St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: Sunday 6 September at 8.30am – Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer).
- TODAY: Sunday 6 September at 6.30pm Choral Evensong.
- Thursday 10 September at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Sunday 13 September at 10.45am, Holy Communion
- Thursday 17 September at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Sunday 20 September at 10.45am Sung Matins
- Thursday 24 September at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
- Friday 25 September at 7pm, Harvest Service with ‘Bring & Share’ finger food and wine to follow. Further announcements with full details in due course
- Sunday 27 September at 10.45am, Holy Communion
Refreshments follow Sunday and Thursday services, but not the Sunday 8.30am Said Holy Communion.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
TODAY: Sunday 6 September – 9am-2pm on Thirsk Market Place. 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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Sports Cars in the Park
TODAY: Sunday 6 September – A really fantastic day out for the whole family at Newby Hall, near Ripon, with with great atmosphere and your ticket includes free entry into Newby Hall’s grounds with its legendary adventure playground. Adult £22, child (4-15), £16, family (2+2) £65. Tickets at the gate or online from http://www.carsinthepark.org.uk
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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 6 September – 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 Sue. And the winners were David and Chloe accompanied by newcomers Christine and Nicola. 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. Who were the only duo to win a Sports Personality of the Year award?
2. Which actress played Delores van Cartier in the film Siter Act?
3. The Sister Boniface Mysteries on were a spin off of which TV programme.
4. In which town was Alan Titchmarsh born?
5. In which city are the Summer Olympics to be held in 2028?
6. How many American colonies declared independence from Great Britain in 1776?
7. Who joined the band Queen as lead singer between 2004 and 2009?
8. What does COP stand for in the global climate change world?
9. Who was the longest reigning monarch in French history?
10. What is the name of the US version of Strictly Come dancing?
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NEW
Flying Oysters at the Village Hall
The Flying Oysters will be returning to Topcliffe on Saturday 7 November. Organiser, Doug Allan, promises another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent supper consisting of pie and peas and a sweet. All funds raised will help support the Village Hall. Tickets, priced £15 are now on sale at Topcliffe Post Office and from Doug Allan.
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The Tattler – September 2026
Most households in Topcliffe, Asenby and Alanbrooke Barracks will by now have received their September copy of the Tattler. If not, it should arrive in the next day or so.
Anybody living outside the villages distribution area can collect a copy from Topcliffe Post Office or the Village Hall. Residents of Swaleside Holiday park can pick up a copy in the park office.
Those living further afield who would like an electronic copy delivering by email, should drop Doug Allan a request – doug@dougallan.co.uk
The Tattler can also be viewed on Topcliffe Parish Council website at https://www.topcliffe.org.uk/the-tattler/
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The 25th anniversary of the Willis organ in St Columba’s Church
The main story in the September edition of The Tattler is about the amazing Willis organ that was transferred from St Andrew’s Church in Sharrow, Sheffield to St Columba’s Church in Topcliffe 25 years ago this month. It’s a remarkable story of good luck, hard work, dedication and commitment. The article in the Tattler had to be edited to fit the space available. Anyone wishing to read the full story can do so here.
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Search is on for a new Produce Show Secretary
After 14 years of dedicated commitment to organising the Topcliffe & Asenby Produce Show, Judith Lowe has retired as Show Secretary.
Judith was among a small group of residents who resurrected the show after it had been dormant for quite a few years. But having organised fourteen events and seen the show grow from strength to strength, she has decided it’s time for her to put her feet up and for someone else to take on the mantle. She first took on the role when she was a member of the Village Hall Committee and retained the job of Show Secretary when she resigned from the committee in 2022.
Now the Village Hall Committee is on the lookout for a new Show Secretary to manage the show in 2027 and beyond. The role involves a bit of pre-planning work – though the show formula is well-honed – and management of the show day, which is normally a Saturday at the end of August or early September.
Traditionally there hasn’t been a Show Committee, but setting up one is an option if the new Show Secretary thinks it would be desirable. Either way, there is always an abundance of assistance available from Village Hall Committee members and supporters of the show.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Village Hall Secretary Doug Allan for an initial chat. His number is 07785 223707.
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Snooker Club – fees set for 2026-27
There are not many villages that can boast that they have a snooker club…never mind one that can offer two tables…one full size and the other three-quarter sized. So, Topcliffe is extremely fortunate in being able to offer a great sporting facility right on the doorstep.
The Topcliffe club is on the upper floor of the Toll Booth, just opposite The Angel pub. The building is the subject of much discussion as the Parish Council, which is responsible for its upkeep, is considering options for disposal. But the club is continuing to function and its membership numbers are fairly healthy.
At the club’s annual meeting held on 30 August, the committee decided that it would continue business as usual despite the uncertainty. The level of fees for the financial year beginning 1 September were set at £40 and Treasurer, Dave Bowman, has started collecting them. Existing and new members should contact him as soon as possible. Those not planning to remain in membership are asked to return their key to Dave.
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Cross Talk Church Newsletter
The September edition of the church newsletter, Cross Talk, is now out. You can read it here.
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Church Roof Repairs
Urgent work is needed on the roof of St Columba’s Church. Faulty lead flashings on the gable ends of the nave and north aisle need to be replaced and the ridge tiles need to be made safe, with loose stone and slipped slates reinstated. Grant funding towards the cost of around £10,000 is being sought.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall – bookings and hire
The Village Hall is available for hire to local organisations, businesses and individuals. It is a superb venue with fully equipped kitchen – an ideal place for family parties. Book online by visiting the village hall pages on either the Topcliffe or Asenby village websites.
Revised hire charges effective from 1 September 2026 are:
Regular User (classes and clubs
- Main Hall £13.50 per hour,
- Committee rooms ££6.75 per hour
Topcliffe & Asenby parishioners – one-off hires
- Main Hall £18 per hour
- Committee rooms £9 per hour
Non-parishioners – one off hires
- Main Hall £26 per hour
- Committee rooms £13 per hour
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Art classes
The regular art classes hosted by Becky Thompson at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall start again tomorrow – Monday 7 September. There’ll be some regulars signing up, but Becky would welcome interest from new participants who might like to join her on a creative art journey! Becky offers a block of six Monday classes between 10am and 12 noon.
For those who might prefer an evening class, Becky organises a block of six Tuesday night sessions at Thirsk Town Hall between 6.30 and 8.30pm. They commence on Tuesday 8 September. Also, on Monday evenings between 6.30 and 8.30pm ,she runs an online zoom class.
In addition, the following special one-off classes are planned:
- Wild birds in pastels. Thursday 10 September at Sutton Bank Nature Hub between 10am and 3pm.
- The nature and landscape of Sutton Bank. Friday 11 September at Sutton Bank Nature Hub between 10am and 3pm.
- ‘Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s Magical Gardens’. Friday 18 September at Thirsk Town Hall between 6.30 and 9.30pm.
- Draw or paint your pet – or any dog, cat or other animals in pastels. Back due to popular demand. Bring your favourite photograph to copy. At Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall on Thursday 1 October. Either 10am til 1pm or 10 til 3pm.
- Autumn Flora and fauna: Nature’s Table. Using water colours, acrylics, charcoal or pencil to create studies of local nature. Sutton Bank Nature Hub on Thursday 8 October, 10am ’til 1pm or 10am ’til 3pm. Only 10 places available. £60 pp.
- Paint and Relax with Monet! – Friday 16 October 6.30 to 9.30pm at Thirsk Town Hall.
- Paint a Glass Vase/Storm Lantern – create beautiful floral designs in gorgeous colours. Thursday 5 November between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Topcliffe Village Hall.
- Pain an Autumn Sunset with bright reflections and beautiful hues. Friday 6 November between 6.30 and 9.30pm at Thirsk Town Hall.
- Painting in Acrylics: Sparkly winter landscapes and fun festive scenes. Learn how to add silver and gold leaf to enhance your painting. Thursday 3 December between 10am and 1pm at Topcliffe Village Hall.
- Seasonal Special crafts experience: creating and painting baubles, paper Nordic stars and glass hanging tealights. Friday 4 December between 6.30 and 9.30pm at Thirsk town Hall. Only 15 spaces available. £45.
All classes are friendly and non-competitive, allowing participants to proceed at their own speed. For more information and to book classes online, go to https://rebeccajayneartist.co.uk/
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Asenby Parish Council
The meeting on Wednesday 2 September had to be postponed at the last minute. The rescheduled meeting will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 8 September in the committee room at the Village Hall.
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Village Hall Committee
The next meeting of Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall Committee will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8 September in the Village Hall.
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Sutton Bank – A170 annual closure
Anyone planning to travel in the Helmsley direction next month should remember that 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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Coffee Mornings at The Angel Inn
Following the amazing success of last year’s event, The Angel team are organising another coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Nurses. It’s on Friday 18 September from 10am until 1pm.
And there’ll be a fundraiser for second charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK, on Saturday 21 November, also between 10am and 1pm.
Donations of cakes to supplement those made by the Angel chef, will be gratefully received at both events.
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Coffee Mornings at the Village Hall
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.
Please add these dates to your calendar.
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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 End of Oak Street – to Thursday 10 September – no matinees.
- Sunny Dancer – Friday 11 to Thursday 17 September – no matinees.
- Heritage Open Day – 31 years and still counting! – Saturday 12 September – All welcome to visit and look around our fabulous local, volunteer-run cinema. Behind the scenes tours, to areas not normally open to the public, on the hour from 10am. Last tour starts at 3pm. Tours last one hour.
- National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope – Friday 25 September at 7.30pm.
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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Coffee and Chat
Every Tuesday from 10.00am in the church at Baldersby St James. Please drop in to church for coffee and a feast of home-made scones and biscuits. Jigsaws always available to borrow.
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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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- ABBA by Candlelight – Friday 11 September at 7.30pm.
- The Music of Adele by Candlelight – Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm.
- The Rozzers – Saturday 31 October at 7.30pm.
- Motown by Candlelight – Friday 27 November at 7.30pm.
- The Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas by Candlelight – Friday 4 December at 7.30pm.
Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/
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Bookmarked: Thirsk
From Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, Thirsk will embrace all things bookish, creative, curious and magical as Bookmarked: Thirsk is launched. Across three days, there’ll be 24 events to discover across Thirsk, with authors, artists, performers, storytellers and creative people bringing the town to life through workshops, talks, illustration, writing, heritage, film, performance and opportunities to get involved. Check out Rural Arts website for more details. https://www.ruralarts.org/
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The Yorkshire Vet
Join renowned Yorkshire vet Peter Wright for an entertaining and fascinating afternoon as he shares stories from a remarkable career in veterinary medicine. Friday 11 September between 3pm and 4pm at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk. Tickets £25.
During this special one-hour event, Peter will take audiences behind the scenes of his life as a rural vet, sharing personal memories of Alf Wight, heart-warming stories, amusing experiences and insights into the realities of working with animals and their owners.
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Summer Shows
There’s still a few summer shows across North Yorkshire before the end of the show season:
- Castleton Show and Road Race – Saturday 12 September – 11am to 4pm.
- Stokesley Show, Saturday 19 September – 8am until 6pm.
- Eggleston Show, Saturday 19 September – Hayberries Farm, Mickleton – 10am to 4pm.
- Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, Friday 18 to Sunday 21 September – book online at http://www.flowershow.org.uk/autumn-show
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Events at Rural Arts, The Courthouse, Thirsk
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. Saturday 12 September between 10am and 1pm.
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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, which is now securely netted making the church safe to use again until the repairs are done.
Help requested
Sorting out, displaying and putting away again is a major task made easier if there’s lots of helpers. Can you give an hour or two on one of these dates?
- Monday evening 7 September at 6.30pm – the books arrive from storage and need to be be lifted in to the church.
- Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September at 10am – to help put the books out in church ready for the weekend.
- Sunday 13 September from 4.30pm to help pack books away.
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Racing at Thirsk
Finale Day – Monday 14 September – gates open 11am. Book online at http://www.thirskracecourse.net or on the gate.
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Dalton Coffee Morning
There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support on Wednesday 23 September in the Dalton Village Hall from 10.30am until 12 noon. Pop along and enjoy a cuppa, a piece of cake and a chat with friends and neighbours. There is no set charge, but donations will be greatly appreciated.
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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. Torvill & Dean
2. Whoopi Goldsberg
3. Father Brown
4. Ilkley
5. Los Angeles
6. 13
7. Paul Rodgers
8. Conference of the Parties
9. Louis XIV (72 years)
10. Dancing with the Stars.
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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