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Sunday Email: Issue 209

Welcome to your Sunday Email.

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

St Columba’s Services

  • TODAY – 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.

Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 5 May – Farmers’ Market on the Market Place in Thirsk between 9am and 2pm. Around twenty artisan food and drink producers will present the fruits of their labour. http://www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.c om
Sports Cars in the Park
TODAY: Sunday 5 May – Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall between 10am and 3pm. Includes entry to Newby Hall’s grounds, including the legendary adventure playground, gardens, restaurant, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions. Under 4 year olds free on the day Children are classed as 4 – 15 years at this event. Dogs are welcome on the showfield but not in Newby Gardens. Booking online at http://www.newbyhall.com
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 5 May – The quiz is on at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall at 8pm.
The winners of last week’s quiz were ‘A thorn and three roses’. No guessing which team member is the thorn. Yes it’s Jim who accompanied Linda, Sylvia and Shirley to a fine win. The quizmaster was Ian. Well done everybody who took part.
Rail disruption Leeds-Manchester
Don’t forget! 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. 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
A1 planned maintenance closures
And there’s disruption on the roads too! There are overnight closures on the northbound carriageway between Wetherby and Boroughbridge starting which will last until Friday 17 May. 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.
First North Yorkshire Mayor Elected
Last Thursday the first York & North Yorkshire mayor was elected with a majority of almost 15,000 votes. The winner was York businessman David Skaith, who won with over 66,000 votes, The turnout was 30%. Mr Skaith will start his new role on Tueday 7 May and will serve a four-year term, with a salary of £81,300.
Skip2bfit
Pupils at Topcliffe Academy now know the value of skipping as a means of keeping fit. They recently had a visit from Dave Gibson of Skip2bfit and he put the children through their paces, packing in lots of exercise during their skipping and boxing sessions. Here are links to more photographs of the pupils 1, 2, 3 and 4.
St Columba’s churchyard maintenance
Ten volunteers turned out yesterday to help spruce up the churchyard. Although it was too wet for grass cutting, lots of other maintenance jobs were done, including tree pruning, weeding and strimming. A big thank you to those who gave up their time to help.

There are plans for further tidy up days in the churchyard on Saturdays 11 and 18 May, so if you got an hour spare please come along from 10am onwards. All support will be very welcome. 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup & Sweet lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 15 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.

Last week’s lunch (1 May) saw 56 meals served and £176 raised from donations. £50 was donated to help meet the production costs of The Tattler and Sunday Email and, after rent payment, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Fund.

Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be at 7pm on Thursday 16 May in the Village Hall.
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 20May at 7pm.
Base Camp – Kids Adventure days
Bookings are now open for the Base Camps being held during the May half-term holidays.

  • Wednesday 29 May – Make your own musical instrument in Forest Schools and then get to play it in the afternoon with musician, Hayley, around the campfire.
  • Thursday 30 May – Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors as we forage for food and then make fire to cook it on.
  • Friday 31 May – Get creative as we explore natural art from around the globe before limbering up to take part in Forest Olympic Games.

More information and book online at http://www.basecamplearning.co.uk

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. See poster here.
Open Studios
Eric Moss, based in Asenby, is one of eight local artists in the Thirsk area opening their studio to the public as part of a North Yorkshire Open Studios event in June. Eric, who works in ceramics, will be showing big and small ceramics, for indoor and outdoor display, plus 3D printed resins and new bespoke ‘Fidgets’ and ‘Pocket Art’ handmade in recycled pewter and glass. The other local studios will include photography, enamelling, jewellery, printing, painting and garden sculpture. The open studios can be visited between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June and on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June. See poster here and location map here.
St Columba’s Day – celebrations
Saint Columba’s Day celebrations will not be quite so extensive this year. The plan is to concentrate on Sunday 9 June with a special Choral Eucharist at 10.45am followed by a BBQ in the churchyard close to the Church Hall from 12.30pm. During the afternoon the church and tower will be open for visits. More details will follow in due course.
Tickets for Topcliffe Ceilidh go on sale
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.
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.
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.
Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday 5 ’til 7pm
Bin Collections
You can easily check bin collection information via North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste

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

The Sowerby Household Waste Recycling Centre is open 8.30am to 5pm every day, apart from Wednesdays. You are asked to allow enough time to unload your waste before the site closes.

EVENTS ON AROUND THE AREA
Thirsk Museum
The small but fascinating Thirsk Museum at 14-16 Kirkgate has opened for another summer season. There’s some amazing exhibits, including a display of cricket memorabilia in honour of Thomas Lord of Lords cricket ground, who was born in this house. The museum is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm, last admission 3pm (closed Wednesday afternoons and Sundays). Donations in lieu of an admission. www.thirskmuseum.org

Rural Arts events

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

  • 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.

The Ritz Cinema

  • Back to Black – 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/

Northallerton May Fair
Northallerton High Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic whilst the May Fair is on until Monday 6 May. The rides, sideshows and stalls will operate between noon and 10pm.
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

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/

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
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
Racing at Thirsk
Here’s the first few race days in the schedule at Thirsk Racecourse.
Saturday 11 May – Irish Day
• Friday 7 June – afternoon racing
• Sunday 16 June – Father’s Day Skybet Sunday Series
• Monday 24 June – afternoon racing.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Art Class
Rebecca Jayne, the regular art teacher who runs classes at Topcliffe Village Hall is organising a special class – ‘Paint a Garden Landscape in Oils’ – at the Himalayan Gardens at Grewelthorpe on Friday 17 May, 10am- 4pm. Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/classes-workshops
Ripon Spring Fair
The Ripon Community Link, which supports people with learning and physical disabilities, is to hold a Spring Fair in Ripon Walled Garden on Saturday 18 May from 9.30am to 4pm. There’ll be lots of family entertainment including circus acts, balloon modelling, food stalls, fun and games, live music and refreshments. See poster here.
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.
Mike Barford Presents
Award winning local author Mike Barfield will present a fun, family day based on his latest book, The World’s First Roller Coaster and other Aamazing Inventions, at Thirsk Community Library at 11am on Saturday 18 May. Mike is a brilliant performer and he’ll share loads of information about all kinds of interesting things. Suitable for children of all ages. It’s much appreciated that Mike does these presentations free for his local community library. See poster here.
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.
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.
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.
Summer Music Series
This summer Rural Arts is teaming up with Thirsk-based music curators, De Mowbray Music, to present three laid-back Friday evening concerts. Each lasting around an hour, they’re a chance to greet the weekend in style, joined by talented performers from a range of musical backgrounds. Each concert starts at 6.30pm and tickets are £10 (£8 for concessions). Venue: The Courthouse, Thirsk.

  • Friday 24 May – So I’m Not A Princess – a coming-of-age cabaret told through iconic princess and musical theatre numbers by singing sensation, Eleanor Sandars.
  • Friday 7 June – The Derrick Harris Trio – all things jazz.
  • Friday 30 August – Native Gallantry – baroque strings.

Book online at https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/performances

Creative Club presents 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.
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,
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.
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

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.

That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.