St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 29 June – No Service (5th Sunday in the month).
- Thursday 3 July at 11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
- Sunday 6 July at 8.30am – BCP Said Holy Communion (Rev Dawn Ward).
- Sunday 6 July at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by a pre-supper glass of wine.
- Thursday 10 July at 11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
- Sunday 13 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion (Rev Robert Williamson).
- Thursday 17 July at 11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
- Sunday 20 July at 10,45am Sung Matins
- Thursday 24 July at -11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
- Sunday 27 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion (Rev Robert Williamson).
- Thursday 31 July at 11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
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Free walking tour of Thirsk
TODAY: Sunday 29 June at 11am. Join a local knowledgeable guide in this fascinating journey through the history of Thirsk. Meet at Thirsk Tourist Information. Duration 1½hrs. No fixed price but donations gratefully received. No need to book in advance. Telephone: 07467 696486.
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Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary – Open Day
TODAY: Sunday 29 June – an open day at Morndyke parrot Sanctuary near Thirsk starting 10am. There will be half hour slots for a maximum six persons available throughout the day and the price is £12.50 per person (sorry this event is not suitable for youngsters or anyone with nut allergies). First come first served. See the website or Facebook page for more details.
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Village Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 29 June – the quiz will be held at 8pm in the Village Hall.
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Last Sunday’s challenging quiz was set by Dave and won by Shirley, Sheila, Sylvia and Peter. 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 the name of the dog : a) in Punch & Judy, b) on His Master’s Voice (HMV) and c) owned by Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist?
2. Errol Brown was the lead singer with which band?
3. Who flew the Atlantic in a plane named ‘Spirit of St Louis’?
4. Who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films?
5. Which British archeologist discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb?
6. In Greek Mythology who flew too close to the sun?
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Stalls available at Topcliffe summer fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 2 August between 10am and 2pm and organiser, Karen Morley is looking for crafters, groups, charities or other organisations that would like to have a stall. They are available at just £5, the same price as was charged for the last few years. Please contact Karen on 01845 577426.
Besides a variety of stalls and a raffle, the summer fair will include afternoon tea, which will be available for a donation.
Funds raised on the day will help boost the Warm Hub Community Fund, which is periodically distributed to those in financial need.
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Toll Booth Update – your views wanted
The Toll Booth Group recently issued a second questionnaire so that all residents can raise any new or additional questions about the Toll Booth and its future. Questions raised will be answered by the Toll Booth Group or, if appropriate, submitted to the Parish Council for their response. This questionnaire will close at midnight on Tuesday 1 July, so please take the opportunity to have your say before then.
Please note that even if you did not attend the public meeting in the Village Hall on 6 June, you can still ask any questions via this questionnaire. Please click in this link to start: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QV7XPKN
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Topcliffe Parish Council
Change of Date: The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be on Monday 7 July at 7pm – not Thursday 3 July as previously stated. The meeting will be held in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been granted planning permission for its new northern airbase on a site near Skipton on Swale. The new state-of-the-art, purpose-built base has been designed with sustainability in mind and to reflect its established base at Nostell, near Wakefield. It will be built just 3.5 miles from the current base at Topcliffe airfield. To read the full story, visit http:/yaa.org.uk/2025/06/25/yorkshire-air-ambulance-moves-forward-with-new-northern-airbase/
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Cross Talk church magazine
The July edition of Cross Talk is now out. You can read it here.
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A proper Yorkshire Do!
The Angel Inn’s first birthday bash – ‘A proper Yorkshire Do’ – is proving very popular with tickets virtually flying out the door. Over 160 have so far been sold, leaving less than forty still available. 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 ticket. Tickets include a luxury BBQ feast, live country music, giant outdoor games and a few surprises too! Strictly over 16s. Well behaved dogs welcome. No tickets on the door.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 9 July 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 25 June saw 36 meals served and a total of £122 raised in donations. £50 was gifted to The Blue Cross Homing Centre and, after expenses, the balance was added to the Community Warm Hub 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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Holiday Club Sessions at Curious By Nature Forest School
Are your children looking for adventure this summer school holiday? Do they want to explore, play and learn in nature? If so, these fun-filled, hands-on outdoor sessions could be the answer. They are for kids aged 5–10 years and are held at Willow View Farm, Topcliffe. Activities include shelter building, woodland crafts, scavenger hunts, wildlife exploration, use of tools, natural art and outdoor games. Each session is 2 hours long and costs £20. Book at http://www.curiousbynature.simplybook.me
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The Deershed Festival
This year’s festival takes place at Baldersby Park, near Topcliffe over the weekend Friday 25 to Sunday 28 July. Among those appearing are Wunderhorse, The Unthanks, Joan as Policewoman, Idlewild, Big Special and Honeyglaze. On the comedy front, Lucy Beaumont, John Shuttleworth, Katie Pritchard and Su Mi will be taking to the stage. For more details and ticket information, visit The Deershed Festival’s website.
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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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The Ritz Cinema
- The Ballad of Wallis Island – 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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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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Racing in Thirsk
A midweek summer afternoon of thrilling racing on Wednesday 2 July. Gates open 11am. First Race 2.33pm, Last Race 5.13pm. http://www.thirskracecourse.net
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Third Class – A Titanic Story
The story of Titanic survivor Edward Dorking, a gay man seeking revenge after the tragedy. From boarding the Titanic to swimming for survival, Edward’s journey challenges the focus on the wealthy, highlighting the losses of third-class passengers. At Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, on Wednesday 2 July at 8pm. £14.online from https://tinyurl.com/aff5m92t.
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My Life With Winston
Winston Churchill, renowned for his leadership during WWII, was married to Clementine for 56 years. Was she a silent partner, or did she influence him? Liz Grand, praised for her portrayal of Agatha Christie, returns with a sensitive, insightful performance of Clementine Churchill. ‘Her finest hour.’ At Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon at 7:30pm on Thursday 3 July. Tickets from £14 from https://tinyurl.com/3wxdyz6z.
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Spy Movie: The Play!
Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world, but with villains, a crazy plot, and no funding, things aren’t easy. After Hollywood rejects her script, a screenwriter presents The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! An hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre. Friday 4 July at 8pm. At Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon. Tickets £14 from https://tinyurl.com/4sjavm2v
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The Great Yorkshire Show
The 166th Great Yorkshire Show will take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July. Visitors can expect to see the best animals in the country competing, alongside national breed shows, machinery, food and first-class entertainment to celebrate the very best of farming, food and the countryside. Free shuttle buses are operated by The Harrogate Bus Company every day. The buses run every 10 minutes from Harrogate Bus Station to the Showground’s White Gate, starting at 7.30am. The last bus departs the Showground at 7pm. The event raises funds for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and for more information, visit the Great Yorkshire Show website.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
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. On Sunday 6 July from 9am-2pm.
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Music at Junction 50
The second concert in the Music @ Juction 50 series is on Thursday 17 July when the JKL Duo will appear. The event is at St James’ Church at Baldersby St James and starts at 7pm.
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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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Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally
This year’s show is on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July and features exhibitors, food, fairground and trade stands. It takes place at Marfield Fields, half a mile north of Masham on the A6108 towards Leyburn. In the main ring this year, along with exhibitor parades, public steam engine steering and tug of war, will be the Paul Swift Stunt Driving Team. Other attractions include the Force of Nature steam rocket bike and the Lonestar Old West Living History and Re-enactment Society. For more information, visit the Masham Steam Rally website.
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Historic Vehicle Rally
Newby Hall, near Ripon, will be surrounded by vintage and classic cars for the north’s biggest one-day car show – the annual Historic Vehicle Rally – on Sunday 20 July. The event, which is organised by the North of England Classics and Pre-War Automobiles, attracts exhibits from all over the country. More than 1,000 vehicles of all makes, from Aston Martin to Wolseley, will be polished up by their proud owners and put on parade for one of the highlights of Newby’s opening season. Adult tickets are £14 online, £15 on the door, while a child ticket is £9 online and £10 on the door. For more information, visit the Newby Hall website.
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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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Dalton Village Gala
This year’s gala will be held on the Village Hall Playing Field on Saturday 26 July from 2pm until 5pm. There will be lots of competitions, children’s races, and Ripon Morris Dancers will be performing. There will be an ice cream van and the bar will be open. Pop along and enjoy a lovely family day out. For more details of the competitions and how to enter, please check the Dalton Village Facebook page.
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Dalton Coffee Mornings
St John’s Church is starting monthly coffee mornings in Dalton Village Hall. The first will be on Wednesday 30 July from 10.30am until 12 noon and will be in aid of North Yorkshire based charity Dementia Forward. There will be no set charge but donations will be welcome. Feel free to pop along to have a cuppa and a piece of cake and make new friends.
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BBQ and Boogie Night
This year’s BBQ and Boogie Night at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 16 August starting at 7.30pm. 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 drinks. 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. Funds raised will go to support the Village Hall.
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Baldersby St James Book Sale
The annual mammoth Book Sale will be held in St James’ church on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. The organisers are on the lookout for volunteers to help put out books the week before and to pack away on the Sunday evening. This is a big event with many new books and is the church’s major fund raiser, which helps maintain the beautiful church in good condition.
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Quiz answers
1. a) Toby b) Nipper and c) Bullseye.
2. Hot Chocolate.
3. Charles Lindberg.
4. Rupert Grint.
5. Howard Carter.
6. Icarus.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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