St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
- Wednesday 4 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Sunday 8 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Father Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 11 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Sunday 15 December at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Wednesday 18 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Sunday 22 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Father Robert Williamson
- Sunday 22 December at 6.30pm – Traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by refreshments and wine.
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Rural Arts Christmas Craft Fair
TODAY: Sunday 24 November between 10am and 10pm at the Courthouse on Westgate, Thirsk. Local makers and crafts people presenting unique and special items. Free Entry.
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Husthwaite Christmas Market
TODAY: Sunday 24 November between 11am and 2pm at Husthwaite Village Hall. 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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Rainton Christmas Fair
TODAY: 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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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 24 November– The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last week’s quiz was set by Doug and the winners were Alan, Gerry, Ian and David. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.
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Christmas bonus from Topcliffe Charities
Last call for village residents aged 80 years of age to make themselves known if they wish to receive a small Christmas gift from the Topcliffe Charities. 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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Final Green Waste Collection of 2024
Don’t forget that 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
Yesterday’s intended sale of dog and cat food from a stall outside the village hall had to be cancelled due to the atrocious weather. As a result of several posts on local Facebook pages, a few people did get in touch and make arrangements to collect the products they wanted. There is still a considerable quantity of pet food available so if anyone wants a bargain, please get in touch with Doug Allan on 07785 223707. See list attached here.
The pet food was donated by Dalton-based manufacturers IPN (Inspired Pet Nutrition) ras away of them sponsoring the Big Race Night and support the village hall.
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Bad weather driving
As winter weather takes a grip, it’s a good idea to consider how best to prepare for journeys and think about ensuring you stay safe. Here’s some good advice from North Yorkshire Police. Read here.
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Asenby Improvement Plan
Update from Cllr Steve Gallon, Chair of Asenby Parish Council
Thank you to everyone who responded to the original draft of the Asenby village improvement plan. The consultation period has now been completed and we are delighted to be able to publish the final report.
All of the original points highlighted have been warmly received without exception. They were:
- Cleaning and re-touching of the lettering on the Asenby stones at the village entrances.
- Planting of flower beds at each stone.
- Erection of signs at the village entrances and at the end of Cundall Road, making motorists aware of children playing.
- Improvements to the bus shelter, including a second flower planter at the entrance, additional bookshelves, including a children’s section, and the re-arrangement of the notice boards to accommodate the new bookshelves. Also, control of ivy and a general clean and re-painting where necessary.
- Keeping the four benches in the village and those on the Riverside Walk clean and well maintained.
Three additional suggestions have been made:
- Clear the branch debris from behind the bus shelter
- There are 2 road signs on the main road which have been hit and are leaning precariously. This has already been reported to NYC
- The path between the brow of the hill and the bus stop past Crab Manor needs clearing of leaves as it is dangerous to pedestrians. This is an annual task
It was also mentioned by a number of people that planting flowers at the stone village signs has been tried before and failed, mainly due to neglect after planting and careless grass cutting. This will not be the case this time.
We will now begin to carry out the tasks listed in the original plan, and include those listed above. As we complete our work we will update you on our progress. Thank you again for your interest in our village’s appearance.
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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van is in Topcliffe Fridays 5 ’til 7pm. (29 November, 6 and 13 December).
Final visit of 2024 on Friday 20 December. Re-opening on Friday 22 January).
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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.
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.
- Next block of six Monday morning classes at the Village Hall – starts 6 January.
- Winter sketch and draw class at the Village Hall on Thursday 27 February from 10am to 2pm.
- Paint Beautiful Gardens from around the World in oils on Thursday 27 March from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Save the dates or 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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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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Beer, food and shopping
The family-owned Hambleton Brewery at Melmerby is holding a festive open day on Saturday 30 November between 2 and 9pm. They’ll be serving their wide range of beers together with mulled wine and soft drinks in their Taproom. Food prepared by Squid & Tonic will be on sale. The brewery is offering exclusive discounts on products from their shop. It’s free to attend.
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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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Christmas tree
Topcliffe’s Christmas tree will be put up outside the Village Hall on Saturday 7 December. The spectacular tree has been donated by Gordon and Shirley Walker, who live on Swale View Holiday Park. The tree is currently in their garden and stands over 20 feet tall…but we’ll be reducing its height slightly when it is cut down and transported to the Village Hall by Josh Barningham. Thanks Josh!
The tree should be in place by 11am and will need decorating after that. If anyone is available to help, please just pop along. Throughout the festive season the lights will be on from 4 to 11pm.
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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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Tickets for the senior citizens’ Christmas lunch are selling well, but there are a few spaces left. If you haven’t booked your place yet get in touch with Judith Lowe asap. 01845 577911.
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Letters to Santa
Just a reminder that the final date for children’s letters to Santa to arrive at his grotto is Monday 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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Santa Claus to visit Asenby
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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 Academy’s 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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New Year’s Eve at The Angel Inn
Check out the details of The Angel’s planned New Year’s Eve big celebration party here.
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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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Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
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Digital Buddies at Digital Hub
Each Monday 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
- Paddington in Peru – 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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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
- 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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