| Welcome to your Sunday Email.
Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk |
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Northallerton Male Voice Choir
Those who attended last night’s performance by the Northallerton Male Voice Choir in St Columba’s Church had a wonderful evening’s musical entertainment. The 30-strong choir sang lots of well-known songs…and added their own twist to some old favourites. All funds raised will help pay for improvements to the fabric of the church. |
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY – Sunday 17 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Wednesday 20 March at 2pm – Topcliffe Academy Easter Service.
- Wednesday 20 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
- Sunday 24 March at 10.45am – Palm Sunday Holy Communion
- Wednesday 27 March at 7pm – Lent Compline
- Friday 29 March at 2pm – Good Friday Reflection led by Rev Robert Williamson.
- Saturday 30 March at 7pm – Easter Vigil led by Rev. Robert Williamson and Choral Mass, including Mozart’s Mass featuring organist Matthew Atherton and the church choir.
- Sunday 7 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
- Sunday 14 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Sunday 21 April at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Sunday 28 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion
Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service. |
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY – Sunday 17 March between 9am and 2pm. Locally-produced arts and crafts, food and drink market taking place on the Market Place in Thirsk on. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. |
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 17 March – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm. |
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Winners of last week’s quiz
Liz and the Lads (Steve and Phil) won last week’s quiz which was set by Jim. Well done everyone. |
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Asenby Parish Councillors
There has been some response to the recent appeal for someone to take on the job of Parish Clerk and for more residents to step forward as councillors on Asenby Parish Council. Details will be announced once everything is confirmed.
However, at least one more councillor is required so please consider whether you can play a part in village affairs and decision-making. It is not an arduous task though it’s a role that carries certain responsibilities. Email the current Chair, Colin Grimston (colin.grimston@gmail.com) for an informal chat and include a contact phone number and an idea of when best he can call you. |
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Asenby Community Park
Tree planting is progressing slowly because fewer volunteers than was anticipated have turned out to help. Thanks to the four residents who assisted yesterday morning. If anyone can help today, that would be great. And there’ll be another planting session on Tuesday morning. If you can give a little time please get in touch with Colin Grimston on 07810 301 811. |
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What happened to the Hambleton sign?
The photograph above shows the upright posts upon which once hung the sign indicating you were entering the district of Hambleton as you crossed Topcliffe bridge from the Asenby side. A couple of weeks ago an enquiry was made to North Yorkshire Council’s Highways Department as to why the posts were left in the ground when the sign was removed. The presumption was that the sign had gone when the local authorities were merged into one new council area. But now an answer has arrived stating that the council didn’t remove the sign… suggesting it must have been removed (stolen) by someone else. The good news is that the posts will be removed in due course. |
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Asenby Allotments
Following the publicity in previous Sunday Emails all the allotments that had been recently rented out, but not renewed this year, have now been taken up by new allotment holders. That’s terrific news!
There is still plenty of space on the field for more allotments though new allotment holders will need to work on land that has not been used for some time. If there is anyone interested, then potential gardeners can be shown around and any questions answered. Contact Fred Gifford on 01845 578300 or 07751 167893. |
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Baldersby Park – The History of a House
Last week saw the launch of a book celebrating 300 years of Baldersby Park, better known to us all today as Queen Mary’s School. The book, which has been five years in the making, presents the captivating story of the house which over three centuries was occupied by four families, two schools and a hospital.
Built by the Robinson family, this majestic building was the first Palladian mansion house in Great Britain and at its zenith, was home to Lord and Lady Grantham and over 100 domestic staff and groundsmen. Then you’ll read about the rise and fall of the second owner, of the house, George Hudson, the ‘Railway King’, once one of England’s richest men, but eventually forced to sell his beloved home through bankruptcy.
This collaborative book is a journey through time, unearthing the secrets, triumphs, tribulations and successes that echo within the walls of a building that has stood witness to three hundred years of change.
Edited by Darrell Buttery, several authors, including Avril Pearson and renowned architectural historian Jane Furse have contributed chapters on the various inhabitants. These reveal a fascinating insight into the building’s history, charting the many changes it has seen from its inception, including its use as an auxiliary hospital during the First World War, its requisition during the Second World War and its current use as the home of Queen Mary’s School.
The book is priced at £5 and can be ordered online from York Book Store – https://yorkbookshop.com/home/345-baldersby-park-the-history-of-a-house.html |
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| Topcliffe School Successes
Key Steps Gymnastics
A team of gymnasts from Years 1 to 6 recently took part in the Key Steps Gymnastics competition at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College. All the gymnasts were fantastic and performed their routines brilliantly. Particular congratulations go to Millie in Maple Class and Hallie in Ash Class who both came away with gold medals.
HI 5 Netball
Last week Year 5 and 6 pupils participated in a Hi 5 Netball competition at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College. They absolutely stormed the competition, winning every single one of their games and bringing home the trophy and gold medals. Well done and congratulations to Ava C, Ava S, Ben, Gabi, Honor, Joby, Millie and Reuben.
Well done to all of the pupils. |
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Rainton Cricket Club – Junior Training
Rainton Cricket Club is looking for youngsters to attend its training sessions and potentially become regular team members. Boys from Year 2 – 8 and girls from Year 2 to 10 are welcome to participate in outdoor practice sessions each Monday starting at 6pm starting 22 April.
This is an enjoyable and well-run training session for boys and girls of all abilities. All lead coaches are qualified and all coaches and helpers are DBS checked.
Under 11s and Under 13s hard ball teams will play in the Kettlewell Fuels Nidderdale Junior Cricket League. Girls can chose to play in monthly soft ball tournaments and can also play one age group down with boys in the hard ball teams.
If you would like more info please contact Head Junior Coach, Pete Keighley by email at petekeighleycricketcoaching@gmail.com |
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Keeping children safe online
There’s little doubt that the internet can be a brilliant place to connect with others, to be creative and to discover new things. But there is growing concern in some quarters that young people are not using smart devices and the internet in an appropriate manner.
Here are some useful links to information about which parents should be aware and ought to consider sharing with young people in their care:
Each social media app has an age rating and it’s useful for parents to know what these are. Many have a minimum age of 13 years, but check the age rating of individual apps your children are using to make sure. |
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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm. |
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Crime Prevention Webinars
The Neighbourhood Watch Network is organising a series of Crime Prevention Webinars this week.
- Monday 18 March – Taking your home security to the next level (burglary trends and technology).
- Tuesday 19 March – Anti-social behaviour & Heritage crime – not just an issue for rural communities.
- Wednesday 20 March- Top tips from policing’s tactical lead for vehicle crime.
- Thursday 21 March – Understanding the role of isolation & loneliness in scams.
- Friday 22 March – Stalking and female personal safety.
The webinars will be held online via Zoom and will be from 4.30pm – 5.30pm. To book a place on any of the webinars go to https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/ There is a limited amount of space so book early to ensure you don’t miss out. |
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19 March at the Village Hall.
There’s good news to report concerning new committee members. Four villagers have put their names forward to join the committee, with several offering to take on specific tasks. They will be attending Tuesday’s meeting to meet existing committee members and to be formally accepted onto the committee. Further details will be included in next week’s Sunday Email. |
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Rural Arts events
Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:
- 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.
- How to Paint Botanical Watercolours -Monday 25 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.
- Drawing Urban Rooftops – Wednesday 3 April.
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. |
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Warm Hub lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 20 March from 11.30 to 12.45pm. The volunteers will be serving a full roast dinner on this day. There’ll also be a selection of delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
From Wednesday 3 April, and throughout the summer months, the Warm Hub reverts to serving soup, sandwiches, sweets, cakes and drinks.
Last week’s lunch saw 49 meals served, including some home deliveries. A total of £141was raised of which £50 has been presented to Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary in Thirsk. The balance, after rent, was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund. |
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Asenby Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 7pm on Wednesday 20 March. |
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Thorp Perrow
- Easter Wreath Workshop – Wednesday 20 March – 10am to 3pm.
- Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and Sunday 9 June – 10am – 2pm. Take your classic vehicle to the gardens for easy Sunday morning coffee, bacon sandwich and car chat.
- Vintage Vehicle & Classic Car Show – Sunday May 2024 -10am – 4pm
More information and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/ |
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Topcliffe Academy – dates for your diary
- 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.
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Topcliffe Art Classes
Here is a list of upcoming fun painting and art experiences and workshops that Rebecca Jayne is holding at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall over the next couple of months:
- 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.
Plus this special class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe: Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’. Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops |
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George Egg: Set Menu
This is an event to launch the 2024 Ripon Theatre Festival. It’s on Thursday 21 March when comedian chef George Egg will be cooking food whilst making you laugh. Taking place at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate. Tickets are £15 which includes a welcome drink and refreshments. Doors open and refreshments served from 7pm. Event starts 7.30pm. |
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The RItz Cinema, Thirsk.
Did you know that Thirsk’s Ritz Cinema is one of the oldest continuously run cinemas in the UK having first opened to the public in 1912? The original silent movie screen with the crest above it still exists behind the present screen. The ‘talkies’ arrived in 1927 and the balcony was added to accommodate larger audiences. It was at this time that the name was also changed to ‘The Ritz’.
Since 1995 the cinema has been run by a dedicated team of volunteers and it aims to bring recent film releases to this rural town at affordable prices. Also keeping up with the times, you now have the option of booking online, choosing either downstairs or balcony seats. The price is £7 each and you pay by debit or credit card.
- Argylle – to Thursday 21 March – matinee Wednesday 20 March.
- Bob Marley: One Love – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March.
- Migration – Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March – matinees only.
- Wicked Little Letters – Friday 29 March to Thursday 4 April – matinee on Wednesday 3 April.
- Dune: Part Two – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 April – matinee on Wednesday 10 April.
Opening times: evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. |
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Sewing helps the mind and body
Anyone nineteen years of age and over who has a North Yorkshire postcode, can join this free introductory workshop being held at the Ripon Community House, Allhallowgate on Friday 22 March between 10am and 12 noon. Sewing has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety levels. In this fun and relaxed workshop you will learn about hand-sewed stitches, how to sew them, which technique works best for different purposes and produce a simple soft toy to take home. You will also receive a sewing kit to take home that gives you the basic tools you need to keep sewing at home. Booking is essential by emailing marie.dryden or by texting 07855 1955 98 |
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Thirsk Community 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.
Regular events for children:
- Storytime – Monday afternoons 1.30 – 2.15pm;
- After school club – Mondays 3.45 – 4.45pm
- Warhammer Wargames Club – Mondays,
- Lego Club – Tuesday and Thursdays – booking required;
- Construction Play – Fridays 10.30 – 11.30am;
- Get Crafty drop in art and craft sessions – Saturday 10.30am – 1pm
Look out for additional events during the Easter holidays. To book call 01609 534589 or email library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk |
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Wensleydale Railway
There’s something for everyone at Wensleydale Railway over the coming months. They are planning plenty of events and activities and here’s taste of what’s on with a link to the booking system:
- Wednesday 27 March – Easter Family Activities admin / 01677 425805
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Base Camp for kids
Kids can kick start the Easter holidays with some springtime adventures including archery, campfire cooking, nature trails walking, woodwork, crafts and woodland games in the 90 acres of private parkland at Base Camp, Baldersby Park. Camp activities are supervised by qualified and experienced staff. Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March, 10am to – 3pm, £30 per child. For more details see poster here and to book online, go to http://basecamplearning.co.uk |
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The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 28 March. 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. |
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Salsa for Beginners
Fancy learning some Salsa moves? There’s a fun five-week Salsa class starting in Sessay Village Hall on Thursday 28 March from 7 – 8.30pm. You’ll learn the fundamentals of the world’s most popular dance style. Everyone welcome (especially gents!) and no partner is needed. £5 per session. Call Jess on 07515 896534 for more information. |
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Middleham Open Day
This year’s open day at the Middleham horse training yards takes place from 9am on Friday 29 March. It’s a great family day out and includes ex-racehorse demonstrations, market stalls, competitions and dog show. Right now you can get discounted tickets for £12.50. Concession to over 65s – £8.50. Under 16s free. Book online at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk |
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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 |
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Dancing around The Dales
This year’s Dancing around The Dales ceilidh is being held at Ripley Town Hall on Saturday 30 March starting at at 7pm. Music will be provided by The No Lazy Dancing Band and the callers will be Pete Coe and Peter Barnard. Tickets are £10 (children free) available from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/nidd-music-and-dance |
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Easter Party
The Thirsk Royal British Legion Club in Kirkgate is holding an Easter party on Sunday 31 March between 3 and 5pm. This annual event will see a visit from the Easter Bunny and there’ll be an outside company providing a children’s disco and entertainment. Free entry and Easter egg for every child. Come rain or shine, it’s party time! |
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Ripon Street Party
There’s to be a massive Easter Bank Holiday Street Fiesta in Ripon on Monday 1 April. There’ll be lots of entertainment, great food and drink, plus stalls selling locally produced products. Pop along and join in the street party atmosphere. What else do you need on a Bank Holiday Monday? See poster here. |
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 4 April in the village hall. |
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The repair workshop
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. The next repair Cafe is on Saturday 6 April from 10am to 1pm at Thirsk Community Library, Meadowfields, Thirsk. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email – thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com |
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The Cherry Tones
The popular retro harmony duo from Hutton Sessay is performing at Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 6 April at 7.30pm (door and bar opens at 7pm). The They’ll be singing lots of favourites from the 50s to the 80s, including many with a Motown feel. Pre-booked tickets £10 including nibbles from Heather Dale on 07467 549302. On the night at the door – £12. |
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Book and Postcard Fair
The annual Bedale Book and Postcard fair will take place at Bedale Hall (DL8 1AA) on Sunday 7 April betwen10am and 4pm. This year, besides the usual 30+ stalls, there’ll also be a range of vintage items on offer. Admission £2 with children under 14 free. Plenty of parking available. |
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
The next Thirsk Farmers’ Market will take place in the Market Place on Sunday 7 April between 9am and 2pm. Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring you the fruits of their labour. |
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Racing at Thirsk
Here’s the first few race days in the schedule at Thirsk Racecourse.
• Saturday 20 April – first racing of 2024
• Saturday 4 May – Thirsk Hunt Cup
• Saturday 11 May – Irish Day |
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The Harrogate Spring Flower Show
This year’s Spring Flower Show will take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 April. Featuring stunning show gardens, vibrant plant and flower displays, live talks and demonstrations, great garden shopping and the biggest exhibition by florists and flower arrangers in the country. Book online at – http://www.flowershows.org.uk |
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The Yorkshire Flea
The next Yorkshire Flea will be held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 28 April from 11am to 6pm. Expect between 70 and 90 dealers selling all sorts of vintage items and antiques. |
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Indoor Car Boot Sale
Bagby & Balk Village Society are organising an indoor car boot sale on Sunday 28 April between 10am and 12 noon. It will be held at Dalton Village Hall. Admission £1 per adult, Refreshments will be available. |
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Dalton Jumble Sale
There’s to be a jumble sale at Dalton Village Hall on Saturday 11 May from 10am to 1pm. It’s to raise cash for the Village Hall. The organisers are asking for donations of any items that might sell – anything in good, clean working order – such as unwanted birthday presents, last year’s school uniforms, children’s games and activities, clothes, household items, outgrown baby items, small furniture. Donations can be dropped off at the hall (sorry, no collection arrangements). |
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Iconic street food at Catton Kitchen
The very popular caterers Squid & Tonic will be serving their iconic street food at The Catton Kitchen on Saturday 18 May between 4 and 8pm. See poster here. In this unusual collaboration The Catton Kitchen will supply many of the home-grown food ingredients and Squid & Tonic will cook and present it as part of an amazing menu. Entrance to the event is free: just pay for what you eat and drink. Booking required in advance. Email: hello@thecattonkitchen.co.uk or call 07747 083155. |
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Sessay Floral Art Demonstration
Renowned floral designer and TV regular Jonathan Moseley will be demonstrating a range of floral art techniques at Sessay Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday 4 June. Tickets are £20 to include a glass of wine and raffle ticket. Call Doreen Till on 01845 577906 or email doreentill3@outlook.com – paces are strictly limited, |
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Traders and businesses in Topcliffe & Asenby
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 traders.
In most Sunday Emails there’s a link to the list, but as requested by readers the full list is being published once each month. 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@dougallan.co.uk
Most of these traders also have a Facebook and Instagram pages where you can check out latest information. |
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| That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well. |
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