Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 21 April – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.
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Last week’s quiz winners were Liz, Steve and Doug. The quizmaster was Alan. Well done everyone: another excellent evening.
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The Angel
The Angel is open for Sunday lunch today (21 April) but will be closed next Sunday (28 April) due to electrical works being carried out in the building.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 1 May 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.
At the last Soup & Sweet lunch (17 April) 48 lunches were served and £144 was raised. A donation of £50 was made to Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and after paying rent, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
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Asenby has two new parish councillors
Following the extensive publicity on Facebook and via the Sunday Email, two residents of Asenby have stepped forward to join Asenby Parish Council. They are Steve Gallon and Tom Miles. Both have been co-opted onto the parish council and will be attending their first meeting and AGM on Wednesday 8 May in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
Chairman of the parish council, Colin Grimston said: “It is great that Steve and Tom have volunteered to join the parish council and play a role in village affairs. They bring lots of experience and have already been actively involved in working on the Community Park with other volunteers. I and the other parish councillors look forward to working with them.”
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Appeal to save the Boccia Club
The weekly Boccia Club held on Tuesdays at the Village Hall is in danger of folding unless a few more members can be recruited. Numbers have dwindled in recent months and it has become increasingly difficult to meet the hall rental costs. Now organiser Judith Lowe is making a final appeal to try and increase the numbers attending. She says: “Boccia is a gentle seat-based exercise class but more than that it is a lovely social occasion with conversation over a cup of tea and piece of cake. There are many residents aged over sixty in our two villages and many of them could benefit greatly by popping along to meet friends and neighbours…and undertake some gentle but useful exercise. It would be awful if this supportive group had to fold, but that will be the outcome if new members aren’t recruited soon.”
Boccia Club meets between 1.30 and 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoons at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and it costs £3 per person.
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Church electoral roll
To be added to St Columba’s Church electoral roll you must register by Sunday 5 May.
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.
To be added to the church electoral roll you must:
- be baptised and aged over 16, and
- be a member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with the C of E) and resident in the parish
- or not resident in the parish but 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
- be a member of another church not in communion with the C of E but which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and have attended public worship in the parish during the past six months.
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: kitnorris@live.co.uk
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Drivers over 70 must renew their driving licence
Research just published suggests that approximately 25% of drivers over the age of 70 – that’s around 1.5 million people – have failed to renew their driving licences according to a law that has been in place since 1976, which means they could face a £1,000 fine. These drivers are required to update their licence at the age of 70 and every three years after that. But many drivers are unaware of this rule, with one in five admitting they didn’t know about it.
The DVLA offers free licence renewal for drivers aged 70 or over. The reason behind getting mature drivers to regularly renew their licence is to ensure the safety of the drivers themselves, and everyone else on the roads. The renewal process is quick, easy and in most cases motorists can continue to drive while their licence is being renewed.
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Mayoral Election
On Thursday 2 May electors in North Yorkshire and York will have the opportunity to vote for the person they want to be the mayor until 2028.
North Yorkshire and York Councils have formed a Combined Authority to work together, using some of the money and powers that up to now have been held by central government. This combined authority will be led by the newly elected mayor with the support of two councillors from each of the two councils and the chair of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Business Committee.
There are six candidates on the ballot paper:
- Felicity Clare Cunliffe-Lister – Liberal Democrats
- Keane Charles Duncan – The Conservative Party
- Kevin Foster – The Green Party
- Paul Haslam – Independent
- David Skaith – Labour & Co-operative Party
- Keith Graham Tordoff – Independent.
Residents of Topcliffe will vote at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall whilst Asenby residents will vote at Rainton Village Hall). The polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. You do not have to take a polling card with you to vote, though it may save time if you do. Voters will need to show photo ID.
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Experienced local house/pet sitter
Holly, daughter of Asenby residents Steve and Jane Gallon, has recently returned from living overseas for the past decade. She has a portfolio of experience with house sitting in Australia and the USA. She has looked after a wide variety of properties from suburban cottages to a five acre hobby farm. Holly has had the opportunity to take care of many furry and feathered friends, whilst often also putting her green fingers to good use.
The Sunday Email a couple of weeks ago highlighted the importance of villagers doing their part to maintain a safe and secure community for everyone, so as the summer holiday season approaches Holly thinks that offering her services to our two villages is a wonderful way for her to contribute to what she can already see is an amazing community.
Holly is currently working part time at The Crab Manor Hotel and spends a few hours a week volunteering at Bridge End Equestrian Centre. Call or message Holly for more details on 07565 199344.
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A1 planned maintenance closures
Here’s a reminder that there’ll overnight closures on the A1 northbound carriageway between Wetherby and Boroughbridge starting on Monday 29 April for up to three weeks. From 18 May, work will switch to the southbound carriageway with overnight closures for a further three weeks. Closures are Monday to Fridays and there will be no closures over the Bank Holiday weekend.
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Topcliffe Art Classes
Regular weekly art classes are held on Monday mornings at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall (in Bank Holiday week it is on the Wednesday). They run for two hours from 10am to 12noon.
Rebecca Jayne is also 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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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm
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Yoga with Alex
You can join ‘Yoga with Alex’ sessions at two locations near Topcliffe – Thirsk Town Hall and Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge. These classes are suitable for beginners and those with experience wishing to improve or regain their balance, strength and mental well-being. Call 07927 141616 or email Alex on yogawithalex2020@gmail.com
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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 lucy@lucyoga.uk or call 07970 049928 for details.
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Rural Arts events
Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:
- 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
- Kung Fu Panda 4 – to Thursday 25 April – matinee on Sunday 21 April.
- Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire – Friday 26 April to Thursday 2 May – matinee on Wednesday 1 May.
- Back to Black – Friday 3 to Thursday 9 May- matinee on Wednesday 8 May.
- Butterfly Tale – matinees only on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May.
- Civil War – Friday 10 to Thursday 16 May – matinee on Wednesday 15 May.
- Challengers – Friday 17 to Thursday 23 May – matinee on Wednesday 22 May.
- Fall Guy – Friday 24 to Thursday 30 May – matinee on Wednesday 29 May.
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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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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Peter, Sue and a lot of Poo!
Really. That’s the title of famous TV and local vet Peter Wright’s latest book. And Peter will be reading from it at a launch event at Thirsk Community Libray on Saturday 27 April at 11am. Before that there’ll be farm-themed crafts and colouring for children from 9.30am. All welcome and entry is free! See poster here.
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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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St Columba’s churchyard maintenance
Volunteers are being sought to help get St Columba’s churchyard into shape for summer. The first working party will meet up 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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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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Macmillan Coffee Morning at Tails of Swale
The Catton-based dog daycare and boarding service, Tails of Swale (YO7 4SG) 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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Racing at Thirsk
Here’s the first few race days in the schedule at Thirsk Racecourse.
• 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:
- Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May – Model Railway Weekend
- Saturday 11 May – Fish & Chips Train
- Saturday 25 May – Gin Train http:// https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/gintrainexperience/
- Monday 27 May – Make Do & Mend Activities at Finghall station. Join us for a delightful evening of Jazz on the train with a charity fundraising raffle and auction of promises in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Have fun and support a great cause too!
- Wednesday 29 May – Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Scruton
- Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Lunch
- Saturday 22 June – The Jazz Train – enjoy a scenic journey through the stunning Yorkshire Dales from Leeming Bar to Leyburn, all while immersed in the vibrant sounds of the Swale Valley Stompers Jazz Band. Bring your own picnic and drinks. Evening starts at 6.30pm at Leeming Bar station with music and dancing on the platform, before the train leaves at 7.30pm. There will be an auction of promises and raffle and on board with some fantastic prizes! Tickets for the event cost £22. If there is sufficient take-up, there’ll be a bus pick-up from Thirsk for £8 return. For details call the number below.
- Sunday 28 July – Yorkshire Day Tea Train.
Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
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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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Sports Cars in the Park
The ever-popular Sports Cars in the Park event is back for another show at Newby Hall on Sunday 5 May between 10am and 3pm. It’s a really fantastic day out for the whole family, with a great atmosphere and tickets include entry to Newby Hall’s amazing grounds, including the legendary adventure playground, gardens, restaurant, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions
Anyone interested in exhibiting their car can find out more details at http://www.carsinthepark.org.uk
Under 4 year olds free on the day Children are classed as 4 – 15 years at this event. Booking online at http://www.newbyhall.com
Dogs are welcome on the showfield but not in Newby Gardens.
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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 & Asenby Village Hall (Upper Committee Room). Residents of the village are encouraged to attend.
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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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Free Golf for Women
Thirsk Golf Club is holding free classes for women who would like to try a game of golf. These two-hour beginners sessions are at 10.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday 11 May. All equipment is provided. See poster here. For more information or to book a place call the club on 01845 525115 or email secretary@tngc.co.uk
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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 Dalton 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 11 May 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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Opera for the People
In this truly unique performance, opera singer Nicola Mills turns opera on its head. It’s on at Kilburn Village Institute at 7pm on Saturday 11 May. See poster here. Tickets are £12 and children are free of charge. From 07539 236654.
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Band Concert
The Easingwold Town Band spring concert will take place on Saturday 11 May at 7.30pm. See poster here. You can book tickets online at http://www.galtrescentre.org.uk or call 01347 822472.
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Makeup Masterclass
Topcliffe resident Joanne Brierley is organising another Makeup Masterclass at 10am on Saturday 11 May at The Angel. It’s an opportunity to learn about different types of applications from longer lasting makeup to enhancing eye colour. Tickets are £10
and available from The Angel or call 01845 578000.
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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: hello@thecattonkitchen.co.uk 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.
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Thirsk Yarnbombers’ Coffee Morning
The organisation responsible over recent years for a range of brilliant knitted themed decorations around the centre of Thirsk is holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 22 May between 10am and 11.45am at Thirsk Town Hall. Funds raised from the sale of refreshments will be donated to the Herriot Hospice. There’ll be a stall selling knitted and crocheted items and cash raised from sales will go towards future projects planned by the Yarnbombers.
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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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Cruises on the Ripon Canal
Ripon Scenic Cruises have a range of cruises planned including:
- Father’s Day – Sunday 16 June – private cruises from 10am for a minimum one hour and maximum two and a half hours. Each dad onboard will receive a a bottle of local craft ale. Maximum twelve guests.
- Afternoon tea and prosecco – each Saturday afternoon in June, July and August.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/riponsceniccruises
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Topcliffe Ceilidh
Get ready to kick up your heels to the sounds of the Cod Beck Ceilidh Band on Saturday 22 June when they perform at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.. Doors open from 7pm and dancing starts at 7.30pm. This is a bring your own drinks event. Tickets are on sale at Topcliffe Post Office, or from Sarah Barber on 07885 386557 or Jane Burnett 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 fundraiser to help support the Village Hall.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show 2024
The show will be held on Saturday 31 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and there will be 83 classes in five categories: 47 horticultural classes: 17 baking, jams, preserves and pickles classes: 3 floral classes: 11 hobbies classes 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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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
- Ripon Theatre Festival – 2 to 7 July at venues throughout Ripon. https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/
- Kilburn Feast – 5 to 7 July – https://www.kilburnyorks.com/kilburn-feast
- 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
- Ripley Food & Drink Festival – Ripley Castle – 10am to 6pm on Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August. http://www.tickettailor.com
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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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