St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 23 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev Robert Williamson.
- Wednesday 26 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent.
- NEXT SUNDAY: Mothering Sunday 30 March at 10.45am – a special service with Rev Dawn Ward. It will be a fairly brief stand alone service devised and run by Dawn and should be a lovely occasion for families to gather and mothers and those mothering to be appreciated on this special day.
- Wednesday 2 April at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Sunday 6 April at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
- Wednesday 9 April at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Palm Sunday 13 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion Rev Robert Williamson
- Wednesday 16 April at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Good Friday 18 April at 2pm – Reflection with Rev Robert Williamson
- Easter Eve Saturday 19 April at 7pm – Easter Vigil and Choral Eucharist for Easter Rev Robert Williamson
- Easter Sunday 20 April – No Service
- Sunday 27 April at 10.45am – Holy Communion Rev Robert Williamson
|
|
Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 23 March – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
|
|
|
Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Stephen and won by Peter, Shirley, Sylvia and Andrew after a tie-break. 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. In the first James Bond film, Dr No, what children’s song is sung in the opening scenes?
2. Who is the current shadow secretary of state for Levelling-Up, Housing & Communities?
3. In what year did the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explode?
4. In what year were substitutes introduced in English football?
5. What is a group of lizards called?
And for good measure, here is the tie-break question: How many registered cars are there in the UK?
|
|
Buffet Lunch and Open Day
TODAY: Sunday 23 March between 11am and 1pm as part of the national Village Halls’ Week celebration, we’re holding an Open Day and a Buffet Lunch at the Village Hall. 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 members of both Topcliffe and Asenby Parish Councils have been invited to be present. You can talk to Topcliffe Parish members about the issues facing the Toll Booth.
|
|
|
The future of the Toll Booth
Last weekend’s Sunday Email carried information about the state of The Toll Booth and Topcliffe Parish Council explained what options it believed exist for its future. The Toll Booth, which is a Grade 2 listed building, is owned by the village and residents are responsible for its upkeep. As stated last week, the overall condition of the building is poor and getting worse. A recent survey suggests necessary works would cost a minimum of £70,000, though this is likely to rise if further issues are revealed. The Parish Council believes there are three options
1. Apply for a loan from the government – a loan would have to be repaid which would require a significant rise in council tax to pay the interest and capital.
2. Fund raising and grants – apply for any grants that may be available and begin a fundraising campaign. Grant providers would expect the community to raise as much as 50% of the cash. This could be a lenghty process.
3. Sell the building – Estate agents think the building could be developed within the Grade 2 listing framework. This means externally the building would maintain its historical attributes. They also believe it would be of interest to a small project developer. This option would probably mean relocating the snooker club, if possible.
The Parish Council has indicated its preferred option is to try to sell the building. The other two options all come at a significant cost to council tax payers in Topcliffe, with an on going maintenance cost for a building that is hardly used by the vast majority of people in the village. If successful the funds generated would be available for village projects.
The Parish Council is accepting comments or observations that villagers may have before Monday 31 March. You can email the parish clerk parishclerk@topcliffe.org.uk via the contact tab on the website https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/
Alternatively, meet your parish councillors today at the Village Hall Open Day & Buffet Lunch today between 11am and 1pm and tell them what you think.
|
|
Thirsk Museum re-opens
TOMORROW: Thirsk Museum on Kirkgate in Thirsk reopens for the summer season tomorrow, Monday 24 March. Normal opening 10.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Saturday depending on availability of volunteers. Last admission at 3.00pm. Donations welcomed. http://www.thirskmuseum.org
|
|
|
Following three Saturday tidy-up days at the St Columba’s churchyard, the grounds are looking fantastic and in a state that will ensure ongoing maintenance will be much easier to undertake. Thank you to everyone who has helped out.
|
|
Going solo at The Angel
The Angel Inn is on the lookout for talented solo performers who would like to showcase their musical talents on live music nights over the spring and summer months. If you would like to gain exposure and experience in front of an audience, please get in touch with Niamh by email at niamh@theangelinntopcliffe.com
|
|
Brief report on matters discussed at last week’s Village hall Committee
This briefing is prepared by committee member Jim Shaw
On Tuesday evening 18th March the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee held their bi-monthly meeting. Chair Richard Byas opened by welcoming immediate past Treasurer Tony Bruce to the meeting. Tony had very kindly continued on behalf of the committee, to liaise with Business Stream, our water supplier over the Christmas 2023 water leak and the subsequent charges levied on the Village Hall. After months of negotiations and argument Tony could finally present to the committee an account which basically read ‘No Charge’. He had brought a successful conclusion to the matter by getting our suppler to scrap all charges and reimburse any charges to the account. The committee thanked Tony and presented him with a case of wine by way of thanks for all his hard work over the months on the matter.
|
|
It was agreed that because of the inadequate service provided by Business Stream and its inefficiency, a new water supplier would be sought.
The ‘new’ chairs donated and collected from Barton Village Hall are now in use with the old ones disposed of.
Community First Yorkshire had successfully held their Village Hall Network Seminar at the hall on Friday 7 March and Doug Allan reported we are now on their list of training venues as they were much impressed with the facilities. Jim Shaw reported the PA System now had a new amplifier incorporating Bluetooth connectivity making it easy for hirers to provide themselves with music if required.
The Bingo sessions are proving very popular following on from the fortnightly Warm Hub. The Sunday Brunch overseen by Karen Morley held on 26 January had brought in £304.00 for the hall.
The Horse Race Night held on 22 February organised by Doug Allan had again been a superb success bringing over £3,500 to Village Hall funds.
The electrical issues that had plagued the hall in recent weeks have now been fixed and appear to be working properly. Malcolm Morley reported an electrical problem apparently created by the outside water repairs of last year had also been repaired and could have contributed to the recent internal issues.
A new sign was now in place highlighting the location of the Accident Book. Richard Byas reported he had supplied an instruction sign for exiting the halls front door as some users had found it difficult to leave. Helen Fothergill reported the Hallmaster Booking System was working well and bookings had recently been up with no outstanding accounts.
During the regular maintenance checks, a major problem had been highlighted with cracks appearing over some of the hall’s windows. A subsequent check by Malcolm Morley revealed that there are no lintels installed in the original build which had included wooden window frames, but the present UPVC frames are not designed to to be load bearing. It was agreed to seek at least three builders to quote with the possible use of a Structural Engineer if required.
This is Village Halls’ Week and as advertised, an Open Day will be held this coming Sunday 23 March between 11am and 1pm . All are welcome. There will be representations from some of our regular users along with both Parish Councils. Members of this Committee will be happy to answer any queries or questions you may have.
The Flying Oysters will be appearing next Saturday 29 March. There are a few tickets left so hurry along to the Post Office to secure yours.
Committee Member resignations were received from Ann-Marie Mulley and Linda Robinson. The committee agreed it was sad to see them leave but thanked them for their valuable service over many years and wished them well in the future.
Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting will be held, along with the next regular meeting, in the Village Hall on Tuesday 13 May. With the recent resignations there are now places available on the committee and anyone interested in joining should get in touch with Chair Richard Byas or any present committee member.
We hope this has been of interest and informative.
|
|
Chip ‘n’ Dales
The Chip ‘n’ Dales fish and chip van is now back in Topcliffe every Friday 5 to 7pm.
|
|
Asenby Parish Council – vacancy
The vacancy on Asenby Parish Council has been advertised with a deadline of Wednesday 26 March for applications. If nobody comes forward the Parish Council will be able to co-opt someone.
|
|
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
|
|
|
The Flying Oysters
Just one week to go! The Flying Oysters, one of the north east’s top bands will be performing at 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.
There’s still a few tickets left, priced £15 from Topcliffe Post Office or Doug Allan (07785 223707). A supper of pie & peas and a choice of puddings to remind you of your schooldays 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.
|
|
Soup & Sweet Lunch
Now that spring has arrived the Warm Hub team are switching to soup and sweets on alternate Wednesdays at the Village Hall. So from Wednesday 2 April, from 11.30am to 1pm, there’ll be hearty soup choices with extras such as sausage rolls, followed by a variety of cakes and bakes 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.
Don’t forget that residents of Topcliffe and Asenby can have lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a delivery please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
|
|
BINGO
The next bingo session will be held at 1pm, immediately after the soup & sweet lunch on Wednesday 2 April if there are enough participants to make it worthwhile. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Easter In Asenby Park
Asenby Parish Council is planning an Easter Picnic in the Community Park on Sunday 20 April starting at 2.30pm. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic. There’ll be various Easter-themed games with prizes. Come along and celebrate Easter with your friends and neighbours.
|
|
Forest School family Sessions
Are your children Curious by Nature? If so, they’ll enjoy the first Forest School Family Session at Willow View Farm on Catton Lane, Topcliffe which will be held on Saturday, 26 April. Take your little explorers and discover the wonders of nature as a family. These family-friendly sessions will be packed with outdoor activities, adventure and hands-on learning in the farm’s beautiful surroundings. 9:30am to 11am. Book online at http://www.curiousbynature.simplybook.me
|
|
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 (just two spaces left) Saturday 12 July (fully booked), 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.
|
|
Rural Arts Summer Programme
Thirsk-based Rural Arts has published its summer programme and it contains a fantastic mix of workshops, craft and art classes, musical events and performance. There’s something for all age groups – from chiildren’s pre-school activities through to ‘those of a certain age’. The programme is too large to list in the Sunday Email but you can check out what’s on by popping in to The Courthouse on Westgate or checking out their website: https://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
|
|
The Ritz Cinema
- September 5 – to Thursday 20 March
- The Last Showgirl – Friday 21 to Thursday 26 March – matinee on Wednesday 27 March.
- Mickey 17 – Friday 28 March to Thursday 3 April – no matinee.
- Black Bag – Friday 4 April to Thursday 10 April – matinee on Wednesday 9 April.
- The Sloth Lane – Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April.
- To be confirmed – Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April.
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – Sunday 13 to Thursday17 April.
- Snow White – Friday 18 to Thursday 24 April – matinees on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April.
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
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 March 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.
|
|
Charity Car Wash
Crew members from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are holding a charity car wash on Saturday 29 March from 10am to 2pm at Northallerton Fire Station. They will be raising money for the fire fighters’ charity. Give your car a spring clean and help raise cash for a great charity at the same time.
|
|
Bookmark
The Bookmark mini festival in Thirsk is on from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 April. Rural Arts will be collaborating with White Rose Book Cafe and Thirsk Community Library to bring you a range of book-inspired workshops, performances, author events and live music.
One performance to look out for is Rhubarb Theatre. Our book-bonkers buddies will act out tales of whales, bears and manic monsters. A fun and fantastical show, packed with silliness and stories. A celebration of books for the whole family to enjoy.
There are three free performances on Saturday 5 April at:
- White Rose Book Cafe – 10.15am
- Thirsk Community Library – 12noon
- Rural Arts Courthouse – 2.45pm
|
|
Plant Fair
There’ll be a spring plant fair at Newburgh Priory near Coxwold on Sunday 6 April.
|
|
Activity Club – Desert Island Adventures
Imagine you’re stranded on a desert island and you are looking at ways to escape. Make a map and prepare a message in a bottle! That’s the plan at this Chris Geeson activity club at Thirsk Community Library on Monday 7 April. Chris is a workshop leader and published author. The session is on 2 to 3.30pm and is suitable for 7 to 14 year olds. £3 only. Free if child is on free school meals. 01609 534589.
|
|
Activity Club – Minecraft
Another Chris Geeson activity session at Thirsk Community Library. This one involves Minecraft modelmaking. On Thursday 10 April between 2 and 4pm. Suitable for 6 to 13 year olds. £3 per session. Free to those on free school meals. 01609 534589.
|
|
Easter Base Camps
Bookings are now open for places on the Base Camps being held at Baldersby Park over the Easter school holidays. Here’s what is happening:
- Friday 11 April – Spring detectives and natural art – 5 to 11 year-olds.
- Monday 14 April – Forage, fire and cooking – 7 to 13 year-olds.
- Tuesday 15 April – Archery and den building – 7 to 13 year-olds.
- Thursday 17 April – Spring treasure hunt and nest-making – 5 to 11 year-olds.
£3 per session. Book early online to avoid disappointment – https://www.basecamplearning.co.uk/
|
|
Chinese Cooking Class for Adults
The Chinese cooking class on Wednesday 16 April is now discounted to £45 if you use discount code Top10 when booking.
|
|
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.
|
|
Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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.
- U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
|
|
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
|
|
|
Quiz answers
1. Three Blind Mice (calypso style).
2. Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk & Malton (and, of course, Topcliffe).
3. 1986 (26 April)
4. 1965 – when one substitute per game was allowed for injuries.
5. A lounge
Tie-break: 34 million (to the nearest million) in 2024
|
|
|
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
|
|
|
|
