St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 3 August at 8.30am – BCP Said Holy Communion (Rev Dawn Ward).
- TONIGHT: Sunday 3 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong, followed by a pre-supper glass of wine.
- Thursday 7 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship
- Sunday 10 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev Dawn Ward, refreshments
- Thursday 14 August at 11am Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship..
- Sunday 17 August at 10.45am – Sung Matins, refreshments.
- Thursday 21 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship.
- Sunday 24 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion, Rev Robert Williamson, refreshments.
- Thursday 28 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer with refreshments and fellowship.
- Sunday 31 August – No service (5th Sunday of the month).
- Thursday 4 September at 11am – Midweek Morning Service with refreshments and fellowship.
- Sunday 7 September – No said Holy Communion Service in September.
- Sunday 7 September at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong followed by pre-supper drinks and refreshments.
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Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
TODAY: Sunday 3 August – This free event will take place on The Flatts at Sowerby 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
TODAY: Sunday 3 August – be held on the Market Place 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 3 August – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s very excellent quiz was set by Andrew. The winners were Mike, Carolyn, Kate 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. On average, how long does light take to travel from the sun to earth?
a) 4 mins 5 seconds, b) 6 mins 10 seconds c) 8 mins 20 seconds or d)10 mins 40 seconds.
2. Siamese, Dwarf, Slender Snouted, Nile, Mugger and Cuban are all types of what animal?
3. Which British prime minister said the words “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”?
4. According to global shipments, which company manufactured the most mobile phones in 2024?
5. According to a recent YouGov poll which fruit is the most popular fruit in the UK (based on positive opinion)?
6. Can you name the 11 countries that have only 4 letters in their name?
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Licensing of Reverend Dawn Ward
The Reverend Eva Dawn Ward, Assistant Curate for Thirsk Benefice in the Diocese of York, has been appointed House for Duty, Associate Priest for the Benefice of Topcliffe, Baldersby with Dishforth, and Skipton on Swale, and Dalton. The Bishop of Whitby will officiate at the licensing service which is to take place on Wednesday 1 October, at 7.30pm at St James’ Church, Baldersby St James.
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Cross Talk church newsletter
The August edition of Cross Talk has been published. You can read it here.
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Appeal for raffle prizes
A huge thank you to those in the community who have responded to the appeal for prizes for raffles that will be held at events in the Village Hall. There has been some amazing generosity on display and a genuine willingness to donate prizes so that the raffles will make a real contribution to fundraising in support of the Village Hall – our most important community asset.
The fact is that everyone loves participating in a raffle: it’s fun and you have the chance to win a prize for just a few quid! Some of the prizes recently collected were raffled at yesterday’s Summer Fair and the rest will be raffled at the Produce Show on Saturday 30 August.
It’s not too late to donate any unwanted presents, a bottle of wine or boxes of chocolates. 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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Topcliffe Summer Fair
The Topcliffe Summer Fair held yesterday in the Village Hall was a fantastic success, raising £370 to help secure the building’s financial well-being. There was a variety of stalls offering items for sale and providing information. Volunteers, including Karen & Malcolm Morley, Linda Carver, Linda Robinson, Chloe and Richard Byas served a wonderful selection of savouries, sandwiches, scones, buns and cakes, along with tea and coffee throughout the day. A huge thank you to these hard-working volunteers and to all residents who contributed baking.
The raffle was an amazing success, raising over £150 of the total. raffle organiser Doug Allan was ably assisted by Isla, aged 12 and Harriet, aged 10, grandchildren of Linda Robinson, visiting from their home in Dubai.
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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 12 and Tuesday 26 August. Book at https://www.curiousbynature.simplybook.me
After 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.
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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!
There’s less than a fortnight to go until the Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night at the Village Hall 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 it would be helpful if the organisers could be informed in advance. This is a bring your own drinks event and here’ll be a fabulous raffle with some amazing prizes.
Tickets, which are just £12.50, are on sale at Topcliffe Post Office and are selling fast, so make sure you don’t miss out. 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
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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
- Jurassic World Rebirth – 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 3 August – Stockton Riverside International Festival.
- TODAY: 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
- 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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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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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 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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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 calling 07778 716389 or emailing visits@romanaldborough.co.uk 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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Dalton Events
- 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.
- The next Coffee Morning run by St John’s will be on Wednesday 24 September in Dalton Village Hall from 10.30am until 12 noon, in aid of MacMillan.
- St John’s Harvest Festival will be on Friday 3 October.
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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. 8 minutes 20 seconds
2. Crocodiles
3. Winston Churchill
4. Apple
5. Strawberries
6. Chad, Cuba, Fiji, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Mali, Niue, Oman, Peru and Togo
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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