St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 30 March – 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 Mike, Caroline, Myra 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. A cowboy rode into town on Friday and stayed three nights. He stayed in town for three nights and left on Friday. How was that possible?
2. What is the name of the coffee shop in the hit TV series Friends?
3. Which is the oldest tea brand in the UK?
4. During World War II, Howard Hughes built an all wooden flying boat for the US military. It was officially called Hughes H-2 Hercules, but what was its nickname and what wood was it constructed from?
5. Which town is the most easterly located in the British Isles?
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Buffet Lunch and Open Day
Last Sunday’s Open Day and a Buffet Lunch at the Village Hall went extremely well with over 100 residents popping in to enjoy lunch and see a large-screen presentation of the sort of activities that go on in the hall every week. And members of both Topcliffe and Asenby Parish Councils were present to discuss village business with residents.
Thanks are due to Karen and Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver and Linda Robinson who organised the catering, and also to the many volunteers who baked the delicious cakes, quiches, biscuits, sausage rolls…and lots more. It was an excellent example of the community coming together to celebrate its support for their invaluable Village Hall. And, although fundraising was not the key purpose, £332 was raised from donations and the raffle, so well done everyone who attended.
Some photographs appeared last weekend on the Top Residents and the Asenby Facebook pages, but those not on social media vcn view them here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
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The future of the Toll Booth – one day left to comment
The last couple of Sunday Emails have carried information about the state of the Toll Booth and Topcliffe Parish Council’s dilemma over its future. And last Sunday (23 March) many residents took the opportunity to take a look inside the building and talk to the Parish Chairman, Jamie Moores, about its future.
The Toll Booth is a Grade 2 listed building for which the Parish Council, and subsequently all Topcliffe council tax payers, are responsible.
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 has put forward three options for discussion:
- applying for a government loan to pay for repairs – a loan would have to be repaid which would require a significant rise in council tax to pay the interest and capital.
- applying for any grants and organising a fundraising campaign. Grant providers would expect the community to raise as much as 50% of the cash. This could be a lengthy process.
- selling the building – estate agents think the building could be developed within the Grade 2 listing framework. 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 tomorrow 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/
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Cllr Dan Sladden – local surgery
Local councillor, Dan Sladden, who represents the Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council, was unable to attend our Village hall Open Day last Sunday, which was a shame as a few residents were hoping to talk to him. Now Cllr Sladden has agreed to hold a local surgery in The Angel Inn from 6 to 7pm on Thursday 3 April when he will be available to listen to residents’ concerns about any matters. Afterwards he will be attending Topcliffe Parish Council meeting in the Village Hall.
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The Flying Oysters
The Flying Oysters, one of the north east’s top bands, performed at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall last night and over seventy enthusiastic fans danced the night away and had a great evening. The event raised £410 for village hall funds. As usual a big thank you is given to the brilliant volunteers who organised the catering, namely Karen & Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver, Linda and Zoe Robinson and Lynne Mee
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Update from Asenby Allotments Charity
Now that the growing season is upon us, Asenby charity allotments at Causon Close off Carr Lane, Asenby are looking busier than ever. Fred Gifford, trustee for the allotments, is pleased to confirm that half the field is now spoken for by allotment holders. This is the busiest the allotments have been for decades. “The allotments are looking great” said Fred. “They are neat and tidy and there is huge enthusiasm particularly among our new allotment holders. I am thrilled that there has been a resurgence of interest in this type of gardening”
However, Fred is extremely worried about a planning application that has been submitted for a large agricultural unit on land at Colin Potter Farms, which backs right on to the allotments. Fred says: “Already there are enormous piles of spoil there and I foresee many vehicles running up and down the sidelines of the allotments with all the pollution that entails”.
Fred hopes that the villagers of Asenby will make comments on the planning application prior to the deadline of Sunday 13 April, but is concerned that many villagers may not realise that the plans are for Asenby land. “The planning application has been filed under the address Cricket Bat Willows, Rainton. I have no knowledge of an area called Cricket Bat Willows, but I can categorically state that this application is for Asenby land and it is the land that borders the allotments. It is not land in Rainton.”
Villagers who want to make comments will have to search for the planning application under Rainton. The reference to look for is ZC25/00747/FUL.
Footnote: This application is for an agricultural building for the storage of machinery and equipment associated with the farming of lavender on fields adjacent to the allotments.
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Beware of rogue traders cold calling at your home
A warning has been issued after a rogue trader visited houses in Ripon pretending to work for North Yorkshire Council. A resident reported the man after he targeted their property offering them driveway repairs. The cold-caller claimed to be part of the council’s highway team and would use leftover road-laying material as part of the work. The resident said they were misled about the price and the disagreement left them “shaken”, with Trading Standards and the police later contacted.
Greg White, the council’s executive member for trading standards, described it as a “worrying incident” and said “Our contractors will never cold call or dispose of unused materials in this way. Some cold callers take advantage of residents by putting them under pressure and being forceful and intimidating. I would urge everyone to help spread this important message and make sure your loved ones, especially those who may be vulnerable or live alone, are aware. Our advice is always to close the door on them, do not agree to any work or hand over any personal details.”
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New members needed for Village Hall Committee
At the last meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee (18 March) letters of resignation were received from Ann-Marie Mulley and Linda Robinson, who have both made a significant contribution in recent years.
These resignations mean that there is now an opportunity for at least two new faces on the committee and it’s hoped that residents will consider joining the committee and making an important contribution to village life.
The committee meets six times a year and deals with the management and upkeep of the Village Hall, as well as the organisation of events and activities.
If you are interested or would like to talk about what is involved, please get in touch with our chairperson, Richard Byas, on 07801 721528 or by email at rtbyas@outlook.com
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Cross Link
The April edition of the church newsletter Cross Link is now in circulation. You can read it here.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The first Soup and Sweet lunch of spring will be held on 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.
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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.
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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. It is expected that an initial consideration will be given to the responses received in relation to the future of the Toll Booth.
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The Flying Scotsman Car Rally
There’s a fantastic opportunity to see some amazing vintage and classic cars when the Flying Scotsman Car Rally visits Topcliffe next Friday, 4 April. The cars will line up at The Angel Inn from 10am onwards as they make a pit stop on their journey from Gleneagles to Harrogate.
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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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Katie Hewison – Funeral Details
The funeral of Katie Hewison, who died a few weeks ago, will take place at 2.30pm on Monday 14 April at Maple Park Crematorium, near Skipton-on-Swale. Katie, who would have been 99 last Monday, came to Topcliffe from Bagby in the late 1960s and lived in East Lea until she moved to Sowerby House a three years ago. Many villagers will remember Katie as she was often seen on walks around Topcliffe accompanied by her friend Linda Carver.
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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.
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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
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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 over the summer months. Amy and Hugo are organising Bees and Brunch events on Saturday 14 June, Saturday 12 July, Saturday 9 August and Saturday 13 September. Some days are nearly fully booked, but please call to check availability. 07747 083155.
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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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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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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/
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The Ritz Cinema
- Mickey 17 – 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.
- Film to be confirmed – Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April.
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 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/
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Bookmark
The Bookmark mini festival in Thirsk is on until 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
Check out more Bookmark activities on Rural Art’s website –http://www.ruralarts.org
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Dalton Church and Village Events
- Family Race Night at the Village Hall on Saturday 5 April at 6.30pm. If you would like to buy a horse contact Eleanor on 07841 036340.
- Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19 April starting at 11am through to 3pm at Dalton Village Hall.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 6 April between 9am and 2pm. 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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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/
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Racing in Thirsk
The first race meeting of the season is a ‘Late Afternoon’ on Saturday 12 April with gates opening at 1pm. First race at 4.05pm, Last Race 7.20pm. Book online (cheapest) – http://thirskracecourse.net
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Chinese Cooking Class for Adults
The Chinese cooking class being held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 16 April is now discounted to £45 if you use discount code Top10 when booking. Come and learn to make some of your favorite authentic Chinese dishes. On the menu will be wontons, bao buns, Dan Dan noodles and Chinese Cookies. 6pm – 9pm. Book at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lordys-thrive-kitchen/chinese-cooking-class-with-chris-lord/e-pvzavb
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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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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 22 April 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
- 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/
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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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Quiz answers
1. His horse was named Friday
2. Central Perk
3. Twinings
4. Spruce Goose and Birch
5. Lowestoft.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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