St Columba’s Services
- TODAY: 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.
- Sunday 12 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 16 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 19 July at 10.45am – Sung Matins.
- Thursday 23 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
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Thirsk Young Farmers’ Charity Auction
TODAY: Sunday 28 June, doors open at 2pm. 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. 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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TONIGHT: Sunday 28 June – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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An excellent quiz presented by Mike and won by David, Carolyn and Chrissy. 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. By what name do we better know William Bonney?
2. What is the name of the famous museum in St Petersburg?
3. Which solo singer had a No 1 hit with ‘Leave Right Now’ in 2003?
4. Which British Prime Minister gave his name to a bag?
5. Which rock band made a guest appearance on Coronation Street in 2005?
6. Which was Charles Dicken’s first novel?
7. Which Soviet leader died in 1953?
8. Which underground station is between Bond Street and Westminster.
9. In which sport does Arthur Fury participate?
10. On which racecourse is the Scottish Grand national run?
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Warm Hub comes to an end
Last Wednesday’s Soup & Sweet lunch was the very last organised as part of the Warm Hub initiative at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. The lunches have come to an end after seven years as the team found it increasingly difficult to make the necessary commitment to the fortnightly event.
Over the seven years, it is estimated that over 200 lunch days have been held and around 6,500 meals (soup & sweet in the summer and a more substantial meal in winter months) – have been served. In addition, approximately £12,000 has been donated to local charities and organisations, including the Boccia Club, Royal British Legion, Herriot Hospice, Animal Crew Rescue, Blue Cross Animal Rescue Centre, Macmillan Nurses, Thirsk Community Works, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and our local newsletter, The Tattler. These groups will benefit from one final donation of about £50 each.
The team behind the fortnightly Warm Hub lunches deserves a huge thank you from the community and especially from the regulars who attended the lunches over the years. So, thank you Karen and Malcolm, Richard, the two Lindas, Chloe, Julie…and several occasional helpers who gave up their time to run an amazing event.
Although those attending made donations – some more than others – to cover costs including renting the Village Hall, it is probably not really understood how much these volunteers really did. Not just giving their time freely every other Wednesday but their amazing catering/cooking/baking skills are second to none. Then there was grocery shopping, preparing, cooking, baking, setting up, washing up, clearing up, and much much more. It is doubtful they claimed back all their food costs and certainly not their utility costs. By doing this, local charities also benefitted hugely from the Warm Hub.
We are going to really miss these lunches, but all is not lost as the team have promised they’ll hold occasional events to raise cash for village charities and good causes.
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Funeral of Lesley Poole
The funeral of Lesley Poole, who lived on Alanbrooke Barracks, and had been the cleaner at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall for many years, will take place at Maple Park Crematorium on Friday 17 July at 2.30pm. The family have asked that no flowers be sent, instead there’ll be a collection at the service for Lesley’s chosen charity. There will be a gathering after the service in the cafe at Maple Park.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
It’s only nine weeks until the 2026 Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show is held in the Village Hall. It will be held on Saturday 29 August.
The organisers are again hoping that lots of residents of our two villages will be preparing entries in the various categories and that the hall will be packed with home grown fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as homemade produce, hobby items and baking.
This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are – Pork Pies in the Baking category, woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts and examples of handwriting for adults and children. There is also a brand-new trophy – The Ray Fothergill Cucumber Cup, a special trophy donated by Joan Fothergill in memory of her husband Ray, who was a great supporter of the Produce Show, who sadly passed away last year.
There are five categories:
• 47 classes in the Horticultural section.
• 18 classes in the baking/jams/preserves and pickles category.
• 3 floral classes.
• 13 classes in the hobbies/handicrafts section
• 7 specific classes that only children can enter.
The full list of categories and classes, plus the show rules and timings on the day, are available on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk or requested from Show Secretary Judith Lowe at lowepeter46@hotmail.com or by calling 01845 577911.
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Art Class Appeal
Can anyone help Thirsk School’s young artists by donating any of the things mentioned in this poster?
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Garden Help Wanted at Catton Kitchen
The Catton Kitchen is looking for help on their market garden. The work which would suit a retired person or someone looking for an extra bit of cash. Approximately eight hours a week ideally on Wednesdays, but this is flexible. Minimum wage. Anyone keen on gardening who is interested in this job should call Amy on 07747 083155.
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Resurfacing on the A1(M) – Boroughbridge to Wetherby
A reminder for those travelling southbound on the A1(M) between junctions 48 (Boroughbridge) and 46 (Wetherby), that roadworks continue overnight through to July. There’ll be 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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Village Meetings coming up
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.
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.
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 children’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 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
- Tuner – 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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Pig Keeper for a Day
Monk Park Farm near Thirsk has launched a brand-new Pig Keeper Experience this summer. The private, one-hour hands-on encounter allows guests to work
alongside an experienced farmer to learn about pig care, feeding, and welfare.
Participants will help prepare food, create enrichment activities, muck out pens, and lay fresh bedding. After the chores, visitors can get up close to feed, brush, and scratch the pigs while learning about their intelligence and personalities.
The experience includes full-day admission to the rest of the farm’s attractions. Places are limited to ensure a personal experience, and advanced booking is required via their website. http://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk
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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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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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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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
- 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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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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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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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 5 July 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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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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Himalayan Garden Viking Weekend
Experience life in the turbulent Viking Age as the sea-borne Scandinavians clash
with the ancient kingdom of Northumbria at this Viking Weekend being staged at The Himalayan Garden near Grewelthorpe (HG4 3DA) on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Displays of crafts, cooking and combat. 10am-4pm. normal admission charges apply – see website – http://www.himalayangarden.com
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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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Summer Holiday Activity Days
Carlton Lodge Activity Centre at Carlton Miniott has announced Summer Holiday Activity Days during the forthcoming school summer holiday break. The new service provides activity programmes for children aged between 8 and 14 years. They include:
Zip, Leap, Climb – Thursday 23 July, 10am and 1.30pm – An adrenaline-packed morning or afternoon of a three-hour session on the High Ropes course, participating alongside others to tackle a range of challenges.
Campfires and Quivers; Monday 10 August – A great family day out experiencing exciting activities including archery, bushcraft, shelter building and a fun fact hunt activity.
More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days
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Deer Shed Festival
The annual family festival at Baldersby Park near Topcliffe will be held from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July. There’ll be music, comedy, shows, science, sport, literary, theatre, workshops, arts, cinema and food. Adult: £229.95 full weekend.
Child from free to £105. Tickets online – http://www.deershedfestival.com
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Repair Cafe
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. Saturday 1 August between 10am and 1pm at Thirsk Library. Free, but donations welcome.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
On the Market Place in Thirsk on Sunday 2 August 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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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. Billy the Kid
2. The Hermitage
3. Will Young
4. William Gladstone (1809–1898) – PM on four occasions
5. Status Quo
6. Great Expectations
7. Joseph Stalin
8. Green Park
9. Tennis
10. Ayr
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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