Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 6 April between 9am and 2pm on the Market Place in Thirsk. 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
TODAY: Sunday 6 April – There’ll be a spring plant fair at Newburgh Priory near Coxwold.
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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, an hour long quiet service of readings, prayers and thoughts on the events of Good Friday.
- Easter Eve celebrations – Saturday 19 April at 7pm – Easter Vigil and Choral Eucharist for Easter with Rev Robert Williamson. Starting with readings, prayers and choral pieces, that leads to the lighting of the ‘Easter Fire’ outside, which is brought in to light all the church candles, including one each for everyone who is there. Then, in this blaze of light, begins the Easter Choral Eucharist, sung by the full Choir to the wonderfully joyous setting of the Mass in A by Eduard Rottmanner (1809-1843). A very special service indeed, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our church calendar and to which everyone is very warmly invited. A finger buffet with wine completes the evening!
- 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 6 April – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by David and won by Alan, Sue and Derek. 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. What nationality was Alfred Noble, the man who invented dynamite?
2. Louis Armstrong was nicknamed ‘Satchmo’, but what did it mean?
3. Belize has a coastline on which sea?
4. Name the two ‘ladies’ involved in the Profumo affair?
5. Which breed won Crufts this year?
6. Which comic character lives in Cactusville?
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The Toll Booth
Topcliffe Parish Council was pleased to see 18 residents attending their meeting on Thursday evening (3 April) and considerable debate took place regarding the future of the Toll Booth.
Despite there being a leaflet drop, open event, social media post, mentions in the Tattler and the Sunday Email, notification of the Parish Council meeting with this as an agenda item, it was suggested that a public meeting should be held. However the Parish Council Chairman noted that, unless there were other uses to consider, this would be unnecessary.
Whilst feeling amongst those who would prefer the building to remain in the custodianship of the Parish Council was strong, there was a lack of interest from this group in working towards a viable alternative. Eventually two residents linked to the Snooker Club offered to look into options for the ground floor space and possible funding streams, with a view to it becoming useable.
Around half those present thought that considering a sale was reasonable, given the significant cost implications to the village if the building is kept.
In agreeing next steps, no decisions will be made without further discussions taking place and the Parish Council resolved that it will:
- Support the formation of a group to bring forward sensible proposals for the use of the building and the means of fundraising
- Consider any expressions of interest via local estate agents
- Bring the matter to the attention of the Village Hall Committee and offer them the opportunity to develop the building
Additional comments are very welcome from any of the remaining 743 residents registered to vote in the village and volunteers are also sought to support the two residents who have agreed to look into proposals. These should be sent via the Clerk at parishclerk@topcliffe.org.uk.
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New members needed for Village Hall Committee
Just a reminder that Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee is on the lookout for at least two new members. Will you 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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News from Asenby Parish Council
1. Josie Noble has been co-opted onto the Parish Council.
2. Work to deliver tasks identified in the Village Improvement Plan is underway. So far the village sign at the Crab Manor end of the village has been re-aligned and the ‘out of control’ ivy has been removed from the bus shelter. A large amount of debris which had gathered behind the bus shelter over the years has now been removed and the area tidied up. The next job is to carry out maintenance on the benches in the village and on the riverside walk. Progress on all work can be checked out on the Parish Council website and Facebook page.
3. The 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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Local government boundary review
The set up of council divisions in North Yorkshire Council is under review by the Boundary Commission. Locally, the situation in Sowerby & Topcliffe is little changed, but it’s proposed that Asenby should be part of a new division named Dishforth & Dalton. The Commission is proposing that there should be 89 councillors in total for North Yorkshire Council.
Now the Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A ten-week consultation on the proposals will run until 9 June 2025. You can have your say here: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/north-yorkshire/feedback
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Door-to-door scammers!
Following last week’s article about door-to-door rogues selling tarmacadam, North Yorkshire Police have issued a further warning of people claiming to be ex-soldiers or ex-offenders who are just out of prison, selling household items like cleaning products on the doorstep. The police say that neither the Probation Service or the Army support any such schemes.
Although some legitimate organisations – such as gas, electricity and water companies, or charities seeking donations) – will visit homes you are advised not to buy or sell anything on your doorstep. Door-to-door callers may be offering poor quality goods at inflated prices – or even gathering information for future crime!
Always be on your guard when someone unknown calls at your door. Consider reporting any incidents to the police via 101. If you feel threatened or intimidated by the behaviour of callers at your door, you should dial 999. Consider also reporting rogue traders to Trading Standards, and contacting Citizens Advice for help and support.
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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
A reminder that the funeral of Katie Hewison will take place at 2.30pm on Monday 14 April at Maple Park Crematorium, near Skipton-on-Swale.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The first Soup and Sweet lunch of spring will be held on Wednesday 16 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.
Last week’s lunch was attended by 38 people and £113 was collected in donations. Of this sum, £50 was given to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk and the remainder was used to pay the hall rent, pay for some food items with the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
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 16 April but only if there are enough participants to make it worthwhile.
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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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Comedy Night at The Angel
Tickets are already selling well for the next Comedy Bites evening at The Angel at Topcliffe. The show is on Thursday 8 May. Doors: 7:30pm (for an 8pm start). The show will feature
Rob Deering, Pete Selwood and Pete Otway. Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door. http://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-may-8th-2025/
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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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Want to swap memories?
If you enjoy meeting people and sharing stories of times gone by, there’s a discussion group which meets at Thirsk Community Library which may be of interest. The Memory Swap Discussion Group meets on the first Monday of the month between 2 and 3.30pm. Refreshments are available. No charge to attend and there’s a lift and hearing loop system for those who need them.
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Byland Abbey Tours
Byland Abbey is now open through to October. Volunteers at the English Heritage site will normally be on site, and the museum open, from 1pm to 5pm every Friday to Monday. And abbey tours, lasting about an hour, will take place at 2pm every Saturday and Sunday. These tours are free and do not need to be booked.
There are also some special events coming up:
- World Heritage Day – 18 April
- Great Big Green Week – 8 June
- Festival of Archaeology – 27 July
For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk
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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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The Ritz Cinema
- Black Bag – to Thursday 10 April – matinee on Wednesday 9 April.
- SIX The Musical – 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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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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Dalton Village Hall – Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday 19 April starting at 11am through to 3pm at Dalton Village Hall.
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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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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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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. Swedish
2. Satchel Mouth
3. Carribean Sea
4. Mandy Rice-Davies and Christine Keeler
5. Whippet
6. Desperate Dan.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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