St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 2 November at 8.30am – BCP Holy Communion led by Rev Dawn Ward.
- TODAY: Sunday 2 November, Feast of All Souls at 6.30pm – Choral Requiem Mass. 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.
- Remembrance Sunday 9 November at 10.45am – A special service which will include a two minutes silence at 11am and the laying of wreaths at the village war memorials in church. A group representing the 4th Regiment (Royal Artillery) will be attending.
- Armistice Day – Tuesday 11 November at 10.45am – The 4th Regiment (Royal Artillery) will hold their Remembrance Service at St Columba’s led by their Chaplain the Rev Dr Henry Afful CF. All service personnel in camp on the day are expected to be present, led by their Commanding Officer Colonel Harry Waller RA. Children from both Alanbrooke Academy and Topcliffe C of E Academy will also attend and both academies will be involved in parts of the service, as well as others from our village community. The CO particularly hopes that this service will foster a stronger bond of relationship between the barracks and the communities of Topcliffe and Asenby and that as many as possible will be able to attend.
- Thursday 13 November at 11am- Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 16 November at 10.45am – Sung Matins
- Thursday 20 November at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 23 November at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Thursday 27 November at 11am – Morning Prayer service.
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Army Manoeuvres in Topcliffe
A reminder of army manoeuvres in Topcliffe and surrounding area as part of Armistice Day commemorations in the village
The 4th Regiment (Royal Artillery) will undertake a rehearsal march from Alanbrooke Barracks to St Columba’s Church in Topcliffe on Friday 7 November starting at 10am. Around 150 personnel will turn right out of the barracks onto Station Road, turning left onto Catton Moor Lane after approximately 600m. They will then proceed along Catton Moor Lane and Catton Lane into Topcliffe (emerging near The Swan), turning right along Church Street to the church.
After taking refreshments, around 120 personnel will march back to Alanbrooke Barracks via Long Street, Front Street and Catton Lane. Thirty personnel will spend a few hours at the churchyard undertaking some maintenance to the grounds and helping to make sure it looks its best for Armistice Day.
It’s hoped that residents along that part of Church Street adjacent to the church will keep the road clear of cars from 9.30 to 11.30am. The Angel Inn has offered parking space if required. Motorists are asked to be aware of these activities, take extra care and exercise some patience.
The above rehearsal aims to ensure that the army is well prepared for its involvement in Topcliffe’s Armistice Day on Tuesday 11 November. On that day the route march will be repeated starting at 9am, with the parade arriving at St Columba’s Church at 9.45am, in good time for the Armistice Day service starting at 10.45am. Afterwards, at around 11.15am, the army personnel will again form up for the march back to Alanbrooke Barracks via Long Street, Front Street, Catton Lane, Catton Moor Lane and Station Road. Again, Church Street residents are asked to park cars elsewhere on that morning and motorists are asked to be aware of the parade activities.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 2 November – On the Market Place in Thirsk on 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 2 November – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s challenging quiz with a difference was set by Andrew and the winners were Derek, Sue and Alan. Well done everyone else who took part.
Knowing that many readers like to test their knowledge and enjoy the challenge, the number of quiz questions each week has increased to ten. See the answers at the end of today’s email.
1. Why was the original marathon length changed in 1908?
2. In what year did Rebecca Adlington take home two Olympic gold medals?
3. Which one player has played in five Euros Football finals rounds in a row?
4. What is the name for a male swan?
5. Which small mammal has dark velvety fur, powerful front paws, and eats worms and insects, but is rarely seen?
6. What was Freddie Mercury‘s real name?
7. What is the name of the ship in Moby-Dick?
8. Born on 14 August 1947 in New York, this famous romance novelist has produced books such as ‘The Gift’, ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Jewels’ and ‘The Promise’. What is her name?
9. A giant sequoia is the biggest tree in the world. In which US state can it be found?
10.With which animal is the disease Myxomatosis associated?
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Cross Talk newsletter
The November edition of the church newsletter Cross Talk is now out and you can read it here.
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Be prepared for power cuts!
Winters in North Yorkshire can be tough so it is sensible to know what to do and be prepared if the power goes out. Power cuts can happen unexpectedly due to severe weather, but also because of faults or planned maintenance. Knowing what to do can help you stay safe and comfortable while work is underway to restore power. Northern Grid has offered the following advice:
- Add 105 – the number to call in a power cut – to your mobile phone, so you can get the latest updates should the power go out.
- Check out the ‘Be Prepared’ section on their website for handy tips on how to manage during a power cut.
- Have a grab bag ready in your home with a torch, spare batteries and a blanket – just in case!
Find out more at https://www.northernpowergrid.com
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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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Topcliffe Academy – important dates this term
- Monday, 3 November – Staff Training Day
- Tuesday, 4 November – School re-opens for 2nd half of autumn term
- Friday, 7 November – 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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Comedy at The Angel Inn
The Hilarity Bites Comedy Club returns to The Angel at Topcliffe on Thursday 6 November for a night of top laughs. Three top comedians will be on stage – Sam Avery, (“Quick wit and painfully funny” – Metro); David Eagle – “(a comic tour de force”- The Guardian); and Carl Jones – (“Very funny… a breezily entertaining half-hour from a likeable comic” – Chortle). This show will also feature a newer act in the middle of the programme. Doors at 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets are £12 per person in advance from reception, or £15 on the door. More info online at http://hilaritybites.co.uk/show/topcliffe-november-6th-2025
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11 November in the Village Hall.
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Warm Hub Lunch
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 12 November. 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 held on Wednesday 29 October saw over 60 meals served and a total of £230 raised by donations. Of this, £50 was presented to the Herriot Hospice in Thirsk and, after expenses, the balance was added to the Warm Hub Community Fund.
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Art classes at the Village Hall
Book early for these special art classes coming up at the Village Hall.
- Thursday 13 November – Autumn Scenes in soft pastels – a three-hour class from 10am to 1pm. For beginners and those with artistic experience. All materials provided and refreshments are included. If you already love working in pastels, please do take your own sets too. £40.
- Thursday 4 December – Paint an Enchanted Forest or a Festive Scene – another three- hour session from 10am to 1pm. For beginners and more experienced artists. All materials provided and refreshments are included. £35.
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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.
Volunteers will be serving a hot brunch – bacon or sausage or egg rolls, plus tea and coffee. Those who want lighter refreshments can choose from a selection of cakes and savouries.
Karen Morley is wondering if she may call on the many excellent bakers in our two villages for some support. Can you help by baking a cake, sausage rolls or scones? If you can please contact Karen so that she knows what is being made. And thank you.
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Festive Workshops at The Angel
A range of festive workshops are planned at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe. Similar events last year proved very popular and it’s likely that places again will be snapped up quickly.
- Fabric Lantern Workshop – Wednesday 26 November, 12noon to 2.30pm and 7 to 9.30pm. Tickets £45.
- Wreath Making Workshop – Wednesday 3 December, 12 noon to 2pm and 6.30 to 8.30pm. Tickets £50.
- Macrame Garland Workshop – Wednesday 10 December, 10.30am to 12:30pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £25.
- Botanical Clay Casting Workshop – Wednesday 17 December, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. Tickets £45.
All workshops include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. For more details and to book please call The Angel reception team on 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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Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby parish Council will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 3 December in Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The meeting after that will be held Wednesday 4 March 2026.
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Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
Names are now being taken for the Christmas lunch which will be held on Wednesday 10 December in the Village Hall. Places are limited, so to ensure your place make sure you get a ticket as soon as possible.
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Christmas extravaganza planned in Asenby
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Get ready to kick off the festive season with a magical evening of community cheer at Asenby Community Park. The Parish Council is planning this Christmas extravaganza on Friday 12 December starting at 6pm.
You’re invited to bring the whole family for carols and songs led by the local children’s choir, refreshments courtesy of The Angel Inn at Topcliffe and to visit Santa in his grotto to share their Christmas wish list and capture a festive photograph.
Tickets are on sale at just £2 per person, which includes refreshments and a gift from Santa for all children.
PS. Join Santa at 5.45pm on his journey from Asenby’s jubilee bench through the village to the Community Park at the end of Jamesville Way. Glow bands will be handed out to all children joining the procession or watching from the roadside.
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Christmas Party Nights at The Angel Inn
Bookings are now being taken for the ever-popular Christmas Party Nights at The Angel. Great opportunities to celebrate the festive season with your friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues. There are two dates and two different experiences!
Classic Party Night – Friday 12 December
Tickets: £55 per person. Welcome drink on arrival. Set 3-course festive menu (a fixed menu will be served with no choices available, dietary requirement will be catered for). DJ to keep the party going. Dress code semi-formal ((no trainers or tracksuit pants). Prize from The Angel Inn for the Best Dressed Guest.
The Festive Affair – Saturday 13 December
Tickets: £75 per person. Welcome drink on arrival. 3-course festive menu (guests will be asked to pre-order their choice of dishes in advance – no more than 14 days after the booking has been confirmed). Illusionist, DJ and Saxophonist Ali Adair. Dress code formal (no jeans, trainers or tracksuit pants). Prize from The Angel Inn for the Best Dressed Guest.
Book early to ensure you don’t miss out. For more details and to book please call The Angel reception team on 01845 578000.
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Carols around the Village Hall Christmas Tree
The date is set for this year’s carol singing at the Christmas tree that will be placed outside the Village Hall. Make a note in your diary -.Friday 19 December at 7pm. Once again the children’s choir from Topcliffe Academy will be featuring at the event. And we’ll have musical accompaniment from the talented Barber family. Refreshments afterwards in the hall. Further details will be announced nearer the date.
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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
- Roofman – to Thursday 6 November – no matinees.
- The Choral – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 November – matinee on Wednesday 12 November.
- Wicked: For Good – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 November.
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Bonfires & Fireworks
The following bonfire and fireworks displays are taking place in our area on the dates indicated.
- TONIGHT: Millfields Park, Easingwold. Gates open at 6pm, fireworks at 7:30pm on Sunday 2 November.
- The Applegarth, Northallerton, from 6pm, bonfire and fireworks on Wednesday 5 November.
- Monk Park Farm, Bagby, Thirsk 5pm-8pm, bonfire and fireworks on Friday 8 November.
- Ripon Racecourse, from 5.30pm, bonfire and fireworks on Friday 7 November.
- Masham Recreation Ground from 5.30pm, bonfire and fireworks on Saturday 8 November.
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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.
- Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Charcoal Drawings
In this session at Rural Arts in Thirsk, you’ll explore the expressive possibilities of charcoal, learning techniques from bold negative mark-making to the subtle use of drawing nibs. Discover how to bring depth, texture, and life to your sketches while exploring the basics of this medium. Wednesday 12 November 10:30am – 12:30pm. £20. Tickets: Online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Acrylics at Rural Arts
Explore techniques for creating texture and depth while experimenting with this
versatile medium. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists. Focused on
practical skills and creative exploration. You can develop your approach, try new methods, and leave with a finished piece that reflects your personal style. Saturday 15 November between 2pm to 4pm. £20. Tickets online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Sunday 16 November between 10am and 3pm on the Market Place in Thirsk.
An artisan market with the lots of stalls giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.
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Thirsk Heritage Show
Vintage and classic tractors, engines, farming bygones, classic and vintage
vehicles, motorcycles and more. Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart on Sunday 16 November between 10am and 6pm. Adults £6, Child (0-13) free.
Pay at gate.
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Yarnbombers Coffee Morning
On Wednesday 19 November starting 10am at Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall, Westgate, Thirsk. Gifts by Yarnbombers for sale.
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Drypoint Etching
Thursday 20 November 10.30am to 4.30pm at Rural Arts, Thirsk. Learn drypoint etching with artist Millie McCallum. Scratch, ink and print beautiful images by carving directly into a plate, creating bold textured pieces through this unique printmaking process. Lunch Included. £65. Tickets online http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Carols at The Golden Fleece, Thirsk
There’ll be carol singing in the Courtyard at The Golden Fleece in Thirsk on Thursday 18 December at 7pm. The courtyard will come alive with festive cheer as the Thirsk Royal British Legion fills the air with beautiful Christmas carols. Free event with mince pies and mulled wine or hot chocolate. All welcome.
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Quiz answers
1. So that the course could end at Buckingham Palace
2. 2008
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
4. A Cob
5. A Mole
6. Farrokh Bulsara
7. Pequod
8. Danielle Steel
9. California
10. Rabbits.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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