St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
Here’s a list of services and events over the festive season at St Columba’s Church.
- Monday 23 December at 2pm – Crib Service led by the Rev Dawn Ward. An informal telling of the Christmas story, particularly suitable for families and children.
- Tuesday 24 December at 11.30pm – Midnight Communion for Christmas led by Father Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) – No Service
- Sunday 29 December (Fifth Sunday) – No Service
- Sunday 5 January at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Epiphany followed by pre-supper refreshments and wine
All at St Columba’s would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 15 December between 10am and 3pm. A Christmas market provided by local independent producers and makers of arts and crafts, plus food and drink. Thirsk Market Place.
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Carols by Candlelight
TODAY: Sunday 15 December at 6pm at St John the Evangelist Church. The Dalton Dazzlers Children’s Choir will be making an appearance. The service will be followed by refreshments.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 15 December– The quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last week’s quiz was set by Alan and the winners were Liz, Steve and David. Well done the winning team and everyone else who took part.
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The Christmas tree outside the Village Hall is looking fantastic. Thanks to Gordon & Shirley who supplied it, Josh who transported and erected it, and Malcolm, Charles, Roger and Ian who helped with the lights.
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The Topcliffe Big Race Night
The Big Race Night will be held at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 February 2025. Those who have been to previous Race Nights know what great fun it is with eight video races and the added excitement of betting on the horse of your choice. Lots of local businesses have already taken up sponsorship opportunities and supplied some fantastic raffle prizes.
The sale of cat and dog food donated by IPN, the Dalton-based pet food manufacturer, has raised £360 towards the Race Night fundraising. All the pet food has now been sold. Thank you to everyone who purchased for their pets.
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Name your horse
Punters now have the chance to name a horse in each of the eight races. There were 64 horses to be named at a cost of £5 each on a first come, first served basis… but names are selling fast, so don’t leave it too long.
Entry tickets will be priced at £8, to include a two-course supper, and will go on sale early in the New Year…though tickets can be reserved if anyone wishes to make sure they don’t miss out!
Contact Doug Allan on 07785 223707 or email him at doug@dougallan.co.uk
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Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
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Last Wednesday, nearly 50 senior citizens had a delicious three-course Christmas lunch in the Village Hall. Afterwards they were entertained by The Loose Chippings who presented a melody of songs that the audience could sing along too. A huge thank you is given to organiser, Judith Lowe, and to those who cooked and served the meal, including Karen and Malc Morley, Linda Carver, Linda Robinson, Clare Phillips, Chris Wiggins, Peter Lowe and Doug Allan.
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Correction re Topcliffe Surgery
Last week an article about NHS equipment loaned out to patients suggested that equipment could be returned to Topcliffe Surgery. Unfortunately this was incorrect. The surgery does not have space to store returned equipment.
Many apologies to the surgery and to those who were inconvenienced by my message. I’m afraid I misunderstood the message on Topcliffe Surgery website. If you have equipment you no longer need, please read the leaflet on Topcliffe Surgery’s website that tells you how to deal with returns.
Returning Equipment No Longer Needed – Topcliffe Surgery
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Help during cost of living crisis
North Yorkshire Council has allocated a further £600,000 to combat cost of living crisis in the county. This means thousands of households will be able to access vital support to help them to cope with the rising cost of living over the winter months.
This is the sixth phase of the Government’s Household Support Fund. The funding will be used to bolster local foodbanks, help people to stay warm and well in their homes and support those struggling to pay for bills or utilities.
Eligible families will also again be able to claim supermarket vouchers to help pay for food and other essentials. Further details about the Household Support Fund direct award scheme, including eligibility and voucher amounts, is due to be released in January 2025.
You can access more information about the support available in North Yorkshire on this site: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-and-volunteering/cost-living-support-0
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Residents of Asenby had a wonderful evening on Friday last when Santa visited the local Community Park. He spent a couple of hours in the village before flying off to complete other Christmas appointments. Whilst he was in the park he handed out presents to village children and then everyone sang carols and drank mulled wine and ate mince pies. What a very special evening was had by all. A big thank you to those who organised this festive treat, particularly Steve Gallon, Malcolm Sollitt, Colin Grimston, Steve Hall, Catherine & Matilda Catterick and Peter & Jackie Irving. Also a huge thank you to the Crab & Lobster for their excellent catering.
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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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Topcliffe Academy – important dates
- 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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Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 18 December from 11.30 to 12.45pm. As a special pre-Christmas treat, the Warm Hub volunteers will be serving a delicious beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner (with pigs in blankets) followed by trifle for sweet, plus 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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Chip ‘n Dales
The Chip ‘n Dales fish and chip van’s final visit to Topcliffe in 2024 will be on Friday 20 December. After a festive break the van will return on Friday 22 January.
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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 some of 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. And don’t forget to wrap up warm! Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the hall. Refreshments for children too. There’ll be no set price, but donations will be welcome to help cover the cost.
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Christmas Opening Hours at The Angel Inn
- 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.
- New Year’s Eve – Bar open 12 noon through to 1am. Food served 12 noon to 2pm.
- New Year’s Day – the Sunday lunch menu will be available until 4pm. Bar until 6pm.
- The Angel will be closed from 6 to 9 January.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance
The Angel are planning an unforgettable evening of dining, music, dancing and entertainment at their New Year’s Eve celebration. 7pm until 1am. Check out the details here.
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Winter art classes
- 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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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.
- 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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The Ritz Cinema
- Wicked – to Thursday 19 December – matinees on Sunday 15 and Wednesday 18 December.
- Red One – Friday 20 to Monday 23 December – matinees on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December.
- CLOSED – Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December.
- Conclave – Friday 27 December to Thursday 2 January – no matinees.
- Moana 2 – Friday 3 to Thursday 9 January – matinees on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 January.
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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Winter Warmer Cruises
On Saturday 21 to Monday 23 December at 9.45am, Ripon Scenic Cruises is offering a half hour festive cruise with a mulled wine, fruit punch or luxury hot chocolate, along with a choice of brownie or mince pie. (GF and vegan options available). Warm blankets for knees. Dog friendly too! Tickets are £8.95 available online at https://buytickets.at/riponsceniccruises.
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Explore Thirsk this Christmas
What was Christmas like in the poor house in Thirsk? Which crimes were taking place in 16th century Thirsk at Christmas? What went on at Christmas in the Thirsk ginnels? What could we buy at Thirsk Christmas market in medieval times? Why might carol singers have been thrown out of the church in medieval times?
All these questions and more will be answered in this fascinating festive journey through the history of Thirsk. Tours last 1½ hours and will take place on Saturday 21 December and Saturday 28 December – all from 11am until 12.30pm. Meet at Thirsk Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place and please wear sensible shoes. There is no fixed price but donations will be gratefully received. Any queries call 07467 696486.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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Christmas Panto in Dalton
This year’s Christmas Panto, Beauty and the Beast, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Monday 23 December. It will be presented by Chaplins Mini Pantos. Doors open at 6.15 pm for a prompt 6.30 start. Tickets are £14 for adults and £8 for children. A family of two adults and two children £40, Under 4 year olds free. Call Eleanor on 07841 036340 for tickets.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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