St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 1 June at 8.30am, ‘Said’ Holy Communion (BCP), Revd Dawn Ward
- TODAY: 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 (see article below).
- Sunday 15 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins followed by refreshments.
- Thursday 19 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
- Sunday 22 June, 10.45am – Holy Communion led by Revd Robert Williamson.
- Thursday 26 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Revd Dawn Ward.
- Sunday 29 June – No Service (5th Sunday).
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 1 June in the Market Place, Thirsk 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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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 1 June – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was set by Shirley and won by Peter, Sylvia, Sheila 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. Who wrote the novel Dr Zhivago?
2. Name the two London boroughs that start with ‘E’
3. What’s another name for a tightrope walker?
4. What is the common name for the family of plants to which potatoes, peppers and tomatoes belong?
5. What was Homers ‘Iliad’ an account of?
6. Yuri Gagarin was the first man to orbit the earth. What was the name of his spacecraft?
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The Tattler – June edition
The Tattler will be delivered door to door over the next few days. If you are not in the delivery area and would like to receive a copy electronically, please contact Doug Allan at doug@dougallan.co.uk
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Cross Talk
The June edition of the church newsletter, Cross Talk, is now out. You can read it here.
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Road Resurfacing in Thirsk area
Just a reminder that there’s several resurfacing jobs being undertaken in the Thirsk area starting this week and these works may well impact on journeys made to and from Topcliffe.
Station Road, Thirsk: begins on Monday 2 June and take 25 weekdays to complete. Work will take place in three phases:
- Phase one – from Monday 2 June to Friday 20 June. Two-way traffic lights between 9.30am and 3:30pm.
- Phase two – from Friday 6 June to Monday 16 June. A full road closure between 9pm and 5am between the B1448 to the roundabout at Tesco/Lidl.
- Phase three – from Friday 13 June to Friday 4 July. A full road closure between 7pm and midnight between Tesco/Lidl and the Railway Bridge.
A61 at Skipton-on-Swale: starts on Monday 2 June, for five weekdays. The road will be closed between 7:30am and 5pm. A fully signed diversion will be in place.
A19 at Bagby Crossroads: starts on Tuesday 3 June lasting for five weeknights. The road will be closed from 9pm until 5am during this work. A fully signed diversion will be in place. |
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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.
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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Asenby Parish Council
The Parish Council will hold its next meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 4 June in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Toll Booth Update
The results of the recent questionnaire about the Toll Booth’s future will be revealed at a public meeting at 7.30pm on Friday 6 June in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Topcliffe residents are invited to attend to hear what the 97 respondents to the survey had to say.
As a taster, it has been revealed that 87% of respondents agreed that ‘given the age and history behind the building we should do our best to hold on to the building and utilise it for the benefit of the community.’
The full details of the views expressed will be presented on the big screen by a representative of the Toll Booth Group, a group of volunteers wanting to retain the historic building for the benefit of the local community.
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St Columba’s Day Celebrations
Events are being planned to celebrate St Columba’s Day – our church’s Patron Saint – on Sunday 8 June.
• 10.45am – Feast of Pentecost & Patronal Festival, Holy Communion, Father Robert Williamson with members of the choir leading the singing.
• From 1.15pm (approximately) – a BBQ in the churchyard and church hall will serve sausages, burgers, chicken and vegetarian options, plus salads and puddings. This is open to all so please do come along and join us and, if you can, please bring a salad or pudding to share, plus whatever you might like to drink, though wine and soft drinks will also be available. Donations, if desired, will help towards costs and also support St Columba’s.
• From 2.30pm – the Tower will be open for escorted tours to the very top to admire the remarkable views. These will take place every half hour or so but, as numbers for each ascent are limited, you may need to be patient. For safety reasons children under the age of 10 are not allowed and please be aware there is a fixed ladder for the final ascent.
• There will be displays in church describing aspects of its history and guided tours of the building will be offered. Teas will be served later in the afternoon and donations of cakes, scones or sandwiches would be very much appreciated.
• At 6pm the day will close with Compline, a short service of readings and prayers (15 mins)
We would really love to see as many as possible coming to enjoy some or all of what is on offer: it should be a great day of food and fun, especially if the sun shines!
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 11 June 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 28 May, saw 33 meals served and a total of £92 raised from donations. Of this sum, £50 was given to help with production costs of the Tattler newsletter. After paying village hall rent, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
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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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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A proper Yorkshire Do!
The Angel Inn will soon be celebrating its first birthday: it’s a year since reopening after its major refurbishment. And in true Yorkshire style, they’re planning a proper Yorkshire Do! The big celebration starts 7pm on Friday 4 July and party goers might consider dressing in traditional Yorkshire attire. Think flat caps, Schoffels and Fairfax & Favour! There will be prizes to be won so don’t hold back. Early bird tickets, priced £19.95, are on sale until Friday 6 June. After that, the price increases to £24.95 – so don’t delay. Book online at http://bit.ly/4kC50Yy Alternatively you can pop into the main bar to buy your tickets, which includes a luxury BBQ feast, live country music, giant outdoor games and a few surprises too! Strictly over 16s. Well behaved dogs welcome.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
Our annual show will be held on Saturday 30 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The classes and categories will be same as last year, meaning there’ll be 84 classes in total in five categories, including:
• 47 classes in the Horticultural section.
• 17 classes in the baking/jams/preserves and pickles category.
• 3 floral classes.
• 11 classes in the hobbies section
• 6 specific classes that only children can enter.
The full list and show rules, together with timings on the day, are available here or can be found on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk
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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 Salt Path – to Thursday 5 June – matinee Wednesday 4 June.
- Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning – Friday 6 to Thursday 12 June – matinee Wednesday 11 June.
- Hallow Road – Friday 13 to Thursday 19 June – no matinee.
- The Phoenician Scheme – Friday 20 to Thursday 26 June – no matinee.
- The Ballad of Wallis Island – Friday 27 June to Thursday 3 July – matinee on Wednesday 2 July.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Friday 4 to Thursday 10 July – matinee on Sunday 6 July.
- Jane Austen Wrecked My Life – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 July – matinee on Wednesday 16 July.
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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Events in Dalton
Coffee Morning – There will be a coffee morning in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 4 June from 10.30am until noon in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. All are welcome to come along for a coffee and a chat.
Strawberry Teas – There will be Strawberry Teas in St John’s Church on Saturday 21 June, 2pm until 4pm. There will also be a selection of sandwiches and cakes. There is no set charge, but donations will be very welcome towards ongoing repairs to the church roof.
Dalton Fest – This year’s Dalton Fest will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Saturday 28 June. Doors open at 2pm, and bands begin at 4pm. Tickets are available on the Dalton Village Facebook page or from Eleanor on 07841 036340, priced at £28 for a family, £12 adults, £6 children, under 4s free. There will also be fish and chips, pizzas, ice cream and candyfloss for sale. The bar will also be open, so please do not take your own alcohol as it will not be allowed on the field. Funds raised will support the future of the Village Hall. A great family day out.
Dalton Village Gala – A date for your diary – this year’s gala will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Saturday 26 July from 2pm until 5pm. There will be baking competitions, children’s races, a drawing competition and lots more. Another great day out!
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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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Thirsk Repair Cafe
Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken or ‘worn-out’ items. Saturday 7 June from 10am to 12.30pm at Thirsk Community Library. For further details or if you would like to volunteer, please email. Free, but donations welcome. Email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com
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Northallerton Male Voice Choir
Performing their Summer Concert at The Forum, Northallerton on Saturday 7 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £12. They will be singing a varied selection of music with something to suit everyone. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment – online at http://forumnorthallerton.org.uk
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Tractor Fest at Newby Hall
UK’s largest vintage tractor & engine show is on at Newby Hall on Saturday 7 June and Sunday 8 June. Each year the show attracts over 1,600 exhibits as well as in excess of
12,000 visitors. About 120 acres and over 1,000 tractors on display. Douglas C47 Dakota vintage transport aircraft flyover Saturday afternoon. 10am-3pm. £18, Child (4-15) £15, Family (2+2) £54, under 4s free. Book online (cheapest). http://www.newbyhall.com/event
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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 – Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June – A volunteer-led tour looking at what the monks of Byland Abbey can teach us about sustainability.
- 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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Sculpture Park Fathers’ Day
Free Sculpture Garden entry at Thirsk Hall for all fathers on Father’s Day, Saturday 14 June. 11.00am-3.30pm (last entry at 2.30pm). No need to book. Under 16s go free too. http://thirskhall.com/events
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Thirsk Artisan Market
On the Market Place, Thirsk on Sunday 15 June from 10am to 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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North Yorkshire County Show
A wonderful day awaits for the whole family at the North Yorkshire County Agricultural Show being staged at South Otterington Hall on Sunday 15 June. An unmissable celebration of Yorkshire country life will unfold with animals galore, crafts / food and a whole lot more. https://www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk/
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Racing in Thirsk
An Afternoon of racing featuring live coverage of the Royal Ascot. Thirsk Racecourse on Tuesday 17 June. Gates open 11am, First Race tbc, Last Race tbc. From £15, Family £25, Seniors £12, Child (0-17) Free. Tickets: Book online (cheapest) http://thirskracecourse.net
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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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Treske Woodland Heritage Tour Day
Treske Furniture are holding guided tours of their Carlton Miniott workshops and showrooms during this Woodland Heritage event. See how raw timber becomes fine furniture, including tables, chairs, church pieces and kitchens. Enjoy refreshments as you explore the workshops and view work in progress. Saturday 21 June at 10am and 12 noon. £8 – money goes to Woodland Heritage Charity. Tickets online from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/woo
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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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Thirsk Hall history and architecture tours
House & Architecture tour of Thirsk Hall led by historian Dr Helen Metcalfe on 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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BBQ and Boogie Night
Following last year’s extremely successful BBQ and Boogie Night held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, the team responsible has decided to organise a similar event this summer.
It’s all kicking off on Saturday 16 August starting at 7.30pm. The organisers are sticking to the same format and once again aim to raise funds to support the village hall. Food on the BBQ will include burgers and sausages, served with coleslaw and salad. There’ll be alternatives for those with special dietary requirements, though the organisers need to be informed in advance about requirements.
Those attending will need to bring their own liquid refreshment, whether it be water, whiskey, wine or Weissbier…and not forgetting their best dancing shoes. It’s planned that there’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing star-studded prizes.
Tickets, which again will be priced at just £12.50, will go on sale nearer the date of the event from Topcliffe Post Office. Those with special dietary requirements can call the dedicated number – 07761 501820 – when ordering their tickets to advise on requirements. Watch out for further details in the Sunday Email, on Top Residents and on posters put up around the village. See you there or be square!
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Quiz answers
1. Boris Pasternak
2. Ealing and Enfield
3. Funamulist
4. Nightshade
5. The Trojan wars
6. Vostok 1
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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