| Welcome to your Sunday Email.
Starting today, the format of entries in the Sunday Email is changing. There are so many events that are jostling for a mention that I have decided to follow the following basic rule: events taking place on the day the email is published will be listed first, then news items and events relating to Topcliffe and Asenby, and finally events elsewhere in the area in date order.
Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk |
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Indoor Car Boot Sale
TODAY – Sunday 28 April – Bagby & Balk Village Society is organising an indoor car boot sale 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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The Yorkshire Flea
TODAY – Sunday 28 April – The Yorkshire Flea Market is on at Thirsk Auction Mart on from 11am to 6pm. Expect between 70 and 90 dealers selling all sorts of vintage items and antiques. |
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY – Sunday 28 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Father Robert Williamson
- Sunday 5 May at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
- Thursday 9 May at 7pm – Compline for Ascension Day
- Sunday 12 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Father Robert Wlliamson
- Sunday 19 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Sunday 26 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Father Robert Williamson
Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service. |
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 28 April – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm. |
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| Last week’s quiz set by Doug was won by the Church Street Mob – John, Sarah, Geraldine and Ian. Well done everyone who took part. |
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| Congratulations to twenty-one year old Tilly Parker, a talented up and coming chef at The Angel, who has passed her Level 2 chef’s qualification with distinction. Tilly, who lives in Azerley, near Ripon, is the daughter of Darren and Jo Parker and grand-daughter of Les and Vona Parker, who live in Asenby. |
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Herriot Hospice Raffle
Topcliffe Post Office is helping to raise funds for the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk by selling raffle tickets for some fabulous prizes. Debbie Roberts says: "It would be wonderful if Topcliffe and Asenby could get on board with such an amazing cause. The hospice is a facility that is very much needed in our area." It will be drawn on Saturday 11 May. Tickets are on sale at £1 each. A list of main prizes is shown here. |
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Cross Talk
The May edition of the church newsletter for parishes in our area has been published and you can read it here. |
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Boccia Club – more members needed
Last week’s appeal for new members to help secure the future of the weekly Boccia Club held at the Village Hall had only very limited success. Just one extra person turned up for last Tuesday’s session. That’s a start, but a few more members would help ensure that the club has a sound future.
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. It’s an ideal activity for people aged over sixty. Boccia Club meets between 1.30 and 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoons (but not this Tuesday 30 April as the organisers aren’t available) at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and it costs £3 per person. |
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| Pupils in Maple class at Topcliffe Academy have been learning about different ways we can all look to protect the planet by either using less energy or by using energy that has been produced in more sustainable ways.
A company called Energy Heroes spent time in the school explaining the difference between renewable energy sources and fossil fuels, later analysing data on how energy consumption in the UK has changed over the years. The aim overall was to empower the children with the knowledge and the drive to effect necessary change in the world.
The highlight of the day was the selection of the school’s own ‘Topcliffe Energy Heroes’ (pictured), who went on to complete an audit of the school with the help of the experts. They gathered information and data about the school’s energy use and started work on an action plan to show how Topcliffe Academy can contribute to improved energy use in the future. Look out for more information coming from the Energy Heroes team soon. |
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Rail disruption Leeds-Manchester
If you’re planning a rail journey across the Pennines you need to be aware that there will be four weeks of disruption to weekday services in West Yorkshire through to 17 May. The work is being carried out as part of the Transpennine Upgrade, a multi-billion pound programme to improve the route between York, Leeds and Manchester. In particular, weekday trains between Northallerton/ Thirsk/ York and Manchester airport will be replaced by buses for part of the journey. Check your journey at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions |
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FOTS need a Treasurer
FOTS – the Friends of Topcliffe School – are in urgent need of finding a new Treasurer, an essential post if the organisation is going to continue to function. Voluntary groups like FOTs must have a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer to operate effectively and unless a volunteer steps forward soon, there’s a danger FOTS will have to close down and all of the vital support that it gives the school will be lost.
Most parents of school age children will know all about the many things that FOTS does to support the school. This includes giving every new starter a book bag and all leavers a branded hoodie. They also contribute to the leavers’ party, subsidise the annual pantomime and meet an annual challenge set by the school to raise funds for a larger project. Last year the new climbing equipment was purchased and this year the plan is to buy sixteen new iPads.
If you feel like you would be able to help and would like more information on what the role entails, please get in touch with the academy office or visit the FOTS Facebook page. |
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A1 planned maintenance closures
Don’t forget there are overnight closures on the northbound carriageway between Wetherby and Boroughbridge starting tomorrow (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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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. |
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Mayoral Election
This Thursday (2 May) voting takes place to elect the first ever Mayor of North Yorkshire and York. The new Mayor will serve until 2028. 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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St Columba’s churchyard maintenance
Have you got an hour or so to to help get St Columba’s churchyard into shape for summer? The first working party will meet on Saturday 4 May starting at 9.30 through to about 12.30pm…and maybe continuing into the afternoon if anyone has sufficient energy and the weather is kind.
Then further sessions 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 Heritage Weekend celebrations. More information on the Heritage Weekend soon. |
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Furniture Sale
The Angel at Topcliffe is holding a surplus furniture sale on Saturday 4th May from 11am-1pm in the Function Suite. They’ll will be selling all different types of furniture including chairs, pictures and other miscellaneous pieces. All welcome. |
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Topcliffe Academy – Dates for your diary
- Monday, 6 May – School Closed for Bank Holiday
- Tuesday, 7 May – School re-opens
- Thursday, 16 May – FOTS School Disco
- Friday, 24 May – School closes at 3.15pm for Half Term
- Monday, 3 June – School re-opens for second half of summer term
- Friday, 7th June – Non-Uniform Day – children bring a donation for the tombola/raffle instead of cash.
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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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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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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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St Columba’s Annual Parochial Church Council
The meeting is open to members of the Church of England and other Anglican churches who are listed on the church Electoral Roll. The meeting will be held in the church on Monday 20 May at 7pm. |
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The Angel Comedy Night
The next Hilarity Bites Comedy Night at The Angel in Topcliffe will be held on Thursday 30 May. 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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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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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. |
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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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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm |
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| EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA |
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Rainton Gardening Club
Keen gardeners are being invited to join the Rainton Garden Club which meets on the third Tuesday of every month in Rainton Village Hall. The club has a full programme of events over the next 12 months, including talks, presentations and the occasional visit to a great garden. If you are interested in gardening, please take a look at the Rainton Garden Club page on Facebook. You can simply pop in to any scheduled meeting or for more information email raintongardenclub@gmail.com |
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Rural Arts events
Here are some of the workshops coming up at The Courthouse in Thirsk:
- 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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Harrogate’s Royal Hall – Open Day
You can visit Harrogate’s Royal Hall – known as the ‘glittering palace’ – free of charge on Wednesday 1 May. If you would like a guided tour it costs £3 and booking is essential. Numbers are limited. The hall is open 10am to 4pm, with tours at 11am and 2pm. Book online at http://www.royalhallrestorationtrust.org.uk |
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The Ritz Cinema
- Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire – 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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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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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:
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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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 |
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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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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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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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Flower Power Plant Fair
There’ll be a plant fair in the gardens of Thirsk Hall on Sunday 9 June starting 11am. There’ll be a selection of refreshments throughout the day and you can also plan to have lunch in the grounds. Entry £5 per person, Under 13s free. |
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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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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.
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| That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well. |
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