Sunday Email - Page 8 - Topcliffe and Asenby Sunday Email

Posted on 15 February 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 302

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 15 February at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 19 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Sunday 22 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Wednesday 25 February at 7pm – Compline for Lent
Thursday 26 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Sunday 1 March at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday 1 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper drinks and snacks
Wednesday 4 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent
Thursday 5 March at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 8 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments

Ash Wednesday
There will be a Benefice Ash Wednesday Service at Baldersby St James on Wednesday 18 February at 7pm.

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 15 February between 10am and 3pm. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

Sunday Quiz Night

Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by David and won by Alan, Jim and Karen. Well done the winners and everyone else to who took part.

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

1. Which TV private detective was played by Trevor Eve in 1979-1980?
2. How many feet are there in a cable – 6.8, 68 or 608?
3. By what other name is the Laughing Jackass known?
4. Which British organisation has the Maltese Cross as its emblem?
5. What kind of cross is the St Andrew’s cross?
6. Who wrote the novel Lorna Doone?
7. Name the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury.
8. What is the medical or scientific name for the kneecap?
9. Who is taking over from Pru Leith on the great British Bake Off?
10. In the world of pop, how is Gordon Sumner better known?

Topcliffe Post Office
The Post Office and shop will be closed on Thursday 26, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February to facilitate the handover to the new owners. It reopens under new management on Monday 2 March.

New Air Ambulance base – an update

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new helicopter base near Skipton Bridge is really taking shape. Over the past few weeks, construction teams have made great progress on the new HQ building. The steel framework for the first floor is now in and work on the roof is complete, despite the terrible weather lately. Work is on track to be operational by late summer 2026.

The Toll Booth
A date is still awaited for the next Topcliffe Parish Council at which it is anticipated the results of the recent survey relating to remedial works needed to preserve and potentially develop the building will be discussed.

Parish councillors and the Toll Booth Group are reviewing the details in the report. Given the financial implications of the next steps, it is understood that the Parish Council will organise consultation with all residents before any decisions are made.

Councillors will be in attendance at the Village Hall Brunch and Open Day on Sunday 22 March and will be pleased to chat to parishioners about this and other village priorities.

Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub will take place on Wednesday 18 February between 11.30am and 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome.

There’s no set charge for Warm Hub meals but donations are requested to help pay the cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch. The organisers don’t receive grant support or surplus food from supermarkets: everything is bought and paid for, cooked and brought into the hall by volunteers, many of whom are senior citizens themselves.

Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have a meal delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a meal on the day the Warm Hub is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

Regular weekly classes – A new block of five classes starts on Monday 23 February – 10am to 12 noon.
Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.

Also

Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm at Thirsk Town Hall.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Funeral of Mary Guest
The funeral of Mary Guest, who died on 23 January, aged 85, will take place at Maple Park Crematorium at 1pm on Tuesday 3 March. Her daughter Catherine would welcome friends and neighbours who wish to attend the service and take refreshments afterwards in the Maple Park Cafe.

Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 4 March.

Village Halls’ Week
As part of this year’s national Village Halls’ Week event, Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee has agreed to hold a Brunch and Open Day on Sunday 22 March between 10.30am and 1pm. Karen Morley and her wonderful team will serve the usual delicious breakfast buns and other refreshments throughout the event. Both Topcliffe Parish Council and Asenby Parish Council have agreed to be present to meet local residents from our two villages. There will also be displays by a number of user groups including the indoor carpet bowls group, boccia club and the regular art class. The slide presentation depicting the whole range of village hall activities has been updated and will be presented on the large screen throughout the day. More elements may be added to this event over the next few weeks.

Floral workshops at the Catton Kitchen
Ever hopeful that spring is just around the corner the Catton Kitchen is advertising a couple of spring classes with Holly of Tarragon Flowers. Holly joined the team to work on the market garden in February last year and is leading on presenting these special classes, which are:

Living Wreath Class – Sunday 22 March between 3 and 5pm.
Spring Table Centre Workshop – Friday 27 March between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Check out their website for more details: http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
The Village Hall is available for hire to local organisations, businesses and individuals. It is a superb venue with fully equipped kitchen – an ideal place for family parties. Book online for your event by scanning the QR code or visiting either the Topcliffe or Asenby village websites.

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

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

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

H is for Hawk – to 19 February. Matinee on Wednesday 18 February.
Sinners – Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February.
Sentimental Values – Monday 23 to Thursday 27 February. Matinee Wednesday 26 February.
Send Help – Friday 28 to Thursday 5 March. No matinee.
Wuthering Heights – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 March. Matinee Wednesday 12 March.

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

Lambing Live at Monk Park
Until Sunday 1 March families have the chance to experience the magic of lambing season up close at Monk Park, near Bagby. More than 50 lambs are expected to be born over the next few weeks. Visitors may even witness a live birth in the Maternity Ewe Unit – a memorable moment for all ages. Throughout the event, the farm’s team will host engaging talks about sheep, lambing and daily life on a working farm, offering an accessible glimpse behind the scenes. Admission also includes a full day of hands-on activities such as meeting newborn lambs, calf bottle-feeding, small-animal cuddles, hand-feeding friendly barn animals, and exploring outdoor play areas and woodland trails.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Family Make and Create – These free, family make and create drop-in sessions are on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February between 10am and 2pm. Explore self-led creativity with materials provided. Please book in to help manage numbers. All children must be accompanied.
Family Carnival Music – Get into the Mardi Gras spirit. Join Mambo Jambo for a family workshop exploring New Orleans carnival tunes, singing, body percussion, and Brazilian rhythms on simple hand percussion. No experience needed. Thursday 19 February between 1:45pm-2:30pm or 3pm -3:45pm. £7pp.
Family Music: Mambo Jambo – Enjoy an upbeat evening with Mambo Jambo, an eclectic duo who blend roots, jazz, world, folk, and bluegrass, whisking you away to carnivals and fiestas with vibrant tunes, stories, and a suitcase full of instruments. Thursday 19 February at 6:30pm. £8pp or £30 for 4.
Indoor Mosaic Plaque- Join mosaic artist Sue Kershaw for a creative workshop making a 22cm indoor plaque. Learn techniques, choose vibrant materials, and enjoy morning refreshments and lunch. Friday 27 February, 10:30am – 4:30pm. £90.
Candle Painting and Cocktails – Sip a cocktail and paint beautiful decorative candles in a relaxed, welcoming space. All materials are provided, so you can focus on enjoying the process and creating something unique to take home. Friday 27 February, 7:00pm – 9:00pm. £25.
Taste of Art: Fabric Corsage – Create your own corsage with a variety of fabrics to use as a brooch or to embellish an accessory. Learn how to draft and cut a pattern from fabric, then layer, stitch, and shape your design into a beautiful, wearable piece. Saturday 7 March 1pm – 4pm. £25.

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

Engineering Themed Day at Wensleydale Railway,
Get hands-on with a behind the scenes engineering day featuring guided yard and shed tours at the Leeming Bar station on Wednesday 18 February. Includes a look at steam-loco repairs, a miniature working engine and the chance to step inside a real shunter cab. The tours are 30-40 minutes and run at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:45. Children’s tickets £6 (including kids for a quid travel offer), and adult entry is free with a valid train ticket. Tickets: http://wensleydale.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events

Book Sale
At Thirsk Library on Meadowfields on Saturday 21 February between 9.30am and 3.30pm Lots of bargains in great condition.

Events at Dalton Village Hall
Pop-Up Café: There will be a pop-up cafe on Saturday 21 February from 9.30am until 11am. Bacon or sausage sandwiches and toasted teacakes, along with tea, coffee, with juice for the children. Everyone welcome.
Domino Drive; The next Domino Drive will be on Saturday 22 February at 7pm. Entrance is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits will be served at the interval.
Craft Classes: Held on the first Wednesday of the month from 9.30am until 3pm. New members are welcome. Contact Lois Gillie for details on 01423 325608.

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 21 February between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Community Library, Meadowfields. Voluntary donation for work undertaken.

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 24 February 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 and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.

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

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
At this market in Market Place, 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. Sunday 1 March, 9am-2pm.

Quiz answers
Last week’s decider: The Greater London Council was abolished in 1986.

1. Shoestring
2. 600
3. Kookaburra
4. St John’s Ambulance
5. Saltire
6. R. D. Blackmore
7. Sarah Mullally
8. Patella
9. Nigella Lawson.
10. Sting

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

Posted on 8 February 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 301

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 8 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 12 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 15 February at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 19 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
Sunday 22 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Wednesday 25 February at 7pm – Compline for Lent
Thursday 26 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.

Ash Wednesday
There will be a Benefice Ash Wednesday Service at Baldersby St James on Wednesday 18 February at 7pm.

Sunday Quiz Night

Last Sunday’s quiz was set by Kate and won by Carolyn, Mike, Dave and Nigel. Well done the winners and everyone else to who took part.

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

1. At which royal property did Queen Victoria spend her birthdays?
2. Which Shakespeare play features the character Shylock?
3. What does the Japanese word Sudoku mean?
4. What did Louis Bleriot achieve in 1909 and gain a £1000 reward from the Daily Mail?
5. In which year did Queen Elizabeth open the Humber Bridge?
6. Which colour on the French flag is closest to the flagpole?
7. Name the civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott?
8. In which Scottish town are the Kelpies located?
9. Which UK confectionary assortment was voted in 2025 as having the widest variety of sweets?
10. Ichthyophobia is the fear of what?

Happy 80th Peter
Friends and neighbours gathered at Green Dairy in Asenby last Monday to celebrate Peter Lowe’s 80th birthday. Happy birthday Peter.

Sale of marmalade
Last Saturday’s pop-up stall at Asenby Hall, from which Clare Phillips sold her home-made marmalade, was a great success. There’s still a few jars of Seville, Lemon & Lime and Seville & Grapefruit remaining. If you’re interested text Clare on 07593 135310.

The Toll Booth
A survey report about the remedial works needed to preserve and potentially develop the building is now with the Parish Council and the Toll Booth Group. They are reviewing the details and there’ll be a discussion at the next Parish Council meeting, which is yet to be scheduled. Given the financial implications of the next steps, it is understood that the Parish Council will organise consultation with all residents before any decisions are made.

Councillors will be in attendance at the Village Hall Brunch and Open Day on Sunday 22 March and will be pleased to chat to parishioners about this and other village priorities.

Vote for The Angel as Pub of the Year
Voting is now open for Yorkshire’s Pub of the Year. Dave and Maggie Mathews and their team would be grateful for your vote – https://mylocalawards.co.uk/business/the-angel-inn-topcliffe/

Group Swimming Lessons for Children

Parents looking for fun, safe and confidence-building swimming lessons for their children aged 4+ might be interested to know that bookings are now being taken for small, supportive group swimming lessons at Woodland Lake Lodges, Carlton Miniott. The instructors, who are fully qualified swimming coaches with lifeguard training, are all DBS checked. Spaces are limited, so get in touch if you are interested. Contact: [email protected]

The Bread Lady
A mobile artisan bakery, trading as Amos & Welsh, but commonly known as the Bread lady, is often seen at markets across North Yorkshire. Now she visits the main street in Helperby on Sunday mornings between 9.45 and 11.45am. She sells a wide range of fresh artisan bread, including white, wholemeal and sourdough, as well as croissants, pastries, scones, muffins, teacakes and a few other bits and pieces. Everything’s made by hand, from scratch overnight on the Saturday ready for the Sunday sale. The contact number is 07534 085375 and there’s an account on Facebook.

Starting in March, the Bread Lady will be joined by another mobile unit – Kteas Coffee – retailing a range of hot drinks.

Dalton road closure
The road near Springfield Garage and Water Lane will be closed until 3 April. This is a full road closure and no access will be allowed due to the depth to which workmen will need to excavate. The road closure will be carried out in small sections from the new development entrance near Springfield Garage to Water Lane junction at the bottom of the village. Diversions will be in place.

Station Road, Thirsk
The saga of protracted roadworks on Station Road continue. The latest update is that there’ll be overnight closures from 6:30pm to midnight for the remainder of the scheme (though it didn’t mention how long that might be).

Have your say about Thirsk
There’s still time to have your say about how Thirsk should develop in the coming years. The Thirsk Town Investment Plan being prepared by North Yorkshire Council will be a guide regeneration and investment in the town. You can complete a short survey to share your views. The survey is open until Saturday 28 February and there’s one remaining consultation event in Thirsk Community Library on Tuesday 10 February, 1pm to 6pm. You can complete the survey now at: http://yo7.org.uk/nyc

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

Calm Winter Art Retreat – a two-day experience using paint and pastels to create fur and feather works on day one or beautiful big skies on day two. Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 10am to 3pm. Choose your preferred day or attend both!
Regular weekly classes – A new block of five classes starts on Monday 23 February – 10am to 12 noon.
Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.

Also

Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm at Thirsk Town Hall.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

The last lunch on 4 February saw 51 meals served. After expenses, £50 was donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with the balance being added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Asenby Parish Council meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 4 March.

Living Wreath Class – Sunday 22 March between 3 and 5pm.
Spring Table Centre Workshop – Friday 27 March between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Check out their website for more details: http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk

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

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

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Rental Family – to 12 February. No matinee.
The Fifth Step – Friday 13 February at 7.30pm. A National Theatre presentation.
H is for Hawk – 14 to 19 February. Matinee on Wednesday 18 February.
Sinners – Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February.
Sentimental Values – Monday 23 to Thursday 27 February. Matinee Wednesday 26 February.
Send Help – Friday 28 to Thursday 5 March. No matinee.
Wuthering Heights – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 March. Matinee Wednesday 12 March.

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

Events at Dalton Village Hall
Coffee Morning: The regular monthly coffee morning is on Wednesday 11 February, from 10.30am until noon. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. Pop along and have a cuppa, a piece of cake and a chat with friends and neighbours.
Pop-Up Pub: There will be a pop-up pub on Friday 13 February from 7pm. Families welcome.
Pop-Up Café: There will be a pop-up cafe on Saturday 21 February from 9.30am until 11am. Bacon or sausage sandwiches and toasted teacakes, along with tea, coffee, with juice for the children. Everyone welcome.
Domino Drive; The next Domino Drive will be on Saturday 22 February at 7pm. Entrance is £2, with £1 for 5 raffle tickets. Tea and biscuits will be served at the interval.
Craft Classes: Held on the first Wednesday of the month from 9.30am until 3pm. New members are welcome. Contact Lois Gillie for details on 01423 325608.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Watercolour and Calligraphy – Explore watercolour and calligraphy in this two-hour workshop with artist Dove Armistead. Learn colour, composition, and lettering while creating personalised pieces. Includes all materials and a hot drink. Perfect for beginners. Wednesday 11 February. 10.30am to 1pm. £25.
Macrame Wall Hangings – Join artist Claire Ford for a three-hour workshop where you’ll learn the art of macramé and create your own stunning wall hanging. Friday 13 February 10.30am to 1.30pm. £35.
Paint Your Partner – Celebrate this Valentines with this new paint your partner experience. Enjoy a savoury platter for two and be guided by our in-house artist to create your masterpiece. Saturday 14 February 7pm – 9pm. £40pp.
Family Make and Create – These free, family make and create drop-in sessions are on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February between 10am and 2pm. Explore self-led creativity with materials provided. Please book in to help manage numbers. All children must be accompanied.
Family Carnival Music – Get into the Mardi Gras spirit. Join Mambo Jambo for a family workshop exploring New Orleans carnival tunes, singing, body percussion, and Brazilian rhythms on simple hand percussion. No experience needed. Thursday 19 February between 1:45pm-2:30pm or 3pm -3:45pm. £7pp.
Family Music: Mambo Jambo – Enjoy an upbeat evening with Mambo Jambo, an eclectic duo who blend roots, jazz, world, folk, and bluegrass, whisking you away to carnivals and fiestas with vibrant tunes, stories, and a suitcase full of instruments. Thursday 19 February at 6:30pm. £8pp or £30 for 4.
Indoor Mosaic Plaque- Join mosaic artist Sue Kershaw for a creative workshop making a 22cm indoor plaque. Learn techniques, choose vibrant materials, and enjoy morning refreshments and lunch. Friday 27 February, 10:30am – 4:30pm. £90.
Candle Painting and Cocktails – Sip a cocktail and paint beautiful decorative candles in a relaxed, welcoming space. All materials are provided, so you can focus on enjoying the process and creating something unique to take home. Friday 27 February, 7:00pm – 9:00pm. £25.

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

Moors Dark Skies Festival
Celebrate the wonders of our skies and explore this incredible International Dark Sky Reserve in the peak of the stargazing season. Twenty-three different events at places all over the North York Moors, including Sutton Bank. Friday 13 to Saturday 28 February. Check out further details and book places on the website: http://darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/northyork-moors-events

Thirsk Artisan Market
Sunday 15 February between 10am and 3pm. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade goods.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Until Sunday 15 February 2026 admission is at half price.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.

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

Quiz answers
Last week’s decider: The Greater London Council was abolished in 1986.

1. Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
2. The Merchant of Venice
3. Single numbers
4. Became the first person to fly a powered plane across the English Channel
5. 1981
6. Red
7. Rosa Parks
8. Falkirk
9. Quality Street
10. Fish.

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

Posted on 25 January 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 299

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 25 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Thursday 29 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 1 February at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday 1 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper drinks and nibbles.
Thursday 5 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 8 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
Thursday 12 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
Sunday 15 February at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
Thursday 19 February at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.

Sunday Quiz Night

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

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

1. Which television series was centred around 165 Eaton Place?
2. Which actress sang ‘Come Outside’ with Mike Sarne in 1962?
3. Who invented the jet engine?
4. How many stars are on the flag of China?
5. Who was the founder of Lotus Cars?
6. Which Catherine was the last wife of Henry VIII?
7. What is the largest lake in Africa?
8. What is the capital of Greenland?
9. Which shrub is also known as the Butterfly Bush?
10. What is the home of a beaver called?

IMPORTANT UPDATE.

Parish Council and the Toll Booth
Topcliffe Parish Council has postponed its planned meeting on Thursday 29 January. The meeting will be rearranged in due course. The delay will allow parish councillors and representatives of the Toll Booth group time to review the results of the recently undertaken survey. as of the 22 January the final report had not been received by the Parish Council.

Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – tis taking place this weekend (Sunday 25 January). You are asked to spend an hour watching and recording the birds that land in your garden or selected patch of ground, such as an allotment or in a park. We can all help to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give valuable insight into how garden birds are faring. You can register your interest in participating at RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity

Mary Guest
It is sad to learn that Mary Guest, aged 85, passed away on Friday, 23 January.

Mary, who lived close to the Shell garage on the A168, was a regular at the Warm Hub and boccia club, both of which take place in the Village Hall. Mary was born in Ripon and moved to Topcliffe 29 years ago with her husband Ian, who died two years ago. She is survived by her daughter Catherine Limbert and three grandchildren John Robert, Kirsty and Aisha.

Funeral details will be announced in due course, including in a future Sunday Email.

Report fraud to Report Fraud
Report Fraud is the new national organisation that will deal with reports of cybercrime and fraud. Last week, the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, launched the new name, which has now officially replaced Action Fraud.

Cyber-enabled crime and fraud continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, targeting individuals, small businesses and major organisations alike. Report Fraud has been created to meet this challenge head-on by providing a gateway for reporting all cybercrime and fraud cases. The key message is that ‘Every Report Counts’.

To report cybercrime and fraud: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/

Station Road in Thirsk – Temporary closure
Roadworks continue on Station Road between Tesco/Lidl roundabout and the railway station. However, due to the depth of the excavations required, work will change to day time work for Monday 26 to Friday 30 January. Instead of overnight closure, the work will take place between 7:30am and 5pm with traffic light controls. This means the road will be open traffic but there could be delays.

North Yorkshire Council say they are switching to day works for a week due to the type of work that needs and to allow the contractors longer working shifts each day which will prevent any delay in the works duration. The road will switch back to overnight closures from 6:30pm to midnight from Monday 2 February for the remainder of the scheme.

Dalton road closure
The road near Springfield Garage and Water Lane will be closed from 26 January until 3 April. This is a full road closure and no access will be allowed due to the depth to which workmen will need to excavate. The road closure will be carried out in small sections from the new development entrance near Springfield Garage to Water Lane junction at the bottom of the village. Diversions will be in place.

The Angel nominated for Pub of the Year Award
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe has announced that it has been nominated for the coveted Yorkshire Pub of the Year Award. Maggie and Dave and their team are extremely pleased about the nomination and now hope that as many people as possible will vote for them and their hostelry. Voting gets underway on Tuesday, 27 January and you can vote at https://mylocalawards.co.uk/ Every single vote really does count, so please take a minute to demonstrate you support for The Angel.

News from Asenby
Asenby Parish Council meetings: The next couple of meetings of Asenby Parish Council will be held in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on:

Wednesday 28 January (Agenda can be viewed here)
Wednesday 4 March

The agenda for each is posted on the Asenby Bus Stop notice board a week before.

The Saltburn Smugglers: Asenby Parish Council is delighted to announce that this modern shanty group will be performing on Sunday 28 June in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall from 2-4pm. The group transform tales from the north east coast smuggling heyday into vibrant, contemporary sea shanties. A not to be missed event for all ages. Tickets, which will be £10 per adult and £8 per child, will go on sale from 1 April. Demand will be high and numbers limited. But for now, get a note in your diary and save the date.

Have your say about Thirsk
Thirsk’s future is being shaped – and your voice matters. North Yorkshire Council is developing a Town Investment Plan to guide regeneration and investment in the town. Residents, businesses and visitors, including people living in villages close by, are invited to complete a short survey to share their views. The survey is open until Saturday 28 February and two consultation events will take place. These sessions will be held in Thirsk Community Library on Thursday 29 January, 10am to 5pm and Tuesday 10 February, 1pm to 6pm. You can complete the survey now at: http://yo7.org.uk/nyc

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

‘Lift the Spirit’ – paint colourful garden scenes in acrylics. 10am to 1pm on Thursday 29 January.
Calm Winter Art Retreat – a two-day experience using paint and pastels to create fur and feather works on day one or beautiful big skies on day two. Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 10am to 3pm. Choose your preferred day or attend both!
Regular weekly classes – A new block of five classes starts on Monday 23 February – 10am to 12 noon.
Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.

Also

Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm at Thirsk Town Hall.

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub will take place this Wednesday 4 February between 11.30am and 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.

The last lunch on 21 January saw 40 meals served. After expenses, £50 was donated to help with production costs of The Tattler and Sunday Email, with the balance being added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.

Crimestoppers – your information can be invaluable
There are many ways to report crime directly to North Yorkshire Police, including 999 for emergencies, 101 for less urgent matters or the force’s website. But if – for whatever reason – you don’t want to speak to the police, please consider Crimestoppers instead. There’s currently an awareness-raising campaign underway to remind people about how it works.

Crimestoppers is not the police – they’re an independent charity, offering a way to give information about crime anonymously. You can tell Crimestoppers what you know about a crime over the phone on 0800 555 111 or by filling in a form on their website. They’ll then pass the information on to the local police – but they’ll never ask for your personal details. This empowers you to speak up, safe in the knowledge that no one will ever know you did.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen are now back serving great fish and chips in Topcliffe each Friday evening between 5 and 7pm.

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

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Song Sung Blues – to Thursday 29 January. Matinee, Wednesday 28 January.
Hamnet – Friday 30 January to Thursday 5 February. Matinee, Wednesday 4 February.

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

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Mixed Media Journalling – Join Dove Armistead for a 2.5 hour Mixed Media Journalling workshop on Wednesday 28 January. Explore textures, colours and ideas. Materials and a hot drink – 1 to 3.30pm. Tickets £25
Music Monthlies: Edwina Hayes – A concert featuring one of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich northern tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own. Thursday 5 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £15.
After Supper Ghost Stories – A Victorian-inspired evening of comic ghost stories by Jerome K. Jerome, paired with a ghostly supper: a charcuterie board for two and your choice of drink. Friday 6 February. Doors open and supper served from 6pm, Stories from 7pm. £25 or £20 concession.
Watercolour and Calligraphy – Explore watercolour and calligraphy in this two-hour workshop with artist Dove Armistead. Learn colour, composition, and lettering while creating personalised pieces. Includes all materials and a hot drink. Perfect for beginners. Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 February. 10.30am to 1pm. £25.
Macrame Wall Hangings – Join artist Claire Ford for a three-hour workshop where you’ll learn the art of macramé and create your own stunning wall hanging. Friday 13 February 10.30am to 1.30pm. £35.
Paint Your Partner – Celebrate this Valentines with this new paint your partner experience. Enjoy a savoury platter for two and be guided by our in-house artist to create your masterpiece. Saturday 14 February 7pm – 9pm. £40pp.
Family Make and Create – These free, family make and create drop-in sessions are on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February between 10am and 2pm. Explore self-led creativity with materials provided. Please book in to help manage numbers. All children must be accompanied.
Family Carnival Music – Get into the Mardi Gras spirit. Join Mambo Jambo for a family workshop exploring New Orleans carnival tunes, singing, body percussion, and Brazilian rhythms on simple hand percussion. No experience needed. Thursday 19 February between 1:45pm-2:30pm or 3pm -3:45pm. £7pp.
Family Music: Mambo Jambo – Enjoy an upbeat evening with Mambo Jambo, an eclectic duo who blend roots, jazz, world, folk, and bluegrass, whisking you away to carnivals and fiestas with vibrant tunes, stories, and a suitcase full of instruments. Thursday 19 February at 6:30pm. £8pp or £30 for 4.

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

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 27 January 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.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
All stallholders on this market on Thirsk’s Market Place 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. Sunday 1 February, 9am-2pm.

Thirsk Brick Show
A small, one day LEGO show featuring exhibits, traders and activities for LEGO fans of all ages. Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall, Westgate on Saturday 7 February from 10am until 4pm. £4, child (5-15) £2. Tickets: On the door, cash or card.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Until Sunday 15 February 2026 admission is at half price.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.

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

Quiz answers

1. Upstairs, Downstairs
2 Wendy Richards
3. Frank Whittle
4. 5
5. Colin Chapman
6. Catherine Parr
7. Victoria
8. Nuuk
9. Buddlia
10. A Lodge (or a Burrow).

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

Posted on 18 January 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 298

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 18 January at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Thursday 22 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 25 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Thursday 29 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 1 February at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 1 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper drinks and nibbles.

Sunday Quiz Night

Last Sunday’s ‘mix-up’ quiz was set by Doug and won by Andrew, Jean and David. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.

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

1. Harold Wilson officially opened the Post Office Tower in London in which year? One year either side.
2. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood previously played in at least four other bands. Can you name just one of them?
3. In which southern county was Jane Austen born?
4. Name the wildlife cameraman who presented the ‘Hidden Wild Isles’ series on BBC.
5. What’s the nickname of the President of the United States car?
6. What top job did Kier Starmer before he became an MP?
7. Which country produces the most olive oil in the world?
8. What was the name of the district nurse engaged to Arkwright in the sitcom Open All Hours?
9. Russia has more time zones than any other country. How many?
10. Of which European country is Alexander Stubb President?

The Toll Booth
It’s hoped that as many villagers as possible will attend the next meeting of the Parish Council, which will be at 7pm on Thursday 29 January in the Village Hall. It’s anticipated that the results of the recent structural survey will be considered. It’s also possible that the agenda will include an item about the next steps that parish councillors may wish to take, which might include investigating the viability of selling the building.

Thirsk Museum seeks volunteers

As the Thirsk Museum thinks about opening up at Easter for the 2026 season, the search is on for new volunteers to boost the team that keep the place open. Can you help? Volunteers are asked to do three hours a week and have a friendly, welcoming approach. If you are interested in finding out more please email: [email protected]

News from Asenby
Asenby Parish Council meetings: The next couple of meetings of Asenby Parish Council will be held in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on:

Wednesday 28 January
Wednesday 4 March

The agenda for each is posted on the Asenby Bus Stop notice board a week before.

New Parish Councillor: Asenby Parish Council has a new councillor. A warm welcome to Stephen Eames from Asenby who has joined the Council. He replaces Tom Miles who has recently resigned. Many thanks go to him for his support and willingness to serve the local community.

The Saltburn Smugglers: Asenby Parish Council is delighted to announce that this modern shanty group will be performing on Sunday 28 June in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall from 2-4pm. The group transform tales from the north east coast smuggling heyday into vibrant, contemporary sea shanties. A not to be missed event for all ages. Tickets, which will be £10 per adult and £8 per child, will go on sale from 1 April. Demand will be high and numbers limited. But for now, get a note in your diary and save the date.

Garden Waste Service
North Yorkshire Council has started taking payment for the garden waste collection licence in 2026. The service costs £52 for fortnightly collections between March and early December. This provides a cost-effective way to dispose of your garden waste. Once paid, your service pack will arrive within 14 days, so please ensure you buy a licence before the service commences in March. You can still pay after this date, but your service will not start until your lpack arrives and is displayed on your bin. The licence covers one 240-litre wheelie bin to be emptied fortnightly. If you would like to have more than one bin emptied, you will need to pay for a licence for each additional bin. Apply online at:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/garden-waste-collection-service

RAF Leeming
There will be increased movement by aircraft operating from RAF Leeming from tomorrow, 19 January, through to Friday 6 February. The Station will be hosting helicopters for an exercise which will include low and late flying. There will also be some increased jet movement during daylight hours on 26/27 January and 2/3 February. Every effort will be made to keep the disturbance to a minimum.

Station Road in Thirsk – Temporary closure
Roadworks continue on Station Road between Tesco/Lidl roundabout and the railway station. They will be carried out between 6:30pm and midnight each night from Monday 19 January for 25 weekdays.

Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub will take place this Wednesday 21 January between 11.30am and 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.

Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – takes place between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 January. You are asked to spend an hour watching and recording the birds that land in your garden or selected patch of ground, such as an allotment or in a park.We can all help to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give valuable insight into how garden birds are faring. You can register your interest in participating at RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen are taking a well-earned festive break and will be serving fish and chips again in Topcliffe on Friday 23 January between 5 and 7pm.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will take place at 7pm on Thursday 29 January in the Village Hall.

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

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Marty Supreme – to Thursday 22 January. Matinee, Wednesday 21 January.
Song Sung Blues – Friday 23 to Thursday 29 January. Matinee, Wednesday 28 January.
Hamnet – Friday 30 January to Thursday 5 February. Matinee, Wednesday 4 February.

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

Haunted Thirsk Walk
Join this tour which lasts approximately 75 minutes around the medieval town on Friday 23 January at 6.30pm. Hear spooky tales and a fascinating history which surrounds this beautiful market town. Start at the Clock Tower in the Market Place. £8, local residents £7 and concessions £6.50. Tickets from Tina on 07876 010835.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Mixed Media Journalling – Join Dove Armistead for a 2.5 hour Mixed Media Journalling workshop on either Saturday 24 or Wednesday 28 January. Explore textures, colours and ideas. Materials and a hot drink – 1 to 3.30pm. Tickets £25
Music Monthlies: Edwina Hayes – A concert featuring one of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich northern tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own. Thursday 5 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £15.
After Supper Ghost Stories – A Victorian-inspired evening of comic ghost stories by Jerome K. Jerome, paired with a ghostly supper: a charcuterie board for two and your choice of drink. Friday 6 February. Doors open and supper served from 6pm, Stories from 7pm. £25 or £20 concession.
Watercolour and Calligraphy – Explore watercolour and calligraphy in this two-hour workshop with artist Dove Armistead. Learn colour, composition, and lettering while creating personalised pieces. Includes all materials and a hot drink. Perfect for beginners. Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 February. 10.30am to 1pm. £25.
Macrame Wall Hangings – Join artist Claire Ford for a three-hour workshop where you’ll learn the art of macramé and create your own stunning wall hanging. Friday 13 February 10.30am to 1.30pm. £35.
Paint Your Partner – Celebrate this Valentines with this new paint your partner experience. Enjoy a savoury platter for two and be guided by our in-house artist to create your masterpiece. Saturday 14 February 7pm – 9pm. £40pp.

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

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 27 January 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.

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

‘Lift the Spirit’ – paint colourful garden scenes in acrylics. 10am to 1pm on Thursday 29 January.
Calm Winter Art Retreat – a two-day experience using paint and pastels to create fur and feather works on day one or beautiful big skies on day two. Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 10am to 3pm. Choose your preferred day or attend both!
Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.
‘Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm,

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Until Sunday 15 February 2026 admission is at half price.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.

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

Quiz answers

1. 1965
2. Any of these: Jeff Beck Group, Faces, The Birds or The Creation
3. Hampshire
4. Hamza Yassin
5. The Beast
6. Director of Public Prosecutions
7. Spain
8. Gladys Emmanuel
9. Eleven
10. Finland.

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

Posted on 11 January 20262 October 2026 by Doug Allan

Sunday Email: Issue 297

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
[email protected]

St Columba’s Services

TODAY: Sunday 11 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Thursday 15 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 18 January at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Thursday 22 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 25 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Thursday 29 January at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer
Sunday 1 February at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 1 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper drinks and nibbles.

Sunday Quiz Night

Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Sheila and won by Jean, Doug, Lynne and Roger. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.

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

1. In which game do you ‘peg out’?
2. What is the name of the Bucket’s son in ‘Keeping up Appearances’?
3. What is the only planet without a mythological name?
4. What does ambisinistrous mean?
5. Orson Welles voiced which lager advertisement on TV in the 1970s?
6. What does Brut mean on a bottle of sparkling wine?
7. What is a female ferret called?
8. What is Florida’s state capital called?
9. What is Loki the God of?
10. Patagonia is part of which two countries?

The Swan now serves food on Tuesdays
Starting next Tuesday, 13 January, The Swan is introducing that old favourite, basket night, serving traditional home cooked food either at the table or as a takeaway. Meals will be served between 5 and 8.30pm. Booking advised but not essential. Call 01845 595185. See menu here.

The Toll Booth
At the next meeting of the Parish Council, which will be at 7pm on Thursday 29 January in the Village Hall, the results of the recent structural survey will be considered. It’s also possible that the agenda might include an item about the next steps that councillors may wish to take, including starting the process to investigate the viability of selling the building.

Station Road in Thirsk – Temporary closure
As part of the ongoing improvement works to Station Road in Thirsk there will be two road closures in the coming weeks. The road in front of the Tesco filling station will close at 7pm on Sunday, 11 January for one week. This will be a full 24‑hour closure for the full week with no access through or passed the roadworks. North Yorkshire Council’s Facebook page states that neighbouring businesses have been informed about the closure but it fails to give any further information about how drivers should access shops and services in this area during the closure.

The second lot of maintenance will see overnight closures of Station Road between Tesco/Lidl roundabout and the railway station between 6:30pm and midnight from Monday 19 January for 25 weekdays.

One consequence of the closures is that Hodgsons buses from Topcliffe to Thirsk or Northallerton will go direct to Thirsk from Topcliffe and vice versa (presumably via the A168), missing out Alanbrooke Barracks, Busby Stoop, Carlton Miniott and Thirsk Station. Check the company’s website at http://www.hodgsonsbuses.com

Winn Lane, Topcliffe

Repair work on the Winn Lane bridge over the A168 means that Winn Lane will be closed between 8am and 4pm tomorrow, Monday 12 January (for one day only).

Dalton road closure
And there’s more pain for drivers who pass through Dalton. North Yorkshire Council has announced that the road near Springfield Garage and Water Lane will be closed from 26 January until 3 April. This is a full road closure and no access will be allowed due to the depth to which workmen will need to excavate. The road closure will be carried out in small sections from the new development entrance near Springfield Garage to Water Lane junction at the bottom of the village. Diversions will be in place. Any queries or questions should be directed to North Yorkshire Council’s highways department.

Have your say about Thirsk
Thirsk’s future is being shaped – and your voice matters. North Yorkshire Council is developing a Town Investment Plan to guide regeneration and investment in the town.
Residents, businesses and visitors, including people living in villages close by, are invited to complete a short survey to share their views. The survey is open until Saturday 28 February and two consultation events will take place. These sessions will be held in Thirsk Community Library on Thursday 29 January, 10am to 5pm and Tuesday 10 February, 1pm to 6pm. You can complete the survey now at: http://yo7.org.uk/nyc

Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 13 January in the Village Hall.

At the last Warm Hub on 7 January a total of forty three meals were served and a donation of £50 was made to Animal Crew Rescue from the funds raised.

Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen are taking a well-earned festive break and will be serving fish and chips again in Topcliffe on Friday 23 January between 5 and 7pm.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will take place at 7pm on Thursday 29 January in the Village Hall.

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

EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA

The Ritz Cinema

Fackham Hall – to Thursday 15 January. Matinee, Wednesday 14 January.
Marty Supreme – Friday 16 to Thursday 22 January. Matinee, Wednesday 21 January.
Song Sung Blues – Friday 23 to Thursday 29 January. Matinee, Wednesday 28 January.
Hamnet – Friday 30 January to Thursday 5 February. Matinee, Wednesday 4 February.

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

Baldersby St. James Church

Plough Sunday – Sunday 18 January – an important service in the farming calendar. There’ll be a bring and share lunch and everyone is welcome.

Haunted Thirsk Walk
Join this tour which lasts approximately 75 minutes around the medieval town on Friday 23 January at 6.30pm. Hear spooky tales and a fascinating history which surrounds this beautiful market town. Start at the Clock Tower in the Market Place. £8, local residents £7 and concessions £6.50. Tickets from Tina on 07876 010835.

Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk

Mixed Media Journalling – Join Dove Armistead for a 2.5 hour Mixed Media Journalling workshop on either Saturday 24 or Wednesday 28 January. Explore textures, colours and ideas. Materials and a hot drink – 1 to 3.30pm. Tickets £25
Music Monthlies: Edwina Hayes – A concert featuring one of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich northern tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own. Thursday 5 February at 7.30pm. Tickets £15.
After Supper Ghost Stories – A Victorian-inspired evening of comic ghost stories by Jerome K. Jerome, paired with a ghostly supper: a charcuterie board for two and your choice of drink. Friday 6 February. Doors open and supper served from 6pm, Stories from 7pm. £25 or £20 concession.
Watercolour and Calligraphy – Explore watercolour and calligraphy in this two-hour workshop with artist Dove Armistead. Learn colour, composition, and lettering while creating personalised pieces. Includes all materials and a hot drink. Perfect for beginners. Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 February. 10.30am to 1pm. £25.
Macrame Wall Hangings – Join artist Claire Ford for a three-hour workshop where you’ll learn the art of macramé and create your own stunning wall hanging. Friday 13 February 10.30am to 1.30pm. £35.
Paint Your Partner – Celebrate this Valentines with this new paint your partner experience. Enjoy a savoury platter for two and be guided by our in-house artist to create your masterpiece. Saturday 14 February 7pm – 9pm. £40pp.

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

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 27 January 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.

Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:

‘Lift the Spirit’ – paint colourful garden scenes in acrylics. 10am to 1pm on Thursday 29 January.
Calm Winter Art Retreat – a two-day experience using paint and pastels to create fur and feather works on day one or beautiful big skies on day two. Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 10am to 3pm. Choose your preferred day or attend both!
Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.
‘Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm,

For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/

Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Until Sunday 15 February 2026 admission is at half price.

Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral

Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.

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

Quiz answers

1. Cribbage
2. Sheridan
3. Earth
4. Clumsy with both hands (the opposite of ambidextrous)
5. Carlsberg Lager
6. Dry/Very Dry/Unsweetened
7. Jill
8. Tallahassee
9. Mischief
10. Chile and Argentina.

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