St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: Sunday 21 June at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
- Thursday 25 June at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 28 June at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 2 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 5 July at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
- Sunday 5 July at 6.30pm Choral Evensong.
- Thursday 9 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 21 June – 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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North Yorkshire Agricultural Show
TODAY: Sunday 21 June. At Otterington Hall, South Otterington. £35 family, £12 adult, £8 child, under 5s free. Tickets online or at gate. http://www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk
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Thirsk Midsummer evening walking tour
TODAY: Sunday 21 June at 7pm. Explore the history of Thirsk on this free 90 minute walking tour with an experienced local guide. Starting from Thirsk tourist information centre. 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 21 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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A very enjoyable quiz night last Sunday, with the quiz presented by Doug and won by David, Carolyn, Mike and Kate. Well done the winners and everyone who took part.
Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. Which British monarch suffered the most assassination attempts of any world monarch?
2. What does the word portmanteau mean?
3. Which sculptor designed the Angel of the North and in what year was it unveiled?
4. Which city is served by Al Maktoum international airport?
5. Which county lies west of West Sussex and east of Dorset?
6. Which battle was Napoleon’s final defeat?
7. Name the two team leaders in the panel show, Would I Lie to You?
8. Only two South American countries do not border Brazil, can you name them?
9. Which was the first of Stephen King’s novels – Carrie, The Shining or Salem’s Lot?
10. In emergencies the government calls meeting of COBRA – what do the initials stand for?
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Resurfacing on the A1(M) – Boroughbridge to Wetherby
The roadworks on the A1(M) southbound between junctions 48 (Boroughbridge) and 46 (Wetherby) continue 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 roads closed – perfect heaven!
Peace and quiet descended on Topcliffe last Friday when North Yorkshire Council closed all main roads in the village to undertake ‘carriageway rejuvenation’ works. Apparently that is the term used for a new treatment used in Topcliffe for the first time in North Yorkshire. It involves applying a chemical followed by light gritting. The chemical is supposed to permeate through the existing tarmac and the reaction rejuvenates the structure, giving it an extra five to 10 years of useful life. The treatment only works on reasonable surfaces, like those we had in the village. It simply wouldn’t be feasible on pot-holed or poor surfaces.
But significant impact on village business
It’s good to know that our village roads may be in good condition for many years ahead, so thank you North Yorkshire Council. But maybe the council could learn from this exercise and implement their road closures more thoughtfully in other villages that get this treatment. It would be good to have more warning and better information about what is involved. It should consider approaching local businesses and organisations directly to warn them and to give them the opportunity to better plan how they will deal with the closures. I’m thinking here of shops, pubs, churches, surgeries, schools and fish & chip vans…all of which were badly affected here in Topcliffe. Some consultation and negotiation may have helped avoid things such as the school sports day having to be postponed, the Post Office having to close on its busiest day and The Angel having to cancel lunchtime opening. And better information might include an explanation of what the surface treatment involves. Many people were critical of the council for organising what appeared to be the resurfacing of roads that appeared to them to be in good condition: a bit of detail about the new process and how it works would have saved much criticism and might have gained the council some brownie points.
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Topcliffe at centre of police chase crash
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| Anyone who managed to sleep through the commotion and sound of a helicopter swooping across Topcliffe last Wednesday night must be a very deep sleeper. The noise was very loud as police searched for two people who had been chased on the A1M and eventually came to a stop when their car crashed through Nigel Graham’s allotment and hit a house in East Lea.
Afterwards the police issued the following appeal:
Enquiries are ongoing to track down two suspects who fled from a Range Rover after crashing it into the side of a house in Topcliffe following a short police pursuit. The incident began at around 3.10am on Wednesday 17 June when a Roads’ Policing officer spotted the silver 4×4 travelling at speed on the north-bound A1(M) near Boroughbridge. The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit was authorised with support from a police helicopter.
The Range Rover came off the A1(M) and headed to Topcliffe. At 3.20am, officers found the vehicle embedded into the side of a house on East Lea with reports that a man and a woman had run from the scene. Thankfully, no-one in the property came to harm. Extensive searches were immediately carried out involving officers, a police dog, a drone and the helicopter. However, the man and woman have not yet been caught.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace them, including support from Cleveland Police where the Range Rover is registered. The vehicle has been recovered for forensic examination. Witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage are urged to get in touch to support the investigation. Please call North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make an online report. The reference number to quote is 12260111681. |
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Soup & Sweet
The very last Soup and Sweet lunch organised as part of the Warm Hub initiative at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be on Wednesday 24 June between 11.30am and 12.45pm.
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Saltburn Smugglers in Concert
Next Sunday (28 June) the Saltburn Smugglers are performing at the Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. Entry on the afternoon is by ticket only (or under the name of the person who bought the ticket). The tickets have been sold out for many weeks, but one was this week returned and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you would like this contact Jane Gallon on 07909 614086.
Those attending are reminded to take along cash for raffle tickets and tea/coffee and cake. It is a Bring Your Own drinks event. Bring your own glass if you wish, though a selection of glasses is available.
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Topcliffe Parish Council
The next meeting of Topcliffe Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Thursday 2 July in the ground floor committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be held in the main hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 July.
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Asenby Parish Council
The next meeting of Asenby Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 8 July at 7pm in the upper committee room at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.
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The Big Yorkshire Do
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe’s second annual summer do is due to be bigger, bolder, and twice the size as last year’s. 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
- Power Ballad – 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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- Summer Organ Festival – Tuesday 23 June at 7.30pm.
- Thursday Lunchtime Concert – Thursday 25 June at 12.30pm.
- 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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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 23 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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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. To Saturday 27 June. Check out the website for details – http://www.aldboroughfestival.co.uk
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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 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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Racing at Thirsk
- 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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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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Strawberry Tea
Strawberry teas will be served at St John’s Church, Dalton on Saturday 4 July between 2 and 4pm. No set charge but donations welcomed.
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Strawberry Sunday
Sunday 5 July is Strawberry Sunday at Sessay Village Hall. All welcome. Raising funds for to help with the maintenance of Sessay church. 3 to 5pm
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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 consists 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. Queen Victoria (survived 8 attempts)
2. A word blending the sound and combining the meaning of two other words. Eg. Brunch (breakfast & lunch), Motel (motor and hotel) or Chunnel (Channel and tunnel)
3. Antony Gormley, 1998
4. Dubai
5. Hampshire
6. Waterloo
7. David Mitchell and Lee Mack
8. Ecuador and Chile
9. Carrie
10. Cabinet Office Briefing Room A
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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