St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 23 November at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Thursday 27 November at 11am – Morning Prayer service.
- Sunday 30 November at 10.45am Holy Communion
- Thursday 4 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 7 December at 6.30pm – Advent Choral Evensong
- Thursday 11 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 14 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Thursday 18 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 21 December at 10.45am – Said Matins.
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Rainton Christmas Fair
TODAY: 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 23 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 Alan and won by David, Carolyn and Mike. 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 was Anna Sewell’s only published novel?
2. Which flower gets its common name from the Persian or Turkish word for turban?
3. What was the name of the 1986 song by Stan Ridgway about a Marine in the Vietnam war?
4. Of which country was Archbishop Makarios Prime Minister?
5. On which Yorkshire moor was a battle fought on 2 July 1644?
6. Which river is spanned by the Clifton suspension bridge?
7. What is the common name for solid Carbon Dioxide?
8. Who killed Desdemona?
9. What is the official name of the home of the Lord Mayor of London?
10. David Beckham scored his first senior goal for which club?
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Beware Winter Fuel Payment scams
In just six months, North Yorkshire Police’s Action Fraud line received nearly 2,800 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam.
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Green waste collections
North Yorkshire Council has indicated that its website and recent texts to residents gave incorrect information to people living in Topcliffe. They had indicated that the last green waste collection would be on Thursday 20 November, but have now announced that the correct date for the last collection of 2025 is Thursday 4 December. That’s the same day as the last collection in Asenby.
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Trees planted at Community Park
Volunteers helped plant one hundred saplings in Asenby Community Park last week. The young trees were donated to Asenby Parish Council by the Woodland Trust. All the Parish Council had to pay for was the stakes and guards. By next spring the saplings should see a spurt in their growth, adding to the tree cover already established. Many thanks to the hardy volunteers who turned out in quite damp and cold conditions.
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And tree maintenance along the riverside walkway
Dead trees and weak branches along the riverside walk between Asenby and Topcliffe were removed last Tuesday by a tree maintenance team, supported by Asenby Parish Council. The path was closed for the day due to the nature of the work but all was successfully completed by
mid-afternoon. There remains some brash and rubbish alongside the path in several places which will be removed over the next few weeks.
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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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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.
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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. Join Diane West to create two of your very own beautiful fabric lanterns with twinkling LED lights – the perfect festive touch to your home this season! Using premier fabrics including Liberty and William Morris prints, you’ll design and make a lantern that glows with Christmas charm. All materials and full instruction provided. Festive refreshments included. Limited spaces – book now to craft something truly magical this Christmas. Sorry over 18s only and tickets non refundable after booking.
- 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.
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
There’s a special one-off art class coming up at the Village Hall on Thursday 4 December. ‘Paint an Enchanted Forest or a Festive Scene’ is a 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 Christmas Tree
Topcliffe’s Christmas tree will be put up outside the Village Hall on Saturday 6 December. The tree has been purchased jointly by the Village Hall Committee and Topcliffe Parish Council. Once again, Josh Barningham and Malcolm Morley will be putting up the tree and adding the newly purchased mains-powered Christmas lights. Throughout the festive season the lights will be on from 4 to 11pm each day.
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Festive celebrations at Blue Cross
The Blue Cross animal rehoming centre at Topcliffe is holding a Christmas mince pie and coffee event on Saturday 6 December between 11am and 1pm. Pop along and meet the team and enjoy some festive refreshments.
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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
- Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – 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.
- TODAY: Sunday 23 November – Christmas market with music, entertainment, food and great gift ideas.
- Thursday 27 November – Late night Christmas shopping until 8pm.
- Sunday 30 November – Advent Carol Service and Procession – Ripon Cathedral at 5.30pm.
- Monday 1 December – Macmillan Ripon Carol Concert – drinks and canapes at 6pm at The Old Deanery followed by the concert in Ripon Cathedral.
- Wednesday 3 December – Nativity Exhibition at Ripon Cathedral – a delightful display showcasing the work of pupils from local primary schools. Runs until early January.
- Saturday 6 December – Christmas fair at Ripon Community House – 10.30am to 2.30pm. Stalls, refreshments, cakes, tombola, Santa’s grotto and choir. £2 adults, £1 children, which includes a visit to meet Santa and receive a gift.
- Saturday 13 December – Ripon Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah in the beautiful surroundings of Ripon Cathedral. 7.30pm. Tickets £26/£24 unreserved, £10 for students. Book online at www.riponchoralsociety.org.uk
- Sunday 14 December – Jazz meets the Classics – a special concert featuring the David Gordon Trio at Holy Trinity Church. 3pm.
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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 16s 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. Black Beauty
2. Tulip
3. Camouflage
4. Cyprus
5. Marston Moor
6. The Avon
7. Dry Ice
8. Othello
9. The Mansion House
10. Preston North End.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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