Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 18 May between 10am and 3pm on Thirsk Market Place. 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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The Yorkshire Flea
TODAY: Sunday 18 May between 11am and 6pm – A vintage & antique retail event on at Thirsk Auction Mart. Admission £3.
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
- Sunday 1 June at 8.30am, Said Holy Communion (BCP), Revd Dawn Ward
- Sunday 1 June at 6.30pm, Choral Evensong, followed by pre-supper wine and nibbles
- Thursday 5 June at 11am, Morning Prayer, Revd Dawn Ward, followed by fellowship and refreshments
- Sunday 8 June, Festival Choral Eucharist for St Columba’s Day, Father Robert Williamson, followed by refreshments and Village BBQ at 1pm.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 18 May – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s challenging quiz was set by David and won by Pete, Shirley, Sylvia and Alan. 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. Which country did Celine Dion represent in the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest?
2. In which continent is Surinam?
3. What collective name is given to a group of frogs?
4. Which city gets the most International visitors?
5. Which continent has the most countries?
6. Who played the Queen in the third series of The Crown?
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The Tattler – June edition
The next edition of the Tattler is now in production and will be published on or before Tuesday 2 June.
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Topcliffe CoE Academy
The school has been awarded the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ in every category following an Ofsted inspection in April. Well done all involved.
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Toll Booth Update
The Toll Booth questionnaire will remain open for a further week, closing on Sunday 25 May. This should give everyone sufficient time to take 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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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The Village Hall Committee held its AGM and an ordinary meeting consecutively last Tuesday (13 May). Here’s a photograph of all Trustees.
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Committee member Jim Shaw prepared this Brief Report.
At Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting of the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall the committee re-elected chairman Richard Byas and he welcomed new member Reverend Dawn Ward. All current officers were re-elected.
In her finance report Treasurer Linsey Payne stated the Village Hall accounts were in a healthy position and as far as the 2025/26 budget was concerned a 5% increase was recommended. Hall lettings had been good enough to cover basic running costs and the committee agreed to an inflation increase on prices to keep pace with overheads. The Treasurer also mentioned that in previous years John Graham has acted as Independent Examiner of the accounts, but due to his retirement a new examiner needs to be found. Linsey thanked John for his valued work over the years.
Following on from the AGM the May meeting of the Committee commenced. Doug Allan reported the hall floor had undergone its tri-annual treatment and is rejuvenated. The Village Halls’ Week event had been successful and a special mention was given to Asenby Parish Council for their input and presentation.
The initial problem with the window lintels reported last month has been dealt with and three quotations for the remaining three windows have been sought. The committee agreed to have them repaired.
The Toll Booth was on the agenda but an expected letter from Topcliffe Parish Council concerning its future had not arrived and therefore no discussion could take place.
A pack welcoming new arrivals to the village has been prepared full of useful information, including contact details for various groups, organisations and key people, has been prepared and Chrissy Findley agreed to distribute and keep it relevant and up to date.
Following last year’s BBQ & Boogie Night a second is programmed to go ahead this year on Saturday 16 August. Look out for adverts and tickets.
In previous years our Christmas tree lights have been battery operated and the batteries have needed to be replaced on too much of a regular basis (every day). So Malcolm Morley reported he is now in the process of providing reduced mains electricity to give constant light to the tree next Christmas.
I hope this brief report has been informative and of interest.
NOTE: The next bi-monthly meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held on Tuesday 15 July at 7.30pm.
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Your local councillor…always available to help
Local councillor, Dan Sladden, who represents the Sowerby & Topcliffe division on North Yorkshire Council aims to be accessible to people and to listen to their concerns and ideas for our community. His email address is cllr.dan.sladden@northyorks.gov.uk and his phone number is 07466 487989 – so do not hesitate to contact him if you have any issues you would like to discuss with him.
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Art Classes at the Village Hall
The dates of the latest art classes and Evening Zoom online classes have been announced by art teacher Becky Thompson.
Spring Sketch and Draw with more Confidence
Last month Becky held a ‘Winter Sketch and Draw’ experience at which everyone had such a wonderful time. As a follow up, she is continuing the seasonal theme and arranging a ‘Spring Sketch and Draw’, which will take place on Thursday 22 May between 10am and 2pm at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. This will be a great experience and help artists of all abilities to continue to develop their practice and skills.
‘Sketch and Draw in Pencil and Charcoal’
This special one-off class will be held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Thursday 22 May between 10am and 2pm. All materials provided. You can take your own lunch or pay for a light lunch pre-ordered from a local caterer nearer the time.
Regular Monday morning classes
The next block of six Monday morning classes in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will start on Monday 2 June. There’s an early bird offer for anyone who books online before Friday 23rd May. If you can’t make daytime classes, consider joining the Monday evening online class via Zoom.
Tuesday evening classes at Thirsk Town Hall
Some people may wish to attend Becky’s evening classes held in Thirsk Town Hall. They start on Tuesday 3 June, are held from 6.30 to 8.30pm and also run for six weeks.
Book online at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/product-category/workshops
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St Columba’s Choir to sing at Newby Hall church
Don’t forget that next 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. The church is 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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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 28 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.
The last lunch held on Wednesday 14 May saw 36 lunches served and donations totalling £106. The sum of £50 was presented to the Animal Rescue Crew charity and after expenses, 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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Base Camps
This coming half term sees more adventures at Base Camp, located the beautiful parkland at Baldersby Park near Topcliffe.
- Thursday 29 May – archery with the Thirsk Bowmen – expert tuition with real arrows.
- Wednesday 28 – wild science with Becca Clarkson – natural science experiments outdoors.
Book via the website at: https://basecamplearning.co.uk/
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Thursday 3 July 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
- A Minecraft Movie – Sunday 18 May.
- The Accountant 2 – to Thursday 22 May – no matinee.
- 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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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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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 27 May 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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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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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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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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Ripon Theatre Festival
Get ready for a joyful celebration of live performance, bursting with theatre, music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and plenty of laughs during this year’s Ripon Theatre Festival. The spectacular event is fast becoming a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar—welcoming audiences of all ages with a programme that’s packed with high-quality performances, friendly faces, and magical moments. Save the dates: 1 to 6 July. See the full programme here: https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ripon-Theatre-Festival-2025-interactive.pdf
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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Quiz answers
1. Switzerland.
2. South America.
3. An army or a colony.
4. Bangkok.
5. Africa with 54.
6. Olivia Coleman.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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