Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
Have you booked your place at the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch yet? If you are over 65 years of age you can enjoy a festive lunch in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10 December. There’s still a few places left but places are limited, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Places must be booked in advance and tickets are just £15. The organisers are unable to accept non-ticket holders on the day. To ensure your place make sure to get in touch with Judith Lowe on 01845 577911.
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Warm Hub Lunch
As the Senior Citizen’s Christmas lunch is taking place on the date originally scheduled for a Warm Hub lunch – Wednesday 10 December – the decision has been taken to hold the next Warm Hub lunch a week later, on Wednesday 17 December. In the New Year, Warm Hub lunches start again on Wednesday 7 January. And then fortnightly thereafter.
At each there’ll be a selection of home-made meals, followed by puddings and tea or coffee. All welcome. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.
Last week’s lunch was extremely busy with well-over fifty meals being served. Afterwards, a donation of £50 was made to the local branch of the Marie Curie Nurses.
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 30 November – No Service (5th Sunday of the month)
- Wednesday 3 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Thursday 4 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 7 December at 8.30am – Holy Communion
- Sunday 7 December at 6.30pm – Advent Choral Evensong
- Wednesday 10 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Thursday 11 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 14 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion
- Wednesday 17 December at 7pm – Compline for Advent
- Thursday 18 December at 11am – Morning Prayer service
- Sunday 21 December at 10.45am – Said Matins.
- Sunday 21 December at 6.30pm – Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
- Tuesday 23 December at 2pm – Crib Service
- Wednesday 24 December at 10.45pm – Midnight Mass
- Thursday 25 December at 10am – Christmas morning Service
- Sunday 28 December at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
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TONIGHT: Sunday 30 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 Carolyn 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. Which country’s name means ‘The Shallows’?
2. Which is the longer, a mile or a nautical mile?
3. Which football club has the motto Pride in Battle or Superbia in Procello?
4. Which was the first female Hollywood film star to be paid a million pounds?
5. Which French king was known as the Sun King?
6. Which British group had a debut album called Parachutes?
7. What was Alessandro Volta famous for?
8. Which city in the USA was the first to have a Chinese restaurant?
9. Which Yorkshire city is home to the UK’s oldest pub?
10. Who wrote ‘The Cat in the Hat?
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The Tattler
The December edition of The Tattler is printed and will be distributed to Topcliffe and Asenby households over the next few days.
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Christmas bonus from Topcliffe Charities
Are you a resident of either Topcliffe or Asenby and have reached 80 years of age? If so, you are eligible to receive a small Christmas gift from the Topcliffe Charities.
There’s a chance for you to be added to the list of recipients this Christmas, but please get in touch soon (no later than Saturday 6 December). If you live in Asenby, contact Helen Oakley on 07814 250017 and if you live in Topcliffe, Anne-Marie Barningham on 07740 175311. If you have previously received a gift at Christmas, there’s no need to get in touch as you are already known to the organisers.
PS. If you are not yet 80 but rapidly heading in that direction, feel free to call Anne-Marie or Helen so that they can get their lists prepared for next year.
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Roadworks on Station Road in Thirsk
North Yorkshire Council’s highways department has indicated why road resurfacing near Tesco in Thirsk is taking so long to be completed. In a statement they said: “Unfortunately, we have discovered additional drainage issues that could not have been discovered or mitigated against prior to the start of the works. We are surfacing the majority of the currently unsurfaced road before the Christmas period. Work will then be suspended for Christmas and will resume in January to reconstruct and resurface the section in front of Tesco Petrol Station. The target completion date is currently the end of February, but this date could be affected by weather or other unforeseen issues. Thank you for your patience during these works, and we apologise for any inconvenience they may cause.”
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Snooker Club fees now due
Fees for membership of Topcliffe’s snooker club are now due. Existing members wishing to renew should get in touch with Dave Bowman (01845 577843) to pay the £30 subs. The club, based on the upper floor of the Toll Booth, would also welcome new members. Dave is appealing to past members and those not renewing their membership this year, to return their door keys.
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History of the Christmas Tree
Ever wondered how and why we display Christmas trees over the festive season and why they are decorated the way they are? Well, Richard Byas, who lives in Topcliffe, has written a short history which shows where the idea originated and who introduced it to the the UK. You can read it here.
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December Cross Talk
The December issue of Cross Talk, the church newsletter, is now available. You can read it here.
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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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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.
- 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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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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Gallery celebrates its 10th birthday
The popular Elm Gallery in Topcliffe will celebrate its tenth anniversary in December. Most residents will be amazed to hear that it’s ten years since Liz and Dave Marsh arrived in the village and opened their fine arts gallery on Front Street. Now the gallery is an important part of village life and an attraction that brings in visitors from miles around.
To mark the occasion Liz and Dave are inviting everyone to call in for cakes, tea or coffee…and maybe something stronger, on the weekend of 6 and 7 December (the gallery will be open on Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 12 noon to 5.30pm.
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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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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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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 18 December in the Village Hall.
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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
- Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – 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 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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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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Amanda Owen book signing
Meet Amanda and let her sign your copy of her new book ‘The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Christmas Tales from the Farm’. Friday 5 December between 12 noon and 2pm at White Rose Books, Thirsk. Reserve copies in advance by phone or email. Email – sales@whiterosebooks.co.uk or ring 01845 524353
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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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Santa’s Workshop at Rural Arts
Step into the festive magic at the Courthouse on Westgate in Thirsk for special Santa’s Workshops. Write letters, craft Christmas cards and decorate your own ceramic bauble
keepsake. Enjoy carols, a professional family photo, and warm hot chocolate. An
experience the whole family will love. Two sessions available on Saturday 6 December: 10:30am – 12:30pm and 2:30pm – 4:30pm. £8. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Brass Band Christmas Concert
There’ll be a free festive brass band concert performed by the Thirsk Royal British Legion Brass Band at 7.30pm on Saturday 6 December at Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall. Conducted by Clare Winter and Deborah Price. Donations welcome. No need to book.
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Meet Father Christmas and his Elves at Thirsk Garden Centre
Santa welcomes children on the weekends of 6 and 7, 13 and 14 and 20 and /21 December. Every child can tell Santa what they’d like to find in their Christmas stocking. He’ll do a quick check that they’re not on his Naughty List, and give them each a gift. All money collected goes to the Rotary Club of Thirsk to be used to support local good causes. £7 per child. http://www.thirskgardencentre.co.uk
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Dalton Church and Village Festive Events
- Christmas Fair, Saturday 6 December between 10am-noon – Entrance £2 adults, £1 children, which includes a mince pie or biscuit and a drink. Bacon butties will also be on sale, and there will be a tombola and various stalls. Father Christmas will be calling in with a present for all the children. Come along and get the Christmas festivities started. The children’s gifts from Santa have been generously donated this year.
- Carols by Candlelight, Friday 12 December at 6.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
- Angels and Shepherds Service, 24 December at 4pm. This is a family service and children are encouraged to dress up either as an angel or a shepherd.
- Red Riding Hood Pantomime, Tuesday 23 December, 6pm for 6.30pm start. Tickets are available from Eleanor on 07841 036340.
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Fountains Abbey – Christmas carols
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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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
Explore the art of linoprinting at this festive workshop at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk. 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 – 4:30pm. £20. Book online at http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Jennyruth Workshops Christmas Fair
Christmassy workshop, refreshments and raffle – and have lots of fun – at Jennyruth Workshops, Red House Farm, Ripon. Thursday 11 December between 1.30pm – 5pm.
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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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Fabric Crackers
In this creative session, you’ll learn to cut simple patterns and explore textile techniques like appliqué and embellishment, all while crafting sustainable, reusable fabric crackers. The Courthouse, Westgate, Thirsk on Saturday 13 December between 2 and 4pm. Perfect for beginners or experienced makers, you’ll leave with beautifully handmade crackers to brighten your festive celebrations. £20. Book online http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Northallerton Male Voice Choir
Christmas Concert o be performed at The Forum, Northallerton on Saturday 13 December. The choir will be singing a varied selection of Christmas themed songs. Their guests once again will be the Easington Colliery Band. 3pm and 7.30pm. £12. Book online, at http://www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk
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Christmas in Baldersby St. James Church
There’s a number of festive services and events coming up, including:
- Carols – Sunday 14 December at 5pm. A great sing along followed by mulled wine and nibbles. If you would like to choose a favourite carol please either fill in the sheet in church or e-mail to: c.b.brown398@hotmail.co.uk
- Carols by Candlelight – at 6.30pm on Christmas Eve, 24 December.
- Plough Sunday – Sunday 18 January – an important service in the farming calendar. There’ll be a bring and share lunch and everyone is welcome.
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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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Jack and The Beanstalk
Join Same Difference as they go on an adventure into the Christmas story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack’s adventure to save his mum’s cafe may just save Christmas! Packed with laughs, songs and festive fun for all. Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall 0n Friday 19 December 7 to 8pm. £10 or £8 concession. Book online http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/
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Free Afternoon Tea on Christmas Day
This Christmas, Maple Park Café wants to help bring a little warmth, comfort and company to anyone who may be spending Christmas day alone or finding times a little tough. The cafe, between Busby Stoop and Skipton on Swale, will be open from 12pm, with a free Afternoon Tea served from 2pm until 4pm. The tea is free of charge. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from enjoying this kind offer, please get in touch to reserve a place. Ring 01845 813115.
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Quiz answers
1. The Bahamas
2. A nautical mile
3. Manchester City
4. Elizabeth Taylor
5. Louis XlV
6. Cold Play
7. The battery
8. San Francisco
9. Leeds (The Bingley Arms in Bardsey)
10. Dr Seuss.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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