St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 16 February between 10am and 3pm on Thirsk Market Place. 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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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 16 February – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s very testing quiz was set by Nigel and won by “The Ladies that Entertained Dave”, namely Chrissie, Carol, Gerry and David. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.
Here are a few of the questions from the quiz to test your knowledge. See the answers at the end of today’s email.
1. The Owl and the Pussycat was written by whom?
2. In December 1879, which Scottish bridge collapsed, causing 75 fatalities?
3. Who won the World Golf Matchplay Championship in 1994,1995, and 1996?
4. What was the former name of Malawi?
5. Which year saw the building of the wall separating East and West Berlin?
6. What kind of animal is a Capuchin?
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Village Hall Library
The library in the Village Hall now has regular opening times: it’s open on three occasions to coincide with other events on in the hall, namely:
- 1.30 to 3.30pm each Tuesday whilst the Boccia Club is on.
- 11.30 to 3pm pm on alternate Wednesdays when the Warm Hub lunch and Bingo is on.
- 1.30 to 3.30pm each Thursday when the Knit & Natter club is meeting.
When the library sign is positioned on the pavement outside the hall, that means the library is open for business. The library, which is free to use, holds hundreds of fiction novels by all the leading authors, plus some factual books. It also now has a range of books for young children and teenagers.
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Walking Footballers
The Asenby and Topcliffe Walking Footballers had their first training session on Tuesday 11 February at Sowerby Sports Village and the team had a very enjoyable evening. There was a good turnout and all enjoyed a competitive session…but it was good fun at the same time! Team organiser Steve Gallon would still like a few more members to make the weekly matches more viable, so if you’re interested, please contact Steve on 07764 694979, or simply turn up at the sports ground on a Tuesday at 5pm.
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Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 19 February 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 delivered on the day the Warm Hub is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
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BINGO!
The first bingo session in the Village Hall held a fortnight ago went extremely well with sixteen players enjoying the afternoon. The next session will be held at 1pm, immediately after the Warm Hub lunch on Wednesday 19 February.
For those thinking about popping along, the charge is 50p per game ticket, meaning the cost of playing one ticket in all 10 games is £5. The prize pot will be calculated according to the amount of cash taken on the day. A cuppa is provided free of charge during the session.
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Topcliffe Academy – Emergencies during school closures – 14 to 24 February
Neighbours of the school often ask what they should do if they are aware of incidents at the school during holiday periods. Unfortunately, there’s no live-on-site caretaker so calls need to be made as follows:
- If you think there is a break-in taking place, please call the police on 999.
- If there is something else that needs reporting, please call 01845 577412 and leave a message (this will be picked up) or email admin@topcliffeacademy.org
- Or call Elevate Multi Academy Trust on 01423 541996.
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The Topcliffe Big Race Night
The Big Race Night takes place next Saturday 22 February in the Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm, with betting commencing at 7.15pm and the first race starting at 7.30pm.
If you are attending the event, make sure you bring your ticket with you as it is numbered and there’ll be a draw for bed & breakfast for two at The Crab Manor Hotel in Asenby.
Please don’t bring your own drinks to this event – it is bar sales only. But please bring plenty of cash with you. The Village Hall doesn’t have a card machine, so cash payment will be required at the bar, for raffle tickets and betting.
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Topcliffe Academy
- 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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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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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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Spring Wellness Retreat
Pause, breathe and reconnect with yourself at a yoga retreat being held at The Angel Inn on Saturday 8 March between 10am and 3pm. On the morning there’ll be a gentle Hatha flow session that will awaken your body and soothe your mind. Followed by a wholesome, seasonal lunch made from locally sourced ingredients and in the afternoon, take part in a restorative yoga session, with voice, chimes, drums and sacred instruments to enhance your relaxation and bring inner peace. Enjoy a selection of warm herbal teas and light snacks throughout the day. The cost is just £45. To book, contact reception on 01845 57800. Full payment required at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable.
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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 and Buffet Lunch
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 Village Hall is holding an Open Day and a Buffet Lunch on Sunday 23 March between 11am and 1pm. There’ll be a choice of sandwiches, quiches, sausage rolls, and cakes, plus a choice of tea, coffee and soft drinks.
There’ll be a presentation on the large screen showing examples of what goes on in the hall every week. And our local North Yorkshire Council representative, Cllr Dan Sladden, and members of the two village Parish Councils are being invited to be present.
Bake to help out!
Can you help? Nearer the date, the lunch organisers will be asking villagers to help out by baking a cake, scones or sausage rolls. If you can help out, please put a note in your diary to remind you to get some ingredients and put a little time aside to have a baking session.
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The Flying Oysters
Back by popular demand! The Flying Oysters, one of the north east’s top bands is returning to Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Saturday 29 March. Dance the night away to the music of Coldplay, The Kinks, Kings of Leon, The Eurythmics, Queen, Radiohead, Killers, Pink Floyd, Elbow and the songs of many more top performers.
Tickets, priced £15, go on sale this week from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan (07785 223707). A curry and pudding supper is included. This will be a ‘Bring Your Own Drinks’ event.
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Wedding Fair at The Angel Inn
There’ll be a wedding fair at The Angel Inn on Saturday 29 March between 11am and 2pm. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and canapes and live music whilst meeting lots of wedding exhibitors. Any couple who subsequently make a booking for their big day at The Angel will receive a complimentary night in the Bridal Suite the evening of their wedding, along with a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 3 April in the lower committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Wedding Open Day at Catton Hall
The new wedding and events location at Catton Hall is holding an open day on Sunday 13 April between 11am and 2pm. The brand new venue will be available for inspection and the range of ‘stretch tents’ available will be showcased. Free entry.
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If you are a budding apiarist – or beekeeper if you prefer a simpler title – you might want to attend one of these events planned at the Catton Kitchen. Amy and Hugo are organising Bees and Brunch events on Saturday 14 June, Saturday 12 July, Saturday 9 August and Saturday 13 September. Places are limited so even though they are still months away, you are advised to book early.
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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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The Ritz Cinema
- Flight Risk to Thursday 20 February. No matinee.
- Sonic The Hedgehog 3 – Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Wednesday 19 February. Start times 2.30pm.
- A Real pain – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 February. No matinee.
- Paddington in Peru – Saturday 22 and Sunday 23. Start times 2.30pm.
- The Brutalist – Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March.
- London Mountain Film Festival – Showreel 1 – Climbing & Mountaineering – Sunday 2 March.
- Conclave – Monday 3 to Thursday 6 March.
- Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 March. Matinee on Wednesday 12 March.
- London Mountain Film Festival – Showreel 2 – Snow Sports (Ski and boarding) – Sunday 9 March.
- September 5 – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 March
- Dog Man – Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March. Show starts at 2.30pm.
- London Mountain Film Festival – Showreel 3 – two Wheels (cycling, mainly off road) – Sunday 16 March.
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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Events at Dalton Village Hall
- Pop-up Cafe – Saturday 22 February at 9.30am until 11.30am. Bacon and/or sausage butties and toasted teacakes for sale. Pop along and enjoy brunch and a chat. All welcome.
- Cottage Pie and Pudding Lunch – Sunday 9 March from 12 noon. Tickets available from Judy on 01845 577607.
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Fable, Folklore and Fairytales
The 2025 BAMM North mosaic exhibition continues at RHS gardens at Harlow Carr, Harrogate. The theme is Fable, Folklore and Fairytales and it’s on until 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.
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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 25 February 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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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – by candlelight – Saturday 1 March at 7.30.
- An Evening of Glam Rock – Thursday 13 March at 7.30pm.
- Take That – tribute group Re-Take That in concert – Friday 14 March at 7.30pm.
- Queen by Candlelight – Friday 16 May at 7.30pm.
- Country by Candlelight – Saturday 17 May at 7.30pm
- Coldplay by candlelight – Friday 18 July at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
Local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce
the food or drink on their stall will gather on the market place, Thirsk on Sunday 2 March between 9am and 2pm. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. Show them your support.
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The Idea of North
On at Rural Arts Tuesday 4 March to Saturday 22 March. North Yorkshire artists respond to author Peter Davidson’s idea that “Everyone carries their own idea of North within them”, using a range of media and styles. This free exhibition is organised by North Yorkshire Open Studios (NYOS). Free admission. 10am – 4pm. Tickets online at www.ruralarts.org or telephone 01845 526536.
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Meet best selling authors
At White Rose Books & Coffee Bar on Market Place, Thirsk on Thursday 13 March at 6.30pm. Features Milly Johnson in conversation with Lucy Diamond. A fun, lively evening of chat and questions and answers. Plus book signing and light refreshments. £16.99 each includes entry & one Book, plus light refreshments, £5 without book. For tickets call 01845 524353.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
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. Sunday 16 March from 10am to 3pm.
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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 in Ripon Operatics Hall with tickets costing £15, which includes a glass of fizz and a canapé or two.
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Plant Fair
There’ll be a spring plant fair at Newburgh Priory near Coxwold on Sunday 6 April.
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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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Quiz answers
1. Edward Lear
2. The Tay Bridge
3. Ernie Els
4. Nyasaland
5. 1961
6. Monkey
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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