St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 2 March – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s quiz was set by Jim and won by Andrew, David, Jane and Gerry. 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. Mount Everest is part of which mountain range?
2. Which of these Champagne Bottles is the largest? Jeroboam, Salmanazar Balthazar or Methuselah?
3. Which two-word phrase ad-libbed into the script by Peter Kay in the latest Ardman film, “Revenge Most Fowl“ made American Netflix executives think he was using offensive language?
4. Eastenders first hit our TV screens in 1985 and this week celebrated its 40th anniversary. In which fictional London borough is Eastenders set?
5. James Earl Jones who died last year, famously was the voice of Darth Vader, but who was the British Actor in the costume?
6. This year was the commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp. In what country is Auschwitz?
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 2 March – Local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall will gather on the Market Place between 9am and 2pm. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. Please show them your support.
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Churchyard tidy up
Last year a group of regular volunteers left the main churchyard in the best state it has been in living memory. Now spring is almost here, it is time to begin again and hopefully also reclaim further areas of the lower terraces. The two grass-cutting machines have been serviced and are ready to go. To ‘kick-start’ this year’s maintenance programme you are invited to join our Church Yard Tidy-Up, 9.30 to 12.30 on Saturday 8 March – weather and energy permitting! There’ll be further tidy-up days on 16 and 22 March. Do try to help if you can. There’s a number of gardening tools available, but please bring any tools you think might be useful. Refreshments will be available.
NOTE: In an article in The Tattler about these Tidy-Up days, the incorrect dates have been shown. These events are definitely on Saturday mornings.
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Race Night
The amount raised at The Big Race Night held last Saturday in the Village Hall has been confirmed. It was a brilliant evening and the grand sum of £3,501 was raised for Village Hall funds. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a fantastic evening and most successful fundraising event.
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The Tattler
The March edition of The Tattler is printed and will be delivered door to door during the next few days.
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Gary Heslop
It is with great sadness that we report that Gary Heslop – known to his many friends as Guinea – died suddenly in James Cook Hospital last week. Guinea, aged 56, who lived in Deans Square, Topcliffe, was well-known in the scooter world where he was often referred to as ‘a bit of a legend’
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Cross Talk
The march edition of the local church newsletter Cross Talk is now out. You can read it here.
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Local sites put forward for possible development
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As part of the preparation of a new Local Plan for the county, North Yorkshire Council has published a map showing potential development sites already submitted and asking land owners, site promoters and developers, to submit any new sites that they want to be considered.
The map shows three local sites that have already been submitted – one in Topcliffe, another in Asenby and a third at Alanbrooke Barracks/Topcliffe Airfield. The Topcliffe site is the field to the east of School Lane, which it is suggested could be suitable for residential development. The Asenby proposal is for an extention to the Asenby Business Park and the Alanbrooke proposed site covers a huge area between the barracks and Sowerby and Thirsk, which is put forward for housing and retail.
The council will not be accepting comments at this stage. A comprehensive consultation will take place later in the process that will seek the views of the community on all sites. This will be after investigations to check whether sites are likely to be either recommended for allocation or dismissed.
It’s important to understand that the site and proposed uses are those that have been suggested by the site submitter and not by the council. The sites have not been assessed by the council and no decisions have been made on any of the sites at this stage.
Call for sites for the North Yorkshire Local Plan | North Yorkshire Council
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A new way to contact the police
North Yorkshire police have launched a new non-urgent enquiry service on its website.
The live chat online service offers real-time contact between the enquirer and a police representative, meaning they can get you the information you need quickly and efficiently.
It’s currently available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for answers to questions and for advice. The arrangement makes sure the query gets dealt with by the right team or organisation. Check out the website at http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk
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BBC Radio York – Make a Difference Awards
For a fourth year, BBC Radio York is celebrating people and animals living in our area who make where we live a better place. Every day they hear stories of people doing incredible things for each other and their communities. Now they want to recognise them for all their hard work. Whether it’s caring for someone in need, being a brilliant neighbour, or inspiring children in the classroom, if you know someone who is really making a difference to your life or where you live, then you can nominate them for an award. There are 8 categories;
- The Volunteer Award
- The Young Hero (New to 2025)
- The Great Neighbour Award
- The Active Award (New to 2025)
- The Animal Award
- The Green Award
- The Fundraiser Award
- The Community Group Award
You can nominate at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and Privacy Notice. Nominations are now open and will close on the Monday 31 March at 5pm. The winners will be announced at the Make a Difference awards ceremony in September.
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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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Sutton Bank closure
Sutton Bank on the A170 will be closed overnight from 7pm on Monday 3 March until 1am on Tuesday 4 March for barrier repair work.
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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.
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 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.
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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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East Coast Line closures
Weekend engineering work will close the East Coast close the lines in both directions between Northallerton and Newcastle up to and including 15 and 16 March. LNER trains will run one train per hour between London and Newcastle on a diversion route. Grand Central will run a reduced timetable and Northern and TransPennine Express have revised timetables. Check your journey at http://nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions
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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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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 both Topcliffe and Asenby Parish Councils have been invited to be present.
Bake to help out!
The lunch organisers would appreciate any assistance with baking of cakes, scones , quiches, or sausage rolls. If you can help out, please contact Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
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Winter art class
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 date 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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Winter art class
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 date 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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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.
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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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Bees and Brunch
If you are a budding beekeeper 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 every second Saturday of the month there’s a Digital Cafe at which you can get support whilst enjoying some refreshments.
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The Ritz
- TODAY: 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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Dalton Village Lunch of Cottage Pie and Puddings
At Dalton village hall on Sunday 9 March, 12 noon for 12.30pm . Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £5 for children, available from Judy on 01845 577607. Proceeds for St. John’s Church.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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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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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 22 March at Thirsk Community Library. 10am-1pm, last customer at 12.30pm.
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Sculpture Park Residents’ Day
On Saturday 22 March free entry to the Sculpture Garden at Thirsk Hall will be given to any visitor with a YO7 postcode. No need to book.
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Willow wreath making workshop
Spring willow wreath making workshop with instructions from Twigs & Sprigs on Saturday 22 March between 10am and 12 noon at Sessay Village Hall. Tea and coffee included – cakes available to purchase. £45 payable in advance from Heather Dale on 07467549302.
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Thirsk Museum re-opens
Thirsk Museum on Kirkgate in Thirsk reopens for the summer season on Monday 24 March. Normal opening 10.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Saturday depending on availability of volunteers. Last admission at 3.00pm. Donation welcomed. http://www.thirskmuseum.org
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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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Harrogate Spring Flower Show
With over seventy plant nurseries and societies as well as inspiring show garden designs and beautiful floral art to discover, there will be plenty to put a spring in your step and everything you need to plan and plant the perfect outdoor space at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show. It’s on from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April at Harrogate Showground. Book your tickets now and enjoy a £5 discount per adult ticket – offer available for a limited time only.
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Thirsk Hall history and architecture tours
Following the sell-out success of the House & Architecture tour of Thirsk Hall to be led by historian Dr Helen Metcalfe on 23 March, three more tour dates have been announced. They are Friday 23 May at 10.30am and 2pm and Friday 25 July at 2.30pm. Please note that the number of tickets available is very limited and that tickets for the last tour sold out very quickly. Get yours, priced £20 from https://shop.beyonk.com/8p9ern3j/experiences/08docpwq
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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. The Himalayas
2. Jeroboam 3Ltrs, Methuselah 6Ltrs, Salmanazar 9Ltrs and Balthazar 12Ltrs
3. ”Flippin’ Nora”
4. Walford
5. Dave Prowse (who was “The Green Cross Code Man”)
6. Poland
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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