St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 27 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion (Rev Robert Williamson).
- Thursday 31 July at 11am – Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and chat.
- Sunday 3 August at 8.30am – BCP Said Holy Communion (Rev Dawn Ward).
- Sunday 3 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by a pre-supper glass of wine.
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Fragrance on our doorstep!
TODAY: Sunday 27 July – Northern Lavender’s lavender fields are open again today. Visits are free of charge and if you’re walking to the site, you can just arrive anytime. However, if you are planning to arrive by car and require a car parking space, a slot must be booked on the company website – https://www.northernlavender.co.uk/ There’ll be a stall from which you can purchase a range of lavender products. Dogs on leads are welcome.
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Ripon Classic Car Gathering
TODAY: Sunday 27 July – The thirtieth Ripon Classic Car Gathering will be staged at Ripon Racecourse starting at 10.15am and lasting through to 5pm. It features classic and vintage motorcycles, tractors, commercial and military vehicles, car clubs and specialist car stalls. And look out for Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton who’ll be displaying his 1968 VW Beetle.
The organisers strive to create a family-friendly event with lots of attractions and activities taking place, including children’s entertainment, live music, stalls and trade stands of all descriptions, an auto jumble, games and quizzes as well as good food and much more. Check out the website for more details: https://riponclassiccargathering.co.uk/
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Thirsk Model Railway Show
TODAY: Sunday 27 July – At Thirsk Town Hall on Westgate from 10am to 4pm. Plenty of layouts, traders and demonstrations. Dioramas built by members of Thirsk Model Railway Group will also be on display. Refreshments will be available. Profits to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. £5 per adult. Accompanied children free of charge. Tickets: On the door.
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TONIGHT: Sunday 27 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s very challenging quiz was set by Doug. The winners were Edna, Jayne, Andrew and Debbie. 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. In which year did Madeleine McCann go missing?
2. What was France previously called?
3. Which is the largest bay and which is the largest gulf in the world? Two points.
4. Which is the only country in South America that has English as it’s official language?
5. What is a group of Hippopotamus called?
6. What do the initials DH stand for in DH Lawrence?
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Appeal for raffle prizes
Everyone loves participating in a raffle. It’s fun and you have the chance to win a prize for just a few quid! Raffles are also important fund raisers and it’s why the organisers of events in the Village Hall always try to put on a raffle at village events.
There are two such events being held this month – the Summer Fair on Saturday 2 August and the Produce Show on Saturday 30 August. So an appeal is out for donations of raffle prizes such as bottles of wine, boxes of chocolates or unwanted presents. If you can help please contact Doug Allan on 07785 223707 and he’ll arrange to collect any items you can offer. Thank you.
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Topcliffe Academy – Emergencies during school closures
Neighbours of the school often ask what they should do if they are aware of incidents at the school during holiday periods. Unfortunately, there’s no live-on-site caretaker so calls need to be made as follows:
- If you think there is a break-in taking place, please call the police on 999.
- If there is something else that needs reporting, please call 01845 577412 and leave a message (this will be picked up) or email admin@topcliffeacademy.org
- Or call Elevate Multi Academy Trust on 01423 541996.
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Church parish changes proposed
Details of the proposed changes to local church parish arrangements have been released. Click on the links for details of the the Notice and the Statutory Notes for the draft Pastoral Scheme proposals for the churches in the Mowbray Deanery, which includes the Benefice of Topcliffe, Baldersby with Dishforth and Skipton on Swale, and Dalton, including the parsonage house. Anyone may make a representation for or against any part of the scheme before Monday 8 September and details of how to do this are included in the Notice.
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Topcliffe Summer Fair
The Summer Fair will take place in the Village Hall on Saturday 2 August from 10am to 2pm. There’ll be a variety of stalls offering items for sale and providing information. Volunteers will be serving refreshments throughout the day, consisting of tea and coffee, savouries, sandwiches, scones, buns and cakes. Have what you want and simply make a donation. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.
Help with Baking: Karen Morley is still hoping that a few kind residents will bake cakes, savouries or biscuits for the afternoon tea.
Want a stall?: There’s still space for one or two more stalls. If you would like to have one, it’s just £5.
Contact Karen on 01845 577426 or 07736 086369.
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Library books on your doorstep
The library in the Village Hall can be visited when the hall is open for other events, namely:
- 1.30 to 3.30pm each Tuesday whilst the Boccia Club is on.
- 11.30am to 1pm pm on alternate Wednesdays when the Soup & Sweet lunch is on.
- 1.30 to 3.30pm each Thursday when the Knit & Natter club is meeting.
When the library sign is positioned on the pavement outside the hall, that means the library is open for business. The library, which is free to use, holds hundreds of fiction novels by all the leading authors, plus some factual books. It also now has many books for young children and teenagers.
Now that the school holidays are here, perhaps children and young people will want to look through the selection of books available. The ones for teenagers are on the table in the library room and the ones for younger children are under the table.
There’s also a selection of books available anytime from the Bus Stop Library in Asenby.
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Latest news from the Toll Booth Group
As promised, the Toll Booth Group has produced a Note of the proceedings at the last Parish Council meeting held in the Village Hall on Monday 7 July. You can read the Notes here.
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Train journey discounts for locals
The Wensleydale Railway is offering a 25% discount to residents living in the YO7 postcode area (and DL6 to DL11 inclusive and HG4). All you have to do is show the ticket office a document with your postcode details on it (such as a driver’s licence or utility bill) at the time of booking. There’s an additional offer for children aged 3 to15 who can travel for £1 with a paying adult. And better still, you can combine both offers for an unforgettable family day out up Wensleydale.
To plan your journey or for more information, check out the website at http://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/running-days-2025/
NOTE: The local residents’ and kids for a quid travel offers are valid all year round. They exclude special events like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Christmas.
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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. The dates are Tuesday 29 July; Tuesday 12 August and Tuesday26 August. Book at https://www.curiousbynature.simplybook.me
News Flash! After so many parents asked about pre-school sessions during the summer holidays, one special date just for you. There’ll be a pre-school session on Tuesday 5 August. This is a pre-school session but older siblings are welcome to come along too. Just add a sibling booking if you are bringing along a sibling.
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Soup & Sweet Lunch
The next Soup and Sweet lunch will be held on Wednesday 6 August 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 on 23 July saw 36 meals served and £130.20 donated. Of this, £50 was presented to the Royal British Legion in Thirsk and, after expenses, 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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Comedy Night at The Angel
The next Hilarity Bites comedy night at The Angel Inn will be at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm) on Thursday 7 August. Chris Lumb will be hosting the evening and two excellent comedians will be the main acts. Tickets £12 in advance or £15 on the door. More information onhttp:// www.hilaritybites.co.uk or call The Angel’s reception on 01845 578000.
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BBQ and Boogie Night – Tickets now on sale and selling fast!
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. This is a bring your own drinks event and here’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing star-studded prizes.
Tickets, which again are just £12.50, are now on sale at Topcliffe Post Office. Those with special dietary requirements can call the dedicated number – 07761 501820 to advise on requirements. Funds raised will go to support the Village Hall.
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Asenby Summer Soiree
On Sunday 24 August between 2pm – 4pm, Asenby Village is holding a Summer Soiree in the Community Park for all residents. The theme of the event is the era of the 1940s and 1950s. There will be music (swing and jazz included) and fun and games for the children. Those attending are encouraged to dress up in clothing appropriate to the era and to bring a picnic. Tables and chairs will be available for older residents. The £5 entry fee for adults includes live music, a big prize draw raffle ticket, prizes for ‘best dressed’ and a cup of ‘Pimms’ (or a non-alcoholic refreshment) and a dessert. Children go free! All event profits will go towards maintaining and updating Asenby Community Park.
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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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Art classes at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
- Paint in Oils – Food Still Life – a five hour workshop running from 10am to 3pm on Friday 19 September. Helpful tips, techniques and support in creating your own Still Life or series of smaller still life single study paintings in oils. All materials provided and refreshments are included. Bring your own lunch or order a light lunch from a local caterers to be delivered on the day.
- Soft pastel garden landscape experience – Thursday 25 September – 10am to 1pm. Helpful tips, techniques and support in creating your own beautiful landscape views. All materials provided and refreshments are included. If you already love working in pastels please do take along your own sets.
- Autumn Sketch and Draw in pencil and charcoal experience – Thursday 9 October – 10am – 2pm. All materials provided and refreshments are included. Bring your own lunch or order a light lunch from a local caterers to be delivered on the day.
Book online at: https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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Chip ‘n’ Dales
The fish and chip van is in Topcliffe every Friday from 5 – 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
- Lilo & Stitch – Matinees only on Sunday 27 and Wednesday 30 July.
- F1 The Movie – to Thursday 31 July – no matinees.
- Jurassic World Rebirth – Friday 1 to Thursday 7 August – no matinees.
- Four Letters of Love – Friday 8 to Thursday 14 August – matinee on Wednesday 13 August.
- Smurfs – Friday 15 to Thursday 21 August – matinees on Saturday 16 and Wednesday 20 August.
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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Best of the Summer Shows
- TODAY: Sunday 27 July – Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show.
- Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August – Stockton Riverside International Festival.
- Saturday 2 August – Osmotherley Show.
- Sunday 3 August – Tockwith Show.
- Tuesday 5 August – Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show.
- Wednesday 6 August – Thornton-le-Dale Show
- Friday 8 August – Hinderwell Horse & Agricultural Show.
- Saturday 9 to Monday 11 August – Whitby Regatta.
- Sunday 10 August – Ripley Show.
- Wednesday 13 August – Danby Show.
- Saturday 16 August – Rosedale Show.
- Wednesday 20 August – Egton Horse & Agricultural Show.
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Racing in Thirsk
- The William Hill Summer Cup event is on Saturday 2 August with the first race at 2.15pm.
- Superhero Family Day with free kids’ entertainment. Friday 8 August
Gates open 11.00am, and first race at 1.45pm.
- Sausage & Beer Evening Meeting. Friday 15 August. Gates open 3.30pm, First Race tbc.
Check out the website for more details: https://www.thirskracecourse.net/fixtures-tickets/
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Dalton Events
- 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.
- There will be a Pop-up Pub in Dalton Village Hall on Friday 6 September at 7pm. Families are welcome.
- The Dalton Village Autumn Lunch, run by St John’s Church, will be on Sunday 14 September, 12 for 12.30 pm in the Village Hall. Tickets are £14, under 5s free, available from Judy on 01845 577607. There will be cold meats, salads and new potatoes, followed by lots of delicious puddings.
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James Herriot Walking Tour
Beginning at the World of James Herriot, the tour will guide participants through key locations in Thirsk that inspired Herriot’s beloved All Creatures Great and Small books, films, and television series. Friday 1 and 15 August starting 12noon. £13.70 including museum entry. Visitor Centre only: £8.50. Book online at http://www.worldofjamesherriot.com
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Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
This free event will take place on The Flatts at Sowerby on Sunday 3 August between 10am and 5pm. There’ll be lots going on for all age groups. Includes food and drink stalls, games, bouncy castle, archery, carnival rides, dog agility display, crazy mini golf, pony rides…and lots more. For more information check out: http://www.thirsksowerbyfestival.co.uk
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
To be held on the Market Place on Sunday 3 August between 9am and 2pm. All stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall.
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Free walking tour of Thirsk
Taking place on Friday 8 August at 11am. Join a local knowledgeable guide in this fascinating journey through the history of Thirsk. Duration 1½hrs. Meet outside Thirsk Tourist Information Centre. No fixed price but donations gratefully received. No need to book in advance.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- U2 by Candlelight – Friday 8 August at 7.30pm.
- Tina Turner by Candlelight – Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.
- Pink Floyd by Candlelight (performed by What the Floyd) – Thursday 16 October at 7.30pm.
- Christmas by Candlelight – a festive spectacular – Friday 5 December at 7.30pm.
- G4 Christmas Concert – yuletide magic with mesmerising harmonies – Saturday 6 December at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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De Mowbray Music Festival
This year’s event has the biggest programme ever. It’s on from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 August in various venues in and around Thirsk, including the beautiful gardens of Thirsk Hall, the imposing St. Mary’s Church and the Ritz Cinema, one of the oldest continuous running cinemas in the country. Don’t be disappointed, book now at
http://www.demowbraymusic.com
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Aldborough Roman Town Site
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Roman Isurium Brigantum, capital of the Romanised Brigantes, the biggest tribal confederation in Roman Britain. Join Dr Nick Summerton, a specialist in Roman medicine and a retired GP, in a hands-on session in the Roman Garden at Aldborough, near Boroughbridge. Saturday 16 August at 11am – 1pm and 2 – 4pm. Tickets are £15 and available by emailing visits@romanaldborough.co.uk or calling 07778 716389. More details from http://www.romanaldborough.co.uk
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Taking place on the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 17 August 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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Haunted Thirsk Guided Walk
Join the Historic Experiences team for a 75 minute tour of spooky happenings in Thirsk and learn about the history of this ancient town. 7pm on Tuesday 19 August. Suitable for all ages. £9 and £7. Online booking only http://www.historicexperiences.com
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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. 2007 (3 May)
2. Gaul
3. largest bay is Bay of Bengal and largest gulf is Gulf of Mexico
4. Guyana (formerly British Guyana)
5. A bloat
6. David Herbert.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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