St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: 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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Public meeting about two intensive farm expansion plans near Topcliffe
TODAY: Sunday 19 July at 11am in Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall. There’s a public meeting being held to inform local residents about two intensive farm expansions planned in the area. One is on Station Road, Topcliffe and the other at Eldmire. The meeting is being organised by CAFF – Communities Against Factory Farming, which is a coalition of people from many different backgrounds who share the aim of stopping factory farming.
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Mini-beasts in the Market Place
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – The first day of the popular Yarnbombers’ display of mini-beasts in Thirsk Market Place.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 19 July from 10am to 3pm on Thirsk Market Square. 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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Walking tour through Thirsk’s history
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – 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. Also on Sunday 26 July – 11am – 12.30pm. Free but donations gratefully received. Meet at 93a Market Place.
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Steam Engines & Fair Organs
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – The second day of the annual rally in Masham Market Square from 10am-5pm. £14, also advance, concession and family tickets. http://www.mashamsteamrally.com
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Historic Vehicle Rally
TODAY: Sunday 19 July – Vintage and classic cars – the north’s biggest one-day car show with over 1,000 vehicles on display – at Newby Hall near Ripon. from 10am-3pm. £16, child £10, family £47, under 4s free. Book online at –http:// www.newbyhall.com/event
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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 19 July – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
Last Sunday’s quiz night was special. It was the quizzer’s summer party so lots of food, drink, games and great company. The excellent quiz was prepared by Sheila. As it was a party night, prizes were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams with the highest scores.
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- First were Alan, Sue and Joanne
- Second were Kate, David, Bob and Irene
- Third were Steve, Collette, Carol and Gary.
Well done all 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. What did Princess Catherine complete in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer charity in June?
2. What is the real name of Suggs, the lead singer with Madness?
3. In which year did the Disney Magic Kingdom open in Florida?
4. Who was the original host of the radio quiz show I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue?
5. Three underground lines go through Oxford Circus, can you name them?
6. What are the ingredients of a Negroni cocktail?
7 What is the Christian name of Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s wife?
8. Name the female members of The Famous Five.
9. What was the title of Richard Osman’s second novel (after The Thursday Murder Club)?
10. Who played Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street?
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Sutton Bank Closure
Sutton Bank on the A170 will be closed overnight on Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July between the hours of 7pm and 4am. This is to allow for repair works to vehicle safety barriers and tree pruning. Motorists should follow the signed caravan route.
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Village Hall seeks new Minutes Secretary
Emily Collard, who for a number of years has acted as Minutes Secretary to the Village Hall Committee, has announced she will be leaving the committee and her last meeting will be on 8 September.
Emily has done a wonderful job and has always been super-efficient in preparing the minutes, getting them agreed and posting them on the Village Hall’s pages of the village website.
Chair Richard Byas said; “Emily has always done a great job and she will certainly be missed.”
Now the search is on for a new Minutes Secretary and it’s hoped that there’s someone locally who can undertake the role, preferably as a Trustee Member of the Committee, but just dealing with the minutes at each meeting, without becoming a Trustee, is a possibility.
The committee meets on a Tuesday evening six times each year – January, March, May, July, September, November.
Anyone interested in the role is asked to contact Chair Richard Byas on 07801 721528 or Secretary Doug Allan on 07785 223707.
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Topcliffe Academy – Emergencies during school closures
Topcliffe Academy broke-up for the summer holidays last Friday. Neighbours of the school often ask what they should do if they are aware of incidents at the school during holiday periods. Unfortunately, there’s no live-on-site caretaker so calls need to be made as follows:
If you think there is a break-in taking place, please call the police on 999.
If there is something else that needs reporting, please call 01845 577412 and leave a message (this will be picked up) or email admin@topcliffeacademy.org Or call Elevate Multi Academy Trust on 01423 541996.
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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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Nature event at Asenby Community Park
Youngsters of all ages are invited to a special nature day in Asenby Community Park on Sunday 2 August at 2pm. The aim is to do some serious crafting, including building a bug hotel for the insects that visit the parkland. There’ll also be a chance to create other things that the kids can take home with them. Children must bring their own adult as well as a pair of gloves.
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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
It’s now only six weeks to this year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show. Make sure you have the date in your diary, especially if you are intending to exhibit. It 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 Doug Allan on 07785 223707.
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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
- Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day – 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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It’s Summer Show Time!
There are dozens of summer shows planned across North Yorkshire over the coming months. Here is a selection.
- Weeton Show, near Harrogate LS17 0AN – TODAY: Sunday 19 July – Events throughout the day from 8.30am. Free parking.
- Birstwith Show, Harrogate HG3 2NN – Saturday 25 July. From Noon. £7, under 18s free.
- Summer Family Day – Thirsk Racecourse, YO7 1QL – Friday 24 July – Live music, bars & food vendors. Heaps of free children’s entertainment including Inflatables, fairground stalls, jungle run, games, face painting, kids disco and more. Gates open 11am.
- Borrowby Show, Hillside Rural Activities Park, Knayton YO7 4AX – Saturday 25 July – Traditional agricultural show. Noon-6pm.
- Ryedale Festival – Friday 10 until Sun 26 July – Classical music festival with events in Sowerby, Helmsley, Pickering, York, Hovingham and Ampleforth.
- Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show, Newby Hall HG4 5AE – Sunday 26 July – 10am-4pm.
- Ryedale Agricultural Show, Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB – Tuesday 28 July – Traditional agricultural show. 8.30am-6pm.
- Thirsk and Sowerby Festival, Flatts Fields, Sowerby, YO7 1LY – Sunday 2 August – A free volunteer run family event, with loads of full-on fun, live music and more. 10am-5pm.
- Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, Whitby YO21 1UX -The oldest gooseberry show in the world, every year since 1800. 2-6.30pm
- Thornton-le-Dale Show, YO18 7RT – Wednesday 5 August – 9am-7pm. Free parking.
- Northallerton Craft Beer Festival, The Forum, DL6 1LP – Friday 7 (6pm) and Saturday 8 (12 noon) August.
- Kirkby Fleetham Feast, DL7 0SA – Saturday 8 August – A traditional Village Show on the village green.
- Whitby Regatta, YO21 1TL – Saturday 8 to Monday 10 August – Sea-based and on-shore fun.
- Danby Show, YO21 2NQ – Wednesday 12 August – 9am-4.30pm.
- Rosedale Show, Pickering YO18 8SA – Saturday 15 August – From 9am.
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Dalton Village 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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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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Racing at Thirsk
- 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.
- Superhero Day – Friday 7 August
- Country Music Night – Friday 14 August – Country Music Night – gates open from 3.30pm,
- All Creatures Great and Small Day – Friday 28 August
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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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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Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
This year’s festival will be held on Sunday 2 August on The Flatts in Sowerby. There’s a packed programme including live Taylor Swift music, carnival rides, bouncy castle, owl adventures, crazy mini golf, stalls, classic vehicles, archery, falconry, assault course and plenty of food and drink options. It starts at 10am and goes through to 5pm.
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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. The National Three Peaks Challenge (Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis)
2. Graham McPherson
3. 1971
4. Humphrey Lyttelton
5. Bakerloo, Central and Victoria
6. Gin, Vermouth Rosso and Campari
7. Victoria
8. Georgina (George) and Anne
9. The Man Who Died Twice
10. Julie Hesmondhalgh.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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