St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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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Nunnington Hall – free to visit today
TODAY: Sunday 11 May – ‘Love Local’, an event on at Nunnington Hall near Helmsley, is this National Trust property’s biggest day of the year when they show the best of what the hall and the local area has to offer. There’ll be food and drinks stalls offering tasters and products to buy, as well as local artists, craftspeople, businesses, charities and community groups. The house, gardens and exhibition are free to enter all day and the tearoom and tea garden are open too. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/nunnington-hall
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 11 May – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s challenging quiz was set by Mike and won by Roger, Judith, David and Jean. 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. Jacques Cousteau is credited with inventing what?
2. In which year did the Chernobyl nuclear power station explode?
3. The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Island is what type of rock?
4. What is the capital of Bolivia?
5. The Faroe Islands are a dependency of which country?
6. Who wrote the book entitled ‘The Horse Whisperer’ and name the two main actors who starred in the subsequent film?
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Toll Booth Update
The Toll Booth Group would like to thank everyone who has completed the questionnaire sent out in last week’s Sunday Email. The response has been fantastic with 60 responses being submitted to date. Here are a few statements made by residents that capture the mood of the village:
- Anything that promotes social cohesion would be worth supporting!
- The Parish Council should be doing everything to protect this village asset. As custodians it is shocking that short term gain is being put before protection for future generations.
- As much as it is important to maintain and support historic buildings, the current increased taxation and cost of living means that this is a luxury the majority cannot afford. There cannot be a ‘tax’ on residents to maintain this through the parish council stipend with 100% support from all residents.
- Has the council investigated Lottery Heritage Grants and other grants that can assist with the upkeep of the toll booth?
- The snooker club is really important to my mental health and my personal well-being. I often go to the pub to get my drinks and go back and forth between the two during the evening. It’s wonderful. I don’t know what I would do if it was to be taken from us.
- A public meeting (is required) providing all evidence and information to the whole community.
- You will never please everyone but I am certainly open and willing to work with ideas to preserve the building.
- Men’s mental health is suffering. We need as many low cost activities for men of all ages. A haven for men would be great!
The questionnaire will remain open for a further two weeks to ensure everyone has the opportunity to express their view. Please click on the link to start the survey and have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Toll-Booth
Once the survey is closed, the results will be made public so that everyone can see exactly how residents feel about the future of this important building. Already a wide range of future uses have been suggested. The next phase of the project will be to look into the cost implications. Meanwhile the Toll Booth Group is continuing investigations into the history of the building as this in itself is proving very interesting.
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Churchyard equipment appeal: great response
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Pictured above with John Phillips, who coordinates maintenance at St Columba’s churchyard, is the wide range of equipment and tools donated for use by the volunteers who do the work. A big thank you to those who made donations including Ben Harrison, Steve Hall, Rita Simmerson, and a lady named Christine (all of Asenby) and Gordon Hatton of Topcliffe. Thanks again to Malcolm Morley who has checked the petrol-driven equipment and made sure the items are safe for use.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The Village Hall Committee holds its AGM and an ordinary meeting consecutively on Tuesday 13 May starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend the AGM.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 14 May from 11.30am to 1pm. There’ll be hearty soup choices with a selection of sandwiches, cakes 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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St Columba’s Choir to sing at Newby Hall church
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.
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Asenby Parish Council
The Parish Council will 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 in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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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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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
- The Penguin Lessons – to Thursday 15 May – matinee on Wednesday 14 May.
- The Accountant 2 – Friday 16 to Thursday 22 May – no matinee.
- A Minecraft Movie – Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May.
- Thunderbolts* – Friday 23 to Thursday 29 May – matinee Wednesday 28 May.
- The Salt Path – Friday 30 May to Thursday 5 June – matinee Wednesday 4 June.
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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James Herriot Walking Tours
A walk through key Thirsk locations that inspired the beloved All Creatures Great and Small books, films, and TV series. Friday 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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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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Racing at Thirsk
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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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 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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Hambleton District Show
This year’s show is on Saturday 24 May and Sunday 25 May at Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest. It’s the largest horse show in the north of England. Check out: http://www.hambletonshow.com
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Husthwaite Village Open Gardens
Sunday 25 and Monday 26 May between 11am and 5pm – Visit a range of gardens, purchase plants and enjoy refreshments at The Apple Tree cafe for home made sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee. The Hall is wheelchair accessible but some gardens are not. Assistance dogs only in gardens. Adults £5, children free. Tickets from the Village Hall and Village Green stall.
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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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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
To be held in the Market Place, Thirsk on Sunday 1 June 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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Thirsk Racing
An afternoon of racing at Thirsk Racecourse on Friday 6 June. Gates open 11am, First and last race times to be confirmed. From £18, Family £25, Seniors £12, Child (0-17) Free. Tickets online (cheapest) from: http://www.thirskracecourse.net
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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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Northallerton Vintage Vehicle Display
The Vintage Vehicle and 1940s Extravaganza on Northallerton’s High Street will be staged on Sunday 22 June. Step back in time and enjoy a fantastic day filled with classic vehicles, vintage vibes and 1940s nostalgia.
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Music at Junction 50
The programme for this year’s concert series at Baldersby St James Church has been announced. The first, on Thursday 19 June at 7pm, features the Silver Keys Clarinet Quartet. Then on Thursday 17 July the JKL Duo will appear, also at 7pm. See full details here.
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Quiz answers
1. The aqualung
2. 1986 (April)
3. Basalt
4. La Paz
5. Denmark
6. Niclolas Evans / Robert Redford and Kirsten Scott Thomas.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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