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Sunday Email: Issue 156

Welcome to the Sunday Email.
Doug
07785 223707
Amelia cleans up
When ignorant drivers and their passengers throw their coffee cups and sandwich wrappers out of their vehicle windows do they ever give a thought about who will have to pick up their disgusting litter?

Maybe they think the highway authority or the council will send it a team to remove their rubbish. But do they ever think that the job is left to proud residents – people who are so ashamed of unsightly verges at the entrances to their village that they go out and do the job? Do they care or even think about such things?

Probably not. But the fact is that here in Topcliffe and Asenby residents are proud of where they live and are disgusted when they see litter strewn all over the pavements, verges and lanes.

There are plenty of locals who when out for exercise will take a litter pick and bag to remove litter along their walk route. And there’s also youngsters like Amelia Pearson, who also get sick and tired of the mess. Amelia is prepared to give up part of her Sundays to go out with her parents to clean up the place. Last Sunday they collected three bags of litter in less than an hour at the Dalton Lane end of Topcliffe. Well done Amelia and thank you for caring. Thanks too, to Marie and John Pearson for helping.

St Columba’s – Lent Services

  • TODAY- 10.45am – Holy Communion service led by Rev’d Robert Williamson.
  • Sunday 30 April – No Service (5th Sunday of the month).

May Services

  • Sunday 7 May at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong in celebration of the King’s Coronation
  • Sunday 14 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Ascension Day – Thursday 18 May at 7pm – Compline
  • Sunday 21 May at 10.45am – Choral Matins
  • Sunday 28 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Quiz night at the Village Hall
TONIGHT – the weekly Sunday quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Come along at 8pm. The quiz is attracting a regular crowd of around 25 each week and its turning out to be a great social evening. There’s always room for a few more quizzers, so if you fancy testing your general knowledge and later having a chat with friends and neighbours, please come along. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Glasses are available, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Easter Trail
Although not as many people as normal took part in this year’s Easter egg hunt, those that did had a great time. So, a big thank you to each and every participant who followed the clues and found the hidden eggs. Well done to Rosie Foster and family who won the Easter Bunny’s Chocolate Hamper.

The event raised £50 for the Friends of Topcliffe School. Thanks to organiser Karen Hotham and also to The Elm Gallery and Topcliffe Post Office for all their help with distribution of the forms.

Flying Oysters lift the roof on the Village Hall
Last night’s performance at the Village Hall by the Flying Oysters, reputedly one of the best bands in the North East, really rocked Topcliffe and had everyone on the dance floor from start to finish. The group were last in Topcliffe pre the Covid pandemic and on that occasion they went down a storm too!

A sell-out crowd enjoyed the evening’s music and a supper prepared and served by Karen and Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson. A big thank you to them for their time and commitment. Thanks are also due to the staff at the Post Office who helped sell tickets, to those who helped set up the hall for the evening and to the kind residents who donated prizes for the raffle.

Although the final sums need to be done, the event raised around £370 for the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall.

Dangers of posting on social media whilst on holiday
Posting your holiday photos on social media whilst on holiday not only tells your friends and family you’re having a good time it also advertises to criminals that you’re away and your house is empty. Many insurers now have an exclusion stating that if you post photos advertising the fact that you are on holiday, you may not be covered if your house gets burgled. If your insurer does not have a specific Social Media Exclusion, they will have a general condition often called a ‘Duty of Care’ this will state that you must take reasonable precautions to try and prevent a claim. Advertising that you are on holiday is like placing a sign on your front door stating your house is empty. There are some steps you can take to keep safe:

  • Wait Until you get Back – Post your photos when you get home and don’t check in on Facebook as soon as you get to the airport or hotel.
  • Lock Down your Social Media – Keep your social media settings private so only your friends and family can see them.
  • Turn off Location Services – If this is on and linked to your social media accounts then it will post you’re your location.
  • Check your Friends List – Have a clear out of anyone who shouldn’t be there. Is there anyone on the list you don’t know? A friend request from a stranger may not be what it seems.
  • Remove personal details you don’t need – Check online to see just what you can find out about yourself; you may be surprised by what information is there.
  • Make sure you’re not tagged– Ask friends/family not to tag you and warn them only to post when you’re all home. Adjust the setting so you can review anything you are tagged in.
  • Check your insurance policy – Read the small print or contact your insurer to check for any clauses relating to posting on social media.
Emergency Alert to your mobile.
The government is launching a new emergency alert system enabling people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk and it will be tested today at 3pm. Emergency alerts will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones when there’s a danger to your life, health or property in the area you’re located. They don’t need your location or phone number and only the government and the emergency services can send messages. If you don’t have a mobile, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.

If you receive an alert today as part of the system testing you won’t need to do anything. After the test and the system is live, if there is an emergency alert where you are, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and a message will appear on your screen to tell you about the emergency and how best to react. To learn more, look out for the nationwide information campaign and visit http://www.gov.uk/alerts

Police are looking out for ‘Special’ people
North Yorkshire Police are looking to recruit ‘Special Constables’. ‘Specials’, as they are known, are volunteer police officers who provide vital support to regular officers. They carry the same powers, wear the same uniform and have similar responsibilities as full-time police officers. Those who apply must commit to at least 16 hours per month and this could include involvement in local policing, road policing or responding to 999 calls. For more information and to check out the application process, go to:
https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/police-forces/north-yorkshire-police/areas/careers/jobs-volunteers/special-constables/application-process/
Knit and Natter Club
The Knit & Natter club meets at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall from 1.30 to 3.30pm every Thursday.
Rural Arts, Thirsk
There are just a few days left to see Rural Arts Collective’s first exhibition of 2023, which finishes on Tuesday 25 April. It’s on at The Courthouse in Thirsk and is open between 10am and 4pm each day. Entry is free of charge. The Collective is a group of artists who develop their work through Rural Arts Open Studio Scheme and it is a spectacular display of printmaking and ceramic work. Everyone is welcome.
Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be on Wednesday 26 April in theVillage Hall – 11.30am until 1.30pm. Food served until 12.45pm Selection of delicious soups followed by a selection of cakes and bakes with tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe each Friday tea time – 5 to 7pm.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • To Thursday 27 April (no matinees) – Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
  • Friday 28 April to Thursday 4 May (no matinees) – Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.
  • Friday 5 to Thursday 11 May – (matinee on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May) – The Super Mario Bros: The Movie.
  • Friday 12 to Thursday 18 May (no matinees) Renfield.

Ticket prices: All ticket prices are £6 unless otherwise stated.
Opening times: evenings – doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees doors open 2pm for 2.30pm.
Please check the cinema website for the latest information – https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Art classes at the Village Hall
A new series of six classes began last Monday and runs until 22 May. Specific dates are Monday 24 April, then in May they are Wednesday 3, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Monday 22 (in Bank Holiday weeks the classes are on Wednesdays). Classes are two hours long starting at 10am. The venue is Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Rebecca will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own artwork.

Special one-off classes:
Thursday 27 April – 10.30am to 1pm – Escape to the Sea – paint a seascape in oils.
Thursday 25 May – 10.30am to 1pm – Beautiful Yorkshire Landscapes – paint a view of your choice in oils.

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

Cricket training for juniors
Rainton Cricket Club is looking out for young boys and girls, from school year 2 upwards, to join the club. There’ll be outdoor practice for year 2s to year 8s each Monday evening at 6pm starting Monday 24 April. Coaching will be taken by qualified and DBS checked trainers. More details from Pete Keighley, Head Junior Coach – petekeighleycricketcoaching@gmail.com
Ever been swishing?
Swishing is a term used when items of clothing and accessories are handed in and exchanged for a similar number of items provided by others. You can give it a try on Friday 28 April at Romanby WI Hall. The idea is that during the afternoon ladies take along five items of good quality clothing, shoes or handbags for which they receive tokens. Then on the same evening, these tokens can be used to obtain items that other ladies want to swap. Items will be accepted between 2-4pm and the swapping get underway at 6pm. Unwanted items will be donated to charity at end of the event. Raffle and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Debbie Rainbird on 07721847187 or romanbywihallbookings@gmail.com.
The Good Old Days
This Old Time Music Hall and Singalong featuring Charlie Chuck and Kathy Ryan (Yorkshire’s very own Vera Lynn) is at 7.30pm on Friday 28 April at Baldersby Church. Tickets £6 on the night include tea or coffee. You can take your own drinks.
After-School Base Camp
Here’s just the thing to keep the kids busy after school each Thursday during May and June. Youngsters aged 5 to 11 can join this after-school activity at Baldersby Park (grounds of Queen Mary’s school) for adventure, fun and creativity. Drop off 3.30 – 3.45pm, pick up 4.45pm. Four sessions for just £20 and that includes a drink and homemade snack on arrival. To book telephone Hannah on 07979 526883.
Ladies Fashion Show
The Friends of Topcliffe School are staging a ladies Fashion Show and Pop-up Shop at Dalton Village Hall on Thursday 4 May. See poster here. It’s one of a series of planned events being organised to raise funds to help replace dated and worn-out play equipment at the school. The show will feature a wide range of everyone’s favourite High Street brands and items will be on sale at greatly reduced prices. There’ll be a raffle with some fabulous prizes. Tickets are £5 from Karen on 07875 331277.
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 4 May at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Racing at Thirsk

  • Saturday 6 May – Thirsk Hunt Cup – the most prolific race day in the course’s calendar with first class racing. Watch top horses compete to be crowned Thirsk Hunt Cup Winner 2023. Gates open 11am, first race 1.10pm.
  • Thursday 11 May – Evening Racing in support of The ABF British Legions Charity. Gates open 3.30pm, first race 4.50pm. www.thirskracecourse.net
Events at Thorp Perrow
Monday 8 May – a special King’s Coronation weekend – spectacular display of over 300 classic and modern ‘classic’ cars, vintage vehicles and motorcycles. A wide variety of retail stalls, food outlets and autojumble stalls alongside plenty of entertainment on the competition concours with Classic Show’s commentators and judges. Visitors can enjoy a full family day of dual access to both the car show and the Arboretum, all for the standard Arboretum admission price.

Wednesday 10 May – Spring blossom tour and afternoon tea/champagne served in the summerhouse overlooking the glorious grounds. All attendees will be given a spring flower posy.

Tuesday 23 May – Birds of Prey Photography Workshop – a fantastic opportunity for a stimulating photography workshop in the bird of prey centre. Capture birds of prey – both stationary and in flight against the beautiful backdrop of Thorp Perrow. Refreshments and lunch included.

For more information on prices and bookings, go to: https://www.thorpperrow.com

Village Hall AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held at the hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9 May. The AGM will be followed by an ordinary meeting of the Village Hall Committee.
Vet talks about his new book
Well-known local vet and author, Peter Wright, will be at the White Rose Book Café on Thursday 11 May to talk about his new book ‘The Tales and Tails of a Yorkshire Vet’. The popular TV star will answer questions and sign copies of his book. The event is free of charge. It starts at 7pm, with the doors opening at 6.30pm, and pre-booking is essential, either at the shop or by ringing 01845 524353.
London Film Music Orchestra at Ripon Cathedral
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and John William’s most iconic music with a live orchestra in a moon-lit setting. Experience cinema’s most iconic music and hear the mesmerising music of the most iconic movie moments. Friday 12 May – two performances: 7pm and 9.30pm. www.riponcathedral.org.uk/mec-category/concert
Hambleton Brewery Open Day
There’s to be an open day at Hambleton Brewery on Saturday 13 May from noon to 8pm and there’ll be tours, games, drinks, food and live music courtesy of The Bootleggers. Free entry. See poster here
Women’s introduction to golf
This is a fun taster session aimed at introducing women to the world of golf. There are two sessions on Saturday 13 May at Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club. They are 10 to 12 noon and 1 to 3pm. All equipment provided. For more information or to book a place, call 01845 525115.
Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 18 May at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Local traders

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

Bin Collections
Topcliffe:

  • Refuse – Monday 24 April.
  • Recycling & Garden Waste – Friday 5 May (one day later than normal).

Asenby:

  • Recycling – Monday 24 April and Tuesday 9 May (one day later than normal).
  • Refuse – Tuesday 2 May (one day later than normal).
  • Garden Waste – Thursday 4 May (one day later than normal).

You can check dates of collections and subscribe to the Green Waste collection service at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
This email is proudly sponsored by Faro Finance
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