St Columba’s Day Celebrations
TODAY: Sunday 8 June – a range of events will take place to celebrate St Columba’s Day – our church’s Patron Saint.
• 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 minutes).
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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Tractor Fest at Newby Hall
TODAY: Sunday 8 June – the 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 and there’ll be over 1,000 tractors on display. 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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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 8 June – 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 Peter, Carolyn, Alan and Mike. 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. Can you name the three national parks in Wales?
2. What is the chemical symbol for silver?
3. From which country do Panama hats come?
4. Which king put a tax on beards in 1535?
5. In which county is Jodrell Bank?
6. What did Tommy Cooper slip into taxi drivers’ pockets saying ‘have a drink on me’?
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The Tattler – June edition
Everyone in the two villages should have received a copy of The Tattler last week. It’s hoped that you found it informative and interesting. 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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Road Resurfacing in Thirsk area
Just a reminder that Station Road in Thirsk is being resurfaced and work will continue in the coming weeks. Journeys made to and from Topcliffe may well be impacted. Work is taking place in three phases:
- Phase one – through 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.
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Toll Booth Update
At the public meeting held last Friday evening in the Village Hall, representatives of the Toll Booth Group, which is a group of volunteers wishing to see the historic building saved for the community, heard about recent developments and presented the results of its recent survey of Topcliffe residents.
Around 50 residents attended the meeting and watched an interesting presentation that covered the history of the historic building, the recent and current uses and the work undertaken by the group to establish the Toll booth’s place in the community and potential future uses. In addition, the steps taken by the Parish Council and responses from the Toll Booth Group were outlined.
It was stated that the first mention of the Toll Booth was in September 2024 when a valuation was actioned the results of which, have not been communicated in proceeding meeting minutes. At subsequent meetings a number of building surveys were also instigated. One short assessment costing £600 was followed by a more comprehensive one undertaken by Savills of York costing £1540. This latter report, which the Toll Booth has access to, cannot be shared with other residents as the Parish Council states there are legal restrictions.
The Toll Booth Group believes this restriction is unwarranted and is petitioning the Parish Council to have the report released generally on the basis that residents paid for it and should be able to read it.
The Savill’s report suggested that the cost of repairs could be up to a maximum of £60,000-£70,000 over a period of fifteen years. That is different to the statement made in the Parish Council’s leaflet which seemed to suggest that a minimum cost of £70,000+ must be faced in the immediate future. It was noted that the report actually only presented uncosted estimates and, of course repairs could be less.
At its meeting in February this year, the Parish Council met behind closed doors to discuss the report with an unidentified consultant present. The outcome was that the council agreed that the potential cost of keeping the building ‘was beyond the Parish Council’s capabilities’. It was agreed that a leaflet explaining the problems and offering 3 options for dealing with them, would be distributed in the village. That leaflet emphasised that the Parish Council’s preferred option would be to sell the building. It was highlighted in the presentation that residents who contributed to that village discussion have not heard back from the Parish Council.
At the council’s April meeting 18 residents attended to express their concern that the Parish Council as custodians of the Toll Booth plan to sell it. They argued that it is an important part of the village’s history and ought to stay in community ownership and preferably be used more intensively. The Parish Council agreed to hear back from these residents on any ideas they had for future use and financial arrangements that would help lift the burden from local council tax payers. That’s when the Toll Booth Group was formed.
The group has undertaken much research into the history of the Toll Booth and reviewed the Parish Council minutes. The group has developed an action plan, which included presenting a questionnaire to all residents of Topcliffe. There were 99 responses to the questionnaire and it demonstrated a strong support for keeping the building (87 respondents), even if there are some costs involved. And 89 residents want to save the building for community use, with plenty of positive ideas being put forward as to how this might happen. The Parish Council has been given the detailed results of the questionnaire.
The meeting was attended by one parish councillor. An opinion was given in defence of a number of decisions made by the Parish Council and it was argued that the building is in such a bad state of repair that the community can’t afford to keep it. It was also argued that the cost of repairs could see the Parish Council precept rising by 100% for several years. It was highlighted by the Toll Booth Group that no such detailed valuation currently exists and that the Toll Booth Group is looking to complete the project with the due diligence it deserves in order to clarify all of these points before such decisions can be made.
Finally, the meeting agreed that a petition aimed at encouraging the Parish Council towards more open and positive dialogue that explores the wishes of the people to retain the building should be engaged. The majority of residents attending the meeting were the first to sign it.
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Walking Football
For the last five months, a group of local men have regularly played walking football at Sowerby Sports Village on Tuesday evenings from 5pm – 6pm. The number of players has grown to around 18 members, with around half coming from Asenby and Topcliffe. Ages range from early 50s to 80 years of age with the majority being around 70. As well as the physical and mental health benefits which come from the exercise, many new friendships have been formed and players now meet socially as well.
Men from the area who are over the age of 50 who fancy joining this merry band would be very welcome. Just pop along any Tuesday evening to see what it’s all about, or take your trainers and have a go. It’s a lot of fun! More details from Steve Gallon on 07366 419416.
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St Columba’s Services
- Sunday 8 June – see St Columba’s Day article above.
- Thursday 12 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Richard Byas.
- Sunday 15 June, 10.45am – Sung Matins followed by refreshments.
- Thursday 19 June, 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship led by Richard Byas
- 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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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.
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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Candle painting can calm your mind!
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Spend the evening Holly doing something a little different and see how allowing your inner creativity to flow can help to calm your mind. This session is 7 ’til 9pm on Wednesday 18 June at The Angel Inn. All materials and some nibbles included in the price of £25. To avoid booking fees, contact Holly direct via her Salty.Soul.Yoga Facebook page or, alternatively, book online at Candle Painting Workshop Tickets, Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite
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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 24 June 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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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.
Tickets are £24.95 and can be booked 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. 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
- Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning – 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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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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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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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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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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Events in Dalton
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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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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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’s s special event – the Festival of Archaeology – on 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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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. Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast.
2. Ag
3. Ecuador.
4. Henry VIII
5. Cheshire.
6. A tea bag.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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