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Sunday Email: Issue 120

Welcome to the Sunday Email. This is edition No. 120.
Doug
07785 223707
Sad news
Last Thursday morning, Topcliffe resident Garry Key, sadly passed away. Garry will have been known to most of you as he had served on Topcliffe Parish Council for 23 years, and was chairman for 20.

All our thoughts will be with his family, wife Nikki and their three children Sam, Georgina and Edward.

Funeral service details will be included in next Sunday’s Email. There’ll be more about Garry and his long service to our community in the September edition of The Tattler.
Car rally passing through Topcliffe today
TODAY – Watch out for the annual St Wilfrid’s Classic Car Rally passing through Topcliffe between 9.55am and 11.30am.
Thirsk and Sowerby Festival
TODAY – Great fun for all the family at this event being staged on Sowerby Flatts. Bouncy castle and an inflatable obstacle course and, as ever, this will be free for all to use. There’ll also be traditional family carnival rides, birds of prey, pony displays, archery and axe throwing displays, stalls and lots more. Kando Canine Capers will be returning to the festival again this year to seek out the dog with the most agility. 10am-4pm. Free. https://www.facebook.com/FestivalontheFlatts
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY – the Northern Dales Farmers’ Market is on today at Thirsk Market Square. There’ll be hand-picked local independent stallholders, so you can be sure that the market presents some of the very best food and drink producers in the country. http://northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com
St Columba’s services

  • TODAY- Sunday 7 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Sunday 14 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 21 August at 10.45am – Sung Matins
  • Sunday 28 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Sunday 4 September at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.

All services conclude with refreshments.
Summer Fayre and Afternoon Tea
There was a good turnout at the Summer Fayre & Afternoon Tea held in the Village Hall yesterday. A big thank you to everyone who attended and to those that took a stall or organised a tombola. many thanks to those who made sandwiches, baked a cake or contributed in some other way. We are indebted to Karen Morley and Malc Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson for organising the event and working so hard to make it a success.
Farewell to the Milk Churn Farm Shop
Friday was the final day of trading for the Milk Churn Farm Shop on Topcliffe’s Long Street. Opening the shop was always going to be a challenge but two years of Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and huge increases in energy and other costs, finally proved too much. But Debbie, Hannah and Rob – thanks for trying.

Hello to Milk Churn online shopping
Customers can still get their favourite items by shopping online at the Milk Churn’s website. There’s a wide range of locally produced items on sale including biscuits, sauces, pickles, chocolate and sweets…and more produce will be available as the site develops. Orders can be delivered to your home or collected from Topcliffe Post Office. https://www.milkchurnfarmshop.co.uk/shop
New Knit and Natter
Following the closure of the Milk Churn Farm Shop, the fortnightly Knit and Natter group is moving to the TV room at The Angel. The next meeting will be at 1.30pm on Thursday 11 August…and then every fortnight after that. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend.
Ideas for positive action in villages
Sometimes, when you know you want to take positive action in your community, having that initial inspiration is the hardest part. Now Community First Yorkshire, an organisation involved in community-based work across the county, has produced a leaflet offering fifty-two ideas that could be of interest. From setting up a photography club to running a car-sharing scheme, it’s got some great ideas on what any community can do…if only there’s a willingness to get involved. Some of the ideas presented are already a reality in Topcliffe & Asenby, but there’s plenty of food for thought in the guide.
https://communitysupportny.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/52-Things-Version-12-Final-Version.pdf
Asenby Bus-stop Library
Heather and David Allon are back home after a few months of travelling abroad and have quickly got involved again with the bus stop library in their village. They have repaired and cleaned the bookcases, sorted out the books so that they are readily accessible for residents to view and borrow. and generally cleaned-up the shelter. Heather has asked for a big thank you to be offered to those who have helped maintain the library in their absence.
Open Days at Sutton Park, Sutton on the Forest

  • Each day in August.
  • Gardens Open – 11am – 5pm. Adult £5 / Child £2.50 / Concessions £4.
  • House Tours- 1:30pm and 2:45pm. Ticket includes entry to Gardens. Adult £10 / Child £5 / Concessions £6.50.
  • Tickets onthe door or by email (advisable) – suttonpark
  • www.sutton-park.co.uk
Soup & sweet lunch
The next soup and sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 17 August at 12 noon. Cash raised at this lunch will be donated to Community Works Thirsk. The last lunch raised £74.15 for Cancer Research.
Topcliffe Bridge – still no update received
It’s now four weeks since North Yorkshire County Council’s promised an update regarding repairs to Topcliffe Bridge. The last email from a Highways Engineer suggested a meeting of people involved in planning the repairs was being held after which he promised to provide an update. Regretfully, and despite a reminder, that update has not yet arrived.
Cross Talk
The August edition of Cross Talk, the local parishes newsletter for villages in our area, has been published, You can see it here.
Booking the Village Hall online
The new online booking system – Hallmaster – allows enquiries and bookings to be made directly on the village website. Payments are completed via PayPal or BACs. The Hallmaster booking pages can be found at
https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/village-hall/hall-booking-system/ Anyone experiencing any difficulty making a booking, should call 07857 836332.
Asenby Parish Council
Asenby’s parish councillors will be walking around Asenby village on Sunday 14 August to look at a number of issues that were raised at the last meeting of the council. These include: the Bank Top footpath, the playing field, location of litter bins, traffic issues, Green End parking.

The next Parish Council meeting will be at 7pm on Monday 12 September at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

A new village Facebook group has been set up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/457016899263420/?ref=share_group_link It would be great to see as many Asenby residents as possible on the group.

You can contact your Parish Council at asenbypc or via the Facebook page.
The 2022 Produce Show
The annual Topcliffe and Asenby Produce Show will take place at the Village Hall on Saturday 3 September. So put the date in your diary! Any resident of Topcliffe and Asenby, as well as individuals who grow produce on allotments within the boundaries of our two villages, can put entries in the show. There’ll be 47 horticultural classes, as well as 16 baking/preserves classes, three floral classes, 10 hobbies classes and five classes just for children to enter. The full list of rules, categories and classes are available on both village websites – http://www.topcliffe.org.uk and http://www.asenby.net or from Produce Show Secretary Judith Lowe (577911).
The Big Race Night

  • The Big Race night will take place on Saturday 10 September at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the first race is off at 7.30pm.
  • There’ll be a cash bar serving draught beer, lager, wines and soft drinks.
  • There’ll be eight races on the big screen and supper will be served at the halfway point.
  • Entry includes a beef in red wine and crispy dumplings supper, or vegetarian alternative.
  • Each ticket is numbered and will be entered in a draw, the winner of which will win a night’s bed and breakfast at Crab Manor Hotel.
  • There’ll be some great prizes to be won on the raffle.
  • Tickets are on sale at £6 each from Topcliffe Post Office, Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Judith Lowe in Asenby (01845 577911). If you’re planning to attend, please get your ticket now so that the organisers can be confident about numbers for catering.
Topcliffe Village Hall Committee Meeting
The next meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee will be on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30pm.
St James Coffee and Chat
There’s a weekly coffee and chat session held at the church in Baldersby St James Tuesday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. A popular morning to meet friends old and new…and to swap your books at the same time.
The Ritz Cinema

  • To Thursday 11 August (Matinee Wednesday 10 August) – Thor: Love and Thunder.
  • Friday 12 to Thursday 18 August (Matinee Wednesday 17 August) – The Railway Children Return.

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

  • Friday 12 August – Evening racing. Gates open 3pm, first race 5.07pm.
  • Friday 26 August – All Creatures Great and Small Family Day. Gates open 11am.

And to attract families to the racecourse, there’s now a family ticket for two adults and accompanied children for the Grandstand paddock for just £20. Book online at https://www.thirskracecourse.net
Ripley Agricultural Show
The popular Ripley Agricultural Show is on at Ripley Castle Park on Sunday 14 August. It promises to be a great day out. Family (2+3) £30, adult £12, child (5-16) £5.50, under 5s get in for free. https://www.ripleyshow.co.uk
Children’s summer holiday events
A wide range of children’s activities is being held at Thirsk Community Library over the school holidays.

  • Tuesdays 16 and 30 August – Lego and Duplo drop in. 2 to 4pm. Come and make your own creations. All ages welcome and under 8s need to be accompanied by an adult. Just turn up. Free.
  • Monday 15 August – Young Gadgeteers. 2 to 3pm for 4-7 year olds. 3.15 to 4.15pm for 7 years+ age group. Become an electronic engineer for the afternoon. £2 per child. Booking essential.
  • Thursday 25 August – Pin Ups. 2 to 3pm. Join local artist Chris Jeeson to create your own pin up and pop-up books. Children aged 5+ years. £2 per child. Booking essential.
  • Friday 2 September – Warhammer War Gaming taster session. 10.30 to 11.30am. Free session to find out what war gaming is all about. Suitable for children 7+ and no booking needed. Just turn up.

Pre-booking is required for some activities: Telephone 01609 534589 or call into the library.
As You Like It – a brilliant outdoor performance
William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ will be performed at Newby Hall’s outdoor theatre on Friday 19 August at 7pm (gates open at 6pm). Performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Tickets also include access to the gardens from 12 noon for those who wish to make a day of it. Tickets £17 adult, £10 child. Book online or buy at the gate https://www.newbyhall.com/events
Thirsk Hall Festival – 19 to 21 August
Thirsk Hall Festival kicks off with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro performed at St Mary’s Church, Thirsk at 7pm on Friday 19 August. Semi-staged performance of the Mozart comedy classic. Directed by Sarah Helsby-Hughes of Heritage Opera and conducted by Benjamin Ellin. Features festival chorus of singers from across the region. Tickets: adults £15, under 16s £7.50

Carnival Day in the grounds of Thirsk Hall on Saturday 20 August.
– Live performances, fairground rides and food stalls. There will be a Samba workshop, then at 3.30pm a parade for everyone to join. £4 online, £5 on the day. On-site parking £5.
– Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood will take place at 12.30pm and 2.00pm in the Sculpture Garden’s newly renovated gallery. £3 and under 2s free.
– On Saturday evening, audiences will enjoy a journey through the world of folk music, from across the Tudor period up to traditional folk. There will be food and drink as well as a space to dance. £15, under 16s £7.50.
– Poet’s Corner – the outdoor stage offers a chance for performers of all kinds to entertain! Musicians, dancers, poets, everyone is welcome as a solo act or in a group. Each act is given a 20-minute slot on the stage, with a PA system. Book a Saturday slot between 11am – 4pm. http://www.demobraymusic.com

Film & Orchestra -a special performance at the Ritz Cinema on Westgate – Sunday 21 August
Charlie Chaplin’s ‘A Dogs Life’ and a selection of new short films by students of the acclaimed National Film and Television School will be accompanied live by a 13-piece orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Ellin. Starts 3pm. Tickets £10, under 16s £5 on the door or in advance from: https://www.thirskhall.com/thirsk-hall-festival
Events at The Catton Kitchen
Here’s news of a few events planned at The Catton Kitchen over the coming weeks:

  • Lucy Day is holding a yoga class from 9am until 10am each Sunday. It doesn’t matter what level you are at as this class will teach you along the way. Everybody is welcome. £9 for the hour (children free). If you are interested, contact details are below.
  • A burger night is being planned for 20 August. Watch out for more details and make sure you don’t miss out. Advance booking will be essential as last time more than 30 more people arrived than had initially been catered for.
  • Also look out for details about the launch of our range of ready meals using our homegrown vegetables and home-reared meat.

Check out Facebook and Instagram for more information. Or call 07747 083155
http://www.thecattonkitchen.co.uk
Thirsk Garden Centre Summer Market
Held over two days – Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August – with lots of stallholders featuring independent businesses from the area and further afield. Also serving Gardener’s Afternoon Tea at just £8.50.
Concerts at Thorp Perrow
Flash! A tribute to Queen on Friday 26 August. Gates open at 7.30pm. Performance starts at 8.30pm and ends at 10.45pm. Picnics can be taken in, but there’s also hot and cold food and drinks on sale. Tickets via the website at: https://www.thorpperrow.com/
Wensleydale Show
Held in Leyburn just off the A6108 Leyburn to Richmond road on Saturday 27 August. Family (2+3) £25, Adult £10, Child (5-16) £5, Under 5s free. Online or at the gate: https://www.wensleydaleshow.org.uk
Fireworks Champions
This annual event at Newby Hall is back with a bang! On Saturday 27 August, three of the UK’s best firework companies competing against each other with a 10 minute professional firework display choreographed to music followed by a larger huge finale display. The event is the only one of its type in the UK where the audience have the capability to vote for the team they liked the most using their mobile phone. £23, child £13 (+£1.50 booking fee). Book online https://www.fireworkchampions.co.uk
Malton Food Festival
The Malton Food-lovers’ Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce and cooking. Expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar and live music. It’s recommended you arrive hungry! From 9am on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 August and from 10am on Sunday 28 August.
Newburgh Priory Plant Fair
Go along and be enchanted at the plant fair held within the beautiful gardens and grounds of Newburgh Priory. There will be select plant growers presenting a huge selection of plants for sale. Afterwards enjoy home-made savouries and cakes in the old Refectory Cafe. Monday 29 August from 11am to 4pm, with last entry 3pm. Tickets £4 per adult, children free. On the gate or in advance from https://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk
Events at The Angel

  • Bank Holiday Monday – 29 August – 12noon until 5pm, BBQ, children’s games and lots of fun! Free entry.
  • Tuesday 6 September – Hilarity Bites Comedy Club – Doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm.
  • Saturday 1 October – 2pm until late – Octoberfest – wide range of German beers, BBQ and live bands. Free entry.
  • More information and tickets from the venue or online at https://theangelattopcliffe.co.uk/
Music at Junction 50
Thursday 1 September at 7pm – Sirocco Winds – five young talented musicians of the highest quality will perform a wide range of music and will speak about the music they play and why it is important to them. 7pm.£10 including refreshments. For tickets telephone01765 640624 or on the door on the day.
Baldersby St James – Book Sale
The Book Sale is on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September – open from 10am to 5pm each day. If anyone has books to donate for the sale just drop them into the church. Lots of helpers are needed from Thursday 8th to put out books, and on Sunday 11th to tidy up. If you can help please email Susan Brown at c.b.brown398
Rural Arts events at The Courthouse, Thirsk
For information on classes and workshops, and to book places, go to https://www.ruralarts.org/:
Local traders
Most of these traders also have a Facebook page where you can check out latest information.
Bin Collections

Hambleton (Topcliffe):

  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursdays 11 and 25 August.
  • Refuse – Monday 15 August

Harrogate (Asenby):

  • Refuse – Mondays 8 and 22 August
  • Garden waste – Thursday 11 August.
  • Recycling – Monday 15 August
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.