St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 12 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 Steve and the winners, after a three-way decider, were David, Carolyn, Shirley and Sylvia. 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. In which country was ice cream invented?
2. How many countries are there is South America (not counting dependencies)?
3. In which city is St Vitus Cathedral?
4. Who is the most streamed artist ever on Spotify?
5. Which is the hottest planet in the solar system?
6..In which country was England international cricketer Ben Stokes born?
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Poppy displays are going up
Volunteers in Topcliffe have begun to erect poppy displays on fences and buildings in the run up to Remembrance Day.
Here are a few images of the displays put up this week 1, 2, 3, 4
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Calling local farmers
Topcliffe resident Emily Murray is appealing to farmers in North Yorkshire to help with her nature friendly farming research. Emily is undertaking her Master’s degree in Sustainable Rural Regeneration at the University of the Highlands and Islands and is conducting research for her dissertation, which explores what influences farmers to engage with nature-friendly farming.
Emily is looking to speak with farmers based in North Yorkshire, whether they are already using nature-friendly methods or simply interested in the topic. Interviews are flexible and can be done online or in person at a convenient public location.
Farmers’ insights will help shape a better understanding of how farming decisions are made and how future policies and support schemes can better reflect farming needs. This is a chance to have your voice heard and contribute to research that aims to support sustainable rural development.
Quite a few local farmers receive the Sunday Email or have relatives that are on the circulation list. It would be great if as many of them as possible could support Emily’s studies and maybe influence future farming policy. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please get in touch. She would love to hear from you. Please email Emily at 23014544@uhi.ac.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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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. Throughout the autumn and winter months the dedicated team of volunteers will be serving hot meals followed by a choice of hot puddings with custard. The next Warm Hub lunch is on Wednesday 15 October. 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.
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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. 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 – other important dates this term
- 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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Wreath-making at The Catton Kitchen
The Catton Kitchen is holding a wreath-making event with a difference. This year participants will forage in the gardens, woodland and hedges at The Catton Kitchen for everything they require. The workshops are on Saturday 29 November between 2 and 4pm and Sunday 30 November between 1 and 3pm. The cost is £50 per person and the price includes all materials and some festive treats and mulled wine.
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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
- Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – TODAY – Sunday 12 October at 7.30pm.
This film explores the controversial 1975 match that defined Leeds United FC’s identity. It chronicles the season that brought Don Revie’s legendary Leeds United era to a crashing and contentious end.
This story is told by those who lived it. It features rare, unseen footage from supporters who followed Leeds across Europe that season, alongside exclusive home videos from club legend Paul Reaney. The film gives a voice to fans sharing their experiences of supporting Leeds during the seventies. Crucially, it includes interviews with the men who played for Leeds in that infamous final. Club and England legends Paul Reaney and Allan Clarke provide first-hand accounts of the match and its controversial outcome. While a nostalgic look at a bygone age, ‘PARIS 75’ is fundamentally a film for and about Leeds United. It explores the club’s deep heritage and unbreakable bond with its supporters… and is a powerful reminder of the connection between a team like Leeds United and its loyal community.
- Big Bold Beautiful Journey – to Thursday 16 October – no matinees.
- 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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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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Community Dance Festival
A Community Dance Festival is being staged at a range of venues in Thirsk over the weekend Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October. It’s a celebration of dance in all of its forms – movement, creativity and culture. There’ll be a wide range of dance workshops for over 18s whatever their experience or ability, from Indian dance to ballet, African dance to Salsa. £5.30 per workshop.
Alongside the workshops there’ll be live performances, dance film screenings, a local art exhibition, and an interactive art installation. Pop along and help celebrate the rich diversity of community dance in all its forms. There will also be an evening performance and a screening of dance films
Find out more, check out the venues and book online any of the 28 workshops at http://envisagedance.co.uk/envisage-this-festival
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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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Ride on Locomotion No. 1
This month and next, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will host Locomotion No. 1, a replica of the pioneering 1825 steam engine by George and Robert Stephenson. The visits celebrate 200 years of UK rail history. Built in 1975, the replica offers a nostalgic 15–20 minute return journey from Pickering Station to New Bridge Crossing on select dates: Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 October and Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 November. Trains depart daily at 10:10 am. Tickets cost £10 for adults (16+), £5 for children (3–15), and are free for under-3s on a guardian’s lap.
A must-see for railway enthusiasts and families alike, this event brings the spirit of early passenger travel to life. Book online at http://www.nymr.co.uk/events
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Halloween event for kids
White Rose Bookshop in Thirsk is holding a free Halloween event for kids on Saturday 25 October between 10am and 3pm. There’ll be a costume competition with a prize for the winner. Meet award-winning author Jane Clack who will be storytelling. Free goody bags (whilst stocks last). Book signing. 11am – 3pm. Free. http://www.whiterosebooks.co.uk
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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, homemade refreshments, hot and cold drinks and a horse box pizza van. To Friday 31 October (please chechk specific dates on website). £2.10 each entry, £6.30 max total. Tickets online at http://www.yorkshirepumpkins.com
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Haunted Thirsk Halloween Walks
Join the Historic Experiences team for their Haunted Tour this Halloween around the ancient streets of Thirsk at the most haunted time of the year. Thursday 30 October at 6.30pm (tickets 310) and Friday 31 October at 4.30pm and 6.30pm (tickets £13). Concessions available. Email tina@historicexperiences.com for advance tickets or call 07876 010835.
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Painting, Pint, Pie & Peas
Pints and painting meet pies and peas at this special Halloween night event at Rural Arts in Thirsk on Friday 31 October between 7 and 9pm. Delicious food, drinks and a creative night of autumnal art with friends. Soft drinks available. Age 16+. £20. Book online http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 2 November between 9am and 2pm. 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.
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Quiz answers
1. China (T’Ang Dynesty, AD 618 – 907)
2. 12
3. Prague
4. Taylor Swift (114 billion streams as of 5 October)
5. Venus
6. New Zealand.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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