Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
This is a final call for anyone who wishes to book a place at the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 10 December at the Village Hall. If you are over 65 years of age you can enjoy a festive lunch and drinks, plus entertainment, for just £15. Places must be booked in advance and the organisers are unable to accept non-ticket holders on the day. Get in touch with Judith Lowe on 01845 577911.
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Warm Hub Lunch
Here’s a reminder that as the Senior Citizens’ Christmas lunch is taking place on the date originally scheduled for a Warm Hub lunch – Wednesday 10 December – the next Warm Hub lunch will take place on Wednesday 17 December. In the New Year, Warm Hub lunches start again on Wednesday 7 January. And then fortnightly thereafter.
At each lunch there’s 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.
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Gallery celebrates its 10th birthday
TODAY: 7 December Sunday – from 12 noon to 5.30pm. The Elm Gallery in Topcliffe is celebrating its tenth anniversary this weekend. To mark the occasion Liz and Dave have invited everyone to call in for cakes, tea or coffee…and maybe something stronger. It’s a treasure trove of beautiful things right in our village
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Fountains Abbey – Christmas carols
TODAY: Sunday 7 December and next Sunday, 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
TODAY: Sunday 7 December at 3pm. Thirsk Friends of the Lambert Hospice are holding a Christmas Carol Service, plus raffle, children’s tombola and bar. It’s to be held at Thirsk Auction Mart and the cost is £5 per person to include mince pie and mulled wine, under 16s free.
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St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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 7 December – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last Sunday’s entertaining quiz was set by Derek and won by Jean, Sue, Judith and Roger. 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. Goa in India was once governed by which country?
2. On which river does Peterborough stand?
3. Was the yo-yo originally used as a weapon? Yes or no.
4. The name of what kind of vegetable is also a dog’s name?
5. What was the ancient name of the people of Scotland?
6. Who sang the 1960s hit song ‘Catch the Wind’?
7. What is the North American name for a saloon car?
8. In which Clint Eastwood film was he accompanied by an Orangutang and what was the Oranutang named?
9. Which food poisoning bacteria is often associated with soft cheeses?
10. Which common flower is a Bell’s Perennis?
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Village Christmas Tree
Topcliffe’s Christmas tree was put up yesterday outside the Village Hall and it is looking brilliant. The tree has been purchased jointly by the Village Hall Committee and Topcliffe Parish Council. Once again, Josh Barningham, Malcolm Morley and Doug Allan are thanked for 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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A Heck of a good lunch
It seems that there is such a thing as a free lunch! Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby were invited to lunch at the Village Hall last Wednesday (3 December) by Heck, the company famed for its sausages, and by all accounts those who attended had a great meal with all the festive trimmings. It was perhaps a little unfortunate that only twenty one residents took up the offer, but the low numbers certainly didn’t affect the event or the diners’ enjoyment of it. Heck organised the meal as part of a community initiative to put something back into local communities. A big thank you to the company and to their staff who prepared and served the meal.
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Village Hall seeks accounts examiner
For as many years as Village Hall committee members can remember, John Graham, has undertaken the annual “examination” of the hall’s accounts, despite the fact he moved from the village twenty years ago. John, a former parish councillor and the author of The Millennium Book of Topcliffe, last month examined and approved the accounts for 2024/25 and gave them a ‘clean bill of health’.
But John has decided that it is time for him to give up the job of examiner, so next year the Village Hall Committee will be needing a new person to undertake the task. It’s hoped that someone in Topcliffe or Asenby might volunteer to “examine” the next set of accounts. That person doesn’t have to be an accountant, though that would be great, but simply needs to be a competent person with some understanding of finance and accounts.
The Trustees of the charity, ie the Committee, are required to produce an annual report and accounts each year. At the current level of the hall’s finances, the Committee is able to have its accounts independently “examined” instead of formally audited. The examination can be carried out by a suitable independent person. Such a person could still be a supporter of the Village Hall, provided that they do not have a close relationship with it or its Trustees and they are not involved in the day-to-day administration of the hall.
Anyone who thinks that they may be able to help is asked to get in touch with Richard Byas, chair of the Committee on 07801 721528.
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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 Workshop at The Angel
There’s just one festive workshop left to take place at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe. It’s a Macrame Garland Workshop, which is taking place on Wednesday 10 December, 10.30am to 12:30pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £25. A glass of mulled wine and a mince pie is included. For more details and to book please call The Angel reception team on 01845 578000.
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Christmas extravaganza planned in Asenby
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The festive season in Asenby kicks off with a magical evening of community cheer at Asenby Community Park next Friday 12 December starting at 6pm.
The Parish Council invites you to bring the whole family for carols and songs led by the local children’s choir, refreshments courtesy of The Angel Inn 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.
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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Carols in Asenby village
Members of St Columba’s choir will be leading carol singing around Asenby on the evening of Tuesday 16 December. They’ll be singing all of your favourite carols starting at 7pm from Asenby Hall. There’ll be a collection for the Herriott Hospice. Singers are invited to Asenby Hall afterwards for mulled wine and mince pies, by kind invitation of John and Clare Phillips.
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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 Christmas Tree in Topcliffe
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby are invited to gather at the Christmas tree outside the Village Hall to sing carols at 7pm on Friday 19 December. The children of Topcliffe Academy’s choir will once again be making an appearance. Sheets with the words of the carols…and a few other festive songs…will be provided, but you’ll need to bring a torch or a mobile phone to light your way. And don’t forget to wrap up warm! Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the hall. Refreshments for children too. There’ll be no set price, but donations will be welcome to help cover the cost.
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Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall in the new year.
- A block of six weekly classes begins on Monday 5 January. 10am to 12 noon. An opportunity to work on your own artwork ideas with advice and guidance from Rebecca.
- ‘Capturing the Light’ – a special class using oils. 10am to 3pm on Friday 9 January.
- ‘Lift the Spirit’ – paint colourful garden scenes in acrylics. 10am to 1pm on Thursday 29 January.
- Calm Winter Art Retreat – a two-day experience using paint and pastels to create fur and feather works on day one or beautiful big skies on day two. Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February, 10am to 3pm. Choose your preferred day or attend both!
- Winter sketch and draw in pencil and charcoal – 10am – 2pm on Thursday 26 February.
- ‘Painting the night in acrylics’ – inspired by the work of Georges Seurat. Friday 6 March, 10am to 2pm.
- ‘Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm,
For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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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
- Blue Moon – 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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Meet Father Christmas and his Elves at Thirsk Garden Centre
Santa welcomes children today (Sunday 7 December) and on the weekends of 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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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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Dalton Church and Village Festive Events
- Carols by Candlelight, Friday 12 December at 6.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
- Red Riding Hood Pantomime, Tuesday 23 December, 6pm for 6.30pm start. Tickets are available from Eleanor on 07841 036340.
- Angels and Shepherds Service, Wednesday 24 December at 4pm. This is a family service and children are encouraged to dress up either as an angel or a shepherd.
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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 13 December – Ripon Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah in the beautiful surroundings of Ripon Cathedral. 7.30pm. 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.
- Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December – Illuminated Winter Wonderland in Ripon Spa Garden – 2-8pm. Free entry but donations gratefully received.
- Sunday 21 December – Christmas Carol Concert in the nave of Ripon Cathedral – 5.30pm. Hear the wonderful Cathedral Choir accompanied by the renowned St Cecelia Orchestra. Book online at www.riponcathedral.org.uk
- Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December – Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols – Ripon Cathedral at 5.30pm. The Christmas story told in readings and music. Entry is free but pre-booking is necessary – www.riponcathedral.org.uk
- Wednesday 24 December – Journey to Bethlehem – 11am in Ripon Cathedral. Children tell the story of Christ’s birth. Children are invited to dress up as characters from the nativity story.
- Wednesday 24 December – Midnight Mass at 11am in Ripon Cathedral.
- Thursday 25 December – Christmas Day Festal Eucharist – 10.30am in Ripon Cathedral.
- Friday 26 December – Eucharist for St Steven’s Day – 9.30am at Ripon Cathedral.
- Wednesday 31 December – New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ripon Market Square from 9pm. Live music and the ringing in of the new year with fireworks at midnight.
- Wednesday 31 December – Watchnight Service and Torchlight Procession – From Ripon Cathedral to the Market Square starting at 11am.
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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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Concerts and Events at Ripon Cathedral
- The Eagles by Candlelight – Saturday 10 January 2026 at 7.30pm.
- Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm.
- 70s Disco Hits by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Quiz answers
1. Portugal
2. The River Nene
3. No
4. Collie
5. Picts
6. Donovan
7. Sedan
8. Either, ‘Every which way but Loose’ or ‘Every which way you can’ and Clyde.
9. Listeria
10. Daisy.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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