Spring Plant Fair
TODAY: Sunday 14 April – The Newburgh Priory Spring Plant Fair is to be held between 11am and 4pm. Admission £5 (card or cash). Children free. Top plant specialists and garden accessory stands plus home made food too.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 14 April – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.
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Last week’s quiz was set by Jim and Carol Shaw’s granddaughter, Isobel (with a little help from grandsons Oscar and Elijah). It was a though-provoking set of questions – the sort of challenge the quizzers really enjoy. The winners were a SAD lot – Susan, Alan and Derek. Well done everyone concerned.
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Next project at Asenby Community Park
Volunteers are being sought for the next stage of work on the Community Park. The plan is to shred the branches recently cut from the hedges and use the mulch to spread around the recently planted trees. This work will take place on Wednesday 17th April starting at 9:30am. All volunteers will be welcomed with open arms, particularly if they can bring a wheelbarrow or some other receptacle for moving the mulch (and a shovel or similar).
Subject to the weather, so watch out for notifications on the village Facebook page.
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Topcliffe Ceilidh – note this event in your diary
Two Topcliffe residents – Sarah Barber of Church Street and Jane Burnett from Manor Close – are organising a Ceilidh to raise funds for the Village Hall. Get ready to kick up your heels to the sounds of the Cod Beck Ceilidh Band on Saturday 22 June. Doors open from 7pm and dancing starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now. The main sales point is Topcliffe Post Office, but you can also get tickets from Sarah on 07885 386557 or Jane on 07902 681296. Ticket purchased in advance are £10, which includes a pulled pork and apple sauce roll (alternative for vegetarians). Tickets on the night at the door are £12. There’ll be a raffle with some great prizes.
This is a bring your own drinks event.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024
As the warmer spring weather spreads sunshine on our gardens and allotments, dedicated gardeners need to know the date when Topcliffe & Asenby’s annual produce show will be held…and be reminded of the categories and classes.
The show will be held on Saturday 31 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and there will be 83 classes in five categories:
– 47 classes in the Horticultural section
– 17 classes in the baking/jams/preserves and pickles section
– 3 floral classes
– 11 classes in the hobbies section
– and 5 specific classes that only children can enter.
The full list of categories and show rules, together with timings on the day, are available here.
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St Columba’s churchyard maintenance
Volunteers are being sought to help get St Columba’s churchyard into shape for summer. John Phillips is planning a first working party on Saturday 4 May starting at 9.30 through to about 12.30pm. Then on the following Saturdays in May, weather permitting.
Volunteers don’t have to be there for the whole time: they can simply pop along and do what they can to give their support. There’ll be some tools and lawnmowers available, but if people can bring whatever they might have to help – rakes, trowels, spades, forks, extra mowers etc. – that would be wonderful. Refreshments will be served.
Village BBQ
As last year, all volunteers, along with all other villagers, will be welcome to attend the village BBQ in the churchyard on the Sunday 9 June as part of the St Columba’s Weekend celebrations.
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Church electoral roll
St Columba’s Church electoral roll is being updated and residents of Topcliffe are being invited to be added to the register and to become more involved with their church. The church provides weekly traditional services open to everyone as well being the venue for Christian baptisms, marriages and funerals. Being on the church electoral roll provides the opportunity to select who runs the church and how it functions by voting in the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting, which this year will be held on Monday 20 May at 7pm.
The Electoral Roll is open until 5 May for applicants who are:
- (a) baptised and 16 years and older, and
- (b) a member of the Church of England (or Church in communion with the C of E) and resident in the parish, or not resident who have attended public worship in the parish during the last six months. If you would have attended worship but are prevented by illness or other essential reason this is also acceptable.
Members in good standing of other churches not in communion with the C of E who subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and have attended public worship in the parish during the past six months may also apply. Forms are available in St Columba’s church or by post from Kit Norris, Church Electoral Roll Officer, Cote House, Burrill, Bedale, DL8 1TR, or by email: [email protected]
We are most grateful to those who volunteer to keep the churchyard trimmed and tidy for use by those visiting the church and graves, or those simply using the grounds as walkers and dog walkers.
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HSBC branch in Thirsk
HSBC is in the process of closing 114 of its UK branches. The good news is that the Thirsk branch is not among these. However, there will be a temporary closure of the Thirsk bank for a refit from 3 May until 3 June. The branch asks customers not to panic when they see the closed doors!
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A1 planned closures as work maintenance is undertaken
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Voters need photo ID
Don’t forget, if you are intending to vote in May’s election for a North Yorkshire mayor you will need to be able to show photo ID to the polling clerks. A passport, driving licence or bus pass is acceptable. If you don’t have one of these accepted photo IDs, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can do this online at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk or by getting in touch with the Electoral Services Office at North Yorkshire Council at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting or by visiting the council’s office in Northallerton. You will need a recent digital photograph and your National Insurance number.
The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the election on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.
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2024 RSPB bird watch results
The results of the Big Garden Birdwatch held in January have been announced. Over 9.7 million birds were counted and 610, 000 people took part. The top 20 birds spotted across the UK were:
1. House Sparrow: 2. Blue Tit: 3. Starling; 4. Wood Pigeon: 5. Blackbird: 6. Robin:
7. Great Tit: 8. Goldfinch: 9. Magpie: 10. Long Tailed Tit: 11. Chaffinch: 12. Collared Dove: 13. Jackdaw: 14. Feral Pigeon: 15. Dunnock: 16. Carrion Crow: 17. Coal Tit
18. Greenfinch: 19. Wren: 20. Great spotted woodpecker.
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Topcliffe Art Classes
The new series of weekly art classes on Monday mornings at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall is now underway. There are seven classes in the series – the one in Bank Holiday week is on the Wednesday. They run for two hours from 10am to 12noon. Rebecca Jayne, artist and teacher will guide you with helpful tips and techniques and support you with creating your own artwork.
Rebecca Jayne is organising a class at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe on 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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Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Lucy Day is holding Vinyasa Flow yoga sessions at Rainton Village Hall every Saturday morning at 9am. Yoga is the perfect way to build strength, confidence and flexibility. If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] or call 07970 049928 for details.
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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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Cricket Coaching
Thirsk Cricket Club has launched its junior cricket coaching programme and invites youngsters to pop along to sessions as follows:
- Under 11s and Under 13s hard ball cricket – coaching is on Mondays at 6pm from Monday 15 April. U11 league matches will be played on Tuesdays and U13 league matches on Thursdays. Indoor nets available. Membership is £30 for the season .To sign up as a member visit: Thirsk Cricket Club Registration 2024 (google.com)
- ECB All Stars – 5-8 year olds, softball introduction to cricket on Tuesdays at 6pm from 14 May for 8 weeks. Cost is £40 for 8 sessions which includes kit. For more details and to sign up: https://shorturl.at/aprD7
- ECB Dynamos – 8-11 year olds, softball cricket on Tuesdays at 6pm from 14 May for 8 weeks. Cost is £40 for 8 sessions which includes kit. For more details and to sign up: https://shorturl.at/dxS48
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 17 April from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made soups, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
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Book launch at Thirsk Garden Centre
J. M. Hall’s third novel – A Clock Stopped Dead – will be launched at Thirsk Garden Centre on Wednesday 17 April at 2.30pm. See poster here.
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Rural Arts events
Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:
- Sketching pets and other animals – Wednesday 17 April
- Bold birds in mixed media – Wednesday 24 April
- Willow sunflowers – Tuesday 30 April
- A Taste of Art: Fashion Illustration – Wednesday 1 May.
- Going the ‘Course’: Oil Painting – Monday 6 May (four consecutive Mondays)
- Sculptural Textiles – Saturday 11 May
- Introduction to Life Drawing – Monday 13 May
- Silver Clay: An introduction to jewellery making – Wednesday 15 May.
- Draw and Paint Dogs – Monday 20 May
- Wild Wire Flowers – Tuesday 21 May
- A Taste of Art: Drawing Bool Illustrations – Wednesday 22 May
- Working with Jesmonite – Thursday 23 May.
- Silver Wrap Ring Workshop (am) – Saturday 25 May
- Silver Drop Earing Workshop (pm) – Saturday 25 May.
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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The Ritz Cinema
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – to Thursday 18 April – matinee on Wednesday 17 April.
- Kung Fu Panda 4 – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 April – matinee on Sunday 21 April.
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Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
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Thirsk fire fighters in charity car clean
Fire fighters based at the Thirsk fire station are holding a charity car wash on Saturday 20 April between 9am and 1pm. All money raised will go to The Fire Fighters’ Charity. See poster here.
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Racing at Thirsk
Here’s the first few race days in the schedule at Thirsk Racecourse.
• Saturday 20 April – Vickers Bet race day.
• Saturday 4 May – Thirsk Hunt Cup
• Saturday 11 May – Irish Day
• Friday 7 June – afternoon racing
• Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Skybet Sunday Series
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
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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 a taste of what’s on with a link to the booking system:
Contact email: [email protected] / 01677 425805
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The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 25 April. See poster here with details of performers.
Doors open 7.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets £10 if purchased in advance or £12 on the door. For more information and tickets call 01845 578000.
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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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Women’s Go Gliding Weekend
Yorkshire Gliding Club at Sutton Bank is hosting the National Women’s Go Gliding
Weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April. Sessions are being held at 10am and 1.30pm on both days. It’s likely anyone under 12 years of age will be of suitable height and weight. The cost for flights during this special event is just £99. To book for an exciting introduction to gliding please call 01845 597237 and quote WING Weekend.
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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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Northallerton May Fair
Northallerton High Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic whilst the May Fair is on between Thursday 2 and Monday 6 May. The rides, sideshows and stalls will operate between noon and 10pm.
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Macmillan Coffee Morning at Tails of Swale
The Catton-based dog daycare and boarding service, Tails of Swale (YO74SG) is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning and raffle on Saturday 4 May between 10.30am and 1pm. Entry £5 to include a hot drink and cake. Not surprisingly, all dogs welcome. See poster here.
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Brewery Open Day
The Hambleton Brewery at Melmerby is holding its annual open day on Saturday 4 May between 12 noon and 8pm. There’ll be brewery tours and lots of entertainment for all age groups, plus gin and beer bars and street food. See poster here.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
The next Farmers’ Market will be staged on the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 5 May between 9am and 2pm. Around twenty artisan food and drink producers will present the fruits of their labour. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.c om
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
On Tuesday 7 May starting at 7.30pm there’ll be the AGM followed by an Ordinary Meeting of the Village Hall Committee.
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Asenby Parish Council
The Parish Council’s AGM will be on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall (Upper Committee Room). Residents of the village are encouraged to attend.
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Songs from the Musicals
2024 marks Northallerton Musical Theatre Company’s 70th birthday and their spring production ‘Going Platinum’ which is on from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 May will reflect this special anniversary. The company will present an exciting range of songs from musicals it has staged in the past, including Oklahoma, Carousel, Oliver and Annie, plus a number of more modern musicals. These will be evenings of wonderful music to suit everyone. Venue: The Forum, Northallerton. Book by phone on 01609
776230 or online at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
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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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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 11 May from 10am to 1pm at Thirsk Community Library, Meadowfields, Thirsk. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email – [email protected]
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Thorp Perrow
- Bird of Prey Photography Workshops – Wednesday 8 May, 12 June, 28 August and 2 October. 10am – 4pm. A light picnic lunch included.
- Classic Car Sundays – 12 May and 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 26 May -10am – 4pm.
- Sensation ABBA Tribute – Saturday 13 July
- The Freddie & Queen Experience – Friday 2 August
More details and bookings: https://www.thorpperrow.com/
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Hockey for young heroes
Thirsk Hockey Club is offering 5 to 8 year olds the chance to try out hockey and learn the main techniques of the popular sport. Sessions start on Monday 13 May and run through to 8 July. 6.30 to 7.30pm each week at Thirsk Astro Pitch, Gravel Hole Lane, Sowerby. When you book, you’ll receive a Hockey Heroes equipment pack containing two hockey sticks, a ball, a personalised t-shirt and stickers. All eight weeks for £40. Book at http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/hockeyheroes/bookcourse
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 16 May in the village hall.
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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: [email protected] or call 07747 083155.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
In the Market Place on Sunday 19 May between 9am and 2pm. Locally-produced arts and crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent
producers and makers.
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Sessay Scarecrow Festival
This year’s festival is on Sunday 19 May. Details are still being finalised but please make a note in your diary as it’s a great family day out. There’ll be a checklist and questions for children to answer along the scarecrow trail with a reward for those that participate. There’ll also be refreshments, BBQ, tombola and bar. Save the date.
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Creative Club present Minecraft
The popular Creative Club at Thirsk Community Library is presenting a session of Minecraft model and character creation on Thursday 30 May between 10.30am and 12.30pm. For beginners and regulars aged 6 to 13 years of age. Parents/ carers can attend to. Book free places on 01609 534589.
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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 [email protected] – paces are strictly limited,
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Ripon Theatre Festival
The third Ripon Theatre Festival is back for 2024 and there’s a great programme in store. It will feature the very best in touring theatre, street entertainment, family shows, comedy, dance and storytelling across five days and six nights. There’ll also be community performances, workshops and pop-up surprises. Ticketed and free performances for all ages. Bringing colour and culture to brighten the city.
- Royal Engineers: 2024 marks 75 years since the Royal Engineers were granted the Freedom of the City of Ripon. A series of celebratory events is planned over the weekend 8 and 9 June. More details to follow soon.
- Hilarity Bites Festival Special: An extra special theatre-style comedy club in partnership with Ripon Theatre Festival. Featuring Tarot, Black Liver, Joe Kent-Walters and host Lee Kyle. This comedy collaboration has a twist of theatre and a dash of music with a good dollop of improvisation. At Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate on Tuesday 2 July. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Show at 8pm. Tickets £10.
- Look After Your Knees: A solo performance by Yorkshire-based physical comedian Natalie Bellingham about the pain and beauty of love, what it is to both connect and unravel. It’s a celebration of being human in all its banality, sprinkled with joy and ridiculousness. Wednesday 3 July at 8pm at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowgate. Tickets £12.Presented in memory of Ripon Theatre Festival founder, Ian Holloway. There will be a collection after the show for St Michael’s Hospice.
- Shakespeare’s Royals: Barrie Rutter OBE presents an evening of entertainment in Ripon Cathedral. Friday 5 July at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. More details to follow.
- Looking for me friend: the music of Victoria Wood: Friday 5 July at Ripon Arts Hub, Allhallowsgate. Tickets £14 to £16.
- The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle: Newby Hall & Gardens is the venue for a special Ripon Festival event on Saturday 6 July. They will be welcoming the fabulous Illyria, masters of outdoor theatre, who will present The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle, a very funny, exciting and much-loved family adventure. Great opportunity for a family picnic.
Book online at https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/
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Advance Notice of Upcoming Summer Events
Here are some dates to note in your diary. More details about these events will be added to the Sunday Email nearer the dates.
- Harogate Food & Drink Festival: 29 and 30 June. A feast on The Stray. Tickets from http:// www.tickettailor.com
- Harrogate Fake Festival: Saturday 13 July see the best fake bands on The Stray. Tickets from http://www.fakefestivals.co.uk
- Catton Fest – the big annual event at The Catton Kitchen will take place on Sunday 14 July between 2 and 8pm. See poster here.
- Deer Shed Festival: This year’s Deer Shed Festival will be on at Baldersby Park over the weekend – 26 to 29 July. The programme for this year’s festival is shown here.
- World Axe Throwing Championships: This event will be staged at Thirsk racecourse on the weekend 23 to 25 August. More details later.
- Fireworks Championships – Newby Hall from 4 until 10pm on Saturday 24 August. Fireworks Championships 2024 – Newby Hall
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The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 5pm every day, apart from Wednesdays. You are asked to allow enough time to unload your waste before the site closes.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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