St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 5 October at 8.30am – BCP Holy Communion
- Sunday 5 October at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong
- Thursday 9 October at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 12 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Thursday 16 October at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 19 October at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Thursday 23 October at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 26 October at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Thursday 30 October at 11am – Morning Prayer service.
Requiem Mass for All Souls, Sunday 2 November at 6.30pm
Everyone is invited to remember and give thanks for the lives of departed family and friends at this beautiful and uplifting service set to the music of Caspar Ett (1788-1847). There is an opportunity for loved ones to be remembered by name and also to light a candle in their memory during the service. Names to be remembered can be added to the list before the service or, if preferred, emailed to John Phillips (johnphillips05@gmail.com) or Chris Hewlett (celhewlett@outlook.com ).
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 5 October at the Market Place, Thirsk. 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. 9am-2pm.
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TONIGHT: Sunday 5 October – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s interesting and challenging quiz was set by Derek and the clear winners were Sheila, Alan, Steve and Sue. Well done 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’s the name of a 19th century Bohemian dance that has three steps and a hop?
2. What is the name of the Beadle in Oliver Twist?
3. What is the opening move in a game of chess called?
4. What is Earl grey tea flavoured with?
5. In which mountain range would you find the highest peak called Narodnaya?
6. What historical name/term was given to a freeholder of a small landed estate?
And apologies for an error in last week’s list of questions and answers. We all know that Helen Sharman was the fist Brit is space in 1991. The question should have read: “Which Brit went into space in 2015? and the answer, of course, is Tim Peake who began his journey to the International Space Station on 15 December that year.
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Rev Dawn Ward Installed
The Rev Dawn Ward was officially installed as the house-for-duty priest for the benefice of Topcliffe and linked parishes at a packed service conducted by the Rev Barry Hill, the Bishop of Whitby, at Baldersby St James last Wednesday evening.
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Baldersby St James Book Sale
Susan Brown of Baldersby St James Parochial Church Council wants to thank the many people who helped with the recent Book Sale raising funds for repairs to the church’s stained glass windows. She says: “The weekend event was an amazing success which could not have happened without everyone’s very hard work. On Sunday late afternoon there were 30 volunteers in church helping to pack away. With Gift Aid, the church will have raised around £7,000 which is probably the most ever. It is wonderful to see books still valued and enjoyed.”
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Cross Talk church newsletter
The October edition of Cross Talk – the local churches newsletter – is now in circulation. You can read a copy here.
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Back Lane, Topcliffe – appeal for sensible parking
Last Thursday the refuse collection team was unable to empty bins along the whole of Back Lane and the linked part of East Lea due to the bin lorry being unable to get past a poorly parked vehicle. This was not the first time this has happened…and residents are pretty angry about it! Now, yet another appeal has gone out to drivers to be more considerate in the way they leave their vehicles. Not having your bins emptied is bad enough, but one of these days an emergency vehicle – an ambulance or fire engine – will be unable to get through, and that could be disastrous. The police have been advised.
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Could you be a digital buddy?
If you like helping people and are confident with accessing services online, using a smart phone, tablet or laptop, then why not consider becoming a Digital Buddy at Thirsk Community Library in Thirsk? The library offers free digital support sessions every Monday, Thursday and Saturday morning, and would love to hear from anyone who feels they can help. You don’t need to be a technical genius, just confident with the everyday online activities that we all need in this increasingly technical age, such as accessing the NHS app, paying bills online, grocery shopping and so on. Volunteers with more advanced IT skills are needed too, to help people with more technical issues. There’s no requirement to commit to a regular session, just join the team and slot in as and when you’re available.
Topcliffe resident Sarah Barber is a volunteer at the library and is happy to discuss the role with anyone interested. You can call her on 07885 386557. Alternatively, pop in or email the library – library@thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
The Village Hall is available for hire to local organisations, businesses and individuals. It is a superb venue with fully equipped kitchen – an ideal place for family parties. Book online for your event by scanning the QR code or visiting either the Topcliffe or Asenby village websites.
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Autumn Sketch and Draw in pencil and charcoal experience
At Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – Thursday 9 October – 10am – 2pm. All materials provided and refreshments are included. Bring your own lunch or order a light lunch from a local caterer to be delivered on the day. Book online at: https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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Vintage Jewellery and Collectables Roadshow
At this event planned in the Village Hall on Friday 10 October (between 10am and 2pm) you can have your valued items appraised and if you would like to sell then, an offer will be made on the spot. Any questions about how this company works or what they buy, just go to https://www.sellyourvintage.co.uk/ Or call 0777 401 5600.
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Autumnal Retreat
Holly Brown of Salty Soul Yoga is organising an autumn retreat day at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe on Saturday 11 October between 10am and 5pm. It includes gentle Hatha yoga, sound bathing, cosmic breathing sessions, a nourishing lunch and other refreshments throughout the day. The cost is £65 and booking is via the Salty Soul Yoga Facebook page.
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Warm Welcome at the Warm Hub
There’s always a warm welcome for friends and neighbours new and old at the fortnightly Warm Hub lunch at the Village Hall. From Wednesday 15 October and throughout the autumn and winter months, the dedicated team of volunteers will be serving hot meals. On the 1st, there will be mince and dumplings, cheese, onion and potato pie or chicken curry and rice, followed by a choice of hot puddings and custard. All lunches are served between 11.30am and 12.45pm. There is no set charge but customers are asked to make a donation to help towards unavoidable costs.
The last lunch on Wednesday 1 October saw 39 lunches served and £125 contributed in donations. Of this, £50 was presented to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and, after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
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Topcliffe Academy – Open Afternoon for Admissions 2026
Parents seeking a school place for September 2026 are invited to an open afternoon on Tuesday, 21 October at 5pm. Come and join the school team to find out what Topcliffe Church of England Academy is all about. The school is passionate about providing children in its care with the very best learning opportunities and experiences that will support them with their next steps in life.
We believe that all children can achieve well and thrive in an open, caring, happy school community. Topcliffe Academy is a small family school with Christian values at the heart of everything it does. The school’s motto is ‘growing, believing and achieving’. Link to admissions here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-admissions/starting-primary-school-and-junior-school
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Topcliffe Academy Harvest Service and Collection
The School’s Harvest Service will be held in St Columba’s Church at 2.30pm on Wednesday 22 October. Family and friends are most welcome to attend.
This year, the school will be collecting goods to send to Thirsk Community Works charity to help support people in our local area. Items can be taken to the school office on the morning of Wednesday 22 October. The items most needed are: tea, coffee, hot chocolate; tinned vegetables, canned curries and stews; rice, pasta and soups; tins of fruit and rice pudding; biscuits and savoury snacks; ketchup and other sauces; toilet rolls, toiletries and cleaning products.
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Topcliffe Academy – important dates this term
- Wednesday, 22 October – Harvest collection and festival at St Columba’s Church at 2.30pm.
- Thursday, 23 October – School closes for half term
- Friday, 24 October – Staff Training Day
- Monday, 3 November – Staff Training Day
- Tuesday, 4 November – School re-opens for 2nd half of autumn term
- Friday, 7 November – Service Children’s Service of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral
- Wednesday, 17 December – Carol Service at St Columba’s Church, 2.15pm
- Friday, 19 December – Break up for Christmas, 3.15pm
- Monday, 5 January – Staff Training Day
- Tuesday, 6 January – School re-opens for start of Spring Term.
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CPR and Defibrillator training
Asenby Parish Council is holding a CPR and Defibrillator training session in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall on Saturday 25 October from 10am to 12 noon. The session is being run by Davis First Aid Training, a local company with many years experience. Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are urged to attend this free of charge session. In addition to learning potentially life-saving skills that hopefully you’ll never need to put to use, it can also be a lot of fun. Booking is not required, just turn up on the day.
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Village Hall Christmas Fair
This year’s Christmas Fair will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 15 November between 10am and 2pm. There will be lots of stalls, mostly selling items associated with the festive season, so it’s a great opportunity to get some early presents or decorations.
Organiser Karen Morley says she will be serving a hot brunch – bacon or sausage or egg rolls, plus tea and coffee. There’ll be a selection of cakes for those who just want light refreshments.
All available stalls have now been reserved, but a ‘reserve list’ has been opened if anyone wants to be considered should any of the bookings be withdrawn. Call Karen on 01845 577426.
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Festive Workshops at The Angel
As autumn settles in, organisers are finalising their plans for festive workshops. These events, being held at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe, have in previous years proved very popular and it’s likely that places again will be snapped up quickly. Each workshop includes mulled wine and mince pies.
- Fabric Lantern Workshop – with Diane (The Lampshade Works) – Wednesday 26 November, 12 noon to 2.30 pm and 7 to 9.30pm. £40 (18+ only) per person. Craft two fabric lanterns with LED lights.
- Christmas Wreath Workshop – with Sara from Willow View Farm – Wednesday 3 December, 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6.30 to 9pm. £60 per person. Make a festive wreath with natural foliage.
- Christmas Macramé Garland Workshop – with Christina – Wednesday 10 December, 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6.30 to 9pm. £25 per person. Create a handmade macramé Christmas garland.
- Festive Floral Clay Casting Workshop – with Jennifer from Wensley Botanicals – Wednesday 17 December, 12 noon to 2.30 pm and 6.30 to 9pm. £60 per person. Botanical clay casting with festive florals.
Book online at https://theangelinntopcliffe.com/ call in at reception or telephone 01845 578000.
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Festive dates for your diary
Here are a few dates that you might wish to note. Further details about these events will be announced nearer the dates.
- Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch – Wednesday 10 December. At the Village Hall.
- Carols around the Christmas Tree – Friday 19 December. Outside the Village Hall with refreshments inside the hall afterwards.
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Christmas Day Afternoon Tea at Maple Park
This may seem an early announcement but it might be worth those interested getting in touch to book their place. Maple Park cafe is once again planning to host a free afternoon tea for anyone who may be spending Christmas Day on their own. It was very popular last Christmas and no doubt will be again this year. book your place by phone – 01845 813115.
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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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EVENTS ON IN THE WIDER AREA
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The Ritz Cinema
- The Roses – All’s Fair when Love is War – to Thursday 9 October – matinee on Wednesday 8 October.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – Friday 10 to Thursday 16 October – no matinees.
- Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – Sunday 12 October at 7.30pm.
- Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – Friday 17 to Monday 20 October – no matinees.
- The Golden Spurtle – Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 October – no matinees.
- Dead of Winter – Friday 24 to Thursday 30 October – no matinees.
- Roofman – Friday 31 October to Thursday 6 November – no matinees.
- The Choral – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 November – matinee on Wednesday 12 November.
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Yarnbombers Market Stall
The Yarnbombers will be having stalls at Tesco supermarket and on Thirsk Market on Saturday 11 October to sell their Halloween and Christmas gifts.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- Pink Floyd by Candlelight (performed by What the Floyd) – Thursday 16 October at 7.30pm.
- 80s Anthems by candlelight – Saturday 8 November 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.
- The Eagles by Candlelight – Saturday 10 January 2026 at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Thirsk Repair Cafe
At Thirsk Library on Meadowfields on Saturday 18 October between 10am and 12.30pm. 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. No set charge, just a voluntary donation.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
On Thirsk’s Market Place on Sunday 19 October 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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The Yorkshire Flea
The next flea market at Thirsk Farmers’ Market will be held on Sunday 19 October between 11am and 6pm.
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Coffee Morning for Breast Cancer Research
There will be a Coffee Morning for Breast Cancer Research in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 22 October between 10.30am and 12 noon. Wear a pink item of clothing for all those who have suffered with breast cancer. Pop along and enjoy a chat, a cuppa and a piece of cake whilst raising money for this very worthwhile cause.
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Pumpkins
- Pick your own pumpkins at Spilman’s, The Church Farm, Sessay each Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 19 October, then daily Friday 24 to Friday 31 October. 125,000 pumpkins of different varieties to choose from. Ticket includes entrance to watch the new ‘Spilmans Got Talent: Spooky Spectacular’ show plus a new Halloween fancy dress disco with Skelebones, carving tent, tractor & trailer rides, corn cannon, pumpkin sling s shot and spooky walk. From £16. Book online http://www.spilmans.co.uk
- Pop down to our pumpkin picking farm at Pumpkin Patch, Lodge Farm, Cundall where there’s 53 varieties to pick from – from ones that fit in your hand, to ones that fill a wheelbarrow! Also a bale mountain, toy tractors, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin noughts and crosses, vintage tractor, home made refreshments, hot and cold drinks and a horse box pizza van. Saturday 4 to Friday 31 October (please chech specific dates on website). £2.10 each entry, £6.30 max total. Tickets online at http://www.yorkshirepumpkins.com
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Quiz answers
1. Polka
2. Mr Bumble
3. Opening Gambit
4. Bergamot orange extract
5. The Urals, Russia (1894 metres)
6. Yeoman.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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