There were fantastic views of the Aurora Borealis over Topcliffe and Asenby
last Thursday evening (10 October). The photograph above was taken by Eric Cross in Asenby. There are more photographs on Top Residents’ Facebook page.
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Getting up a head of steam
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Last Sunday (6 October) lunchtime a number of steam traction engines visited Topcliffe and parked up for a public viewing at The Angel Inn. It was all part of ‘Steam it up Sunday’. They are majestic reminders if a bygone age and it was lovely to see them in our village. Here are a few more images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
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A huge thank you to all those who turned out yesterday (12 October) to help with the autumn tidy up in St Columba’s churchyard. Volunteers included John, Karen, Andrew, Caleb, Chris and Richard. Thanks also to John Blair who carted away the green waste and to Clare who provided the tea and flapjack. The tidy up will continue next Saturday (19 October) and any additional help will be very much appreciated. Here are a few more photographs – 1, 2, 3, and 4
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 13 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
- Sunday 20 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
Sunday 27 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
- Sunday 3 November at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine.
Feast of All Souls – special service
To mark the Feast of All Souls, there’ll be a Choral Requiem Mass at St Columba’s on Thursday 7 November at 7.30pm. Father Robert Williamson will take the mass. (This service has been transferred from its usual date of 2 November).
The Feast of All Souls is the occasion in the church calendar when we are invited to remember and give thanks for the lives of family and friends who are no longer with us. The Choral setting is the lovely Missa Pro Defunctis by Claudio Casciolini (1697-1760). Everyone is most welcome to attend this wonderful commemoration of those we have loved, and there is an opportunity for them to be remembered by name during the service. More details in due course.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 13 October – The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Gerry and the winners were Malcolm, Nigel and David. Well done the winners and all those who took part.
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Funeral arrangements
- The funeral of Nellie Bowman, who died on 13 September, will be held tomorrow at 12 noon on Monday 14 October at St Columba’s Church and cremation at 1pm at Maple Park.
- The funeral of Arthur Morley, who lived in Swale View, and who died on 24 September aged 85, will be held at Maple Park Crematorium at 2.30pm on Tuesday 15 October. Refreshments afterwards at Thirsk Rugby Club.
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Notice of vacancy on Asenby Parish Council
Final reminder that a notice of a vacancy for a councillor on Asenby Parish Council has been published. The vacancy arose following the resignation of former chairman, Colin Grimston, who gave up his seat in order to take on the role of Clerk to the Council. The vacancy will be open until 22 October and if appropriate an election will be held before Christmas. Otherwise, a person will be co-opted onto the Parish Council.
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Free Christmas Day Dinner
Last chance via the Sunday Email to book your free Christmas Day lunch. David Martin, the owner and chef at Maple Park Café near Busby Stoop, is offering a free lunch on Christmas Day to anyone who is on their own and would like a good lunch and some company. Doors will open at 12 noon and the lunch will be served around 1pm. Those who have recently lost a loved one will be particularly welcomed. The numbers are limited to sixty and it’s first come, first served (though booking is essential). If you know someone who might like this special festive treat, please let them know. Book on david.martin@mapleparkcafe.co.uk or 07527 954295.
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Great review for The Angel
The Yorkshire Post has published an excellent review of The Angel at Topcliffe. You can read it here.
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Have your say on priorities for police, fire and rescue services
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is asking for the public’s help in setting the priorities for North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. He has a duty to consult with communities, businesses, stakeholders and staff to develop plans which set out the strategic direction and priorities for these services.
You can now give your views in a six-week public consultation, which will be open until Monday 18 November. The survey can be found at: www.YourPoliceAndFire.com and it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
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Working together to reduce rural crime
Farmers, landowners, business owners and residents in and around Topcliffe and Asenby are being invited to sign up to the Rural Watch scheme operated by the police in North Yorkshire. This should be of interest to anyone living in and around our two villages that wishes to help keep local communities safe, encourage community spirit and help to reduce opportunities for crime and vandalism on our patch.
To register your interest, simply email your name, phone number and address to mark.atkinson@northyorkshire.police.uk and you will be added to the WhatsApp group for our area. For more information about Rural Watch and to sign up from the website, go to https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/rw/rural-watch/
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Warm Hub Lunch
As autumn takes hold, the regular Soup & Sweet lunch will be replaced by Warm Hub lunches, which are generally more substantial. The next lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 16 October from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, puddings, delicious cakes and bakes and tea or coffee. All welcome. No set charge, but donations welcome.
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Local art classes this autumn and winter
- Don’t miss out on this special one-off class – Autumn Sketch & Draw – at the Village Hall on Thursday 17 October between 10am and 2pm. Rebecca Jayne is running this class in response to many requests. If you attended the last one, please come along to develop your skills further. There will be different topics! Click here to read more and book.
- Friday Evenings at Thirsk Town Hall starting Friday 8 November – 6.30-9.30pm. Paint autumn scenes in oils.
- Thursday 28 November – 10am to 1pm – at the Village Hall – Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake.
- Friday 6 December – Thirsk Town Hall 6.30-9.30pm. Paint magical and joyful festive scenes in acrylics. Includes a glass of mulled wine or festive hot chocolate and nibbles in addition to cake.
For more information and to book, visit http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
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Basecamps at Baldersby Park
Adventure camps will be held for 5 to 13 year-olds at half-term on 28, 29 and 30 October at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe. There’ll be exciting activities each day between 10am and 3pm. For more information and to book, please call Hannah on 07979 526883.
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Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
The event will be held on Saturday 16 November. Watch out for more information in future editions of the Sunday Email and on Top Residents’ Facebook page.
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Christmas Wreath-making Workshop
Sahra Rayner of Willow View Farm, Topcliffe has announced that her annual Christmas wreath-making workshops will be held on Monday 2 December. The first will be between 1 and 3pm and the second between 7 and 9pm, both at The Angel Inn. Tuition given and all materials provided. Festive refreshments available. £50 per person. Limited places available. Contact Sahra to book your space:
07734113069 or hello@willowviewfarm.co.uk
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Carols and Santa in the Park
Asenby Parish Council is planning a special festive event in the village’s Community Park on Friday 13 December. It’ll include carol singing and a visit by Santa. Make a note in your diary and watch out for fuller details nearer the date.
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Fundraising Events – dates for your diary
In addition to the Christmas Fayre mentioned above, volunteers have more events planned at the Village Hall in the coming months and you might want to note these dates in your diary or on your calendar:
- 20 December – Carols around the Christmas Tree – and afterwards mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine/soft drinks.
- 26 January 2025 – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
- 22 February 2025 – The Big Horse Race – one of the most popular events held each year!
- 29 March 2025 – The Flying Oysters – back by popular demand, everyone’s favourite dance band.
There’ll be more information announced about all of the events in due course.
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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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Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
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Badmington Club seeks more players
Thirsk Badmington Club, which meets at Dalton Village Hall, is on the lookout for more members. The club, which meets on Tuesdays between 7.30 and 9.30pm, would welcome male and female players of all abilities for both friendly and competitive games. Contact the club via their Facebook page.
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Digital Buddies help with online issues
Thirsk Community Library has launched a Digital Hub aimed at encouraging and educating people on how to get online safely and make the most of their digital devices. The library is currently offering two 2-hour drop-in sessions a week, Monday and Thursday, from 10.30 – 12.30, manned by Digital Buddies, who will help people with any technical issues with computers, tablets or smartphones.
People may simply need help with a one-off task, such as applying for a blue badge or bus pass, which needs to be done online these days, or they might want help with how to operate a new device, and possibly need several sessions as they learn how to use it. They can just show up at the drop-in sessions, or contact the library to book an appointment.
Alongside this, Thirsk Community Library will be celebrating Get Online Week from 14 to 19 October. This is an annual digital inclusion campaign aimed at helping people get online, whether they want to start managing their money online, learn about online safety or gain basic digital skills for employment. There’ll be various digital events throughout the week – see flyer here – as well as the regular Digital Buddies sessions.
Obviously, anyone reading this version of the Sunday Email is already online, but perhaps you would benefit from some help with other skills? If you have a relative or friend who might need some help, please make this information available to them.
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The Ritz Cinema
- The Critic – To Thursday 17 October – matinee on Wednesday 16 October.
- Starve Acre – Sunday 13 October.
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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‘New to You’ sale
The Friends of the Lambert Hospice in Thirsk are organising a ‘New to You’ sales on Saturday 19 October between 10am and 3pm at Thirsk Town Hall. You can donate children’s, men’s and women’s clothes as well as accessories, homeware and bric-a brac. Please contact either Dawn on 07774 983275 or Sars on 07890 405159 if you can help. See poster here.
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Travels with my Camera
On Saturday 19 October at 7.30pm Peter Rushton will give a talk and film show ‘Travels with my Camera’ in Sessay Village Hall. Admission £10 including choice of home-made pudding. Tickets from Margaret on 01845 501452 or Pat on 01845 501491.
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Repair Cafe
The next monthly Repair Cafe will be held at Thirsk Library on Meadowfields in Thirsk on Saturday 19 October between 10am and 1pm. 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. No set charge: just a voluntary donation. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com
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Thirsk Yarnbombers
The group that is responsible for some amazing knitted decoration in and around Thirsk Market Place is holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 20 November between 10.30 and 11.45am at Thirsk Town Hall. There’ll be a stall where knitted and crocheted items will be on sale. Proceeds will go to support the group’s future projects.
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Dalton Indoor Car Boot Sale
The next indoor car boot sale at Dalton Village Hall will be on Sunday 20 October between 10am and 12 noon. You can book a table now for £10. Contact Deborah Sayer on 07762 085408. On the day, public admission will be £1 per adult. Refreshments will be available.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Takes place on Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 20 October between 10am and 3pm. Locally-produced arts, crafts, food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. http://info@littlebirdmade.co.uk
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Antique and vintage retail event
Being held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 20 October between 11am and 6pm. Around 100 dealers with a great variety of items. Ample free parking. All indoors. Family run cafe. Dogs on leads admitted. £3 adults and under 16s free. http://www.antiquesfairs.com
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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:
- Sunday 20 October – Autumn Tea Train.
- Saturday 26 October – Gin Train.
Contact email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com / 01677 425805
Bookings: https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/
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The Big Draw Festival
The Big Draw Festival, a worldwide celebration of drawing, continues at Rural Arts in Thirsk..
- Experimental Drawing – Wednesday 23 October between 10.30am and 12.30pm – choose your own drawing implement – pen, paintbrush or finger – in this ‘Taste Of’ session. If you like the unknown or are a bit risk averse, the tutor will offer you support and guide you through the experimentation process. Cast off ideas of what something should and ought to look like and feel liberated with the result.
- Big Draw Children’s Holiday Activities – 29 to 31 October (half term).
At The Courthouse in Thirsk. Find out more and book online at www.ruralarts.org
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Baldersby St James Musical Evening
There’ll be a musical evening featuring The Hummingbirds, a close harmony trio, at the church in Baldersby St James on Friday 25 October at 7.30pm. They perform 1930s to 1950s classic songs with a twist. Supper will be provided but bring your own drinks. Tickets £8 on the door.
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Ghost Story: The Room Upstairs
This spooky Clap Trap Production written by BAFTA nominated Tom Needham, performed by Cal Stockbridge, Florrie Stockbridge & Natasha Jones, will be on at Thirsk Hall on Friday 25 October at 6.30pm. Performed in the Old Dining Room at Thirsk Hall. £20 adults only. Book online http://www.thirskhall.com/events
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Fountains Abbey by Floodlight
Harrogate Theatre Choir will perform for one hour in the Cellarium at Fountains Abbey on Friday 25 October at 7pm. It will be a feast for all your senses. Watch as the night sky falls over the abbey and the ruins start to glow with light, and hear the voices of Harrogate Theatre Choir ring out through the ruins. http://www.harrogatetheatrechoir.co.uk
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Halloween Event at the bookshop
White Rose Bookshop & Cafe is holding a free Halloween event on Saturday 26 October with children’s author, Jane Clack. There’ll be a fancy dress competition, plus storytime at 10am and 3.30pm. Halloween Cafe treats, book signing and give aways. No need to book.
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Remember that clocks go back
1am on Sunday 26 October.
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Autumn Adventure Cruises on Ripon Canal
These outings run from 26 October until 3 November from 10am daily. Spot the wildlife and fairy doors along the canal and solve the puzzle, with all children up to 14 years of age winning s a prize. Cruise suitable for all ages. Enjoy the beginnings of autumn whilst staying dry and warm. Cosy blankets for knees, luxurious hot chocolate and spiced pumpkin lattes. Book online at https://www.ripon-scenic-cruises.co.uk/
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Pumpkin Carving
The Angel Inn is organising a pumpkin carving competition this Halloween. Children and adults should carve their pumpkin at home and drop them off at the Angel in exchange for Halloween treats. Drop off times are:
- Sunday 27 October – 12noon to 8pm
- Monday 28 October – throughout the day.
- Tuesday 29 October – throughout the day.
There’ll be various age categories:
- Under 5s – petrifying pumpkins
- 5s to 8s – ghoulish ghosts
- 9s to 12s – spooky skeletons
- 13s to 15s – mischievous monsters
- 16s to 25s – tricksters
- 25+ – wicked witches.
The winner in each category will receive a £10 voucher. Winners announced 4 November.
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Kids’ Halloween Party
Dalton Village Hall is hosting a kids’ Halloween party on Thursday 31 October from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Admission price of £2 includes a hotdog and there will be a disco.
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Bring Him Home
The Dishforth Military Wives Choir is presenting a special concert with music and words for Remembrance on Friday 8 November at 7.30pm at St Oswald’s Church, Sowerby. See poster here for more information and booking details.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Eagles by Candlelight: Friday 8 November at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
- Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 November ay 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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