Sunday Email: Issue 336

Doug Allan
07785 223707
doug@dougallan.co.uk

• TODAY: Sunday 11 October at 10.45am, Holy Communion
• Thursday 15 October at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
• Sunday 18 October at 10.45am, Sung Matins
• Thursday 22 October at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer.
• Sunday 25 October at 10.45am, Holy Communion
• Thursday 29 October at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
• Sunday 1 November at 8.30am Said Holy Communion (BCP)
• And at 6.30pm, in celebration of the Feast of All Saints, a special Choral Evensong, followed by wine and pre-supper nibbles
• Monday 2 November at 7pm, in celebration of the Feast of All Souls, a special service of Compline, to include the reading of names of the faithful departed

Refreshments follow Sunday and Thursday services, but not the Sunday 8.30am Said Holy Communion.

1.  Dr Bunsen Honeydew was a character in which TV series?
2.  Who did England beat 7:0 last Saturday evening (3 October)?
3.  Who was the musician behind the album Tubular Bells in the 1970s?
4.  The pigment sepia comes from which fish?
5.  Who presents the TV programme Picture Slam?
6.  Hamilton is the capital of which UK overseas territory?
7.  How many times has tennis player Andy Murray been runner-up in the Austrailian Open? Is it 3, 4 or 5 times?
8.  The name of which ballroom dance translates as ‘double step’?
9.  Three Eurovision Song Contests have been held at ‘The Point’, but in which city is that venue?
10.  Who was British Prime Minister before Margaret Thatcher?

PS: Apparently the driver of the red vehicle was unhurt, though the advice of those at the scene was that he should visit A & E for a check up. It’s not known if any charges will be made by the police.

For the last couple of years the Knit & Natter group, whicht meets weekly in the Village Hall, has produced knitted poppy display items which have decorated the village around Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. The group will be creating more poppies this year to augment the items produced earlier. Their excellent work is greatly appreciated.

Producing the items for display is one thing, getting the displays erected around the village is another. To date, Debbie and Rob Roberts have undertaken the task, but this year Debbie has decided she isn’t able to tackle the physical job and will be taking a back seat. Rob is still going to be involved and now an appeal is going out to find two or three volunteers who can help our erecting and taking down the displays. Some ladder climbing is involved, so ideally younger, relatively fit people are asked to step forward.

If you might be able of support this very worthy endeavour and can offer a couple of hours early November and the same after Remembrance Sunday, please get in touch with Debbie at Deb.roberts1295@gmail.com
 

• Topcliffe Parish Council is looking for applications from residents of the parish for a co-opted councillor vacancy. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in local matters, be available to attend monthly meetings and actively participate in the work of the Parish Council. Interested parties should apply in writing or via email by Saturday 31 October to The Parish Clerk outlining the reasons they wish to be considered, including any skills and experiences they would bring to the role. Either email parishclerk@topcliffe.org.uk or write to Alexandra Robson, Clerk to Topcliffe Parish Council, Town Hall, Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS
• Asenby Parish Council also continues its search for a volunteer resident who is willing to be co-opted as a new councillor. Anyone who might be interested is asked to message Parish Clerk, Colin Grimston, to set up an informal chat – clerk@asenbyparish.gov.uk

Base Camp at Baldersby Park, near Topcliffe, is is offering adventures sessions for pre-schoolers who are walking, as well as their parents/carers who’d also like the chance to play in nature too. Sessions are based in private woodland and based on Forest School principles. All adventures are child-led, allowing everyone to explore, discover, create and play whilst immersed in nature. A chance to see what nature throws at us each week – what’s growing, what’s going, what the weather is doing, what the animals have been up to. Early Years specialist, Catherine will be leading the sessions, assisted by Hannah, Base Camp founder and Forest School Leader. For more details or to arrange a free taster session, contact Hannah on ⁨07979 526883⁩.

• Tuesday 13 October – Parent Conversation Meetings, 3.30 – 6pm
• Wednesday, 14 October – Pupil School Photographs
• Tuesday, 20 October – Harvest Service at St Columba’s Church at 2.15pm
• Thursday, 22 October – School closes for half term
• Monday, 2 November – School re-opens for second half of Autumn Term
• Monday, 9 November – Service Children’s Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral (KS2 pupils)
• Wednesday, 11 November – SATs Parents Information Evening, 5.30 – 6pm
• Friday, 13 November – Children in Need Day       
• Friday, 27 November – FOTS Christmas Fair
• Monday, 14 December – Carol Service at St Columba’s Church at 2pm
• Thursday, 17 December – Christmas Dinner & Christmas Jumper Day
• Thursday, 17 December – School Closes for Christmas Holidays
• Tuesday, 5 January – School re-opens for Spring Term.

The following special one-off classes are planned and anyone interested in attending is invited to get in touch:

• 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.
• Paint 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/

• Wednesday 28 October – 10.30am to 12 noon – to assist with the running costs of the Boccia Club, which provides exercise and coordination activities for elderly villagers. 
• Saturday 5 December (date changed from 21 November to avoid a clash with a similar event being held at The Angel Inn) – between 10.30am and 12 noon – to raise funds for the Topcliffe-based Blue Cross animal shelter and re-homing centre. 

The former Warm Hub team is discussing the idea of putting on occasional ‘winter warmer’ lunchtime get-togethers in the new year at which a delicious dish of homemade soup and sausage rolls will be served, along with coffee tea and biscuits. More details in due course.

It starts at 7pm and a night of fun and games, music and laughter is promised. Children are welcome to attend, but only if accompanied by their parent(s) or guardian. Those attending are asked to take along a sharing plate of spooky food and guests are asked to note that this is a Bring Your Own Drinks event. Some of the games will be charged at £1, so please have plenty of  change if you can. It would be great to see your fancy dress outfits, but it is optional.

Tickets are just £2.50 per person and they’re available from Topcliffe Post Office or from Sheila Squires at Swaleside Holiday Park on 07803 008461. Any surplus funds will be shared equally between the Village Hall and the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre at Topcliffe.

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 pudding. 

Chrissy Findlay will be organising the raffle at the event and she has brought together a fantastic selection of prizes donated by local businesses and organisations.

All funds raised will help support the Village Hall. Last few tickets, priced £15, are now on sale at Topcliffe Post Office or from Doug Allan.

The Friends of Topcliffe Schools are organising a grand auction to raise funds for Topcliffe CoE Primary School. It’s on Saturday 5 December between 6 and 10pm at Dalton Village Hall and it promises to be an amazing evening of entertainment, fun, food, music and fundraising. There’s some fantastic auction lots. Tickets, priced at £25 per person, include food and welcome drink, and are available from Amie on 07576 179 0009. 

There’ll be a choice of prawn cocktail or pate for starters; turkey or pork with all the traditional vegetables for main course; and choice of Christmas pudding or trifle for sweet. Wine will be served with the meal and tea or coffee and mince pies afterwards.

Following last year’s extremely well-received entertainment, courtesy of the Cherry Tones, the duo has been invited back for an encore performance. The Cherry Tones are a vintage vocal harmony duo who love all things retro. They perform a wide range of favourite classic vintage songs in harmony with an upbeat edge. They’re guaranteed to get everyone singing and dancing along. 

All this for just £18! Senior citizens are encouraged to book their place as soon as possible as numbers that can be catered for are limited. Contact organiser Judith Lowe on 01845 577911 or 07526 354445.

• Heart of the Beast – to Thursday 15 October – no matinees.
• Sense & Sensibility – Friday 16 to Thursday 22 October – Matinee on Wednesday 21 October.
• Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – Friday 23 to Thursday 29 October – matinees on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.
• National Theatre Live: Golden Boy – Friday 6 November. 7.30pm

Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.

Stained Glass Indoor Mosaic Plaque: Friday 16 October between 10.30am and 4.30pm. An exciting opportunity to work with stained glass to create a unique mosaic plaque (22cm sq) using the direct method for indoor display. Suitable for beginners and those wishing to expand their knowledge using this versatile material. Lots of colours to choose from.
Thirlby Art Group Exhibition: Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 October between 10am and 4pm. Free entry. Bringing together work from 15 artists, the exhibition presents an eclectic selection of paintings, art prints, linocuts, watercolours, pastels and more. With such a wide variety of styles, subjects and media on display, there is sure to be something to capture every visitor’s imagination. All works for sale.

• 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.
• G4 Christmas – Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm.
• The Music of ELO – Friday 12 February 2027 at 7.30pm.
• The Eagles by Candlelight – Saturday13 February 2027 at 7.30pm.
• Bowie by Candlelight – Friday 12 March 2027 at 7.30pm.

Book online at https://riponcathedral.org.uk/whats-on/

1.  The Muppets
2.  Croatia
3.  Mike Oldfield
4.  Cuttlefish
5.  Alan Carr
6.  Bermuda
7.  5
8.  Paso Doble
9.  Dublin
10.  James Callaghan.