St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: Sunday 16 August at 10.45 – Sung Matins, with St Columba’s 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 at St John’s Church, Dalton. All the South Mowbray Rural Churches have been invited to attend the service, which will be led by Rev. Dianne Gamble.
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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Open Garden and Afternoon Tea at Norton Conyers
TODAY: Sunday 16 August – between 2pm and 4.30pm – Open Gardens with home baked Afternoon Tea in the Orangery at Norton Conyers, Wath (near Ripon). An event to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate. All welcome.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
TODAY: Sunday 16 August, from 10am to 3pm. On Thirsk market Place. 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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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 16 August – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
Another great quiz last Sunday presented jointly by Carol and Myra and the winners were Rachel, Stuart, Jim and Malcom. Well done to them 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. Which of these fruits is not a true berry – strawberry, blueberry, grape?
2. What gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour?
3. In karate which colour belt comes immediately before black?
4. Which footballer was known as ‘The king of the Kop’?
5. Which is the only part of the body which can’t heal itself?
6. What orthopedic brand was created in 1906 by a Chicago shoemakers apprentice?
7. In the TV programme Rosie & Jim, what was the name of the narrow boat they lived on?
8. What does the character in Forrest Gump compare life to?
9. Which island country has the capital city of Port Louis?
10. Which planet is known as the water planet?
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Danger of Wildfires
(Topcliffe resident Martin Hexter appeals for commonsense to avoid wildfire)
Villagers will have no doubt seen the horrific pictures of properties in the West Midlands devastated by wildfires last week. I have spoken to a friend whose own property in Stourbridge is situated just a couple of hundred yards away, and he conveyed the worry and fear that everyone local to this tragic event has experienced.
Here in Topcliffe and Asenby we are surrounded by fields and undergrowth which is tinder dry. Everyone should take care so that we do not suffer the same experience as those unfortunate householders in the Midlands. Remember that discarded cigarette butts, broken glass and sparks from barbecues are all possible causes of starting a fire. Please think before disposing of anything that might start a fire so that we can all keep safe.
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Sutton Bank – A170 annual closure
This year’s annual closure of the A170 at Sutton Bank is a big one, with the bank closed from Sunday 13 September to Sunday 4 October. Diversions will be in place during this time.
The National Park Centre at the top of Sutton Bank will remain open for business throughout the closure period.
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On yer bike for Prostate Cancer
Topcliffe resident Adam Clark recently began a fundraising cycle challenge in support of Prostate Cancer UK, helping fund vital research and support for men like his dad and lots of other men and their families affected by prostate cancer.
Adam set out initially to cycle 100 miles in August but he reached his target quite quickly and decided to extend his challenge to see how many miles he could peddle by the end of August. His new target is 300 miles.
Since he le launched his appeal generous supporters have donated over £3,000 and Adam now hopes he can reach £4,000.
If you’re able to donate, he would be incredibly grateful. Any amount would make a real difference, and you can read more about the challenge and donate here: I’m taking on Cycle the Month
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Invitation to the Topcliffe Fantasy Football League
Topcliffe resident Mark Watson has created a Fantasy Football League, ‘Toppers H2H’, for the village. It’s free to join and will run throughout the 2026-27 football season. The system randomly pairs participants up with different people in the league each week and the highest score between those in each pair will attract three points. Joining the league couldn’t be easier. Simply use the link below and you’ll be added automatically after you’ve entered the game.
bit.ly/4zqOHWK
The league code is 0lceu0
The deadline for joining is Friday at 6.30pm.
Feel free to give Mark a call if there are any issues 07787414496.
It’ll be fun and Mark is Looking forward to playing against you this season!
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Angel Inn nominated for Good Food Guide
The Angel Inn at Topcliffe has been nominated for the Good Food Guide 100 Best Pubs 2026. If you’ve ever enjoyed a drink in the bars, dined in the pub, soaked up the atmosphere in the beer garden or outdoor bar, or joined one of the many events, you’ll know why they thoroughly deserve to be successful in this process. Nominations closed last Thursday and an announcement of the winners is anticipated in the near future. Good luck the Angel team.
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New cafe/shop in Helperby
A new venue has opened in Helperby. The Olive Blok opened this week offering fresh coffee and teas, alongside every day essentials including milk and bread and lots more.
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RAF Leeming
The RAF station will soon be entering a period of exercises during which there will be additional jet and helicopter movement. The local community can expect increased flying from Thursday 20 August to Friday 2 October – including some night flying. The commander at the base recognises that exercises like this can cause disturbance to the local community, and he will endeavour to minimise low and late flying in particular.
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The Great Summer BBQ and Boogie Night
There’s only one week to go to the Great Summer BBQ & Boogie Night on Saturday 22 August. It’s hoped-you already have your tickets to hand. Ticket sales are ahead of previous years, but there’s still have room for more, although there is a safety ceiling.
Chefs Andy and Mal are ready to cook up a storm bringing you their prime burgers and super sausages, accompanied by Jane’s crowd-pleasing coleslaw and Carol’s fresh salad. Chrissy and Myra have the tickets for the raffle with an amazing range of prizes on offer including hampers, afternoon teas, race day tickets, golf days, cinema tickets and a wine dine, and overnight stay at a local top quality hotel.
If that’s not enough for one night, just make sure you bring your best dancing shoes as there’s some bopping to be done! A great night out in Your Village Hall and to raise funds to support your Village Hall…and all for just £12.50. If you haven’t already got them, tickets are available from the Post Office or by telephone from Jim on 07761501820, especially if you have any special dietary requirements. Oh, and make sure you bring your favourite tipple with you.
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Events at The Angel Inn
- Friday 28 August – There’s a treat in store for those visiting the beer garden for pizzas on this day 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. From 6.30pm
- Monday 31 August (Bank Holiday Monday) – Live music, pizzas and drinks from the new outdoor bar. From 2pm.
- Friday 18 September – Macmillan Coffee Morning – our annual event to support this amazing charity. From 10am.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show
It’s now only two 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.
- Woodworking in hobbies/handicrafts.
- 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, 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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Coffee Mornings at the Village Hall
As promised, the former Warm Hub team is planning some coffee mornings at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall to raise funds for a couple of local organisations and good causes. Serving- coffee, tea, scones and bakes, homemade biscuits, delicious cakes, savoury treats and cherry buns. Three events have so far been put in the diary and they will all be on from 10.30am to 12 noon.
- Saturday 26 September – to support The Tattler and Sunday Email.
- Wednesday 28 October – to assist with the running costs of the Boccia Club, which provides exercise and coordination activities for elderly villagers.
- Saturday 21 November – to raise funds for the Topcliffe-based Blue Cross animal shelter.
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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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The Ritz Cinema
- The Odyssey – 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 plenty of summer shows planned across North Yorkshire this month.
- 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.
- The Reeth Show, Monday, 31 August – 9.30am to 3pm.
- Farndale Show, Monday 31 August – 9.30am to 5pm.
- Kilnsey Show, Skipton, Tuesday 1 September – 9am to 5pm.
- Muker Show, Wednesday 2 September – 10am to 5pm.
- Kildale Agricultural Show, Saturday 5 September – 9.30am to 4pm.
- Castleton Show and Road Race – Saturday 12 September – 11am to 4pm.
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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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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Evening walking tour of Thirsk
Starting at Thirsk tourist information centre at 7.30pm on Friday 21 August. The last tour of the summer – 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. Free – but donations gratefully received. no need to book – just turn up.
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Haunted Thirsk
This tour of Haunted Thirsk starts at the clock tower in the Market Place at 6.30pm on Friday 21 August. 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. £8, Concessions/under 18s, £6, Family (2 +2) £25. Discount for local residents. 07876 010835.
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The Yorkshire Flea Market
Sunday 23 August between 11am and5pm at Thirsk Auction Mart. 100 dealers in antiques and vintage items. Free parking. Check prices and additional information at http://www.antiquesfairs.com/thirsk
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Crime surgery
Our local Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding a surgery at Tesco at Station Road, Thirsk on Tuesday 25 August 26 at 10am. It’s an 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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Racing at Thirsk
- 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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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
- Thursday 3 September at 7pm. Music Monthlies features Steve Tilston – An intimate evening of music with one of our most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music. A style drawing from folk, blues, jazz and classical. 7:30pm. £15. Tickets from http:// www.ruralarts.org
- Saturday 12 September between 10am and 1pm – Silver Pendant Necklace Making – have fun making your own silver necklace. Learn how to use basic jewellery making tools to cut and connect your shapes and how to apply different techniques to create textures and patterns on your silver pendant.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
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. Sunday 6 September, 9am-2pm on Thirsk Market Place.
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Thirsk Repair Cafe
This monthly repair session at Thirsk Library on Meadowfields, is proving extremely popular with locals. You can be greener by avoiding waste and saving money at the same time. The dedicated team of talented volunteers will try to repair any broken or worn down items. Voluntary donation. Saturday 12 September, 10am-1pm, last repair 12.30pm.
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Baldersby-St James Annual Book Sale
This year’s event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 12 and 13 September between 10am and 5pm. This is the big fund raiser of the year for St James Church. This year funds will go towards the repair of the church ceiling.
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The Thirsk Friends of the Lambert Hospice
A range of events organised by the Friends of the Lambert Hospice has been announced. The charity, which works within the local community, raising essential funds specifically to support end of life and palliative care services, plans the following:
- Shopping event on Wednesday 9 September at the Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton, 11am-7pm. It will have artisan stalls and refreshments. There is a £5 entry fee and the event will help you get ahead with your Christmas shopping!
- In partnership with the Angel Inn at Topcliffe, several lunches with a guest speaker, are planned. The autumn lunch will be on Thursday 8 October and the winter lunch will be on Thursday 3 December.
Details, times and prices are at http://.www.thirskfriendsofthelamberthospice.org
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Live comedy comes to Sessay Village Hall
The Laughing Pug Comedy Show is coming to Sessay Village Hall on Saturday 24 October with the brilliant Paul Tonkinson, Helen White, Fran Garrity & Chris Lumb. The show will start at 7pm (doors open from 6pm) and tickets are £15. There’ll be a fully licensed bar available on the night. Follow this link for tickets and further information:
Sessay Village Hall Comedy Night at Sessay Village Hall event tickets from TicketSource
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Quiz answers
1. Strawberry
2. Bergamot
3. Brown
4. Kenny Dalglish
5. Teeth (enamel)
6. Dr Scholl
7. Rag Doll
8. A box of chocolates
9. Mauritius
10. Earth.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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