St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
|
|
|
Last Sunday’s entertaining quiz was set by Roger. It was a mixed-up teams event and won by Shirley, David, Steve and Stuart. 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 the name of Maureen Lipman’s character in the BT advert?
2. What is Spanish for pomegranate? It’s also the name of a Spanish city.
3. How many numbers are there on a standard Bingo card?
4. Who was the first woman to read the BBC TV news?
5. Whose advert said ‘tested by dummies, driven by the intelligent’?
6. Which French town is famous for the manufacture of nougat?
7. In 1901 who transmitted the first radio signals across the Atlantic?
8. Name the ship found drifting and deserted in the Atlantic in 1872?
9. Which two fruits are an anagram of each other?
10. What creature was on the reverse of the old farthing?
|
|
Rita and Peter say thank you
Rita and Peter Simmerson, who live in Asenby, wish to publicly thank the many friends and neighbours who have helped them over the last year when they have both suffered from illness and poor health. Peter has Alzheimer’s and very poor mobility and needs constant care, whilst Rita, who is Peter’s main carer, has also had health issues this year involving a number of hospital appointments and is awaiting operations for the replacement of both knees.
Rita said: “Many thanks to all who have helped us in any way during the past year. Life would have been a lot more difficult without everyone’s kindness. People have helped out by taking Peter to hospital appointments, picking him up when he has fallen, sitting with him whilst I have visited clinics and pushing him out in his wheelchair.
“The volunteer team running the Boccia Club have also been very kind, looking after Peter at the regular Tuesday sessions…and giving me time to pop out to do some shopping. I am forever grateful to the communities of Topcliffe and Asenby, and now fully appreciate the benefits of living in a village with wonderful friends neighbours.
|
|
Looking forward to spring
Asenby Parish Council has planted 300 daffodil bulbs at the two entrances to the village, and around the bus shelter. Hopefully they will all bloom next spring and add a bit of colour to the village. Thanks to the volunteers who helped plant them last week.
|
|
Message from Liz and Dave at The Elm Gallery
A big thank you to all the people who came to our 10th birthday celebrations last weekend and helped to make it a huge success. As well as the support we had from our local customers, some people travelled a considerable distance to come and join us. We thought we might have bought too much cake, but we’re pleased to say that we got through most of it! It doesn’t feel like ten years since we opened our gallery in Topcliffe, but we often say that it was the best thing we ever did.
The Gallery will be open normal hours up to Christmas, including Christmas Eve for your last minute shopping. We will re-open in the new year on Friday 2 January.
|
|
|
Christmas lunch a great success
|
|
|
The Senior Citizens’ Christmas lunch held last Wednesday was a fly-away success and an excellent opener for the festive season in our two villages. Nearly 50 paying guests sat down for a delicious three-course lunch with drinks and entertainment.
A huge thank you goes to organiser Judith Lowe and a team of volunteers, including Karen and Malc Morley, Linda Robinson and Linda Carver who prepared the meal and managed the kitchen, to Chris Wiggins and Clare Phillips who served the tables and to Doug Allan and Peter Lowe who kept the drinks topped up.
After lunch entertainment was provided by the remarkable Cherry Tones – Julie and Fern – who sang and danced their way through a festive repertoire and had couples up dancing and joining in with percussion instruments. They were brilliant.
The surplus funds, after all expenses, are being distributed in equal shares to the Village Hall, Boccia Club and Warm Hub.
|
|
|
Dancing together again after forty years
|
|
|
A lovely photograph was doing the rounds at the Christmas lunch last Wednesday. It was taken forty years ago at the New Year’s Eve party at The Angel and was of Asenby resident Marion Snelling and Topcliffe’s very own, Dave Bowman. As you can see, Marion looks very beautiful and seems to be enjoying the waltz around the dance floor. But how many villagers can remember Dave with that amazing lumberjack’s beard? Great memories…and to mark the occasion, Marion and Dave danced again to the music of the excellent Cherry Tones.
|
|
Asenby Christmas in the Park
The crowds turned out to welcome Santa last Friday evening in Asenby. He arrived on a special sleigh and paraded through the village to the Community Park where he welcomed children into his grotto to hear their Christmas wishes and to give them a small present.
It was an excellent event and the Parish Council and volunteer organisers deserve a big pat on the back for making it such a success. Thanks are also due to Dave and Maggie from the Angel Inn in Topcliffe who provided and served hot drinks, mulled wine and mince pies.
The photographs show:
- Top left: Children write letters to Father Christmas.
- Top right: Three-year-old Hugo and his mum, Charlotte, meet Father Christmas.
- Bottom left: Dave and Maggie Mathews, owners of The Angel, with Holly Knowles.
- Bottom right: Alison Robertson and members of the Topcliffe Academy children’s choir, who sang a wonderful selection of carols and Christmas songs.
|
|
Withdrawn planning application is resubmitted
A planning application for the erection of an agricultural building and associated works immediately adjacent to the allotments at Asenby has been resubmitted to North Yorkshire Council.
The proposed development is on land known as Cricket Bat Willows (on the Asenby to Rainton road). It would appear to be a replacement application following a similar application made in March 2025 and withdrawn in August.
According to Asenby Parish Council, which objected to the initial planning application, the key stated details are:
- Dimensions – length 24m x width 15m (360 sq m) and 6m high at eaves, with 520 sq m of hard standing
- The building is for agricultural use only – no industrial or commercial activities
- To be used for the storage of machinery, fuel and harvested crops by a tenant, Northern Lavender.
Asenby Parish Council is considering the new application in detail and will submit its response before the 2 January 2026 deadline. Councillors are encouraging residents to view the information and submit their comments, particularly if they object to, or support, the application. All relevant information can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website. Please follow this link to view the application: https://publicaccess.northyorks.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T6MV07LTK8G00&activeTab=summary
The Parish Council would also welcome any resident feedback over the next week. Please email to asenbypc@gmail.com
|
|
Last Inland Posting Dates
- 2nd Class – Wednesday 17 December
- Royal Mail Tracked 48 hours – Friday 19 December
- 1st Class – Saturday 20 December
- Royal Mail Tracked 24 hours – Sunday 21 December
- Special Delivery Guaranteed – Tuesday 23 December.
|
|
|
Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Evri: Where’s my Parcel?
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby who have experienced the poor service dished up by the delivery firm Evri, will be interested to hear that the BBC programme Panorama went undercover inside the company to investigate what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Evri is one of the UK’s most complained-about delivery companies. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your parcel ended up in a hedge, why some drivers seem to just lob packages at your door, or why 16 parcels get dumped on one doorstep while yours goes missing – this programme finally gives you some answers.
The documentary, ‘Evri: Where’s my Parcel?’, which will be broadcast at 8pm on Monday 15 December on BBC One, explores the pressures facing workers in Evri delivery units, speaking to unhappy customers and couriers who say they struggle to make a living.
|
|
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.
|
|
Warm Hub Lunch
The last Warm Hub lunch of this year will take place on Wednesday 17 December between 11.30am and 12.45pm. 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 cost of hiring the Village Hall and for essential food and drink items that must be purchased for each lunch.
In the New Year, Warm Hub lunches start again on Wednesday 7 January. And then fortnightly thereafter.
|
|
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.
|
|
Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 18 December in the Village Hall.
|
|
Chip & Dales
The mobile fish and chip van will be in Topcliffe on 19 December between 5 and 7pm. Paul and Karen will then be taking a festive break and will start serving again on Friday 23 January.
|
|
|
Carols around the Christmas Tree in Topcliffe
|
|
|
Last year’s carol service photographed by Adam Clark.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Christmas at The Angel
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe is holding a number of special evenings this festive season. On Christmas Eve there’s a Frank Sinatra tribute act and on New Year’s Eve, The Doubtful Bottle will help sing in the new year. Check out the Angel’s Facebook page for confirmation of timings.
Festive Opening Times
- Christmas Eve – Food 12 noon to 8pm; bar until 10.30pm. Live music from 7pm.
- Christmas Day – Bar only, 11.30am to 1.30pm.
- Boxing Day – Food 12 noon to 4pm; bar 12 noon to 6pm.
- New Year’s Eve – Food 12 noon to 2pm and 5 ‘til 9pm. Bar until 1am.
- New Year’s Day – Food 12 noon to 4pm; bar 12 noon to 6pm.
|
|
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/
|
|
Local traders and businesses
See here for a list of businesses and traders based in or close to Topcliffe.
|
|
|
EVENTS ON ACROSS THE WIDER AREA
|
|
The Ritz Cinema
- Wicked – to Thursday 18 December. Matinee on Sunday 14 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.
|
|
Meet Father Christmas and his Elves at Thirsk Garden Centre
Santa welcomes children on Sunday 14, Saturday 20 and Sunday 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
|
|
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 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.
|
|
Christmas in Baldersby St. James Church
There’s a number of festive services and events coming up, including:
- TODAY: Sunday 14 December at 5pm. A carol 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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/
|
|
Thirsk Artisan Market
A market on Thirsk’s Market Place with a wide variety of artisan stalls which gives traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods. Sunday 21 December between 10am and 3pm.
|
|
Dalton Church and Village Festive Events
- 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Thirsk Farmers’ Market
At this Thirsk market all stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear or produce the food or drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do and it shows. Sunday 4 January 9am to 2pm.
|
|
Thirsk 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 10 January between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library, Chapel Street. No set charge but a voluntary donation welcome.
|
|
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/
|
|
|
Quiz answers
1. Beattie
2. Granada
3. 15
4. Angela Rippon
5. Volvo
6. Montelimar
7. Marconi
8. Marie Celeste
9. Lemon and Melon
10. A wren.
|
|
|
That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
|
|
|
|
