St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 17 November at 10.45am – Sung Eucharist.
- Sunday 24 November at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson.
- Sunday 1 December at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine.
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Kids’ Christmas Crafts
TODAY: Sunday 17 November between 3 and 5pm there’ll be a special Christmas craft session for children aged between 4 and 11 years being held at The Angel Inn in Topcliffe. There’ll be a maximum of 50 places and the cost is £4 per child. Participants will be encouraged to create decorations to be hung on Asenby’s Christmas tree…but there’ll be lots of other things to do as well. Take your own apron. Contact Holly Knowles on 07595 199344 for tickets.
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Thirsk Heritage Show
TODAY: Sunday 17 November starting at 10am. The fourth Thirsk Heritage Show will be on at Thirsk Auction Mart. The North Yorkshire Group of North Vintage Tractor & Engine Club will present classic and vintage tractors. Collections, bygones, models and crafts on display in the entrance hall, with stationary engines running outside throughout the day. Admission: adults £6 and children under 14 free. http://www.facebook.com/nvtecnorthyorkshiregroup
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 17 November from 10am to 3pm on the Market Place in Thirsk. Locally-produced arts and crafts plus food and drink. A diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent
producers and makers.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 17 November– The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last week’s quiz was set by Sue and the winners were David, John, Sarah and Doug. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.
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Santa Mail
Children can write to Santa again this year, but letters must arrive by 9 December. The address is:
Santa/Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeerland
XM4 5HQ
To get a reply from Santa you must include a stamped envelope with your full name and address.
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Christmas bonus from Topcliffe Charities
Are you a resident of either Topcliffe or Asenby who has reached 80 years of age? If so, you are eligible to receive a small Christmas gift from the Topcliffe Charities.
If you would like to be added to the list of recipients, please get in touch by the end of November. If you live in Asenby, contact Carole on 01845 577718 and if you live in Topcliffe, Anne-Marie on 07740 175311. If you have previously received a gift at Christmas, there’s no need to get in touch as you are already known to the organisers.
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Topcliffe Christmas Fayre
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Yesterday’s Christmas Fayre held in the Village Hall was a great success. There was a dozen stalls selling a diverse mixture of items and they all did brisk business. It’s thought that well over 100 people attended and there was a great atmosphere throughout the day.
The renting out of stalls and the catering raised around £450 for Village Hall funds and a raffle raised £150, which was shared between the Village Hall and Animal Rescue Crew.
A huge thank you is due to Karen Morley and the enthusiastic team of volunteers who helped on the day. Also thanks are given to the many villagers who kindly baked a wide range of cakes and traybakes and donated them to the event.
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A Brief Report of last Tuesday’s Village Hall Committee
(Prepared by committee member Jim Shaw)
Last Tuesday the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee held their bi-monthly meeting.
Malcolm Morley, reported on the need for some pointing required to the rear of the building before winter truly sets in. He also made the committee aware that the Hot Water Boiler in the kitchen had failed but with a descale and thorough check he had got it serviceable once again but warned it could need replacing in the near future.
The five year Electrical Testing had successfully been undertaken. Chair Richard Byas reported that the lease for the Smart Signal Booster to be positioned on the Village Hall roof had been signed and once a power point was installed hopefully installation would go ahead.
Signposting for when the Library was open was now operational. There is a Community First Yorkshire Network Meeting on the 14th of this month to highlight Fire Safety Guidelines, Chair Richard along with Doug and Chrissy Findlay will attend.
In the finance report past Treasurer Tony Bruce, who is continuing to deal with last year’s water leak problem, reported that significant strides had been made but nothing final had been achieved and suggested the committee continued to be careful with expenditure.
Treasurer Linsey Payne reported the bank account was healthy but felt in the wake of Tony’s report only vital expenditure to ensure the running of the Hall would be acceptable. The committee agreed.
Doug Allan reported the donated Christmas Tree would be arriving on the 7th of December. Carols around the Tree would be on Friday 20th December.
There is a Village Hall Week 17-23 March 2025 Celebrating Volunteers, information will be posted nearer the Event.
The Village Hall Fundraising Events:
- BBQ & Disco 14th Sept raised £1,076
- The Christmas Fayre was Sat 16th
- Sunday Brunch Sun 26th January
- Horse Race Night 22nd February
- The Flying Oysters Sat 29th March
The next committee meeting will be held on January 14th 2025. We hope this has been of interest and informative.
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Final Green Waste Collection of 2024
The last green waste collections of this year take place in Asenby on Wednesday 27 November and in Topcliffe on Thursday 28 November. Please remember to put your bin out by 6am.
Householders will be able to purchase a 2025 garden waste collection licence early in the new year.
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Sale of dog and cat food
Local pet food business IPN (Inspired Pet Nutrition) has donated a quantity of nutritious dog and cat food to the organisers of the Topcliffe Big Race Night, as a way of contributing to the fundraising efforts in support of the Village Hall.
These products will go on sale at bargain prices on Saturday 23 November between 9.30am and 12 noon from a stall outside Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. First come, first served, for real bargain prices.
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The Elm Gallery
Following the success of last Wednesday’s late shopping night, the gallery will be open next Wednesday 20 November from 6 to 9.30pm for for the convenience of shoppers looking for Christmas presents. Liz and Dave will be offering a free glass of wine and nibbles.
The gallery sells paintings, prints and cards created by owners Liz and Dave Marsh, plus a fantastic array of items created by other artists, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, bags, gift wrap, bronze resin sculptures, scarves and items of homeware. You’ll find the perfect Christmas gifts right here on your doorstep.
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Asenby Improvements Plan
There’s only four days left to comment on Asenby Parish Council’s improvement plan, which lists projects to be tackled in the coming months to maintain and improve the village. Feedback and new ideas are welcome by 22 November. A further version of the improvement plan will be circulated once it is finalised. Comments to steve.gallon@icloud.com or text, phone or WhatsApp on 07764 694979.
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Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 27 November from 11.30 to 12.45pm. There’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.
Last week’s lunch set a new record with 62 meals being served. In total £233 was raised and a donation of £50 was made to the Blue Cross animal shelter in Topcliffe. The balance helped pay the rent for the Village Hall and will help replenish food stocks in the kitchen. Any surplus will be added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have a meal delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a meal on the day the Warm Hub is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
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Autumn and winter art classes
- 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.
- There’ll be a winter sketch and draw class on Thursday 27 February in the Village Hall from 10am to 2pm. Save the date or message to pre-book your space. Suitable for beginners and artists at all levels.
- For more information and to book, visit http://www.rebeccajayneartist.co.uk
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Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary Charity Dinner
There are just a few tickets left for the Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary’s charity Christmas Dinner party at The Angel Inn on Thursday 28 November. The charity fundraiser will include a meal, an auction of gifts and promises, tombola, merchandise stall and games. The dress code is smart – so no jeans or trainers! Tickets priced at just £25 can be purchased from Tricia Phillips on 07785 763738 or by email – tricia-phillips@hotmail.com
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Topcliffe Academy – important dates
- Friday 29 November – Friends of Topcliffe School – Christmas Fair.
- Tuesday 17 December – Christmas Dinner and Christmas Jumper Day
- Wednesday 18 December – Carol Service at St Columba’s Church, 2pm
- Friday 20 December – Break up for Christmas at 2pm.
- Tuesday 7 January – School re-opens for start of Spring Term.
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Christmas Wreath-making Workshop
Sahra Rayner of Willow View Farm, Topcliffe has announced that her evening Christmas wreath-making workshops at The Angel Inn on Monday 2 December is fully booked. There’s still a couple of places available on the afternoon session (1 and 3pm). Tuition given and 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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Parish Meetings
- Asenby Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday 4 December.
- Topcliffe Parish Council’s next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 5 December.
Both parish councils meet in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Tea with Santa
Brought to you by The Friends of Lambert Hospice and Whitehorse Cafe. Kids can have tea and receive a gift from Santa. Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December at 4pm. £10. Call in to Whitehouse Cafe to book a table. See poster here. https://mcusercontent.com/b7a386afe6bbf63e2e2d71495/images/08d6fc9f-1f21-33f9-75d9-af03cdb0f30b.jpg
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The Catton Kitchen
The annual wreath making classes, led by Lavender & Bee Flowers, will be held on Sunday 8 December. Booking essential.
Christmas orders for meat, vegetables and puddings are now being taken. Please place your orders no later than Tuesday 10 December, but earlier if possible.
Orders and bookings at: http://thecattonkitchen.co.uk/
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Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
Residents of Topcliffe & Asenby aged 65 and over are invited to the Christmas lunch in the Village Hall on Wednesday 11 December. The cost for a full seasonal three course dinner, drinks and entertainment is £15 per head. Places are limited so please apply early to Judith Lowe on 01845 577911.
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Santa Claus to visit Asenby
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Here’s a lovely way for local children and their parents to begin the festive season. You can pop along to Asenby Community Park to meet Santa Claus and tell him what you are hoping to get this Christmas. It’s on Friday 13 December from 6 to 7.30pm. It’s just £2 a ticket per child to meet Santa. Also join in the Christmas carol singing. Refreshments will be available thanks to The Crab and Lobster and there’ll also be a raffle. All tickets purchased will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a meal for four at The Crab and Lobster.
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Christmas at The Angel Inn
Party Nights
Party nights during the festive season are filling up quickly. The only dates with spaces left are Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December. These party nights are for small or large groups from local businesses and the local community. Expect a night of delicious food, (three-course menu), plenty of festive fun and fantastic music provided by the in-house DJ. Get your tickets, priced £65 per person, from 01845 578000 or email holly@theangelinntopcliffe.co.uk
Note: exclusive hire is available for groups of over 50 people,
Christmas Opening Hours
- Christmas Eve – open until 8pm for food. Drinks normal hours.
- Christmas Day – open for drinks only – 11.30am to 1.30pm.
- Boxing Day – Sunday lunch menu until 4pm. Bar until 6pm.
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Carols around the Christmas Tree in Topcliffe
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are invited to gather at the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall to sing carols at 7pm on Friday 20 December. Special guests will be the children of Topcliffe Academies new choir. Sheets with the words of the carols…and a few other festive songs…will be provided, but you’ll need to bring a torch or a mobile phone to light your way! Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the hall. There’ll be no set price, but donations will be welcome to help cover the cost.
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Village Hall 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 make a note these dates:
- Sunday 26 January 2025 – Sunday Brunch – bacon and sausage buns in the company of your friends and neighbours.
- Saturday 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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Postal deadline for Christmas cards and gifts
As the festive season draws ever closer, it’s time to get writing your Christmas cards. The recommended final posting dates for items to arrive in time for Christmas are 18 December for second class and 19 December for first class. Anything posted special delivery guaranteed must be sent by 22 December. These are the same dates for presents and cards. Of course, those are the latest dates to guarantee delivery. To be extra safe, post items as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment over the festive period.
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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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Sutton Bank closure
Drainage improvement works will be undertaken on the A170 at Sutton Bank from Monday 18 until Friday 22 November. As a result the road will be closed overnight between 6:30pm and 5am each night. This diversion is in place:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roads-and-pavements/roadworks-map
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Digital Buddies at Digital Hub
Each Tuesday and Thursday technical ‘experts’ are on hand at Thirsk Community Library to help out with any digital issues that people are experiencing. They can assist with most routine online problems such as internet searching, renewing bus passes and blue badges, or learning new IT skills. See poster here.
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The Polar Express
The annual festive Polar Express is now running from Leeming Bar station up the Wensleydale line each weekend up to Christmas. Book online at http://www.wensleydale-railway.co.uk
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The Ritz Cinema
- The Crime is Mine – to Thursday 21 November – no matinee
- The Wild Robot – Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.
- Paddington in Peru – Friday 29 November to Thursday 5 December – matinees on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.
- Gladiator 2 – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 December – matinee on Wednesday 11 December.
- Between the Lights – Sunday 8 December.
- Wicked – Friday 13 to Thursday 20 December.
Opening times: Evenings – doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm. Matinees – doors open at 2pm for 2.30pm. You can now book online at https://www.ritzcinema.co.uk/
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Thirsk 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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Rainton Christmas Fair
The village of Rainton will hold its Christmas Fair on Sunday 24 November between 2 and 4pm at Rainton Village Hall. There’ll be the usual range of festive treats and gifts, including decorations, cakes, jams and chutneys, as well as games, raffle and tombola. Festive refreshments will be served.
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Rural Arts Christmas Craft Fair
At the Courthouse on Westgate, Thirsk on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November between 10am and 10pm. A one-stop-shop for Christmas gifts. Local makers and crafts people presenting unique and special items. Free Entry.
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Husthwaite Christmas Market
At Husthwaite Village Hall on Sunday 24 November between 11am and 2pm. With a mix of both indoor and outdoor stalls, the Christmas Market offers a fabulous selection of both food, crafts and goods for all your Christmas needs. The Apple Tree Café will be serving home-made sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks and bacon butties. Wheelchair accessible/ Dog friendly.
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Prima Facie
Jodie Comer’s award-winning performance in this gripping one-woman play returns to Rural Arts at the Courthouse in Thirsk. Wednesday 27 November at 7.30pm Tickets are £9-£11 online at http://www.ruralarts.org
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Christmas Gift and Food Fair: Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November – 9.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets £5, children under 16 free.
- Queen by Candlelight: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November, both at 7.30pm. Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band.
- Advent Carol Service & Procession: Sunday 1 December – 5.30pm. A candlelit service to mark the beginning of Advent, sung by the Cathedral Choir.
- Nativity Exhibition: Wednesday 4 to 6 December – showcasing the work of pupils from local primary schools.
- G4 at Christmas: Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm.
- Ripon Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah: Saturday 14 December – 7.30pm. Tickets £25 (or £22 unreserved).
- Festival of Lessons and Carols: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December at 5.30pm.
- Midnight Mass – Tuesday 24 December – 11pm.
- Bowie by Candlelight – Friday 17 January at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight – Friday 14 February at 7.30pm
- Take That – tribute group Re-Take That in concert – Friday 14 March at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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An Evening with Kate Fox
Poet, comedian and author Kate Fox will visit Northallerton library to present work from her latest collection and stage show. The event will take place on Friday 29 November, starting at 7pm. An Evening with Kate Fox will see the thoughtful, funny Radio 4 regular share poems from her newest collection, On Sycamore Gap – a celebration of the tree we lost and those to come – and her Bigger On The Inside stage show, about Doctor Who and neurodiversity. Kate will be available to sign her books afterwards. She was a resident of Thirsk from 2011 to 2019 and ran the popular Bloomin Words events at White Rose Bookshop in the town. Tickets cost £3 and can be booked by contacting Northallerton library on 01609 533832 or at northallerton.library@northyorks.gov.uk See poster here.
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Christmas at Rural Arts
- Mulled Wine and Macrame – Relax with a mulled wine and learn the basics of Macrame using various knotting techniques. Leave with your own Macramé keyring. Friday 29 November between 7 and 9pm. Tickets £15.
- Driftwood Scented Decorations – Washed up pieces of wood can be beautiful and sculptural without any human intervention, but on this workshop you’ll make them to smell nice and fill your house with scents of clementine, pomegranate or frankincense. Friday 6 December from 1.30 to 3.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £20.
- Bella Gaffney – ‘Reflections’ – A captivating blend of original compositions and traditional tunes that delve into both British folk and Americana. Friday 6 December at 7.30pm at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £10-£12.
- Wrapping Paper – Make wrapping paper that is worthy of being a gift itself. There will be a choice of how you decorate your paper, either through print, letter press or calligraphy, but the creative design will be up to you. Tuesday 10 December – 10.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Christmas Stockings – A really fun workshop to make your own Christmas Stockings that can be filled and hung up next to a fireplace, end of a bed, or simply put underneath the tree. Tuesday 10 December – 1.30 – 3.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Upcycled Wooden Furniture – If you have small wooden piece of furniture that sits unloved in a corner of your home, then this upcycling workshop is the perfect way to give it some love and put it centre stage in a room. Wednesday 11 December – 10.30am – 12.30pm. Tickets £20.
- Organic Wreath Making – Fed up with the throwaway culture of Christmas, where decorations and gifts are discarded just weeks later? This year, ditch the plastic and embrace a greener holiday. Make this Christmas not just merry, but truly sustainable. Friday 13 December – 10.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets £30.
Rural Arts is based at The Courthouse, Thirsk. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org
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Thirsk Christmas Lights
Switch-on of the Christmas lights, with entertainment and Father Christmas. Thirsk market Place on Friday 29 November. Entertainment from 5pm, lights go on at 6:30pm.
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Rainton wreath-making sessions
This festive season wreath-making sessions are being held at Rainton Village Hall on six days – Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1, Tuesday 3, Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Tuition, all materials and cake included in the price of £30. All funds raised will help support Rainton Village Hall. See poster here.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
Around 20 artisan food and drink producers bring the fruits of their labour to the centre of Thirsk. On Sunday 1 December from 9am to 2pm.
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Christmas Carol Concert by Candlelight
On Monday 2 December at Ripon Cathedral. The Yorkshire Macmillan Carol Concert committee invite you to a Christmas concert with the choirs of Aysgarth and Queen Mary’s Schools. Drinks and canapés in the Old Deanery at 6pm and the carol concert at 7.30pm. (Entry from 7pm)Tickets £17.50 to £50 from
http://www.macmillanriponcarolconcert.co.uk
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A Christmas Carol – Scrooge
This performance, initially planned for Friday 6 December, at Baldersby St James has been postponed.
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Thirsk Repair Cafe
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. Saturday 7 December from 10am until 1pm. All jobs done in return for a voluntary donation.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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