St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 9 November at 9.45am Said Communion (BCP) led by Rev Dawn Ward followed at 10.45am by a special service for Remembrance Sunday 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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Armistice Day – parade and service
On Armistice Day – Tuesday 11 November – approximately 150 soldiers from Alanbrooke Barracks will be marching to St Columba’s Church. The parade of troops will leave Alanbrooke at 9am, turning 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.
The parade will arrive 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.
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.
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TONIGHT: Sunday 9 November – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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The number participating at last Sunday’s may have been lower than usual, but everyone had a great time with lots of laughter. An excellent mix-up quiz set by Sue and the winners were Carol, David, Carolyn and Geraldine. Well done everyone else who took part.
Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. Who writes the lyrics for Elton John’s songs?
2. What is the name of the spider rediscovered on the Isle of Wight after it was thought to be extinct?
3. Did Dennis the Menace feature in the Dandy or Beano?
4. What was the profession of Red Adair?
5. What were the names of Winston Churchill’s parents?
6. Who was Neil Sedaka signing about in the song ‘Oh Carole’?
7. Who in 2000 became the first elected mayor of London?
8. Torville and Dean retired this year. How many years had they skated together?
9. In which country is Mandalay?
10. Who did the doll’s house on display in Windsor Castle originally belong to?
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New treatment centre now open in Ripon
Ripon Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre is now open and will be treating patients for minor illness as well as minor injury as outlined in this visual.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
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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 & 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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Christmas Fair at the Village Hall
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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Topcliffe Academy – important dates this term
- 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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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
- The Choral – to Thursday 13 November – matinee on Wednesday 12 November.
- Wicked: For Good – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 November.
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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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A merry Christmas in Ripon
As usual the city of Ripon has a packed programme of festivities, including lights, markets, food and gift fairs, carol services, exhibitions and concerts, this Christmas. Here’s just some of the events you might want to know about.
- Saturday 15 November – Christmas lights switch on – 5pm. Lots going on at the Markey Square from 1pm through to 6pm.
- Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November – Three-day Christmas market with music, entertainment, food and great gift ideas.
- Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November – Ripon Cathedral Gift Fair – 9.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets £5 with accompanied under 16s free.
- Thursday 27 November – Late night Christmas shopping until 8pm.
- Sunday 30 November – Advent Carol Service and Procession – Ripon Cathedral at 5.30pm.
December events will be added mid-November.
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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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Sessay Christmas Fayre
Lots of stalls filled with ideas for Christmas – food, arts & Crafts, jewellery, pottery and much more. Saturday 22 November, 10am to 2pm. Refreshments including hot breakfast, sandwiches, mulled wine and cakes.
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Fountains Abbey – Christmas lights and music
There’ll be live music in the colourfully-lit ruins every Saturday and Sunday from 29 November through to 28 December. 2 -3pm each day. Normal admission applies.
On Sundays 7 and 14 December at 2pm, in St Mary’s Church in the Studley Deer Park, there’ll be carols by candlelight, accompanied by Ripon City Band. Tickets are £5 per person and must be pre-booked on www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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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. Bernie Taupin
2. Wolf spider
3. The Beano
4. Oil well fire fighter
5. Randolph and Jenny
6. Carole King
7. Ken Livingstone
8. 50 years
9. Myanmar (Burma)
10. Queen Mary (built by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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