St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
- Ash Wednesday 5 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent.
- Sunday 9 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion, with Rev Robert Williamson.
- Wednesday 12 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent.
- Sunday 16 March at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
- Wednesday 19 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent.
- Sunday 23 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev Robert Williamson.
- Wednesday 26 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent.
- Mothering Sunday 30 March at 10.45am – a special service with Rev Dawn Ward.
|
|
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 23 February – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
|
|
|
Last Sunday’s very challenging quiz was set by Gerry and won by the Long Street Mafia (Charles, Jim and Nigel). 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. Who were the presenters of the TV game show Big Break?
2. What does a nidologist study?
3. The song ‘When you wish upon a star’ comes from which film?
4. In which year did the EU introduce the euro?
5. How many legs does a lobster have?
6. Which 1960s Motown group was initially called the Primettes?
|
|
The Topcliffe Big Race Night
The Big Race Night tool place last night in the Village Hall and it was a brilliant evening which raised over £3,000 for Village Hall funds.
A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the event such a success including Karen and Malc Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson who prepared and served the supper, Karen and Andrew Cussons who ran the busy bar, Fran Eckersley and Julia McGrann who organised the betting desk, and Lynne Mee and Judith Lowe who ran the raffle with help from Peter Lowe and Liz and Steve Hall. A very special thank you to John and Alf Teesdale who again freely gave up their precious time to organise the technical side of things, including calculating the betting odds.
Without considerable financial support and sponsorship from local individuals and businesses, the Big Race Night wouldn’t be the great financial success it is. Therefore, as organiser and promotor of the event, I would like to record my personal thanks 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.
|
|
Waste collection days are changing
North Yorkshire Council has published its collection schedule for household waste, recycling and garden waste. There are some changes to collection dates so check out your dates on the council’s website.
Check your bin or recycling collection day | North Yorkshire Council
|
|
Tell The Angel what you want
Dave and Maggie Mathews and their team at The Angel want to hear from people about what sort of events they’d like to see organised in the entertainment suite and restaurant. Maybe you’d like special themed dining events, live music or creative workshops. Drop them a message if you want them to consider your idea. Email info@theangelinntopcliffe.co.uk
|
|
At last! Some good news about scams
Last month legislation came into force requiring phone companies to block overseas calls that pretend to be from UK landlines. This is a common tactic used by scammers to defraud victims by imitating – or ‘spoofing’- UK phone numbers from a trusted person or organisation. In the first month, BT alone blocked nearly one million scam calls per day. Begs the question, why did it take the government so long to act?
|
|
Loft Insulation scammers at it again
Great to have the success with ‘spoofing’ reported above, but home-grown scammers are still very active. North Yorkshire Police have advised that residents have been receiving telephone calls from individuals claiming to be a ‘Local Energy Advisor’, giving the impression that they have some sort of official status.
The caller states that they are offering a free survey to check the loft insulation in the property as there may be a problem. Some reports suggest that the call may be a recorded message. The police advise that residents should always:
- be wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call
- check the credentials of any company or individual that contacts you out of the blue
- check any claims made, especially when the company is claiming to work with other agencies
- check the IDs of anyone who visits your property, claiming to work for an organisation
- keep any paperwork you are given and never provide any personal information to a caller that is not required
- receive a second opinion before agreeing to any work being undertaken.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
Chip ‘n’ Dales
The Chip ‘n’ Dales fish and chip van is now back in Topcliffe every Friday 5 to 7pm.
|
|
Warm Hub Lunch
The next Warm Hub lunch will be held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 5 March 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 saw 47 meals served, including a few home deliveries. £193 was raised from donations. £50 was presented to the Bootshop charity and after hall rent and food expenses, 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 delivered on the day the Warm Hub is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
|
|
BINGO!
The next bingo session will be held at 1pm, immediately after the Warm Hub lunch on Wednesday 5 March. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Buffet Lunch and Open Day
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.
|
|
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, are now on sale from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan (07785 223707). A supper of pie & peas and a pudding is included. This will be a ‘Bring Your Own Drinks’ event.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
|
|
|
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 every second Saturday of the month there’s a Digital Cafe at which you can get support whilst enjoying some refreshments.
|
|
The Ritz
- A Real Pain – to Thursday 27 February. No matinee.
- 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/
|
|
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.
|
|
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/
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Event at Dalton Village Hall
- Cottage Pie and Pudding Lunch – Sunday 9 March from 12 noon. Tickets available from Judy on 01845 577607.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Plant Fair
There’ll be a spring plant fair at Newburgh Priory near Coxwold on Sunday 6 April.
|
|
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
|
|
|
Quiz answers
1. Jim Davidson and John Virgo
2. Birds’ nests
3. Pinocchio
4. 1st January 1999
5. Ten
6. The Supremes
|
|
|
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
|
|
|
|
