St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 22 March at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
- Wednesday 25 March at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Thursday 26 March at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
- Sunday 29 March (Palm Sunday) – No Service at Topcliffe (5th Sunday) but there’ll be a Benefice Service at Baldersby St James at 10.30am.
- Wednesday 1 April at 7pm – Compline for Lent
- Thursday 2 April at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer followed by refreshments and at 7pm a Benefice Maundy Thursday Service will be held at St John’s, Dalton
- Friday 3 April – 2pm to 3pm – Good Friday Reflection
- Saturday 4 April at 7pm -Vigil for Easter Eve and First Mass of Easter (Sung by Topcliffe Choir), refreshments and wine to follow
- Sunday 5 April at 8.30am – Said Easter Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) but no 6.30pm Choral Evensong
- Thursday 9 April at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
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Sunday Quiz Night
TONIGHT: Sunday 22 March– the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Great music and general knowledge quiz presented by Jim last Sunday and won by Mike, Carolyn and Dave. Well done the winners and everyone else participating.
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 actor played Claude Jeremiah Greengrass in the long running ITV drama Heartbeat?
2. Starting in London where does the A2 trunk road terminate?
3. In French cuisine, what is the main ingredient of Coquilles St Jacques?
4. What world record has Johnathan Edwards held since 1995?
5. What is the name of the horn like instrument made famous at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa?
6. Which 1960s group included brothers Carl, Brian and Dennis Wilson?
7. The oil company ESSO was founded in which country?
8. Who won BBC Sports Personality of The Year in 2025?
9. Sir Christopher Cockerall invented what in the 1950s?
10. We now have DAB and FM and earlier we had AM. What does the A stand for in AM?
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TODAY! Brunch and Open Day TODAY!
There’s a Brunch and Open Day today (Sunday 22 March) between 10.30am and 1pm at the Village Hall. Karen Morley and her wonderful team will serve the usual delicious breakfast buns and other refreshments throughout the event. Both Topcliffe Parish Council and Asenby Parish Council have agreed to be present to meet residents from our two villages.
Topcliffe parish councillors will be available to discuss the recent survey of the Toll Booth and its implications for the future of the building. There will also be displays by a number of user groups including the indoor carpet bowls group, boccia club and the regular art class. The library will open for book loans and exchanges. And the slide presentation depicting the whole range of Village Hall activities has been updated and will be presented on the large screen throughout the day.
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New website for Asenby Parish Council
Asenby Parish Council has this morning (Sunday 22 March) launched a new website. The new site is designed to meet new government requirements for accessibility and it is supported by new ‘gov.uk’ email addresses for all parish councillors.
Colin Grimston, the Parish Clerk, said: “This new website will be fully compliant with the government’s latest requirements. It is easier to navigate, more secure and will meet the latest accessibility guidance. It will also have additional functionality, such as event booking, easy access to planning applications and page reader apps will find it easier to translate.”
The new web address is www.asenbyparish.gov.uk and the new email address for Colin Grimston is clerk@asenbyparish.gov.uk.
The old website has now been taken down and, for the foreseeable future, anyone using the old address will automatically be diverted to the new site.
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Village Yarnbombers make the news!
A number of Topcliffe residents, including Sylvia Storah, Shirley Brown and Jane Colls, featured in a BBC Yorkshire news programme about the 10th birthday celebrations of the Thirsk Yarnbombers. Thirsk town centre is looking brilliant with some fantastic displays. Well done ladies. Keep up the good work.
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The Toll Booth
No date has been set for the proposed consultation that Topcliffe Parish Council will be having about the future of the Toll Booth. The Parish Council will be organising a letter/leaflet that will be delivered to all homes in the village with the aim of ascertaining residents’ views about the next steps. It’s understood councillors will seek a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’, which basically means spend the necessary money to secure the building’s future, or attempt to dispose of it. There’ll be more information in your Sunday Email when details are known.
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The post box issue
A few weeks ago the Sunday Email featured a photograph of the post box outside the Post Office and explained why it is wrapped up and inaccessible for posting letters. The fact is that Royal Mail is introducing digital letterboxes…but a good question is why did they take our existing post box out of use when they weren’t ready to install the new type?
This is obviously a question that the new Post Office owners are regularly being asked. It has led to Colin Throupe issuing the following statement on Facebook:
“We’ve had a few customers asking about the new digital post boxes appearing. Just to reassure everyone – these are a Royal Mail initiative, not something Introduced by our Post Office, and we don’t have any control over where they’re installed or how they work.
“We’re always happy to help with posting your letters and parcels as normal, and nothing has changed with the services we offer in branch.
“If you have any questions about the new digital boxes, go to the Royal Mail’s website for the latest Information.
“Thank you for your understanding and for supporting your local Post Office.”
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Churchyard Maintenance
A churchyard grounds maintenance tidy up day is being held on Saturday 28 March to get to grips with things as spring growth gets underway. Volunteers are asked to be there between 9.30am and noon. If you can offer an hour or two to help the spring tidy up and also continue progress on reclaiming the lower terraces, please pop along. If necessary, a second tidy-up session will be organised on Saturday 11 April.
It’s hoped that one or two more volunteers might join the regular grass-cutting team so that the amount of cutting is shared by a few more individuals.
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Base Camp for Kids
There’s egg-traordinary adventures happening at Base Camp this Easter holiday and bookings are now being taken. There’s an adventure to suit everyone…wild science, forest school creativity, archery with the Thirsk Bowmen, plus foraging and making food, wild art, Easter treasure hunt and lots of play and games. Sessions are on from 30 March to 10 April. All supervised by experienced and qualified staff. Base Camp is located at Baldersby Park, 90 acres of private country parkland close to Topcliffe.
http:// https://www.basecamplearning.co.uk/
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Last Warm Hub lunch
The next Warm Hub on Wednesday 1 April between 11.30am and 12.45pm, will be the last one of the winter. From Wednesday 15 April the team will be serving Soup and Sweets.
These fortnightly lunchtime meals are served at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall between 11.30am and 12.45pm. Everyone, of all ages from Topcliffe and Asenby and surrounding areas, is welcome to attend. There’s no set charge, but donations are welcome to help pay the rental cost of hiring the Village Hall and other unavoidable expenses.
The organisers don’t receive grant support or surplus food from supermarkets: everything is bought and paid for, cooked and brought into the hall by volunteers, many of whom are senior citizens themselves.
Residents of Topcliffe and Asenby villages can have their lunch delivered if they are housebound – either on a short-term basis because of illness, or longer-term. If you wish to have a meal delivered on the day the lunch is held, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 01845 577426.
Last week’s lunch saw 50 meals served. A donation of £50 was made to the Royal British Legion in Thirsk.
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The Saltburn Smugglers
Asenby Parish Council is delighted to announce that this modern shanty group will be performing on Sunday 28 June in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall from 2-4pm. The group transform tales from the north east coast smuggling heyday into vibrant, contemporary sea shanties. A not to be missed event for all ages. Tickets, which will be £10 per adult and £8 per child, will go on sale from Wednesday 1 April. Demand will be high and numbers limited. But for now, get a note in your diary and save the date.
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Art classes in the Village Hall
Here are details of art classes coming up in the Village Hall:
- Weekly Classes: Monday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. The next block of six starts after Easter on the Monday 13 April. These inspirational and fun sessions. Check out the ‘early bird’ offer on Becky’s website. Beginners are welcome.
- Spring Retreat Pastels Experience: Celebrate Spring by painting with soft pastels to create inspired scenes and floral displays, landscapes and gardens. Thursday 23 April, 10am to 3pm.
- Spring Retreat Paint in Oils: Tropical Flowers in Oils. A true pop of colours and contrasts against more traditional dark backgrounds. Friday 24 April from 10am to 1pm.
Also
- Welcoming Lights’ – lighthouses, lanterns or fairy-lights in acrylics – Friday 17 April, 10am to 2pm at Thirsk Town Hall.
For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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Yorkshire on show in mosaics
If you’re looking for a right Yorkshire treat this spring, why not pop down to The Bath House at RHS Gardens Harlow Carr, Harrogate, to take in the annual BAMM North mosaic exhibition which runs from 23 April to 17 May 2026.The theme for this year’s exhibition and sale is Up Hill and Down Dale: A Celebration of Yorkshire and it promises a collection of colourful, unusual, clever and whimsical mosaics from over 20 mosaicists working in our region and concentrating on all the best that Yorkshire has to offer.
You can expect to see local flora and fauna, familiar views and wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme from these members of the British Association for Modern Mosaic which includes local artist Siobhan Gifford from Asenby. This hugely popular exhibition is manned daily by the mosaicists themselves who are always happy to answer any questions you may have about this art form or to offer advice on workshops in the area if you are inspired to have a go yourself. There will be mosaic kits for sale along with various other small mosaics, cards and the like in the pop-up shop. Entrance to The Bath House is free once you have accessed the gardens.
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Siobhan Gifford, of Asenby, has been celebrating the richness of
the Yorkshire dialect with this work in progress ‘Ey Up Duck’.
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Big events later in the year at the Village Hall
Here are two dates for your diary! Make a note of them now because after today these items won’t appear again until nearer the dates. They’re both big fundraisers for the Village Hall.
BBQ & Boogie Night
The ever-popular BBQ and Boogie Night will be held on Saturday 22 August. The organisers – Jim, Carol, Andy, Chrissy, Malcolm and Myra – have committed themselves to the third annual shindig.
The Flying Oysters are coming back!
Top north east band, The Flying Oysters, has been booked for another performance later this year. It’ll be on Saturday 7 November. Organiser Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent pie and pea supper.
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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.
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Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 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 ACROSS THE WIDER AREA
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The Ritz Cinema
- If I had legs I’d kick you – to Thursday 26 March – no matinee.
- Hamlet – National Theatre Live – Friday 27 March.
- Mother’s Pride – Saturday 28 March to Thursday 2 April. Matinee on Wednesday 1 April.
- The Audience – National Theatre Live – Friday 24 April.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
London Mountain Adventure Film Festival
The final adventure film in the current series. Sunday 22 March. Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 7:30pm. Full details of the content are detailed on the Ritz website. Approximately 90 minutes duration, category 12A and standard Ritz ticket price. Tickets can be booked online now or on the door on the night.
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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 24 March 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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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
- Something Social: Needle Felting and Fizz – Friday 27 March, 7 to 9pm.
- Taste of Art: Watercolour Fungi Forms – Saturday 4 April, 2.30 to 4.30pm and Wednesday 8 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
- Intermediate Abstract landscape Painting – Wednesday 15 April and Wednesday 13 May, both 10am to 2pm.
- Introduction to Linoprint – Wednesday 15 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
- Beginner’s hand Embroidery – Friday 17 April, 1 til 4pm.
- Book Club – Tuesday 21 April, 6.30 to 8pm.
- Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.
- Something Social: Etching and Elderflower Gin – Friday 24 April, 7 to 9pm.
Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/
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Repair cafe
At Thirsk Library, Meadowfields, on Saturday 28 March from 10am to 1pm. 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. Voluntary donations welcome.
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Thirsk Museum re-opens
The Thirsk Museum on Kirkgate re-opens for the summer season on Wednesday 1 April. Experience the history of Thirsk in the house where Thomas Lord, founder of Lord’s Cricket Ground, was born in 1755. Explore rooms full of exhibits featuring local life and industry, cricketing memorabilia, farming equipment, furniture, costumes and toys. Marvel at the bones of our Saxon Giant and shudder at the legend of the Busby Stoop Chair!
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Holly Taymar Sings Eva Cassidy
Holly Taymar is a highly accomplished singer-songwriter from York with a warm, expressive voice and a mesmerising stage presence. Holly has been performing for over 20 years, earning a reputation for her sensitive interpretations of classic songs. Thursday 2 April at 7:30pm at Rural Arts Courthouse theatre. £13. Book online http://www.ruralarts.org
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The Great Yorkshire Egg hunt
Join Yorkshire’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt this easter at Monk Park Farm near Bagby. Enjoy a full day of farm fun alongside the hunt, including animal encounters and outdoor play. Every child receives a chocolate treat. Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April from 10am. Adult £12.45 child £18.45 and under 1s £6 when booked in advance online.http:// www.monkparkfarm.co.uk
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 5 April from 9am to 2pm. 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.
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Easter Art Camp 2026
A three-day Holiday Art Camp at Rural Arts in Thirsk. Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 April. For children aged 6 to 11 to explore Yorkshire’s most famous creators during three days of arts and craft. There will be lots of opportunities to explore art forms and techniques over the three days alongside experienced artists, Claire Ford and Jane Wilson. 9am – 1pm each day. £80. Book online http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/workshops/easter-art-camp-2026/
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Easter Family Day
To be held at Thirsk Racecourse on Friday 10 April from 11am onwards. An exciting afternoon of competitive racing and family fun. Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net
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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- The Music of Ed Sheeran by Candlelight – Friday 10 April at 7.30pm.
- Pink Floyd by Candlelight – performed by What the Floyd? – Friday 5 June at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Village Hall AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 5 May at 7.30pm. Residents of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages are invited to attend. The AGM will be followed by an Ordinary Meeting of the committee.
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held in the ground floor committee room at the Village Hall at 7pm on Thursday 7 May.
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Asenby Parish Meeting
Asenby’s Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm, followed immediately by the Annual Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm. Both meetings will be held in the upper floor meeting room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Quiz answers
1. Bill Maynard
2. Dover
3. Scallops
4. Triple Jump
5. VuVuzela
6. The Beach Boys
7. USA (ESSO phonetically initials for Standard Oil)
8. Rory McElroy
9. The Hovercraft.
10. Amplitude
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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