St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 17 May at 10.45am – Sung Matins, followed by refreshments
- Thursday 21 May at 11am – Thursday Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
- Sunday 24 May at 10.45am – Holy Communion, followed by refreshments
- Thursday 28 May at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments
- Sunday 31 May at 10.45am – Benefice Holy Communion for Trinity Sunday, followed by refreshments.
- Thursday 4 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments.
- Thursday 4 June at 7pm – A special Choral Eucharist to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with the choir singing the glorious mass setting by Thomas Tallis. All are warmly invited to join this service of thanksgiving. Wine and pre-supper nibbles will be served afterwards.
- Sunday 7 June at 8.30am – Holy Communion.
- Sunday 7 June at 6.30pm, Festival Choral Evensong for St Columba’s Day, followed by wine and finger food.
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Meet the Owls
TODAY: Sunday 17 May at 10am. Get up close to beautiful birds of prey with Gosling Raptors, including Eagle Owls, Barn Owls and more at Monk Park Farm. Learn from expert handlers, gently interact, and enjoy a calm, fascinating experience. Included in farm admission, with optional photo opportunities available for a small donation. Prices starting from £3pp. Online http://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk or on the door.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 17 May between 10am and 3pm. On Thirsk Market Place. An artisan market that wants to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods.
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TODAY: Jumble sale to raise cash for Longacre Owl Sanctuary
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TONIGHT: Sunday 17 May – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Another excellent quiz, this time with a numbers theme and set by Shirley. The winners were the Long Street Mafia, namely Chrissy, Andy, Rachel and Stuart. Well done the winners and everyone 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.
- How many years are celebrated in a traditional ‘crystal wedding anniversary’?
- How many American Presidents have been assassinated whilst in office?
- At what age did Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain all die?
- David Beckham wore which number shirt at Real Madrid in honour of sporting legend Michael Jordan?
- How many lines are there traditionally in a sonnet?
- How many possible first moves are there in chess?
- How many is a gross?
- What number is the ‘answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything’ in the The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
- How old was the Queen Mother when she died in 2002?
- What is the maximum number of clubs golf players are allowed in their bag?
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Vacancy for Parish Clerk at Baldersby
Baldersby & Baldersby St James Parish Council is on the lookout for a new Parish Clerk. The council would ideally like to recruit someone who lives fairly local. The full advertisement can be read here. The closing date is shown as Thursday 21 May, but it is likely that this date will be put back to allow more time for expressions of interest to be made and formal applications to be submitted.
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Access to Leeds Bradford Airport
Here is some very important information anyone who is planning to visit Leeds Bradford Airport in the next two weeks needs to know. Check out the map below to see the diversions that are in place from tomorrow, Monday 18 May to Friday 29 May.
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Asenby Parish Annual Meeting
Asenby’s Annual Parish meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm in the Upper Meeting Room at Asenby & Topcliffe Village Hall. (entry via side/back door).
Please note that, although organised and chaired by members of the Parish Council, this is not a Parish Council meeting. Electors/residents may attend and speak about village matters. The agenda can be read here.
The Parish meeting will be followed by the Annual Parish Council meeting at approximately 7.30pm.
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Peter Lowe’s Funeral
The funeral of Peter Lowe will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 21 May at Maple Park Crematorium and afterwards at The Angel Inn, Topcliffe.
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Soup & Sweet
The next Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 27 May 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 last lunch, held on Wednesday 13 May, was a quiet day with just 19 meals served. A donation of £50 made to support The Tattler newsletter and Sunday Email.
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Future of Warm Hub and Soup & Sweet Meals
The team that for seven years or so has organised winter meals under the banner ‘Warm Hub’ and lighter ‘Soup and Sweet’ lunches throughout the summer, has reluctantly decided that now is the time to stop these regular events. The small group of volunteers has shown staggering commitment to the community by preparing and serving meals on a fortnightly basis, but the final regular lunch will be on Wednesday 24 June.
Richard Byas said: “It is extremely sad that the fortnightly lunch sessions will come to an end, but the very small group of volunteers feel that the amount of work involved has simply become too much. I’m sure that many regulars will really miss the opportunity to meet their friends and neighbours for a bite to eat, but there’s a limit to what can be asked of individuals in terms of their dedication, financial contribution and time commitment.”
All is not lost however as the volunteers have indicated that they hope to organise occasional brunches, lunches or teas to specifically support local charities and good causes, such as the senior citizen’s Boccia club, the community newsletter, The Tattler, and the Blue Cross animal rescue centre. And, of course, those volunteers who have traditionally helped out at specific events, such as the summer and Christmas fairs, will continue to do so.
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Base Camp Activities for Kids
There’s lot’s for children to do at the various Base Camp days being organised at Baldersby Park this coming half term break.
- Base Camp’s Got Talent: Tuesday 26 May – (5-11 year olds) – So many young people with an array of talents attend Base Camp, so it’s time to put them on a show.
- Wild Science – Pond Life & Bubbles: Wednesday 27 May FULLY BOOKED.
- Woodcraft & Campfire Cooking: Thursday 28 May – (7-13 year olds) – A day of creation and connection. Crafting wood into decorations to take home, foraging for seasonal ingredients and making cakes in the hot coals.
Bookings online at: Upcoming Outdoor Events & Forest School Sessions | Basecamp Learning
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Art class in the Village Hall
The next batch of weekly art classes in the Village Hall will start on Monday 1 June. For more information and to make a booking, check out the website at https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day
The annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage will take place on Sunday 7 June.
St Columba’s was founded between 635 and 640AD by King, later Saint, Oswald, meaning we are moving ever closer to beginning our 1400th anniversary celebrations in just nine years’ time.
However, plans for this year’s celebration will be somewhat simpler, including the annual village BBQ in the church hall and churchyard, starting at 12.30pm, to which everyone is very warmly invited. Please take with you your preferred wine and soft drinks, though some will be available. And if you would like to take along a salad and/or cake to share that would be most kind and helpful.
Then, from 2pm, why not join one of the groups climbing the church tower to enjoy the magnificent views from the top? The last group will leave at 4pm. For those without a head for heights you might wish to linger over the various display boards in the church, or join a guided tour to discover in more detail the history of the church and its features, some still remaining from the mediaeval church even after the Victorian rebuild. Or else just enjoy exploring our beautiful churchyard, our village ‘greenspace’, which is now emerging thanks to the tireless work and dedication of our team of local volunteers.
The day concludes at 6.30pm with a festival service of Choral Evensong sung by the full church choir directed by Linda Hewlett. Choral Evensong is said by some to be the jewel in the crown of Anglican church music and we are lucky to have this sung every month throughout the year. So why not come give it a try and end your busy day with some glorious music, followed by a glass of wine?
All events, BBQ included, are completely free, but if you would like to give a donation to help cover a few costs and hopefully also add to our much-needed building repair and maintenance fund, that would be very much appreciated.
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A ladies nature evening
Join a ‘Curious by Nature’ relaxed and welcoming outdoor evening either on your own or with friends. Cook tea over the fire using fresh farm ingredients and practice fire-lighting and outdoor cooking skills. Try your hand at woodcraft or decorate pre-loved glassware with stained glass painting and give it a new life. Or if you prefer, bring a book, unwind, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Saturday 13 June from 6 to 8pm. All tools and materials for activities provided, including fresh ingredients to cook a delicious shared meal. Hot drinks and juice. £16.50 per adult. Feel free to bring your own drink or tipple to enjoy throughout the evening. https://booking.page/en/company/book/curiousbynature?book=1
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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
- Michael – to Thursday 21 May – no matinees
- The Devil wears Prada 2 – Friday 22 to Thursday 28 May. Matinee on Wednesday 27 May.
- The Sheep Detectives – Friday 29 May to Thursday 4 June. Matinee on Sunday 31 May.
- Paris 75: The European Cup Final Football Tried to Forget – including Q & A with Leeds United legend Paul Reaney – Sunday 31 May.
- The Playboy of the Western World – National Theatre Live – Friday 5 June.
- The Christophers – Saturday 6 to Thursday 11 June.
- Finding Emily – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 June. matinee on Wednesday 17 June.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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Events on in Dalton Village Hall
Jumble Sale: To raise funds for the Longacre owl sanctuary. TODAY: Sunday 17 May between 10am and 1pm.
Coffee Morning: The May Coffee Morning in the village hall is on Wednesday 20 May from 10.30 until 12 noon. Pop along and have a natter, a cuppa and a piece of cake. There is no charge, but donations for this month’s charity are welcome.
Pop-up Pub: There will be a Pop-up Pub on Friday 22 May from 7pm in the village hall. Families welcome.
Ladies Pop-up Shop & Fun Fashion Show: Buy your favourite high street brands at really low prices. Friday 19 June at 7pm. To raise funds for new tables and chairs. Tickets £5 include a glass of prosecco if purchased in advance. Call Beckii on 07734 474781.
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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
- Japanese Four Hole Stab Bind – Tuesday 19 May, 1.30 to 3.30pm – Explore the elegance of traditional Japanese bookbinding in this hands-on workshop.
- Enamel Pendant – Thursday 21 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Join Heather, the North East representative for the Guild of Enamellers and a proud member of Heritage Crafts, creating a beautiful pendant.
- Art Essentials: Seeing Differently – Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 12 noon.
Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/
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Hambleton District Show
The largest horse show in the north of England. Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May – Sutton Park, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. http:// www.hambletonshow.com
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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 26 May 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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Racing at Thirsk
- Sky Bet Sunday Series – Sunday 31 May – gates open at 1pm and first race at 3.45pm.
- Afternoon Racing – Friday 5 June – gates open at 11am.
- Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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Free walking tour of Thirsk
Meet by Thirsk’s information centre, Market Place to join a walk exploring the history of Thirsk on this 90-minute walking tour. Discover ancient skeletons, local legends, and a connection to Lord Nelson. A journey through the town’s fascinating past. Please wear sensible shoes. Sunday 31 May at 11am. Free, donations welcome. Just turn up.
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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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UK’s largest tractor festival
Newby Hall, Ripon on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June. More than 1,400 vintage and modern tractors and another 2,200 exhibits including stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on show across 120 acres of the Newby estate. 10am-4pm. £22, Child (4-15) £16, Family (1+3 or 2+2) £65. Tickets via http://www.tractorfest.uk
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
Sunday 7 June between 9am and 2pm on the Market Place, Thirsk. 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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Gardeners’ Question Time in Sessay
A special Gardeners’ Question Time is being held at Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 13 June. Tickets are just £10 online from http://www.sessayvillagehall.co.uk or from Heather Dale on 07467 549302. Best to buy as soon as possible as tickets will be in high demand.
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Repair Cafe
The next Repair Cafe at Thirsk Library, Meadowfields, will be on Saturday 20 June between 10am and 12.30pm. Be greener by avoiding waste and save money by letting a team of dedicated and talented volunteers try to repair your broken items. Voluntary donations.
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Sunday 28 June 2026 between 10am and 4pm there’ll be 36 slots available. Each slot is 30 minutes inside the aviary. Maximum six people in at any given time. Morndyke is the only parrot sanctuary in Europe that runs a mixed aviary ecosystem on this scale and with species diversity. Pre booking required: £18 pp. Must be 8yrs and above.
Email contact@morndykeparrotsanctuary.org.uk to book a slot. First come, first served.
Payment required at the time of booking. Bank Transfer to: Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary
Sort Code: 20-59-43 Account Number: 33268462.
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Quiz answers
1. 15
2. 4 (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy)
3. 27
4. 23
5. 14
6. 20
7. 144
8. 42
9. 101
10. 14
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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