St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 27 April at 10.45am, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
- Thursday 1 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 4 May at 8.30am Said Holy Communion Revd Dawn Ward
- Sunday 4 May at 6.30pm Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper wine and nibbles
- Thursday 8 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 11 May at 10.45am, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
- Thursday 15 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 18 May at 10.45am, Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
- Thursday 22 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 25 May at 10.45am, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson
- Thursday 29 May at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
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Indoor Car Boot Sale
TODAY: Sunday 27 April – An indoor car boot sale will be held at Dalton Village Hall between 10am and 2pm. Admission £1. Refreshments available.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 27 April – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Derek and won by Alan, Sue and Andrew. 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 was a Roman public square or market place commonly called?
2. What is the quietening devise used on a trumpet known as?
3. Which light cavalry regiment gives its name to a dance in which usually 8 or 16 dancers take part?
4. Which famous cartoonist included a grandma character in his work?
5. Which is the nearest city to the Taj mahal?
6. In which US state is Seattle?
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Toll Booth Update
The Toll Booth Group will be meeting again in the coming week, prior to the next meeting of the Parish Council, to consolidate its research and findings. The Group encourages residents who have an interest in the future of the Toll Booth to attend the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 1 May for further updates from our elected representatives. The meeting is held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall and starts at 7pm.
In the near future, the Toll Booth Group, will be formulating a plan which will be shared with residents and they will be invited to give their thoughts and ideas for the future of the building. This will most likely be in the form of a short online questionnaire which will be distributed via the Sunday Email. Further information will follow next week.
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Madge Brewer – 1922-2025
A reminder for those who wish to pay their respect to Madge Brewer, who passed away earlier this month, the Remembrance of Life service will be at Maple Park Crematorium at 10am on Wednesday 30 April. Refreshments afterwards at The Angel Inn. Many residents will remember Madge by her maiden name, Proctor.
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Free parking in Northallerton every Sunday
Every Sunday it’s free parking on Northallerton High Street and in the Applegarth car park.
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Churchyard equipment appeal: early success!
Last week’s appeal for equipment for use by the ground maintenance volunteers at St Columba’s churchyard has had an immediate success. Big thank yous are due to Ben Harrison and Steve Hall who both live in Asenby. They have donated petrol strimmers, the item of equipment the volunteers most wanted. These items are now with Malcolm Morley, who has kindly offered to undertake maintenance checks before the equipment is put to work.
The appeal for donations is still ongoing. Any spare gardening equipment, such as spades, forks and rakes, would be appreciated. And this is perhaps a long shot, but if anyone is prepared to donate a self-propelled petrol grass mower in a reasonable state of repair, that would be a huge help and would ensure that at least two machines are always available for increasing areas of grass that now need regular cutting.
If you can help, please get in touch with John Phillips on 01845 577034.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 30 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
There’ll be no bingo after the Soup & Sweet lunch on Wednesday 30 April.
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 1 May at 7pm in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Planning application on fields near Asenby
Don’t forget that the deadline for comments on an application for the construction of a large agricultural shed on land adjacent to Asenby Allotments on Wide Howe Lane has been extended to Thursday 1 May. There is some concern in Asenby that very few objections have been submitted and that complacency could see this application getting approval and setting the scene for the resubmission of previously refused applications and new more commercial applications along that stretch or rural road. So don’t delay if you want to have your say. The reference to look for on North Yorkshire Council’s website is ZC25/00747/FUL.
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International Dawn Chorus Day
Whether it’s Skylarks, Blackcaps, Nightingales or Robins, the UK’s birdsong spectacular reaches its crescendo in early May and is marked by International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 4 May. The dawn chorus can be heard in some form or another almost everywhere – from gardens, parks, hedges and woods to marshes and even mountain tops. If you want, just open your bedroom window, lie back and enjoy the songsters near you. But for the full effect, a wooded area with mature trees is the best bet.
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A bus to the Moors
The M5 Thirsk to Helmsley Moorbus, a not-for-profit service run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of local communities and visitors, is due to start a new season on Sunday 4 May. The Moorsbus timetables is available at the Thirsk Information Centre. https://visitthirsk.uk/
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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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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The Village Hall AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 13 May in the hall. It will be followed by a regular bi-monthly meeting of the committee. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings.
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St Columba’s Special Events
On Thursday 22 May at 6pm St Columba’s Choir will once again sing Evensong at the church of Christ the Consoler in the grounds of Newby Hall, accessed from Skelton-on-Ure. Everyone is most welcome to enjoy the opportunity to visit this spectacular high Victorian church which is now maintained by the Historic Churches Trust having been closed some years ago for regular worship. Parking available.
To celebrate St Columba’s Day on Sunday 8 June there’ll be a special Choral Eucharist service at 10.45am led by Rev Robert Williamson. It will be followed by the usual family BBQ at 1pm and during the afternoon there’ll be visits to the top of the church tower and history tours around the church. It’s possible that more events to enhance the celebration will be announced later.
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News from Asenby Parish Council
The Parish Council is planning to hold an annual parish meeting on Tuesday 27 May and the next normal Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 4 June. Both will be held at 7pm and held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
From now on, Parish Council meetings will be held quarterly on the first Wednesday in the months of June, September, December and March.
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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 – two spaces remaining.
Saturday 12 July – sold out!
Saturday 9 August – four spaces remaining
Saturday 13 September – one space remaining.
Please call to check availability and make a booking: 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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Dishforth Bowling Club
The bowling club in Dishforth is now open for the new season through to September and the club is inviting members of the public from surrounding villages, including Topcliffe and Asenby, to pop along to have a try. The green is in tip-top shape following some very hard work by volunteer groundsman, Andrew. The club is a fantastic local resource and it’s hoped that lots of local villagers will make use of it. Each Sunday afternoon from 2pm there’ll be a free session at which players of all ages can give the sport a try. Don’t forget to take flat soled shoes to protect the green.
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Rural Arts Summer Programme
Thirsk-based Rural Arts summer programme contains a fantastic mix of workshops, craft and art classes, musical events and performance. There’s something for all age groups – from children’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
- Mr. Burton – Friday 25 April to Thursday 1 May – no matinees.
- The Amateur – Friday 2 to Thursday 8 May – no matinees.
- Flow – Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May (all matinees).
- The Penguin Lessons – Friday 9 to Thursday 15 May – matinee on Wednesday 14 May.
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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Yoga with Alex
Yoga for All: classes resume on Monday 28 April. New and old students welcome. See here for dates and venues.
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The Busby & Me
Meet Wade Radford, film maker of ‘The Busby & Me’, who will be joining Thirsk Museum, Kirkgate on Monday 28 April from 10.30am to 3pm to discuss all things about the Busby Stoop chair. This will include scans from his personal archives, including original sketches of the spirits of the Busby Stoop Inn. Donations to the Museum.
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Pop-Up Fashion Show
The Friends of Topcliffe School are holding a Pop-up Shop and Fun Fashion Show at Dalton Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 1 May. You’ll be able to shop for all your favourite high street brands at a remarkable 70% off. For tickets and more information please contact Karen on 07875 331227 or see the ‘Friends’ Facebook page.
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Racing at Thirsk
- One of the big meets of the year sees the Thirsk Hunt Cup raced on Saturday 3 May at Thirsk Racecourse. Gates open 11am and first race at 1.35pm.
- Sky Bet Irish Day on Saturday 17 May Prepare your Irish-themed outfits and be part of the excitement. Thrilling races, live Irish music from The Emerald Thieves and some quality racing. Children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle and slide, alongside a variety of tasty food vans.
Entry from £18, Family £25, Seniors £12, Child (0-17) Free. Book online at http://thirskracecourse.net
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
Market Place, Thirsk on Sunday 4 May 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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Sports Cars in the Park
A fantastic day out at Newby Hall for the whole family, with a great atmosphere. Event on Sunday 4 May includes free entry into Newby Hall’s amazing grounds with its legendary adventure playground. It’s on from 10am to 3pm. Tickets £18, Child (4-15) £15, Family (2+2) £54, under 4s free. Book online at http://www.newbyhall.com/event
If you are interested in taking your own car along for exhibition, go to http://www.carsinthepark.org.uk.
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Duncombe Park Country Fair
There’s lot’s going on at this annual country fair, including stunt riding, mini Grand National, gun dog display, terrier racing, fun dog show, working ferret display. It’s on Monday 5 May from 59am to 5pm. Tickets £35 for a family (2 +2), £15 adult, £10 OAP, £5 child, Free under 5yrs. Book online at http://www.dpcountryfair.co.uk
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James Herriot Walking Tours
The walk through key Thirsk locations that inspired the beloved All Creatures Great and Small books, films, and TV series. Fridays 9 and 16 May at 12 noon. Visitors will see the original veterinary surgery and significant town landmarks while gaining fresh insights into Herriot’s life and legacy. The tour starts at The World of James Herriot Museum in Kirkgate and takes about 2 hours. £5, or £10 including Herriot Museum entry. Book online at
http://visitthirsk.uk/herriotwalkingtour
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Sowerby Flatts Bowls Open Day
Here’s an opportunity to try out the game of bowls as part of a fun-filled event. Sowerby Flatts Bowls Club, behind ‘The Institute’, next to Sowerby Park, is inviting men and women of all abilities to try their hand at this enjoyable and engaging sport on Saturday 10 May between 10am and 2pm. Don’t be fooled by appearances – the club’s members are friendly, younger than you might think and eager to share their love of the sport. All equipment provided, but kindly please wear flat-soled shoes. For further information please email: sowerbyflattsbowlingclub@gmail.com
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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.
- Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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The Yorkshire Flea
A vintage & antique retail event on at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 18 May between 11am and 6pm. Admission £3.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
on Market Place on Sunday 18 May between 10am and 3pm. 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.
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Yarnbombers Coffee Morning
Support the amazing Thirsk Yarnbombers and support local charities at Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall, Westgate on Wednesday 21 May between 10.30am and noon.
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Haunted Thirsk Guided Tour
Explore the ancient areas of Thirsk and discover its haunting tales. On Friday 23 May at 7pm. Rob your guide will meet you at the Town Clock whatever the weather. Tour lasts about 75 minutes. Pre-booking only. Adults £9. Concessions £7 – under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from: tina@historicexperiences
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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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Dishfest
DishFest is making a grand return this summer with a new-look festival on Saturday 31 May. The organisers are cranking it up with fresh musicians, a DJ extravaganza, and a whole new setup that’ll make your heart sing. Get ready for an afternoon into the evening filled with music, street food, beer marquee with seating and good vibes. It will all take place on the afternoon and through to the evening, on the Dishforth Playing Fields. Bring your own table and chairs, but please do not bring your own alcohol on site.
Tickets are limited and the event did sell out last year, so don’t leave it too late to book. Go online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dishfest-2025-tickets-1288240896199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
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Byland Abbey Tours
Byland Abbey is 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:
- Great Big Green Week – Sunday 8 June
- Festival of Archaeology – Sunday 27 July
For more information about this famous abbey and the tours, please contact sam.macfie@english-heritage.org.uk
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Quiz answers
1. Forum
2. Mute
3. Lancers
4. Giles
5. Agra
6. Washington.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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