St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 26 January at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Rev Robert Williamson.
- Sunday 2 February at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong for Candlemas followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine
- Sunday 9 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Rev Robert Williamson
- Sunday 16 February at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Sunday 23 February at 10.45am – Holy Communion with Rev Robert Williamson
- Sunday 2 March at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper refreshments with wine
- Wednesday 5 March at 7pm – Compline for Ash Wednesday.
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Don’t forget that the Sunday Bruch is on today between 11am and 1pm
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Big Garden Bird Watch 2025
TODAY – The RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch is taking place this weekend, so there’s still time today to select an hour and count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony, or in your local park. Only count birds that land. Even if you see nothing, it still counts. Report what you count to the RSPB at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch by 23 February.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 26 January – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Andrew and won by Phil, Fiorella, Chris and David. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.
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Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 5 February from 11.30 to 12.45pm and then fortnightly thereafter. 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.
The last lunch (22 February) saw 43 meals served and £140 given in donations. A donation of £50 was made to Animal Rescue and, after paying rent and purchasing supplies, the balance was 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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Warm Hub needs your help
Have you got a couple of hours once a fortnight to help serve lunches at the Warm Hub? Organiser Karen Morley is seeking volunteers to join a list of people she can call upon to help out if the regulars aren’t available. The Warm Hubs are held on alternate Wednesdays in the Village Hall.
Karen is also looking for volunteers to occasionally prepare some food for the Warm Hub. It can be a contribution to the main course, such as a stew or lasagne, or a pudding such as a crumble or trifle.
If you can help please contact Karen on 01845 577426.
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Bingo in Topcliffe is on the cards
The idea of running regular bingo sessions in the Village Hall has been under discussion for a few weeks and now there’s been some real progress. It has been agreed that a bingo session will be organised on a trial basis immediately after the Warm Hub lunch on Wednesday 5 February, staring at 1pm. It’s hoped that some participants attending the lunches will stay on and that other residents will come along just for the bingo.
As mentioned in earlier Sunday Emails the charge for bingo will have to be sufficient to cover the cost of renting the Village Hall (two hours – £24) and to cover prizes. We will charge 50p per game ticket, meaning the cost of playing one ticket in all 10 games will be £5. Players will, however, be able to purchase as many tickets per game as they wish. Prizes will be calculated according to the amount of cash taken on the day. A cuppa will be provided free of charge during the session.
If this is successful then the idea will be repeated on a fortnightly basis when Warm Hub lunches are held.
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Vacancy on Topcliffe Parish Council
Topcliffe Parish Council is looking for applications from residents of the parish who might like to be co-opted onto the council to fill a current vacancy. The ideal candidate is expected to have a keen interest in local matters, be available to attend monthly meetings and actively participate in the work of the Parish Council. If you’re interested, please apply in writing or by email stating the reasons why you wish to be considered and highlighting any skills and experience that you will bring, to the position. Email: [email protected] or post to Clerk to Topcliffe parish Council, Wagtails, South Otterington, Northallerton DL7 9HW by 3 February.
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Dog fouling problems
Asenby Parish Council has received a number of complaints about increased dog fouling in the village. The worst area is between the top entrance to the village and the post box. There is also a lesser problem on the footpath past the entrance to Crab Manor. Dog walkers are respectfully asked to clean up their dog’s poop. Dog fouling is extremely distasteful for all pedestrians but especially for the growing number of children in the village who regularly use these footpaths.
Dog fouling is regularly mentioned on the Top Residents Facebook page, so the problem is prevalent in both of our lovely villages. The law is clear about dog owners’ responsibilities in this connection, so there is no excuse for the anti-social behaviour.
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The Art of Intentions – a thank you!
Holly Brown, the organiser of last Saturday’s ‘Art of Intentions’ workshop held at The Angel Inn wishes to thank those who joined the class (pictured above) and made it such an enjoyable afternoon. She also wants to thank Dave and Maggie Mathews for making the conservatory at The Angel Inn available and for being so supportive. Holly is looking forward to organising more Salty Soul Yoga events throughout the year.
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Walking Football for over 50s
A group of gentlemen from Asenby with more time on their hands than sense, is forming a Walking Football team that will train and play its games at Sowerby Sports Village.
So far, eight players have signed up for the team, but they are on the lookout for a few more players aged over fifty. At the moment, the team is called Asenby Old Boys but that can change if players from other places, such as Topcliffe, get onboard.
The team, which is affiliated to Thirsk Falcons, has its first training session on Tuesday 11 February. Interested gents over 50 who fancy trying it out, should contact Steve Gallon on 07764 694979.
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Rail closures for six weekends
Engineering work at Darlington Station will lead to rail disruption and cancelled services on the East Coast line on six weekends starting 8/9 February. The line will be closed in both directions but some diversion routes will operate. LNER trains will run one train per hour between London Kings Cross and Newcastle on a diversion route. All other services will terminate at Newcastle or York. Grand Central will run a reduced timetable, with some trains running to York, but not Thirsk & Sunderland. Northern and TransPennine Express will have a revised timetable in place.
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Chip ‘n’ Dales
The Chip ‘n’ Dales fish and chip van is now back in Topcliffe every Friday 5 to 7pm.
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RAF Leeming
The airbase has announced that aircraft will be involved in exercises on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 January and extra noise levels might be experienced around the base and along flightpaths. Although not operating outside normal working hours, RAF Leeming will be hosting aircraft which could cause additional noise. The base commander “every effort will be made to keep the disturbance to a minimum”. RAF Leeming is unable to provide information on specific sortie dates and times. The viewing area at the base will only be open as staffing permits.
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Topcliffe Academy – Dates to note
- Friday 31 January – Bags2School recycling collection, 9am.
- Monday 3 February – Special Chinese New Year lunch.
- Friday 14 February – Break up for half term.
- Monday 24 February – School re-opens for 2nd half of Spring Term.
- Friday 7 March – World Book Day Breakfast.
- Thursday 27 March – FOTS School Disco, 5.30 – 7pm.
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 6 February at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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The Topcliffe Big Race Night
It’s nearly time for The Big Race Night – it’s just one month away. It will be held at the Village Hall on Saturday 22 February 2025. There’ll be eight video races and betting on the horse of your choice. Entry tickets, priced at £8 each, include a two-course supper. Each ticket is numbered and there’ll be a draw for bed & breakfast for two at The Crab Manor Hotel in Asenby. Tickets have just about sold out – there are none left at Topcliffe Post Office. Doug Allan has the last half dozen. First come, first served on 07785 223707.
Thankyou to our sponsors
Lots of local businesses have provided sponsorship support for the Race Night. Thanks go to Severfield, Yes Hire, Hambleton Brewery, Crab Manor Hotel, My Electrical Contractors, the Sanderson family, Sandhill, Topcliffe Post Office, JAB Agricultural, My Lock Up, The Angel Inn, The Swan, Theakston’s Brewery, Black Sheep Brewery, Frontier Ltd, Yorkshire Vintners, Bedale Golf Club, Bedale Bubbles Hot-tub Hire and the racecourses at Catterick, Ripon and Thirsk.
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Winter art classes
- The next block of six morning art classes in the Village Hall starts on Monday 24 February. These two-hour classes, from 10 to 12 noon, are ideal for participants of all abilities.
- 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 at the Village Hall.
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 & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Village Hall committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18 March in the hall.
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Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 19 March 2025 in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Open Day & Brunch
Village Halls across the UK will be celebrating the vital role they play in their communities and the importance that volunteering has in keeping them operating, during a week-long event which runs from 17 to 23 March. As part of the celebration, our very own Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall is planning an Open Day and Brunch on Sunday 23 March between 11am and 1pm. The hall’s committee is inviting all users to put on a display or demonstration of their activities so that visitors can see what they do and can consider getting involved themselves. Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton, our local North Yorkshire Council representative Cllr Dan Sladden and members of the two village Parish Councils are being invited to be present to meet their constituents. Watch out for more details as plans are finalised.
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The Flying Oysters
Returning to Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall this spring. Back by popular demand, everyone’s favourite dance band will be appearing on Saturday 29 March. To include supper. Tickets will go on sale early February.
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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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Thirsk Digital Hub
The Digital Hub, which operates at Thirsk Community Library, is a resource to help people who need a little support to understand and handle their digital activities. Digital Buddies are there to assist with queries every Monday and Thursday, and most Saturdays there’s a Digital Cafe at which you can get support whilst enjoying some refreshments. Click the logo below to learn more.
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Want to swap memories?
If you enjoy meeting people and sharing stories of times gone by, there’s a discussion group which meets at Thirsk Community Library which may be of interest. The Memory Swap Discussion Group meets on the first Monday of the month between 2 and 3.30pm. Refreshments are available. No charge to attend and there’s a lift and hearing loop system for those who need them.
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The Ritz Cinema
- We Live in Time – to Thursday 30 January – matinee Wednesday 29 January.
- Nosferatu – Friday 31 January to Thursday 6 February – no matinee.
- Special event – The Busby & Me – a documentary about the Busby Stoop Inn, with film-maker Wade Radford – Sunday 2 February at 7pm. Tickets for this screening were selling fast last week and may have sold out. Check with the cinema.
- A Complete Unknown – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 February – matinee Wednesday 12 February.
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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Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
Here’s a good idea for all you dissectologists out there. The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 28 January between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.
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Coming up at Rural Arts in Thirsk
- Enamel Pendant Creation – Wednesday 29 January – £60.
- Enamelling Course – four-week course from Wednesday 29 January through to Wednesday 19 February. !0.30am to 12.30pm. £200
- Ceramics and Handpan – Friday 31 January – A relaxing afternoon of creativity with ceramicist Amy and musician Joe Jordon. Make beautiful candle holders while enjoying live handpan music. 1.30pm – 3.30pm. £30.
- A Taste of Art: Decoupage – Wednesday 5 February – 10.30am to 12.30pm. £20.
- Enamel Hare or Brooch – Wednesday 5 February – 10.30am to 12.30pm. £60.
- Willow Obelisk – Thursday 6 February – a hands-on willow weaving workshop where you can create a beautiful obelisk planter, perfect for your climbing plants. 10.30am – 12.30pm. £45.
- Willow Heart – Wednesday 12 February – 10.30am to 12.30pm. £45.
- Enamel Panel – Wednesday 12 February – 10.30am to 12.30pm. £60.
Tickets online at www.ruralarts.org or telephone 01845 526536.
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Thirsk Hall History Tours
These new tours looking at the house and its architecture give visitors an exclusive insight into the Hall’s history. Led by 18th century historian, Dr Helen Metcalfe, guests are guided through the rooms of the house before sitting down to enjoy refreshments served in The Old Dining Room with a Q&A session. The first tour is taking place at 11am on Friday 31 January. It lasts about ½hrs and tickets are £20 per person. Book at
https://shop.beyonk.com/8p9ern3j/experiences/08docpwq
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Fairytales at the bottom of the garden!
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Three unlikely characters from the world of myth and make-believe are among the many names that feature in the 2025 BAMM North mosaic exhibition at RHS gardens at Harlow Carr, Harrogate. Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince, the Greek goddess Persephone and Little Red Riding Hood, plus many more, will be featured in ‘Fable, Folklore and Fairytales’ on from 1 to 23 February, 10am to 4pm daily.
Over 20 members of the regional branch of the British Association for Modern Mosaic have works in the exhibition, including Siobhan Gifford, who lives in Asenby. It is free to enter once you have accessed the gardens. In 2024 almost 30,000 people visited the gardens during the exhibition and almost 400 purchased one of the works.
The photograph above is of Siobhan Gifford with a mosaic in the exhibition called ‘The Stars Were Laughing’, based on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
To be held in Thirsk Markey Place on Sunday 2 February. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. 9am-2pm.
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The Lego Show
This popular show is coming back to Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall on Saturday 8 February from 10am to 4pm. Suitable for all ages, with funds raised to support Holy Rood House in Thirsk.
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2-for-1 at Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden
Visit the Sculpture Garden on Valentine’s Day (Friday 14 February) and get two-for-one entry. You do not need to book both tickets in advance, you can claim your complimentary ticket on the door. 11am-3.30pm (last entry 2.30pm). £9, Student or 60+ £8. Under 16s go free. Book online or just come (50p extra).
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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.
- Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons – by candlelight – Saturday 1 March at 7.30.
- Queen by Candlelight – Friday 16 May at 7.30pm.
- Country by Candlelight – Saturday 17 May at 7.30pm
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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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 all for the cost of a voluntary donation. Saturday 15 February at Thirsk Community Library. 10am-1pm, last customer 12.30pm.
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Valentine’s Evening
You are invited to an evening of singing and dancing to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday 15 February at Sessay Village Hall. The popular Cherry Tones will be performing. There’ll be a bar and raffle. Tickets are £10 in advance from Heather Dale on 07467 549302 or £15 on the door.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 16 February between 10am and 3pm. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.
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Tough Old Bird
The Ripon Theatre Festival is bringing the heart-warming and hilarious Tough Old Bird show featuring Nana Funk (aka Angie Waller) to kick-start its 2025 season. Known as the great, great grandmother of good times, Nana Funk is a cabaret artiste like no other. She’ll be Joined by pianist Claire Jones for a night of songs, comedy and improvisation in a show which takes a wry look at ageing. It’s on Thursday 20 March with tickets costing £15, which includes a glass of fizz and a canapé or two.
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Activities at Thorp Perrow
the new programme of activities for 2025 has been announced. There’s a wide range of events suitable for people of all ages and interests. Check out their website – http://Your Visit (Home) – Thorp Perrow
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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