Category: Sunday Email

I hope that all Topcliffe and Asenby residents have by now received the Christmas edition of The Tattler. If you haven’t, it’s on its way. Issues at the printers and a delivery misunderstanding, together with a clash as I was away caring for my Mum, led to an unavoidable delay in getting the newsletter delivered door to door. Despite the problems, I hope you enjoyed this festive edition.

Doug
07785 223707

• TODAY: at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev’d Robert Williamson.
• Sunday 18 December at 10.45am – Matins. Then at 6.30pm a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
• Thursday – 22 December Carols around the Christmas tree at the Village Hall. Please arrive promptly at 7.30. Please bring torches to read the carol sheets that will be provided. Brass accompaniment kindly provided by the Barber family, and singing will be aided by members of St Columba’s Choir.
• Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
• Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.
• Christmas day – no service.

And in the New Year:

• New Year’s Day – no service
• 8 January – 10.45am- Holy Communion and at 6.30pm Choral Evensong for Epiphany.
• 15 January at 10.45am – Choral Matins.
• 22 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion.

Last Wednesday £104.50 was raised, of which £50 was donated to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund, which will be used to buy food for future lunches. 

On Wednesday 21 December a Sunday-style roast beef lunch will be served. As usual, there will be no set charge and those attending are asked only to pay what they can afford…or nothing at all!

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

News of possible financial support
Last week Hambleton District Council approved a new grant scheme aimed at supporting Warm Space initiatives similar to the one that operates at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The Council is offering funding of up to £500 to help these schemes and an application for support is being made.

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

• Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 December – 2 to 8pm – An Illuminated Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Gardens. Free entry but donations welcomed.
• Sunday 18 December – 10am to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
• Sunday 18, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December– 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
• Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
• Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
• Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
• Monday 26 December (boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

• Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm. 
• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• To Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical. 
• Friday 16 to Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.

•  Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details –  https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

• Recycling – Thursdays 15 December and 30 December (one day later than normal).
• Refuse – Mondays 19 December and 3 January (one day later than normal).
• Green waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Monday 12 December and Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal)
• Recycling – Monday 19 December.
• Green waste – no further collections until March 2023.

• TODAY: at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
• 11 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev’d Robert Williamson.
• Sunday 18 December at 6.30pm – traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with St Columba’s Choir, led by Linda Hewlett, accompanied by Matthew Atherton on the organ. Carols new and old and an opportunity to come and sing your favourites followed by finger food and wine.
• Christmas Eve, Saturday 24 December at 2pm – Crib Service with Rev’d Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas Story for everyone to enjoy, particularly those with children.
• Christmas Eve at 11.30pm – Midnight Mass – the Christmas service of Holy Communion for everyone, with Rev’d Robert Williamson.

Here are some photographs of taken on the day:
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8

Afterwards, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies inside the Village Hall with seasonal good wishes from all at St Columba’s, Topcliffe Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

The St Columba’s Christmas Charity this year is Macmillan Nurses and any donations will be very gratefully received.

The Topcliffe Charity is an historical fund created for the benefit of Topcliffe, plus a number of surrounding villages, including Asenby, Baldersby, Dishforth, and Rainton, that were part of the ancient Parish of Topcliffe.

The nature of the charity has changed over the years, but it continues to create a small amount of income from invested funds which the Feoffees in each village are able to distribute as they see fit. The amount available for distribution is in proportion to each village’s population.

This year, the Topcliffe Feoffees have a total of £270 to distribute and the Asenby Feoffee has £70 to hand out.

There is no official record of those who are over eighty years of age, so the Feoffees rely on local knowledge to identify eligible residents. Last year’s lists of recipients in Topcliffe and Asenby have been updated, so those who received a gift in 2021, will automatically get one this Christmas.

If you qualify and want to be considered or to check that you are on the list, please get in touch with Anne-Marie Barningham on 07740 175311 or Doug Allan on 07785 223707 in Topcliffe or Carole Ford on 01845 577718 in Asenby. The deadline is Friday 9 December.

Christmas post deadlines brought forward
Royal Mail is asking customers to post their mail earlier than usual for Christmas this year as a result of the ongoing strike action by its workers. 

Final dates for sending second-class post has been brought forward from December 19 to the 12th and for first class from December 21 to the 16th. 

Look here at the scrumptious food served last Wednesday. It included mushroom soup as a starter, sausage casserole, chicken & leek cobbler, or shepherd’s pie with a crispy cream top as a main course, desserts included treacle pudding, meringue, rice pudding or apple crumble. Plus, cakes, tea or coffee and sweet treats. Each week the menu is varied and equally delicious.

Last Wednesday £93 was raised, of which £75 was donated to the Boot Camp charity in Easingwold which supports adults with learning difficulties. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund. This will help pay for food in future weeks and the organisers are looking at how further support might be offered to those in need during these financially difficult times.

If you can donate any prepared food or ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

If anyone outside our two villages would like to receive an electronic copy of The Tattler, please get in touch with Doug Allan at doug@dougallan.co.uk

Historically, the Institute ran the now demolished village hall and organised regular events there. Later it became involved in developing the recreation field and playpark through fund raising and grant applications. Until Covid struck, the Institute organised the village’s successful festive mulled wine and mince pie evening as a charity fund raiser, donating over £1,000 to Herriott Hospice over recent years. Its most recent project was the construction and installation of the bespoke Platinum Jubilee Bench under the old chestnut tree on the village green

The Institute now needs new life and enthusiasm breathed into its work. Retiring committee members have agreed to remain as ‘caretaker’ members until a Special General Meeting on 11 January 2023. In the meantime, anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a committee member is invited to ring Siobhan Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07966 228206.

There are plenty of wonderful businesses serving our two villages so maybe they deserve an entry in these awards. It’s likely that simply being in the awards line-up would be beneficial and give businesses a boost.

Are you prepared to nominate one of our local incredible businesses? The closing date for nominations is Saturday 31 December. For the categories and how to enter see www.hambleton.gov.uk/businessawards

For further information please email julie.hutton@hambleton.gov.uk

The Village Hall Committee has introduced the Hallmaster online booking service. This is accessed via the village website – www.topcliffe.org.uk and allows enquiries and bookings to be made directly online. The Village Hall no longer has a Bookings Secretary. 

• Saturday 10 December – 7.30pm – Ripon Choral Society perform Handel’s Messiah at Ripon Cathedral, followed by carols. Tickets online from www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk
• Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 December – 2 to 8pm – An Illuminated Winter Wonderland at Ripon Spa Gardens. Free entry but donations welcomed.
• Sunday 18 December – 10am to 3pm – Christmas Market – soak up the atmosphere and follow the market trail as it winds through Ripon’s historic marketplace. All the traditional market favourites including bratwurst, pies, cheese, cakes, fresh coffee and mulled wine.
• Sunday 18, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December– 5.30pm – Festival of Lessons & Carols at Ripon Cathedral. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Featuring the Ripon Cathedral Choir.
• Saturday 24 December – 11am – Ripon Cathedral presents the Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive service for families.
• Saturday 24 December – Midnight Mass at Ripon Cathedral.
• Sunday 25 December – 10.30am – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist.
• Monday 26 December (boxing Day) – 9.30am – Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day followed by pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.

• Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm. 
• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• To Thursday 8 December (No matinees) – Living.
• Friday 9 to Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical. 
• Friday 16 to Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.

•  Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details –  https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 5 and 19 December.
• Recycling – Thursdays 15 December and 30 December (one day later than normal).
• Green waste – no further collections until the post-Christmas collection on Thursday 12 January.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 5 and 19 December and 2 January 2023.
• Refuse – Monday 12 December and Tuesday 27 December (one day later than normal)
• Green waste – no further collections until March 2023.

• TODAY – between 1:30 and 4:30pm.
• Location: Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
• Cost: £35.00 per person including all materials and afternoon tea.

A three-hour workshop designing and creating a string of Mala beads and learning about the history of Mala. All materials will be provided, including afternoon tea and an organic cotton drawstring bag in which to store or present your necklace. Last minute bookings via:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-make-a-mala-bead-necklace-tickets-465092081937

Fortunately, the planning committee acknowledged the strength of feeling in local communities and approved the plan with a number of conditions that go a long way towards meeting community expectations.

Most villagers will accept new developments and the jobs that come with them, but only if guaranteed conditions are attached to protect our villages from illegal HGV trespass.  
 
Topcliffe Parish Council fought hard to ensure the planning committee, county highways department and the developer fully understood the strength of feeling within local communities and thankfully a string of suitable conditions were attached to the final approval.

The developer has agreed to make a fixed sum contribution to the provision of an APNR camera system, and the Highways Department and the developer have jointly prepared a new signage scheme for the A168 and other local roads. 

There are fears that despite requiring these desirable conditions, the national highway agency and others in authority will find it difficult to get things put in place in a timely fashion. There is talk of considerable delay whilst details are considered, like road signs being designed and erected. That sort of bureaucratic delay will be totally unacceptable to villagers and no doubt pressure will be brought to bear on those who impede progress.

Meanwhile, a big thank you is given to the parish councils in Topcliffe and Asenby and to all of the villagers who took the time to comment on the Dalton plan and to make sure that councillors and planners realised the strength of feeling locally.

Some media coverage of this story:
Topcliffe: Call for action over lorry drivers ignoring village HGV ban – BBC News

Magna Carta village in Yorkshire says ’70 lorries a day’ are ignoring HGV ban and damaging listed toll booth | Yorkshire Post

Last Wednesday £126 was raised, of which £75 was donated to Community Works in Thirsk. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund. This will help pay for food in future weeks and the organisers are looking at how further support might be offered to those in need during these financially difficult times.

If you can donate any ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

The road closure and associated diversion routes can be viewed using this link https://one.network/?tm=131606405

• Friday 2 December at 5.30-7.30pm
• Saturday 3 December at 2.30-4.30pm
• Sunday 4 December at 12.30-2.30pm.

They will be held in the little tipi with wood burning stove, mince pies and mulled wine. There’s already considerable interest in these sessions, so please book early so that you are not disappointed. £45 per person (same price as last year). 

Ready meals and pies – have been a huge hit and they are now being made every other week to keep up with demand.  Recipes are being alternated to keep things fresh and offer wider choice. 

Fresh bread – a new bread range, launched a few weeks ago, is proving extremely popular and attracting much positive feedback.   
 
Opening hours – are being kept the same at the moment (Friday and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 12 noon), whereas last year winter hours started in October.  The new tipi with log burner means there is a dry and warm space for customers.  
 
Hugo and Amy are concentrating on their planting calendar at the moment and hope to expand on bed space again next spring offering even more seasonal veg. They’re also looking at ways of expanding the number of events they can hold in 2023. 

• Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm. 
• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• To Thursday 1 December (Matinee Wednesday 30) – The Banshees of Inisherin.
• Friday 2 to Thursday 8 December (No matinees) – Living.
• Friday 9 to Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical. 
• Friday 16 to Thursday 22 December (No matinees) – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Friday 23 December through to Thursday 5 January (no matinees. Each day except dates the cinema is closed – see below) – Strange World.

•  Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details –  https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 1 December (final garden waste collection this year) and 15 December.
• Refuse – Mondays 5 and 19 December.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Garden waste – Thursdays 1 December (final garden waste collection of this year) and 15 December.
• Recycling – Mondays 5 and 19 December.
• Refuse – Mondays 28 November and 12 December.

According to the planning portal, 43 individuals, along with both Asenby and Topcliffe parish councils, have registered their comments. It’s clear that the majority would generally be in favour of new developments and the jobs that come with them, but only if guaranteed conditions are attached to protect our villages from illegal HGV trespass.  
 
The updated planning officer’s report to the committee does now include a list of conditions that go some way to meet the demands of Topcliffe and Asenby. 

Last week Topcliffe Parish Council had discussions with the developer and North Yorkshire County Council’s Highways Department. The developer has agreed to make a fixed sum contribution to the provision of an APNR camera system, and the Highways Department and the developer have jointly prepared a new signage scheme for the A168 and other local roads. Both actions meet the Parish Council’s suggested conditions and therefore it is now supporting the planning application.

The full text of Topcliffe Parish Council’s update on the situation can be viewed here.

Last Wednesday £111 was raised, of which £75 was donated to the local branch of Cancer Research. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund. This will help pay for food in future weeks and the organisers are looking at how further support might be offered to those in need during these financially difficult times.

If you can donate any ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

The road closure and associated diversion routes can be viewed using this link https://one.network/?tm=131606405

• Location: Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
• Date and time: Sunday 27 November between 1:30 and 4:30pm.
• Cost: £35.00 per person including all materials and afternoon tea.

Mala translates to ‘String of Beads’, originating from the ancient lineage of the Himalayan Yogis and traditionally used as a tool during prayers. Today a Mala is still used by thousands of practicing Yogis but it also makes a wonderful decorative necklace or bracelet for yourself or as the perfect Christmas gift. It can make for a really great talking point around the dinner table!
During this three-hour workshop participants will design and create their own string of Mala beads and learn about the history of Mala, and how they are used in practice. In a simple guided meditation, each person will set an intention for their beads.

No previous experience is necessary. All materials will be provided, including afternoon tea (please advise of any allergies) and an organic cotton drawstring bag in which to store or present your necklace. Places are limited and bookings should be made by using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-make-a-mala-bead-necklace-tickets-465092081937

Letter to Santa
Just a reminder about the deadline for requesting a letter from Santa. Make sure your letter is posted by Friday 9 December or there’s a risk Father Christmas won’t be able to send an answer. 

• In the letter, let Santa know what you’d like for Christmas so he can add you to his list.
• Put your full name and address in your letter so Santa knows where to reply.
• Write this address – Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland XM4 5HQ – on the envelope and stick a stamp on it.

•   Turn down your thermostat. Just one degree lower could save you up to £128 a year. Set a timer on your thermostat for your heating to come on only when you need it.
•   Turn the heating flow temperature down on your combi boiler from 80℃ to 60℃ to save up to £112 per year. Such a reduction cuts the boiler’s energy consumption, without lowering the temperature of your home. This isn’t suitable for all systems so check your boiler instructions or contact your supplier.
•   Don’t heat empty rooms. Individual radiator thermostats mean you can adjust the temperature in each room accordingly.
•   Keep doors between adjoining rooms shut. This way, you stop the heat from escaping.
•   Run your heating for an hour less each day. Even using a little less energy each day adds up to savings over time.
•   Bleed your radiators. Trapped air can make your radiators less efficient, so they’ll be slower to heat up.
•   Keep the heat in. Simply closing your blinds or curtains in the evening can also stop heat loss by up to 17%. Just be sure your curtains don’t cover the radiators.

On Sunday 27 November there’s also an Artisan Christmas Market being held on the Market Square between 10am and 3pm. www.littlebirdmade.com
then 5.30pm, there’ll be an Advent Procession and candlelit Carol service at the Cathedral.

• Friday 2 December at 5.30-7.30pm
• Saturday 3 December at 2.30-4.30pm
• Sunday 4 December at 12.30-2.30pm.

They will be held in the little tipi with wood burning stove, mince pies and mulled wine There’s already considerable interest in these sessions, so please book early so that you are not disappointed. £45 per person (same price as last year). 

Ready Meals – a wide range of ready meals, including pies are available. 

• Thursday 15 December – “How to paint a hare, fox or owl in a moonlit winter landscape using acrylics”. The cost is £25 and this includes all materials needed to complete your masterpiece. Refreshments will be provided. Time: 10.30am to 1pm. 
• Monday 9 January – a new series of the popular weekly art classes will start and run until 7 February. 10am and 12 noon. Bring your own materials and create works you will be proud of.
• Saturday 30 January 2023 – 10am to 1pm – Painting on Fabric – helpful tips and techniques with creating your own creative, vibrant painting on fabric. Equipment and paint provided. Refreshments included. Just bring your fabric item – Denim Jacket, purse, bag, baseball boots, cushion cover, table runner or other item. On booking further details will be sent about the session.

All of the advertised art classes are for artists of every level of experience…or of none! Expert guidance is offered throughout the sessions. More information and online booking at http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk

• To Thursday 24 November (No matinees) – Black Adam
• Friday 25 November to Thursday 1 December (Matinee Wednesday 30) – The Banshees of Inisherin.
• Friday 2 to Thursday 8 December (No matinees) – Living.
• Friday 9 to Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical. 

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details –  https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Refuse – Mondays 21 November and 5 December.
• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 1 December (final green bin collection this year) and 15 December.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Recycling – Mondays 21 November and 5 December.
• Refuse – Mondays 28 November and 12 December.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 1 December (final garden waste collection of this year) and 15 December.

Regular Sunday services conclude with refreshments.

There’s still time for residents of both Topcliffe and Asenby to add their own comments by visiting Hambleton’s planning portal. You can follow the link below to see how you can have your say and help protect our environment and village life.

https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications

The application reference number is 22/01474/OUT

Last Wednesday £90 was raised, of which £50 will be contributed towards the cost of the pensioners’ Christmas Lunch on 13 December. The balance has gone into the Warm-Up Community Help fund. This will help pay for food in future weeks and the organisers are looking at how further support might be offered to those in need during these financially difficult times.

If you can donate any ingredients for a forthcoming lunch or would like to help in some way, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426 or Linda Carver on 01845 578014.

There will be a service at Maple Park Crematorium on Friday 25 November at 10am to which all those who knew Terry are warmly invited. There is no need to wear dark, formal clothes nor to send flowers. He will be sorely missed.

• Location: Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
• Date and time: Sunday 27 November between 1:30 and 4:30pm.
• Cost: £35.00 per person including all materials and afternoon tea.

Mala translates to ‘String of Beads’, originating from the ancient lineage of the Himalayan Yogis and traditionally used as a tool during prayers. Today a Mala is still used by thousands of practicing Yogis but it also makes a wonderful decorative necklace or bracelet for yourself or as the perfect Christmas gift. It can make for a really great talking point around the dinner table!
During this three-hour workshop participants will design and create their own string of Mala beads and learn about the history of Mala, and how they are used in practice. In a simple guided meditation, each person will set an intention for their beads.

No previous experience is necessary. All materials will be provided, including afternoon tea (please advise of any allergies) and an organic cotton drawstring bag in which to store or present your necklace. Places are limited and bookings should be made by using this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-to-make-a-mala-bead-necklace-tickets-465092081937

This is a one-off special class hosted by Holly Brown, who is visiting family in Asenby over the festive season.  Holly is the daughter of Asenby parish councillor, Jane Gallon. She grew up in the Lake District and has spent the past 10 years living on the West Coast of Australia where she has been sharing traditional practices from the ancient Himalayan yogic teachings with the local community. Holly also has a passion for music so you will often find her alongside her harmonium learning and practicing not only the traditional chants but also a few familiar tunes too. Her current favourite being the childhood classic ‘You Are My Sunshine’. Holly is really looking forward to introducing a few villagers to the art of Mala at her unique workshop.

The organisers – led by Karen and Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson – did a wonderful job of pulling the event together and providing lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

They raised £264 which will go towards maintaining the village hall, which like households, is impacted by recent cost of living increases. 

A special mention for Karen’s sister, Susan Hammond, who ran a tombola stall and raised £135 – which was shared between Animal Crew Rescue and the Topcliffe Warm-Up Community Help Fund.

Letter to Santa
It’s nearly Christmas and Santa is busy getting everything ready. If your children would like to write to Santa here’s what they need to do.

• Make sure your letter arrives in time for him to send a reply: Post it by Friday 9 December.
• In the letter, let Santa know what you’d like for Christmas so he can add you to his list.
• Put your full name and address in your letter so Santa knows where to reply.
• Write this address – Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland XM4 5HQ – on the envelope and stick a stamp on it.

The closing date for nominations is Saturday 31 December. For the categories and how to enter see hambleton.gov.uk/businessawards 

For further information please email julie.hutton@hambleton.gov.uk

Cybercrime Advice Talk
Any group or organisation that would benefit from a cybercrime advice talk is invited to get in touch with North Yorkshire Police to set up a presentation. The cybercrime team regularly delivers presentations and talks to help people keep safe from cybercrime. It can offer expert advice on keeping your online accounts safe, how to protect yourself against phishing attacks and what to do if the worst happens and your account/s get hacked. Please email cybercrimeunit@northyorkshire.police.uk 

• Friday 2 December at 5.30-7.30pm
• Saturday 3 December at 2.30-4.30pm
• Sunday 4 December at 12.30-2.30pm.

They will be held in the little tipi with wood burning stove, mince pies and mulled wine There’s already considerable interest in these sessions, so please book early so that you are not disappointed. £45 per person (same price as last year). 

Ready Meals – a wide range of ready meals, including pies are available. 

• To Thursday 17 November (matinee Wednesday 16) – Emily
• Friday 18 to Thursday 24 November (No matinees) – Black Adam
• Friday 25 November to Thursday 1 December (Matinee Wednesday 30) – The Banshees of Inisherin.
• Friday 2 to Thursday 8 December (No matinees) – Living.
• Friday 9 to Friday 15 December (Matinees on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Wednesday 14) – Matilda – The Musical. 

Updates: Please keep checking the website for the latest details –  https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

A list of local traders in Topcliffe and Asenby can be viewed here.

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

• Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 17 November and 1 December (final green bin collection this year).
• Refuse – Mondays 21 November and 5 December.

Harrogate (Asenby):

• Refuse – Mondays 14 and 28 November.
• Garden waste – Thursdays 17 November and 1 December (final garden waste collection of this year).
• Recycling – Mondays 21 November and 5 December.