St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
- Sunday 14 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 18 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 21 June at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
- Thursday 25 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 28 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
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St Columba’s Festival and Heritage Day
TODAY: Sunday 7 June. Don’t forget that the annual celebration of Columba, the Patron Saint of our parish church, and the church’s amazing heritage takes place today (7 June).
- There’ll be 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.
- From 2pm, you can 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 check out 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 medieval church even after the Victorian rebuild.
- Or throughout the afternoon just enjoy exploring our beautiful and interesting churchyard,
- 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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UK’s largest tractor festival
TODAY: 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 Hall 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
TODAY: 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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Free Open Farm Sunday
TODAY: Sunday 7 June. All over UK Visit a farm on Open Farm and find out about the story behind our food and how farming affects our everyday lives. Open Farm Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to connect farmers and the public to discover the world of farming and all that farmers do producing food, nurturing nature, and protecting the environment for future generations. See website for details. Free. Book online. http://farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm
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TONIGHT: Sunday 7 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Another great quiz prepared and presented by David and won by Bob, Irene, Karen and Malc. 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.
1. In which city were the Olympic games held in 2000?
2. Who was the first host of ‘It’ll be alright on the night’?
3. Who composed the orchestral piece Bolero?
4. What is the name of the river that flows through Sheffield?
5. What was the real name of the actor John Wayne?
6. What is the capital of Uganda?
7. How many funnels did the ill-fated ship, The Titanic, have?
8. What does the WD in WD40 stand for?
9. Name the three Musketeers.
10. What was the original name of Mickey Mouse?
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Villagers invited to sign a Book of Condolence for Alanbrooke soldier
Last year in the run up to, and on Armistice Day itself, there was a significant strengthening of the friendship and relations between Topcliffe and the 4th Royal Artillery Regiment based at Alanbrooke Barracks. Teams of soldiers busied themselves on maintenance tasks at St Columba’s churchyard and on Armistice Day over one-hundred troops marched from their barracks to a service in the church.
Not long after that, in January this year, one of the officers involved sadly died following an incident during live fire training in Northumberland. Capt Philip Gilbert Muldowney, aged just 25, served as a fire support team commander. He served in multiple roles and was deployed in November 2021 to Estonia for six months. He had been seriously injured on a commando course in January 2025 and ordered to pause and rehabilitate – but he quickly returned to duty after his recovery.
In tribute to Capt Muldowney, and in recognition of the friendship between the 4th RA Regiment and the village, residents are being invited to sign a Book of Condolence. It will be available throughout the heritage events and services taking place at St Columba’s today (Sunday 7 June) and will then be placed in the entrance hall at the Village Hall so that those attending events over the next fortnight can sign it.
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Asenby Bus Stop Library
New shelving has been added to bus stop library in Asenby. This has significantly increased the capacity for more books to be available to local readers. There’s now a dedicated children’s section as well!
Organiser Audrey Grimston hopes that everyone will enjoy the expanded facility, but she reminds villagers that no magazines, games, jigsaws, DVDs or videos are to be left there.
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Asenby Parish Council Vacancy
North Yorkshire Council has received insufficient requests from eligible electors in Asenby for an election to fill the casual vacancy, created by the recent resignation of Tim Rawden. The Parish Council therefore intends to co-opt a duly qualified person to fill the vacancy as soon as is practical. If you are interested in knowing more, or would like to be considered, please contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@asenbyparish.gov.uk or complete the form on the Asenby website: Vacancy for Parish Councillor – Asenby Parish Council, Asenby, Thirsk
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Resurfacing on the A1(M) – Boroughbridge to Wetherby
Motorists should take note of these roadworks which could potentially create significant delays on the A1(M) southbound between junctions 48 (Boroughbridge) and 46 (Wetherby). The work involves removing worn-out layers and replacing them with new asphalt. This resurfacing strengthens the road and will help prevent future deterioration.
7 June
- Full overnight closure (8pm–6am) between J48 and J46
- During the day, two out of three lanes will be closed between junctions 47 and 46. These closures are needed to allow materials to cure.
- Delays are expected. Allow extra time for your journey
8 June – early July
- Overnight closures every weeknight (Monday to Friday, 8pm–6am.
- During these closures, other necessary maintenance and litter picking will take place.
- Diversion Route: Traffic will be diverted via the A168 and B1224.
Delays are expected so allow plenty of extra time for your journeys during these works.
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And road resurfacing in Topcliffe too!
Households in Topcliffe should have received a letter from North Yorkshire Council about planned ‘carriageway rejuvenation’ works on Long Street (the A167) and Church and Front Streets, on Friday 19 June. The one-day work programme will include complete road closures within the village between 9am and 6pm. A fully signed diversion will be in place and on-site personnel will assist in managing access and egress from properties, however there may be periods when movement of vehicles will not be possible. There will be designated crossing points for pedestrians.
Anyone with any special access needs prior to the work starting should contact North Yorkshire Council on 0300 131 2131. Motorists are advised to make arrangements to park their vehicle in an alternative location if they plan to leave the village on this day after 9am.
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Soup & Sweet
The next Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 10 June 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.
Just a reminder that the Soup & Sweet lunches will end after the lunch on 24 June – so only two more to go!
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The Elm Gallery
The Elm Gallery will be closed until Saturday 13 June.
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The Big Yorkshire Do
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe is organising its second annual summer do and this year they’ve gone bigger, bolder, and twice the size! Expect an all-day summer party packed with multiple live music acts throughout the day, two gardens open in which to roam and relax, and an unbeatable atmosphere from start to finish. It’s on Saturday 11 July.
A standard ticket, priced £16.96 (which includes a £1.96 booking fee) gives you entry to the event for the full afternoon through into the night. It includes access to all outdoor areas (excluding the VIP area), plus entertainment throughout the day and evening, and the chance to enjoy food and drink available to purchase on the day.
It’s a ticket only event – only 450 tickets available – and bookings should be made online.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-yorkshire-do-tickets-1982671571041?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Tickets cannot be purchased on the day, all guests must have a valid ticket in advance. Please note that the entire venue will be closed to the general public on Saturday 11 July for this private event.
Please note that all VIP tables have now been sold.
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Topcliffe Summer Fair
This year’s annual summer fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 1 August between 10am and 2pm. Besides a variety of stalls and a raffle, the summer fair will include brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.
Organiser, Karen Morley says there’s still a few stalls available for crafters, groups, charities or other organisations that would like to be involved. They are available at just £10. Please contact Karen on 07736 086369. Watch out for more details on Top Residents nearer the date.
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Big events later in the year at the Village Hall
Here’s a reminder of two dates you may wish to put in your diary. 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. More details soon!
The Flying Oysters
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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Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm.
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EVENTS ACROSS THE WIDER AREA
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The Ritz Cinema
- The Christophers – to Thursday 11 June.
- Finding Emily – Friday 12 to Thursday 18 June. Matinee on Wednesday 17 June.
- Power Ballad – Friday 19 to Thursday 25 June – no matinee.
- Glastonbury the Movie: The 30th Anniversary Cut – Friday 26 June at 7.30pm.
- Tuner – Saturday 27 June to Thursday 2 July – matinee on Wednesday 1 July.
- The National Theatre – Les Liaisons Dangereuses – Friday 3 July at 7.30pm.
- Disclosure Day – Saturday 4 to Thursday 9 July – no matinee.
- Toy Story 5 – Friday 10 to Thursday 16 July – matinees on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.
- Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – Saturday 18 to Thursday 23 July – matinee Wednesday 22 July.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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Great Knaresborough Bed Race
Bed race with supporting parade. Saturday 13 June – starts at about 10:30am, parade at 1pm, Bed Race 3pm. Free. More information at – http://www.bedrace.co.uk
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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 at 7.30pm. 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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Racing at Thirsk
- Afternoon Racing featuring Royal Ascot – Tuesday 16 June – gates open at 11am. First race 2.15pm.
- Afternoon Racing – Wednesday 1 July – gates open at 11am
- Afternoon Racing – Thursday 16 July – gates open at 11am.
- Summer Family Day as part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival – Friday 24 July – gates open at 11am. Saver rate available for early bookings.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 9 June at 7.30pm.
- Thursday Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 11 June at 12.30pm.
- Ripon Choral Society Summer Concert – Saturday 13 June at 7.30pm.
- Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 16 June at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight – Friday 19 June at 7.30pm.
- Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 23 June at 7.30pm.
- Thursday Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 25 June at 7.30pm.
- Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 30 June at 7.30pm.
- Thursday Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 2 July at 12.30pm.
- Ryedale Festival: Tenebrae in Ripon – Friday 24 July at 7.30pm.
- 80s Anthems by Candlelight – Friday 31 July at 7.30pm.
- The Music of James Bond – Thursday 20 August at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight – Friday 21 August at 7.30pm.
- The Greatest Shows – Friday 4 September at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
- The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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North Yorkshire Agricultural Show
will be held at Otterington Hall, South Otterington, on Sunday 21 June from 8am. £35 family, £12 adult, £8 child, under 5s free. Tickets online or at gate. http://www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk
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Thirsk Artisan Market
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. Sunday 21 June – 10am-3pm.
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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
- Something Social: Pennants and Pimms – Friday 26 June, 7-9pm
- Tetrapak Adventures: Intaglio Printing – Saturday 4 July, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
- Silverdrop Earrings – Saturday 4 July, 10am to 1pm.
Buy tickets online at https://www.ruralarts.org/
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Ladies Pop-up Shop & Fun Fashion Show
Buy your favourite high street brands at really low prices. Friday 19 June at 7pm. at Dalton Village Hall. 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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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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Concerts at Thorp Perrow
- Sarah Collins & Keep the Faith Concert – Saturday 4 July – Sarah Collins is a firm favourite on today’s retro music scene with many appearances at UK and European festivals and events. Along with her band, Keep the Faith, she will be performing an evening of soul, Motown and disco.
- That 80’s Thing – Saturday 8 August – Back by popular demand! The band has been wowing audiences up and down the UK for eight years and have played at 100s of corporate events, private parties and weddings. The four-piece band consist of powerful vocals, soaring guitar, funkin’ bass and all important 80s drum sound.
Timings for both events: Gates open 6pm for gazebo bookings. 6.30pm for general public. Performance starts: 7.30pm and finishes around 9.45pm. For more information and to make a booking go to: https://booking.bookinghound.cloud/fe/booking?og=6d55784e-4d5c-46a6-9940-a8d09d48b8b2
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de Mowbray Music Festival 2026
There’s a wide variety of events on at this year’s de Mowbray Music Festival at venues around Thirsk, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August. Tickets are now on sale and full details are available on the festival website – https://www.demowbraymusic.com/festival
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Quiz answers
1. Sydney
2. Dennis Norden
3. Ravel (Maurice) – in 1928
4. River Don
5. Marion Morris
6. Kampala
7. 4
8. Water Displacement
9. Porthos, Athos and Aramis
10. Mortimer Mouse
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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