family shows, open-air Shakespeare and lots more. Both indoors and in open-air settings. Professional productions alongside local talent, transforming Ripon into a hub of creativity and performance. See website for places, times, prices and how to book. Ticketed and free events. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/list

Minibeasts in the Market Place
Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July.

More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days

de Mowbray Music Festival 2026

Quiz answers

1. Billy the Kid
2. The Hermitage
3. Will Young
4. William Gladstone (1809–1898) – PM on four occasions
5. Status Quo
6. Great Expectations
7. Joseph Stalin
8. Green Park
9. Tennis
10. Ayr

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