St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: 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
TODAY: Sunday 16 November between 10am and 6pm. Vintage and classic tractors, engines, farming bygones, classic and vintage vehicles, motorcycles and more. Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart. Adults £6, Child (0-13) free. Pay at gate.
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TONIGHT: Sunday 16 November – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s interesting quiz was set by David and won by Alan, Sue and Derek. Well done the winners and 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. What is a female swan called?
2. Who created the BBC radio programme Dessert Island Discs?
3. In which decade did Blue Peter begin on television?
4. Which of the Bronte sisters wrote Jane Eyre/
5. From which city did the pop group, The Hollies, come from?
6. In which year was the Gunpowder Plot?
7. What product features in the first advertisement on ITV when it first broadcast in 1955? (Two points – product and brand name)
8. On the periodic table which two letters represent iron?
9. Who was the youngest Beatle?
10. Which two men have won Strictly Come dancing with Oti Mabuse? (Point for each).
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A Brief Report of the Village Hall Committee – Tuesday 11 November
(Prepared by Committee member Jim Shaw)
At last Tuesday’s Village Hall Committee a full committee discussed the ongoing problem of condensation within the Hall. Malcolm Morley reported he was in conversation with specialists but as yet there was no clear cut solution. He would continue with his investigation.
With his report on the building, Chairman Richard Byas said the structure was in a good and sound condition.
The situation with the Performing Rights Society was enquired upon to which Jim Shaw reported that all questions by the Society had been answered and he was awaiting their reply.
The Defib and CPR training session was an unprecedented success on the 25th October. Organiser Steve Gallon reported we must have the safest two villages in North Yorkshire with over thirty attendees.
Treasurer Linsey Payne said the finances were holding up although we had gone through a period of non fund raising since the Summer Period. The Committee would still keep a watchful eye on spending. The accounts had been concluded and would be submitted once verified.
Bookings Administrator Helen Fothergill informed the Committee bookings were continuing as usual.
The Sub-Committee set up to address the updating of the Village Hall Committee Constitution reported through Doug Allan that a new governance document had been drawn up and once the Committee had read and digested it, it was hoped it could be ratified at a “Special Meeting” prior to the next Main Committee Meeting.
The Village Hall Christmas Tree has been organised with Josh Barningham. It will be erected on Saturday 6 December.
Christmas Carols around the tree will be on Friday 19 December.
In any other business a Conflict of Interest Policy was introduced and approved by the Committee.
We hope this has been informative and of interest.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday 13 January 2026.
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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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Armistice Day in Topcliffe
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Rev Dawn Ward with Colonel Harry Waller and Rev Dr Henry Afful
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St Columba’s church was full to bursting point for the Armistice Day service last Tuesday. The service was taken jointly by our own Rev Dawn Ward and the Chaplain to the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, Rev Dr Henry Afful.
The church was packed with officers and soldiers, plus children from both Alanbrooke and Topcliffe academies, and local residents. A few children from each school offered readings and later laid wreaths on the altar. Wreaths were also laid by the Regiment and Jamie Moores, chair of Topcliffe Parish Council.
The Regiment’s Commanding Officer Colonel Harry Waller spoke about his desire for enhanced relations between the Regiment and villages of Topcliffe and Asenby. In the run up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day soldiers and village volunteers worked hard to ensure the inside of the church and the churchyard were spruced up. It has been an excellent partnership and it is hoped similar initiatives might happen in the future.
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Christmas Fair a festive success
What a fantastic festive fair was held yesterday in the Village Hall. Most of the day between 10am and 1.30pm the hall was packed with shoppers and those calling in for brunch. It was a great fund raising event for the Village Hall…and lots of local organisations also benefitted. A huge thank you to organiser Karen Morley who once again put her heart and soul into making one the most popular events in the Village Hall’s calendar, a major success. Thanks too, to all the volunteers who helped out, those who baked cakes, to all the organisations who bought a stall and to the many people from near and far who turned up to help make the day. In total £676 was raised – of that £560 will boost village hall funds and £116 goes to Animal Rescue, the charity that jointly organised the raffle.
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Hosepipe ban remains in place
Yorkshire Water says water levels in the region’s reservoirs have increased after a spell of wet weather, but for the time being the hosepipe ban introduced last July will remain in place. It’s reported that overall levels of water in Yorkshire’s reservoirs remain well below average for this time of the year, despite recent heavy rain. Overall reservoir levels across the region have increased to 65.3%. Water levels are expected to remain below average for some months to come. Until there is sufficient recovery across all reservoirs, the hosepipe restrictions will remain in place.
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Garden Waste Collections
The final green waste collection of the year in Topcliffe will be on Thursday 20 November. In Asenby the final collection will be on Thursday 4 December.
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Tree planting at Asenby Community Park
Asenby Parish Council has received 100 saplings from the Woodland Trust and plans are being made to get them in the ground on Wednesday 19 November. The new trees will fill the gaps throughout the park.
If you’re interested in helping (all you need is a spade) please email the Parish Council Clerk at asenbypc@gmail.com Children will be welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
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Christmas Party Nights at The Angel Inn
Bookings for Christmas Party Nights at The Angel in the run up to Christmas have now closed as all spaces have been filled.
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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 26 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.
At last Wednesday’s lunch 46 meals were served. Afterwards, a donation of £50 was made to the British Legion charity in Thirsk.
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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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Heck providing a Meal That Matters
Local company Heck – the sausage makers – are organising a meal in the Village Hall on Wednesday 3 December between 11.30am and 1pm as part of their festive campaign to bring people together and combat loneliness. Places are free but spaces are limited and must be booked by emailing community@heckfood.co.uk when full details timing etc will be confirmed. As they are doing lunches at many village halls, it will be worth mentioning specifically that you are interested in the lunch in Topcliffe.
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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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Art class at the Village Hall
Book early for this special art class coming up at the Village Hall.
- 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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Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
If you are over 65 years of age you can enjoy a festive lunch in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10 December. Names are now being taken and lots of elderly residents have already registered their interest. To ensure your place make sure you get in touch with the organiser Judith Lowe as soon as possible. Ring 01845 577911.
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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.
Entry to the Community Park will be just £2 per person (adults and children), 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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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
- I Swear– to Thursday 20 November.
- Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 November. Matinee Wednesday 26 November.
- Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – Friday 28 November to Thursday 4 December. Matinee Wednesday 3 December.
- Blue Moon – Friday 5 to Thursday 11 December. Matinee on Wednesday 10 December.
- Wicked – Friday 12 to 18 December. Matinee on Sunday 13 and Wednesday 17 December.
- Die Hard – Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December.
- Love Actually – Sunday 21 December.
- It’s a Wonderful Life – Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December.
- Nuremberg – Saturday 27 to Tuesday 30 December.
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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.
- 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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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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Rainton Christmas Fair
Sunday 23 November, 2-4pm at Rainton Village Hall. Crafts, gifts and decorations for sale. Cake stall with jams and chutneys. Raffle. Tombola. Refreshments including tea, coffee, mulled cider, mince pies and cakes. Proceeds towards village charities.
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Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
The Coffee and Chatter Group that meets in St James’ Church at Baldersby St James will be holding jigsaw puzzle exchanges on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next ‘exchange’ is on Tuesday 25 November between 10am and 12 noon. Please take along any puzzles that you would like to swap. This is a great opportunity to obtain new ones without having to buy them.
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Makers Market at Rural Arts
Rural Arts is staging its annual Christmas Makers’ Market at the Courthouse in Thirsk on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November. Bursting with festive cheer and unique handmade gifts, it’s the perfect place to tick off your Christmas list. Friday 10am – 9pm and Saturday10am – 4pm. Free Entry.
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Thirsk Christmas Lights Switch-on
In the Market Place there’ll be entertainment from 5pm Friday 28 November with Father Christmas, live music, on-stage entertainment and the big switch-on at 6.30pm. Similar activities on Saturday 29 November from 10am – 4pm.
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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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Repair Cafe
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. Saturday 29 November between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library, Chapel Street. Free service but donations welcome.
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The Enormous Christmas Pudding
Queen Mary’s School presents the Story Craft Theatre for 2-8 year olds, playing time 45 minutes. Based on a classic folk tale, this accessible production is enriched with visual storytelling; including puppetry, shadow puppetry and Makaton throughout, with an enchanting musical score and a strong message of the powers of teamwork. Wednesday 3 December at 10.15am for 10.30am. Family ticket (2+2) £5.24. Book online
http://ticketsource.com/whats-on/thirsk/queQueen Mary’s School, Thirsk YO7 3BZ en-marys-school/the-enormous-christ
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Drawing with Wire
Create your own wirework masterpiece with Helaina Sharpley, crafting 3D wirework wall art, inspired by robins, holly, or personal photos, creating unique, handmade festive decorations. Wednesday 3 December 10.30am to 4.30pm The Courthouse in Thirsk. Lunch included. £65. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Joshua Burnell Acoustic Trio
Performing at Rural Arts, The Courthouse in Thirsk on Thursday 4 December at 7.30pm. Joshua Burnell fuses folk and retro pop in his latest album, Flowers Where The Horses Sleep, earning BBC praise and acclaim for his vibrant, genre-blending sound. £15 or £12 concession. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Thirsk late night shopping
Christmas shopping full of festive gifts and discounts. Friday 5 December 5pm-7pm.
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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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Christmas Carol Service
Thirsk Friends of the Lambert Hospice are holding a Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 7 December at 3pm. Festive music, raffle, children’s tombola, bar. £5 per person to include mince pie and mulled wine, under 16 s free.
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Christmas Prints
This festive workshop will explore the art of linoprinting. You will have the opportunity to use the printing press, specialist tools and explore different techniques to carve and create your very own lino prints, perfect for unique Christmas cards or gifts. Wednesday 10 December – 10.30am to 4.30pm. at the Courthouse in Thirsk. Book online.at
http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Wreath Making Workshop
Join the Rural Art’s festive Christmas wreath workshop at The Courthouse. Get creative, enjoy a festive drink, and leave with your handmade wreath to proudly display this holiday season. Two sessions available: on Friday 12 December 2.30 – 4:30pm or 7 – 9pm. £45. Book online at 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. A penn
2. Roy Plomley
3. 1950s (1958)
4. Charlotte
5. Manchester
6. 1605
7. Toothpaste / Gibbs
8. Fe
9. George Harrison
10. Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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