St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: 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.
- Sunday 26 July at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 30 July at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 2 August at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm – Choral Evensong.
- Thursday 6 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 9 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 13 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
All services, other than the Said Holy Communion (BCP) at 8.30am on the first Sunday of the month, are followed by refreshments with wine. Following the Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of the month, pre-supper nibbles are served.
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Ripon Theatre Festival
TODAY: Sunday 12 July – Various indoor and outdoor venues in Ripon. 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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Last Sunday we had an excellent quiz with ‘mixed up’ teams. The quiz was prepared by Stephen and won by Lee, Roger, Sheila and Myra. Well done the winners and everyone else who took part.
Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. In which year was the first football World Cup played?
2. What is beneath the Arc De Triomphe in Paris?
3. In which country is the Napa Valley wine region?
4. At the 2025 Grammy Awards who won the the Best Rock album and who won the Best rock performance awards?
5. In the novel and TV series, Poldark, who does Ross Poldark marry?
6. “The Scottish Play” is a common euphemism for which Shakespearean play?
7. Which woman other than Queen Elizabeth II, was first to appear on the £10 banknote?
8. In which country are The Angel Falls?
9. Who is the only Prime Minister not to have English as his first language?
10. What is the state capitol of California?
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Another closure of Front and Church streets
TOMORROW: Monday 13 July – North Yorkshire Council has put up notices in Church Street and Front Street stating that they will be carrying out highway works between 7am and 5pm and that parking and loading is prohibited during these times. The notice fails to explain what work is to be undertaken. Worse still, a check with North Yorkshire highways team resulted in a complete blank of information. The person answering the call said there are no plans to undertake work in Topcliffe. There was even a request for a photograph of the signs – as above – but there was no response from the council beyond that! A case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing?
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Water leaks cause havoc
This week residents of Topcliffe learned how difficult it can be to experience life without water flowing freely through our taps. Two days of having no, or very slow running water, puts an enormous strain on family household, made worse by the very hot weather. Yorkshire Water make some effort to inform households about the problems, but the flow of information is generally as bad as the flow of water! Similarly, the tried to support residents by pumping water from tankers into the system, and delivered a supply of bottled water to the village, which was gone in no time and was hardly enough for a village the size of Topcliffe.
The major mains burst, which was on Topcliffe Road in Thirsk, was reportedly fixed at 6am Saturday morning…but by 6.30am work teams were again rushing to the site to deal with a second burst. The water was back on later in the day and so far things appear to be ok. Let’s hope so as we all now know how critically important free-flowing water from our taps really is. Makes you wonder how residents living in Kent managed when they suffered weeks of not having water in their homes. That must have been intolerable.
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Future of the Toll Booth
Although the voting card distributed to each household in Topcliffe was supposed to be returned by Friday 10 July, the Parish Clerk has indicated that because of potential delays to 2nd class post, any cards arriving up to Friday 17 July, will be counted in the ballot. At the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 2 July, parish councillors agreed that only votes returned will be counted (ie a non-returned vote will not be counted as a vote for the Parish Council’s preferred option).
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – A Brief Report on its meeting – Tuesday 7 July
The first thing on the agenda was the sad passing of Lesley Poole following a brief illness. Lesley had kept the hall clean for many years and will obviously be greatly missed. Her funeral is at Maple Park Crematorium 17 July followed by a gathering at the Crematorium’s café.
The hall’s ongoing condensation problem now appears to have been cured. Malcolm Morley reported that air vents installed by Howart Court Developments in the north and south walls of the hall had already shown an improvement, but we now have to wait for winter to see the true results. A new extra large extractor fan fitted in the kitchen at the same time unfortunately proved to be faulty and has to be returned to the supplier for repair or replacement. Malcolm also reported repointing of the eaves on the south wall had also been addressed in the same operation.
A new front door lock has been fitted to the hall’s front door following the Bookings Secretary’s report at the last meeting that she was no longer able to programme access codes. Initial operational problems with the new lock proved more to be ‘human’ than mechanical and the lock is now working well.
At the last meeting it was agreed a handyman should be sought to undertake minor work around the hall that could prove difficult for any Committee Member to undertake. Tasked with the job Committee Secretary Doug Allan had been successful in identifying two willing candidates.
It was announced at our last meeting that Emily Collard will be standing down in September and therefore we need a new Minutes Secretary. Emily, who has done a terrific job, will obviously be sorely missed and we wish her well. Anyone interested in the position please contact Secretary Doug Allan or any Committee Member.
In her report Treasurer Linsey Payne was pleased to announce that the ongoing saga of trying to set up a savings account with the hall’s banker, Santander, had now been concluded by opening an account with HTB. This alternative not only proved to be a very easy to arrange but also came with a better interest rate compared to that being offered by our bank.
Bookings Administrator Helen Fothergill reported that bookings in the past year were a little down compared to the previous year, although the summer months are always quieter. One booking that had to be cancelled because, unfortunately, it coincided with the day Front Street was closed for road works.
A new form of accident recording is being adopted to conform with GDPR regulations and instead of using a book containing personal details a form is now provided which once filled in must be deposited in the hall’s post box. .
Jim Shaw reported that tickets priced £12.50 for the BBQ and Boogie Night on Saturday 22 August are now on sale at the Post Office and from himself. Raffle prizes include days out at the races, rounds of golf and a voucher for a local prestigious hotel restaurant. Ticket sales are already going very well.
Plans for the Annual Produce Show are in place for Saturday 29 August, reported Secretary Doug Allan. He also confirmed that the Flying Oysters are confirmed to play for another great night on Saturday 7 November.
With no other business Chairman Richard Byas closed the meeting. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
We hope this has been informative and of interest.
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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. There’ll be a wide variety of stalls selling all sorts of products including jams and jellies, art prints, greeting cards, decorative bottles, rag rugs, knitted toys , macrame and cakes. Karen Morley and her team will be serving brunch – bacon sandwiches and veggie option – and endless mugs of coffee or tea. Funds raised on the day will help support the Village Hall.
Most stalls have now been sold, but there’s still a couple 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.
Finally, if anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen.
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The Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night
Tickets for this very popular summer event are now on sale from Topcliffe Post Office. The event will be held on Saturday 22 August at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall starting 7.30pm. Anyone with special dietary requirements is asked to contact Jim Shaw on 07761 501820. There’ll be a raffle with some excellent prizes. It’s a Bring Your Own Drinks evening.
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Music and pizza treat at The Angel Inn
There’s a treat in store for those visiting The Angel Inn’s beer garden for pizzas on Friday 28 August. Following his amazingly successful visit earlier this year, solo singer and guitarist, Leon Marshall, has been invited back. He will be entertaining the crowd with his extensive repertoire whilst his audience enjoy delicious pizzas. But please remember, outdoor dining is weather dependent. Contact reception to order tickets.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
This year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.
This year there are 88 classes, an increase of four on previous years. The new classes are:
- Pork Pies in the Baking category – we were asked to add this by someone well known for his pork pies. Will there be any challengers to take first prize?
- Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts – it was clear from previous shows that the woodworking skills of residents needed greater recognition, so a specific class has been introduced.
- Handwriting for adults and children – many village shows feature the handwriting skills of children and adults, so we thought we would try it. Pupils of Topcliffe Academy are being encouraged to participate.
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.
The five categories and classes are:
• Horticultural category with 47 classes
• Baking/jams/preserves and pickles category, with18 classes
• Floral category with three classes.
• Hobbies/handicrafts category with 12 classes
• Children’s category with seven classes.
The full list of categories and classes, plus the show rules and timings on the day, are available here or can be found on both village websites – http://www.asenby.net and http://www.topcliffe.org.uk or requested from Show Secretary Judith Lowe by calling 01845 577911.
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Flying Oysters performing at the Village Hall later this year
Here’s a reminder that The Flying Oysters will be returning to Topcliffe later this year. Please note the date in your diary. 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. All funds raised will help support the Village Hall. Tickets will go on sale in September.
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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
- Toy Story 5 – 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.
- Supergirl – Friday 24 to Thursday 30 July – no matinees.
- Minions & Monsters – Friday 31 July to Thursday 6 August – matinees on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
- The Invite – Friday 7 to Thursday 13 August – no matinees.
- The Odyssey – Friday 14 to Thursday 20 August – no matinees.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Friday 21 to Thursday 27 August – matinees on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
- PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September – matinees on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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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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Racing at Thirsk
- 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.
- The William Hill Summer Cup – Saturday 1 August – gates open at 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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Dalton Village Events
- Village Gala: – Will be held on Saturday 18 July, starting at 2pm. There will be children’s races, BBQ, owl adventures, tombola, teas and more. Come along and enjoy a fun family day out.
- Coffee Morning: July’s Coffee Morning, in aid of Prostate Cancer, will be held in Dalton Village Hall on Wednesday 22 July, 10.30 until 12 noon. There is no set charge, but donations are welcome. Pop along and enjoy coffee and cake and have a chat with friends and neighbours in support of a good cause.
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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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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. It’s 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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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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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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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Thirsk Model Railway Show
The annual Model railway Show takes place at Thirsk Town Hall on Sunday 26 July between 10am and 4pm. There’ll be upwards of fourteen layouts, trade support, demonstrations, refreshments. Profits to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Adults/concessions £5 accompanied children free.
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Ripon Classic Car Gathering
Organised by Ripon Old Cars, this extremely popular annual event returns to Ripon Racecourse on Sunday 26 July. There’ll be classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, tractors, car clubs and specialist car stands. You can enjoy a family-friendly event with other attractions and activities taking place on the day such as children’s entertainment, live music, stalls and trade stands of all descriptions, an auto jumble, games and quizzes as well as good food and much more. Check out the website for more information – http://riponclassiccargathering.co.uk
Now in its thirty-first year, the organisers are promising a bigger and better show than ever. Ripon Old cars is a not-for-profit group and all monies raised will go to nominated charities. The event and the entertainment start at approximately 10:15am but gates open from 9am. The show will end at 5pm. There’s ample free parking and a very modest entry fee of £5 per person, which must make this the cheapest car show in the country for visitors. Children under 14 admitted free if accompanying an adult. Sorry no other concessions.
PS: Topcliffe resident Gordon Hatton will be displaying his vintage Beetle at this event.
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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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St Wilfred’s Procession
The annual St Wilfred’s procession takes place in Ripon on Saturday 1 August starting 1.40pm. There’ll be brightly decorated floats driving round the city, generating a carnival atmosphere.
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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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Crime surgeries
Our local Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding two surgeries in August. They are at:
- Thirsk garden Centre on Friday 7 August at 10am.
- Tesco at Station Road, Thirsk on Tuesday 25 August 26 at 10am
These surgeries are to give you the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what the Police are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.
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Concert at Thorp Perrow
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.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. 1930 (Uraquay were the hosts and winners)
2. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (the eternal flame is above the tomb)
3. USA (in the state of California)
4. Rolling Stones best rock album, Hackney Diamonds and The Beatles for best performance ‘Now and Then’.
5. Demelza (played by Nee carne)
6. Macbeth
7. Florence Nightingale (1975 to 1992)
8. Venezuela
9. David Lloyd George (his first language was Welsh)
10. Sacremento.(since 1854).
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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