St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: 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, with former organist Matthew Atherton accompanying the service.
- Thursday 6 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 9 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 13 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 16 August at 10.45 – Sung Matins, with former organist Matthew Atherton accompanying the service.
- Thursday 20 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 23 August at 10.45am – Holy Communion.
- Thursday 27 August at 11am – Midweek Morning Prayer.
- Sunday 30 August (5th Sunday) – Benefice Service (time and place tbc).
All services, other than the Said Holy Communion (BCP) at 8.30am on the first Sunday of the month, are followed by refreshments. Following the Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of the month, pre-supper nibbles and wine are served.
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Thirsk Model Railway Show
TODAY: Sunday 26 July between 10am and 4pm. The annual Model Railway Show takes place at Thirsk Town Hall. 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
TODAY: Sunday 26 July at Ripon Racecourse. 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 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
Events and 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. Children under 14 admitted free if accompanying an adult. Sorry no other concessions.
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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 26 July – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
Last Sunday’s excellent quiz was prepared and presented by Alan and the winners were Shirley, Peter and Sylvia. Well done all the winners and everyone else who took part.
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Here’s a selection of questions from the quiz. The answers are at the end of today’s email.
1. What was Sir Henry Percy’s nickname?
2. Where is the town of Tobermory?
3. What colour is burnt umber?
4. Arthur Jefferson was the real name of which comedy actor?
5. What would a phrenoligist study?
6. How many atoms of oxygen are there in a molecule of water?
7. In the Beverley Hillbillies what were the first names of Ged Clampett’s daughter.
8. What is the capital of Libya?
9. In which German town was Auf Wiedersehen set?
10. What was the name of the first Rolls Royce model?
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Another car chase ends in Topcliffe
The second police car chase within a month ended dramatically in Topcliffe last week. Last month a Range Rover being chased from the A1 came off the A168 at Topcliffe and failed to stop at the Long Street junction, instead travelling across an allotment and coming to rest through the back door of a house in East Lea.
Then, last Monday, a similar model car was seen travelling at very high speed – said by some to be as high as 70 to 80 miles per hour – along Long Street from the Gallows Green area, followed by an unmarked police car flashing blue lights. The car was cut off from reaching Topcliffe Bridge and forced to try to turn up Church Street, where it lost control and demolished a significant part of the wall surrounding Jubilee Gardens. The occupants were taken away by ambulance.
It’s good to know that the village is playing a key role in bringing criminals to the law, but it is extremely worrying that villager’s lives are put at risk during these high speed car chases.
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Asenby Business Park – planning application
Asenby Parish Council has submitted an objection to the proposed development of new commercial units and it can be viewed on North Yorkshire Council’s planning portal:
https://publicaccess.northyorks.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=TFMU90LTHR200
The Parish Council’s objections reflect comments received by villagers. It is hoped that more residents will submit their comments on this application.
By yesterday evening, Asenby Parish Council and twenty eight residents had registered their views. Asenby Parish Council, believes it is extremely important that as many residents as possible add their comments (object, support or neither) otherwise the Planning Department could be forgiven for thinking that local residents are indifferent. In that case their decision will be based on the arguments put forward by the applicant and the policies of North Yorkshire Council.
Interestingly, despite the relevance of this application to Topcliffe in terms of extra traffic that could be generated and will travel though the village, only two of the objections have been lodged by Topcliffe residents. The deadline for comments is shown on the portal as Sunday 26 July, but North Yorkshire Council has kindly agreed to extend the date to Sunday 2 August (a week later) in order to give residents of both villages extra time to have their say.
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Village Hall seeks new Minutes Secretary
The Village Hall Committee continues its search for a new Minutes Secretary to take over from Emily Collard when she resigns in September. 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
Only one week to go before the annual summer fair is held at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall. It’s 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 with cakes. There’ll also be ice-creams on sale. Funds raised on the day, including from the raffle, will help support the Village Hall.
If anyone is prepared to donate a cake, tray bake or buns…or offer a raffle prize, please get in touch with Karen Morley on 07736 086369.
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Nature event at Asenby Community Park
Next Sunday, 2 August, youngsters of all ages are invited to a special nature day in Asenby Community Park starting 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. It’s going to be a great day’s adventure, so it’s hoped parents will take this opportunity to give their children a taste of the outdoors!
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Guide Dogs Fundraising Group at Thirsk & Sowerby Festival
Asenby residents Amy and Peter Samuels, who are leading members of the Guide Dogs Dales & District Fundraising Group, will be in attendance at the Thirsk and Sowerby Festival on The Flatts on Sunday 2 August. They’ll have a stall, a shop and a tombola and they’ll be accompanied by their retired guide dog Henry and and at least one working guide dog, Storm, and his handler Dave.
Peter and Amy, along with other members of the group will be happy to talk to people about the work they do and the life of working and retired guide dogs.
The group now has a Facebook page and can be followed by going to: Guide Dogs Dales & District Fundraising Group.
PS: There are more details about the Thirsk & Sowerby Festival in the second half of this email.
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The Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night
Don’t leave it too late! There’s only four weeks to go before this popular summer event at the Village Hall takes place. Tickets, which are on sale from Topcliffe Post Office, are selling fast! It’s on Saturday 22 August starting 7.30pm. Anyone with special dietary requirements is asked to contact Jim Shaw on 07761 501820. There’ll be a super raffle with some excellent prizes, including days out, afternoon teas, days at the races, hampers and the star prize, the chance to wine, dine and stay at one of our top local hostelries. 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 five weeks to go until this year’s Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show. It will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 29 August.
- Entries to be taken to the Village Hall between 9am and 11.30am.
- Judging – 12 noon to 2pm.
- Public viewing of exhibits – from 2pm.
- Presentations and raffle – 2.45pm
- Removal of exhibits – by 3.15pm
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, and he 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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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
- Supergirl – 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.
- Aldborough & Boroughbridge Agricultural Show, Newby Hall HG4 5AE – TODAY: Sunday 26 July – 10am-4pm.
- Ryedale Agricultural Show, Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB – Tuesday 28 July – Traditional agricultural show. 8.30am-6pm.
- Osmotherly Show, Thimbleby – Saturday 1 August – 10am to 10pm.
- Monkfest 2026 – Monk Park Farm, Bagby – Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 August – 10am start.
- 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.
- Tockwith Show, YO26 7QH – Sunday 2 August – from 8am.
- Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, Whitby YO21 1UX -Tuesday 4 August – 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.
- Hinderwell Horse & Agricultural Show – Friday 7 August – 9am to 4.30pm.
- 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.
- Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival – Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 August.
- Whitby Regatta, YO21 1TL – Saturday 8 to Monday 10 August – Sea-based and on-shore fun.
- Ripley Show, HG3 3EA – Sunday 9 August – 8.30am to 5pm.
- Danby Show, YO21 2NQ – Wednesday 12 August – 9am-4.30pm.
- Rosedale Show, Pickering YO18 8SA – Saturday 15 August – From 9am.
- Egton Horse & Agricultural Show – Thursday 20 August – 8.30am to 5pm.
- Whitby Folk Week – Saturday 22 to Friday 28 August.
- Bilsdale Show, Chop Gate – Saturday 29 August – 9am to 5pm.
- The Wensleydale Show, Leyburn – Saturday 29 August – from 9am.
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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 28 July 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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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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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Racing at Thirsk
- 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 Family Day – Friday 28 August – gates open 11am.
- Ladies’ Day – Saturday 5 September – gates open 11am
- Finale Day – Monday 14 September – gates open 11am.
Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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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 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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Historical Walking Tour of Thirsk
Explore the history of Thirsk on this 90 minute walking tour with an experienced local guide. Discover where the Shambles were and where the Hermit of Thirsk lived, hear about local connections to Lord Nelson and Oskar Schindler. All this and more. Saturday 8 August 11am – 12.30pm. Free- but donations. gratefully received. Just turn up.
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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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Summer Holiday Activity Day
Carlton Lodge Activity Centre at Carlton Miniott has a children’s activity day on Monday 10 August. Campfires and Quivers – Aged between 8 and 14 years. More details and booking at: http://www.carltonlodge.org.uk/blog/summer-holiday-activity-days
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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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Haunted Thirsk
Join Haunted Experiences for their Haunted Thirsk Guided walk around the beautiful historic town. The tour takes in some of the most historic and haunted areas of the town. No gimmicks or people leaping out, just great history and chilly ghostly tales. Friday 21 August starting at 6.30pm (please arrive early to ensure a prompt start for all) from Thirsk clock tower. Lasts approximately 75 minutes. £8, Concessions/under 18 £6, Family (2 +2) £25. Discount for local residents.
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The Yorkshire Flea Market
At Thirsk Auction Mart where 100 dealers present their antiques and vintage items. Sunday 23 August from 11am – 5pm. Free parking, cafe. £4 10am-11am preview £8. Under 16s free.
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Quiz answers
1. Hotspur
2. The Isle of Mull
3. Dark brown
4. Stan Laurel
5. The size and shape of the cranium
6. One
7. Elly May
8. Tripoli
9. Dusseldorf
10. Silver Ghost.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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