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Sunday Email: Issue 198

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 18 February – On the Market Place in Thirsk from 9am to 2pm. Locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers.
St Columba’s Services
As in previous years, St Columba’s is holding a service of Compline every Wednesday at 7pm throughout Lent. This is a short evening service, originally used to close the day of monastery or convent life. It consists of reflective prayers and readings and takes about 15 minutes and it is a lovely peaceful way to close a busy day. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

  • TODAY – Sunday 18 February at 10.45am – Sung Matins
  • Wednesday 21 February at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Sunday 25 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 28 February at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Sunday 3 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
  • Wednesday 6 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Sunday 10 March at 10.45am – Mothering Sunday Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 13 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Saturday 16 March at 7pm – Northallerton Male Voice Choir (see details in list below)
  • Sunday 17 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
  • Wednesday 20 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
  • Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
  • Saturday 30 March at 7.30pm – Easter Vigil and Choral Mass

Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service.

Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 18 February – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.
Winners of last week’s quiz
The Long Street Mafia – Andy, Nigel and Jim – plus Phil, were winners of a great quiz set by Sue. Well done to all who took part.
Warm Hub lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 21 February from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of meals followed by delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
Wensleydale Railway – Discount for Locals
Residents living in the YO7 postcode area (as well as those in DL6, DL11 and HG4) are entitled to receive a 25% discount on all standard train ticket prices on Wensleydale Railway. In addition, children aged 3-15 years travel for only £1 each. Just show the ticket office a document with your postcode details on it (such as a driver’s licence or utility bill) at the time of booking. Check the website for the latest times and prices: admin
New Chief Constable
It has been announced that Tim Forber will start his role as Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police on Monday 1 April 2024 following the retirement of current Chief Constable, Lisa Winward, on 31 March 2024.
Beware the rogue traders
As spring approaches it’s time to start thinking about all those jobs around the house and garden that need attention. Rogue traders know that this is a good time to visit and suggest that they can help out.

"I’ve been doing some work at one of your neighbour’s house and I noticed you have a loose roof tile", is a common introduction but you should never be pressured in to having any work done by a cold caller. You don’t have to engage with any cold caller and you can close the door on them and, if you feel threatened, call 999.

Unfortunately, some cold callers come across in conversation as caring and helpful, but this can be a ploy to con vulnerable people in to paying for unnecessary work, or believing work is being carried out for a much larger cost than it should be.

Rogue traders will suggest work to many areas of your house and garden, including slipped tiles, overgrown trees and bushes, driveways, double glazing, solar panels and security systems, but they are probably not qualified to undertake any of these tasks and are simply after your cash.

If you need to carry out repairs or maintenance on your building, do your research. Try to deal with locally recognised traders with whom you can speak face to face. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Don’t feel tempted to go with someone offering cash in hand prices to avoid tax and paperwork.
If you need to make a complaint about a trader, product or to report a scam, you can speak to North Yorkshire Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133. You can find more information here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/business-and-economy/trading-standards/consumer-advice

If you have any information about rogue traders you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously. If you need to report an incident to the police, or want to speak to one of your local officers, you can call 101. Alternatively, you can visit http:// www.northyorkshire.police.uk

Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm.
A Menagerie of Mosaics
A celebration of nature’s wonders encapsulated in mosaic art featuring a rich tapestry of birds, animals and plants. Each piece of art is a testament to the diverse beauty found in the natural world. Indulge your senses in the exquisite beauty of mosaic creations meticulously brought to life by members of the British Association of Modern Mosaics. At RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate to 25 February, 10am – 4pm daily. Members get free garden entry, and non-members pay the normal garden admission charge. See poster here.
The RItz Cinema, Thirsk

  • TODAY: to Thursday 22 February – matinee on Wednesday 21 February – The Holdovers.
  • Friday 23 to Thursday 29 February – matinee on Wednesday 28 February – All Of Us Strangers.
  • Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February – matinees only – Wonka.
  • Friday 1 to Thursday 7 March – matinees on Sunday 3 and Wednesday 6 March – Jackdaw.
  • Sunday 3 March – Fundraising evening for the Herriot Hospice – featuring the London Mountain Film Festival – a fabulous night of big screen outdoor adventure films. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.
  • Friday 8 to Thursday 14 March – matinee on Wednesday 13 March – Argylle.
  • Friday 15 to Thursday 21 March – matinee Wednesday 20 March – The Iron Claw.
  • Friday 22 to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March – Bob Marley: One Love.
  • Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March – matinees only – Migration.

https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/

Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm.

Rural Arts events

Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:

  • A Taste of Art; Drawing Landscapes – Wednesday 21 February.
  • Ceramic Heads – Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February.
  • Digital Camera Techniques: Capturing the Everyday – Saturday 2 March.
  • How to Paint Botanical Watercolours – Mondays 4 and 25 March.
  • Linocut Printed Cards – Wednesday 6 March.
  • Enamelling a Unique Item – Wednesday 13 March.
  • Creating a Copper Wire Hare – Tuesday 19 March.
  • Traditional Sign Painting – Wednesday 20 March.
  • iCan – Get to Know Your IPad – Saturday 23 March.
  • Experimental Textiles – Saturday 23 March.
  • James and The Giant Peach Paperwork – Tuesday 26 March.
  • Ceramic Tortoises – Wednesday 27 March.
  • Matilda’s Watercolour Paintings – Thursday 28 March.
  • Penguins from Everyday Junk – Thursday 28 March.
  • Experimental Print – Friday 29 March.

Visit Rural Arts’ website – Home – Rural Arts for more details or to make a booking. Or just pop in to The Courthouse in Thirsk if you’d prefer a face-to-face chat.

Topcliffe Academy – dates for your diary

  • Monday, 19 February – School re-opens for second half of spring term
  • Thursday, 14 March – FOTS Disco, 5.30 – 7pm
  • Wednesday, 20 March – Easter Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
  • Friday, 22 March – Topcliffe’s Got Talent, 12.45pm
  • Friday, 22 March – School closes for Easter holidays, 2pm
  • Monday, 8 April – Staff Training Day
  • Tuesday, 9 April – School re-opens for start of Summer Term.
Topcliffe Art Classes
Here is a list of upcoming fun painting and art experiences and workshops that Rebecca Jayne is promoting at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall over the next couple of months:

  • The next block of five weekly art classes starts on Monday 19 February.
  • Thursday morning, 29 February – ‘Paint Monet’s Garden inspired artwork in oils’.
  • Thursday 21 March, 10.30am to 2.30pm – Learn to draw and sketch with more confidence.
  • Thursday 11 April, 10.30am to 1.30pm – Paint Beautiful Blooms in Acrylics.

And there are alternative dates for classes held at Thirsk Town Hall:

  • Friday night 1 March – ‘Paint Monet’s Garden inspired artwork in oils’.

Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe:

  • Friday 17 May, 10-4pm (day retreat) – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in oils’.

Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops

Thorp Perrow

  • Snowdrop month is now underway. Collect a map as you arrive and follow the snowdrop trail through the Arboretum learning all about the interesting and rare varieties as you go along. There are 41 different types of Snowdrop thriving on the woodland floor, ranging from the garden favourite to some more rare and unusual types.
  • Wednesday 21 February – Snowdrop Workshop – The second in the spring flower series. A hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify different varieties of snowdrop (Galanthus), propagate the seeds, plant the bulbs ready to take home…and take part in some snowdrop conservation in the Arboretum.
  • Wednesday 6 March – Spring Pruning Workshop – Another in the spring flower series. Learn all about early spring pruning in this practical, hands-on workshop covering the fundamentals of what, when, where and how to prune before using your new-found skills in the Arboretum.

More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Hold the Fire Chief to account
On Thursday 22 February at 2.30pm, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe will host an online public meeting where she will scrutinise and hold the Chief Fire Officer to account on behalf of the public. This meeting will focus on how North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is delivering the Fire and Rescue Plan. Residents of North Yorkshire are invited to join the meeting, which will include allotted time for the Commissioner to ask questions sent in by the public. Questions relating to fire safety and any other area of the fire service are welcome and should be submitted using the online form on the Commissioner’s website:http:// https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/YourVoice/

The meeting can be accessed via:
· Commissioner’s website: http:// https://bit.ly/OPM22Feb2024
· YouTube Channel: http:// https://youtube.com/live/iPowILY5AjQ
· or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/921887819724256

Dalton Village Hall Events
Band Night: The Mothers will perform at the next village band night on Friday 23 February. Tickets are £10 and available from Eleanor on 07841 036340.

Pop-up Cafe:The next pop-up cafe will be on Saturday 2March from 9.30 to 11am. Everyone is welcome to come along for bacon or sausage sandwiches, toasted teacakes and tea or coffee.

Repair your stuff
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 in return for a voluntary donation. The next Repair cafe is on at Thirsk Community Library on Saturday 24 February from 10am to 1pm.
Lambing time at Spilmans farm at Sessay
Families and young children are invited to lambing time on Spilman’s farm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through to 25 February. Crafting opportunities included. Online booking essential. Timeslots from 10am until 2.30pm. Adults and children £6.50, carers £4.
http://www.spilmans.co.uk/lambing-at-spilmans
The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be staged on Thursday 29 February. Doors open 7.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets £10 if purchased in advance or £12 on the door. For more information see poster here or call 01845 578000.
World Book Day
Renowned children’s author Saviour Pirotta will be visiting Topcliffe Academy on Friday 1 March as part of the annual World Book Day celebrations. He mainly writes children’s historical fiction, fantasy and retellings of myths and legends. His latest books are set in Ancient Greece, the Islamic Golden Age, the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt. Saviour recently wrote his first book for adults – a Sherlock Holmes mystery called The Case of the Pressed Carnation – and he also writes for the theatre. For the past few years he has lived in Scarborough.
Creative Club meetings at Thirsk Library
Chris Geeson Creative Clubs are now a regular Saturday feature at Thirsk Community Library. The club sessions are on from 10 until 11.30am and are suitable for 6 to 13 year olds, though parents and younger members of the family can attend as well. Places are limited, so early booking is advised.

  • Saturday 2 March – World Book Day Special
  • 16 March – History-inspired Crafts
  • 30 March – Junk Robots

Look out for extra club events in the half-term and Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk See poster about current club activities here.

Wedding Open Day
There’ll be a wedding open day between 12 noon and 2pm on Sunday 3 March at The Crab & Lobster, Asenby. For more information email weddings@crabandlobster.co.uk
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
At Thirsk Market Square between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 3 March.
Mother’s Day Lunch in Topcliffe – Sunday 10 March

  • The Swan is now taking bookings for lunch, which will be served from 12 noon to 3.30pm. Call 01845 595185 or message them on their Facebook page.
  • The Angel is also taking bookings and lunch will be from 12 noon to 4pm. Call 01845 578000 or message them via their Facebook page or website.
Northallerton Male Voice Choir to perform in Topcliffe
The Northallerton Male Voice Choir will be performing in St Columba’s Church on Saturday 16 March. The choir will give a wide and varied evening of traditional and modern songs. The concert starts at 7pm (doors open from 6pm). Tickets are £10 to include a glass of wine or soft drink and light refreshments at the conclusion. Children £5. All proceeds will go to the fund set up to maintain the fabric of the church building. Tickets available from John Phillips on 01845 577034 or 07831 188819. See poster here.
Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 20 March.
Easter canal cruises
The ‘Pride of Ripon’ is offering cruises on the scenic Ripon canal this Easter. They’ll run from Friday 29 March to Saturday 6 April from 10.20am every half hour. There’ll be bunnies galore and a quiz for everyone to complete, with a prize worth up to £8 for every child under 14 years of age. Cruises start at Ripon Canal Basin – HG4 1AQ. If you have any queries about accessibility, timings or other issues call 01765 609777 or email ripon.scenic.cruises
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Lucy Day is holding Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. If you are interested in attending, please email lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.
Yoga with Alex
‘Yoga with Alex’ classes are held at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. See poster here for more details. These classes are suitable for anyone wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com
Traders in Topcliffe, Asenby and surrounding area
There’s a wide range of small businesses operating in Topcliffe and Asenby and in close proximity to our two villages. Check them out when you need work doing or a service provided: it’s great to be able to support local. In most Sunday Emails there’s a link to the list, but at the request of one reader, the full list is going to be published once each month starting today.

If any other traders would like to be added, or any details need correcting, please get in touch with Doug Allan on 07785 223707 or email doug

  • The Angel at Topcliffe – 01845 578000 – thirsk
  • Bumby & Sons – Chris Bumby – Chimney Sweeping and repairs, installer of wood burning stoves – 07921 074934
  • The Catton Kitchen – 07747 083155 – lucy
  • Yoga with Alex – 07927 141616 – yogawithalex2020

Most of these traders also have a Facebook and Instagram pages where you can check out latest information.

Bin Collections
You can easily check bin collection information via North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

Garden waste licences for 2024 are now on sale from North Yorkshire Council. Purchase your licence online – https://forms.northyorks.gov.uk/service/garden_waste

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 4pm every day, apart from Wednesdays.

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