St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 14 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Last week’s was an excellent quiz, with many local history questions and, strangely, a few about carrots. This was the first time Malc had presented a quiz since the event moved to the Village Hall! It was won by David, Doug and Peter. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.
Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. See how you do, but apologies in advance to those who don’t know much about Topcliffe’s history. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. In what year did William de Percy build the Maiden’s Bower (fortified home) and take control of Topcliffe?
2. Who is the patron saint of Topcliffe parish church?
3. What does a village or town name ending in ‘by’ signify (ie as in Asenby or Sowerby)?
4. Where was Britain’s worst-ever recorded earthquake?
5. What does CNN stand for (in the USA)?
6. What was the first usable fully synthetic plastic?
7. Which country is fully surrounded by France, Germany and Belgium?
8. Who is the only man to have served as Vice-President and President of the USA without being elected to either role?
9. What is a baby hedgehog called?
10. What is the medical term for skin turned orange by eating too many carrots?
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Asenby Parish Council
The Parish Council is hoping to fill a vacancy by co-opting a qualifying resident 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:
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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) through to July. There’ll be overnight closures every weeknight (Monday to Friday, 8pm–6am) with diversions via the A168 and B1224. Allow plenty of extra time for your journeys during these works.
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Topcliffe village roads closed all day next Friday
Residents can’t have missed the preparations for the planned ‘carriageway rejuvenation’ works on Long Street (the A167) and Church and Front Streets, on Friday 19 June. The one-day work programme, which is weather dependent (ie if it is raining the work will be postponed) 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.
Footnote:
Topcliffe Surgery will be open as normal throughout the day but patients are advised to be aware of the access difficulties that the road closure will cause.
Topcliffe Post Office will be closed all day. If there’s any change, there’ll be information posted on Top Residents’ Facebook page.
Topcliffe Church of England Academy has already postponed its sports day, which will now be held on Friday 10 July. Parents will generally be able to get their children to school before the 9am roadworks start time, but significant difficulties are expected at the end of the school day. Bus companies have been advised that there will be problems and that it is likely they will have to access Topcliffe on the afternoon via Busby Stoop. Parents are advised that car access will be very difficult, particularly on the afternoon and that they should be prepared to park up and walk through the village…or follow the diversions via Busby Stoop.
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Riverside Path
Asenby Parish Council is seeking a small team of volunteers to help with minor maintenance activities along the riverside path between Topcliffe Bridge and Asenby. Although the grass along the riverside path is cut regularly by contractors there are sometimes smaller jobs that need attention such as cutting back small overhanging branches. The team would also monitor the condition of the path and report any more substantial issues to the Parish Council. If you are interested please contact Asenby Parish clerk – clerk@asenbyparish.gov.uk – for more details.
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Thirsk Tourist Information Centre
If you’ve just retired and are looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to meet visitors to Thirsk as well as local people, you may be interested to know that Thirsk Tourist Information is on the lookout for a few more volunteers to join their team. They are a friendly group committed to promoting the area and helping visitors to enjoy all the interesting and exciting things that there are to do in and around Thirsk. If you’re interested please email Jo Caramello at jo@visitthirsk.uk or phone her on 07482 084643
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Heritage event a great success
Last Sunday the weather was pleasantly warm (no wind or rain) as around 75 or more visitors joined in the various events arranged for the annual celebration of St Columba and our church’s heritage. Of these 50 enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch, some generously bringing with them a wonderful array of salads and cakes to share. In the afternoon a steady stream of intrepid souls climbed the tower to visit the clock and bell chambers and admire the views from the very top after negotiating the final long ladder.
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Meanwhile, an impromptu talk about the church’s historic silver, given by John Phillips, was very well received by a group of 20 or so who were initially challenged to pick the oldest of three chalices, which caused some lively debate!. An outline of the post-Reformation change to plain silver ‘Communion Cups’ was presented, revealing the oldest chalice to be circa 1638 from the reign of Charles I, closely followed by one of 1669 (Charles II). The third chalice was much more modern from 1956 (from a different Elizabethan age!) though, as pointed out by an astute member of the audience, had the oldest design from before the reformation! The day concluded with a goodly number joining the Choral Evensong with wine and more food to follow.
On the day an incredible £380 was raised for church funds. So, a very successful and enjoyable day all round and a huge thank you goes out to all those who worked so hard to make it happen, the grass cutters, cleaners, furniture shifters, tent erectors, flower planters and arrangers, cooks, waiters, servers and guides… and above, all the guests for joining in with their smiles and good company.
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Soup & Sweet
The very last Soup and Sweet lunch at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 24 June between 11.30am and 12.45pm.
The lunch on Wednesday 10 May saw 41 meals served and a donation of £50 was made to the Blue Cross Animal Rehoming Centre in Topcliffe.
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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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Coffee if You Care
Suzanne Simpson, the Care Co-ordinator at Topcliffe Surgery wants carers to know about this special coffee and chat event being held at Rural Arts, The Courthouse in Thirsk on Wednesday 22 July between 10am and 12.30pm. Its a friendly environment and an opportunity for all unpaid carers, those helping out their friends, families and neighbours, to get together and share experiences. Take along any questions you have. There’ll be support and signposting from GP surgery teams.
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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.
More than 50% of the available stalls have already been taken, but there’s still a few available for crafters, groups, charities or other organisations that would like to be involved. They are available at just £10. Please contact Karen Morley on 07736 086369. Watch out for more details on in future Sunday Emails and on Top Residents nearer the date.
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Summer Adventures in Nature
There’s some great kid’s outdoor adventures at the Base Camp at Baldersby Park this summer holiday. See the full list in the poster below. All events are supervised by experienced staff and specialist practitioners. Suitable for children and young people aged 5-13.
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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
- Finding Emily – 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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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 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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Northern Aldborough Music Festival
This year’s festival of events over a period of 10 days is shot through with quality, featuring artists from Orchestra of Opera North and Emma Johnson to Clark Tracey and Amol Rajan. Various venues including St Andrew’s Church YO51 9ER. Thursday 18 to Saturday 27 June. Check out the website for details – http://www.aldboroughfestival.co.uk
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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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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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Thirsk Midsummer evening walking tour
Explore the history of Thirsk on this free 90 minute walking tour with an experienced local guide. Sunday 21 June starting from Thirsk tourist information centre at 7pm. Discover where the Shambles were and where the Hermit of Thirsk lived, hear about local connections to Lord Nelson and Schindler. Wear sensible shoes for a journey through the town’s fascinating past. Free but donations gratefully received. Just turn up.
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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 25 June 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: 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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Thirsk Young Farmers Charity Auction
This Charity Auction in memory of the late Jenny Kidson is being held to raise funds for Parkinson UK. It’s being held at Thirsk Auction Mart on Sunday 28 June. There’ll be food, live music and a DJ. The bar will be open. Fun for all ages with activities for kids. Doors open at 2pm, and bidding starts at 4pm. 16 and over £10, 15 and under £5. Pay on the door.
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St Mary’s Lunchtime Organ Recitals
St Mary’s Church in Thirsk is delighted to welcome a number of accomplished organists for a series of Monday lunchtime organ recitals over the summer months. On Monday 29 June at 12.15pm you can see and hear Maximillian Elliot, Assistant Director of Music St Olave’s in York. He’ll also give a brief history of the organ. 12.15pm. Free including refreshments, with a retiring collection for the organ fund.
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Janice Burns & Jon Doran in Concert
Janice Burns and Jon Doran are an award-winning Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music. Their compelling storytelling comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and sensitive interplay between mandolin, bouzouki and guitar. Thursday 2 July at 7:30pm at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk. £15.
http://www.ruralarts.org/whats-on/at-the-co urthouse/music-monthlies-janice-burn s-jon-doran/
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Live Music on Easingwold Market Place
Kaminari UK Taiko Drummers – Japanese style drumming. Saturday 4 July, 1pm – 3pm. Free.
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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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Ripon Theatre Festival
Various indoor and outdoor venues in Ripon from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July. From stories in cosy spaces to eye-popping street drama, dance, puppetry and storytelling. Workshops, street performances, entertainment, family shows, open-air Shakespeare and lots more. Both indoors and in open-air settings,. Professional productions alongside local talent, transforming Ripon into a hub of creativity and performance. See website for places, times, prices and how to book. Ticketed and free events. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/list
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Hilarity Bites Festival Special 2026
A Ripon Theatre Festival 2026 special event. Tuesday 7 July at 8pm. Hilarity Bites returns to Ripon Arts Hub with a special show for Ripon Theatre Festival, featuring two stars of Live at the Apollo, QI, and Have I Got News For You – Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ignacio Lopez. £15. https://tinyurl.com/4c352kd7.
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The Big Family Weekend
Set to fill the city of Ripon with theatre, circus, music and dance for two whole days – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Highlights include Just More Productions with cooking, comedy and pyrotechnics in ‘Do What Ya Mama Told Ya!’ Ye Birdz from Chick on Sticks stiltwalking team, hot-air balloon walkabouts with Phileas Fogg: Day 79 and the return of Rhubarb Theatre. Free. http://www.ripontheatrefestival.org
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Meet the Superheroes
Everyone’s favourite superheroes will be at Monk Park Farm, near Bagby, for a supercharged weekend on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Spot characters roaming across the farm throughout the day. Enjoy all the usual farm activities, from animal encounters to play areas, Little Thirsk and more. A full day of family fun awaits. Starts 10am. From £3 per person. Book online at – http://eyup@monkparkfarm.co.uk or pay on the door.
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Great Yorkshire Show
The best animals in the country competing, alongside national breed shows, machinery, food and first-class entertainment to celebrate the very best of farming, food and the countryside. At the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 July. 8am-6pm. £36.50, also advance, concession and family tickets. Online booking essential – Ticket information and prices for 2026 Great Yorkshire Show
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Steam Engines & Fair Organs
The annual rally is in Masham Market Square on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July from 10am-5pm. £14, also advance, concession and family tickets. http://www.mashamsteamrally.com
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Historic Vehicle Rally
Vintage and classic cars – the North’s biggest one-day car show, over 1,000 vehicles on display at Newby Hall near Ripon. Sunday 19 July from 10am-3pm. £16, child £10, family £47, under 4s free. Book online at –http:// www.newbyhall.com/event
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Thirsk Artisan Market
On Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July from 10am to 3pm. 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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Minibeasts in the Market Place
Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place on Sunday 19 July.
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Walking tour through Thirsk’s history
Fascinating walking tour with a local knowledgeable guide. See where the Hermit of Thirsk lived and hear about the surprising Thirsk link to Lord Horatio Nelson’s amputation. Check out the ancient urine deflector. Sunday 19 July and Sunday 26 July – 11am – 12.30pm. Free but donations gratefully received. Meet at 93a Market Place.
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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. 1067
2. St Columba
3. A Viking or Danish settlement
4. Dogger Bank (1931 – 6.1 on the Richter scale)
5. Cable News Network
6. Bakelite
7. Luxembourg
8. Gerald Ford
9. Hoglet
10. Carotenaemia
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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