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Sunday Email: Issue 121

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
Garry Key – funeral arrangements
The funeral of former Topcliffe Parish Council chairman, Garry Key, will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 24 August at Maple Park Crematorium, near Skipton Bridge. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Garry’s family has been touched by the number of cards, flowers and kind words they have received. They have all been very much appreciated. There’ll be a collection for Herriot Hospice Homecare.

There’ll be more about Garry and his long service to our community in the September edition of The Tattler.
Asenby Parish Council goes walkabout
TODAY, from 10am, Asenby’s parish councillors will be walking around Asenby village to check out a number of issues which 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.
Ripley Agricultural Show
TODAY – 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
St Columba’s services

  • TODAY- 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.
Topcliffe Bridge
Back in February a request was sent to North Yorkshire County Council’s highways department for some action to repair Topcliffe Bridge, which had been damaged at least two years earlier. The initial request was that the repairs might be carried out in time for the bridge’s 400th anniversary and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

The response was published in an earlier Sunday Email and it suggested that, whilst not promising repairs by the Jubilee, they’d be done around about that time or soon after. The county council then indicated that there were issues with other agencies that needed to be resolved and that there were new thoughts on how to undertake the repairs.

Four weeks ago, an update was promised and it finally arrived last Tuesday (9 August). Whilst the highways department is promising the repairs will be done, there is going to be more delay and the completion is promised this financial year – which means it could take until 31 March 2023. Here’s the wording of the latest email from the department:

Thank you for your patience awaiting my reply, I have been on annual leave. I am pleased to say that the matter concerning the masonry has been resolved and colleagues dealing with the procurement documentation have amended it to suit the change. This is now being processed to go out to tender as soon as possible with a view to appointing a preferred contractor to deliver the works. Until that process is complete I am unfortunately unable to advise of a start date, but please be assured that the work will be completed this financial year. I shall keep you updated of progress and of delivery dates in due course.

In response, the following message was sent:

Thank you for your update on planned repairs to Topcliffe Bridge. It is certainly good news that some progress is finally been made, but I am most surprised that the preparation of procurement details and documentation has taken so long and we still face potentially months of waiting before the work is tackled. “This financial year” presumably means to 31 March: I think people in Topcliffe and Asenby will be entitled to be very unhappy if it takes until then.
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.

Everything is in place. All the administration to make it work has been completed. All that is needed now are people to buy their tickets and then they can look forward to a great fun evening! So, if you’re planning to attend, please get your ticket now so that the organisers can be confident about numbers for catering. Entry tickets are on sale at £6 each from Topcliffe Post Office, Doug Allan (07785 223707) or Judith Lowe in Asenby (01845 577911).

  • There’ll be a cash bar serving draught beer, lager, wines and soft drinks.
  • There’ll be eight races on the big screen.
  • Entry includes a beef in red wine and crispy dumplings supper or vegetarian alternative, which will be served at about 8.45pm.
  • Each entry 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’s be some great prizes to be won on the raffle.
Summer Fayre Success
Last Sunday’s Summer Fayre and Afternoon Tea raised £304 to help support the village hall. Other charities benefited from cash raised by various tombolas.

Christmas Fayre (that’s the first mention of Christmas in this year’s email!)
The date has been set for a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 12 November. Some stalls have already been booked by people who had a stall last week, but there’ll be plenty of room for more at just £5 each. That’s much cheaper than what stallholders have to pay at other Christmas events. in our area! There’ll be more about this event nearer the date.
Post Office shop trials longer opening hours
Topcliffe Post Office is trialing extended opening hours for the shop (not Post Office services, which will continue to close at 5pm). On Thursdays and Fridays the shop will remain open until 7pm to see if there is any demand to stay open later. Lottery tickets will be available during these evening openings. If it works well, the longer hours may be extended to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday openings.
Knit and Natter
The fortnightly Knit & Natter had its first meeting in the TV room at The Angel last Thursday. It went very well and the new venue proved a good choice. A big thank you to the Angel management and staff for making the group so welcome. The next meeting will be at 1.30pm on Thursday 25 August. The cost for refreshments remains at £3 and everyone is welcome to attend, whether for a knit, just for a natter or both!
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 2022 Produce Show
Just three weeks to go to the Topcliffe and Asenby Produce Show. It will take place at the Village Hall on Saturday 3 September. 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).
RAF Leeming
There will be increased aircraft movement for an exercise taking place from 23 August to 23 September 2022. The Station will be hosting an exercise involving increased air and ground movement. Low flying for short periods may be necessary, along with 24-hour operations. The airfield understands its responsibility as good neighbours and hopes residents will bear with it as these additional flying activities take place. A spokesman said: "Every effort will be made to keep disturbance to a minimum".
Yorkshire Water
Our water supply company has become the latest to announce it is to introduce a temporary hosepipe ban. It’s the first ban for 27 years. It says reservoir levels have fallen below 50% for the first time since the drought of 1995 and it would take months of rain for them to recover. Over 5 million customers will be affected and anyone breaking the ban, which starts on 26 August, faces a fine of up to £1,000. You can read the full list of banned activities here.
The Yorkshire Young Achievers’ Awards
These awards aim to recognise and reward outstanding achievement by young people in or from Yorkshire. Anyone can make a nomination and anyone can be a winner, as long as they meet the requirements. The winners are decided by a panel of senior members of the Yorkshire community representing different walks of life and awards are presented at a Gala Dinner.

The awards are, in most cases, open to young people aged under 35 and this can make it difficult for those at the younger end of the spectrum to make their mark in the same way that the older nominees have done. The Youngster of the Year Award, therefore, marks the achievement of a nominee aged 12 and under. The awards are :

  • Young Personality of the Year
  • Youngster of the Year
  • Unsung Hero
  • Achievement in Management and Enterprise
  • Achievement in Education
  • Achievement in Sport
  • Achievement in the Arts
  • Special Award.

For more information click here
To nominate please click here
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 Yorkshire Flea
Thirsk Auction Mart will be displaying an exciting and interesting selection of vintage, antique & collectable items from the 18th 19th & 20th centuries. Around 50 to 80 dealers from across the north of England and beyond. Ample free parking. Saturday 20 August. Open 11am-6pm. Adult £3. Accompanied under 16s free. NHS staff with official work photo ID free. Tickets: helen@antiquesfairs.com
The Ritz Cinema

  • The Railway Children Return – to Thursday 18 August (Matinee Wednesday 17 August) –
  • Where the Crawdads Sing – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 August (No Sunday evening show. Matinee Wednesday 24 August).
  • A Dog’s Life – Sunday 21 August – featuring Charlie Chaplin – plus short films, accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra conducted by Benjamin Ellin. This is part of the Thirsk Hall Festival – see more information below under the festival entry.

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

  • Friday 26 August – All Creatures Great and Small Family Day. Gates open 11am.
  • Saturday 3 September – Ladies 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
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:

  • There’s a burger night on Saturday 20 August between 4 and 8pm. Advance booking is essential as last time more than 30 more people arrived than had initially been catered for. You can look at the delicious menu on our Facebook page. There will be a bar selling alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks or you can takeaway!
  • Yoga classes are held each Sunday morning between 9am until 10am. 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, ring the number below.
  • Also check out 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. £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):

  • Refuse – Monday 15 August
  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Thursday 25 August.

Harrogate (Asenby):

  • Recycling – Monday 15 August
  • Refuse – Monday 22 August
  • Garden waste – Thursday 25 August
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.