St Columba’s regular services
- TODAY: 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.
- Thursday 5 November at 11am. Midweek Morning Prayer
- Sunday 8 November at 10.45am Service of Remembrance to include two minutes silence at 11am and laying of wreaths at the village War Memorials
- Thursday 12 November at 11am, Midweek Morning Prayer
Refreshments follow Sunday and Thursday services, but not the Sunday 8.30am Said Holy Communion.
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Bedale Book and Postcard Fair
TODAY: Sunday 25 October between 10am and 4pm at Bedale Hall (north end opposite the church). Around 30 stalls. Admission £2. Free parking. Refreshments available. All proceeds to support Rotary Northallerton Mowbray.
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The Yorkshire Flea Market
TODAY: Sunday 25 October between 11am and 4pm att Thirsk Auction Mart. Around 100 dealers in antiques and vintage items. Free parking, cafe. See website for more details:
http://www.antiquesfairs.com/thirsk.html
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Thirsk Yarnbombers
TODAY: Sunday 25 October – the latest display by Thirsk Yarnbombers is revealed in Thirsk Market Place.
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Family Pumpkin Night
TONIGHT: Sunday 25 October between 5.30 and 8.30pm. Experience the magic of The Great Yorkshire Pumpkin Patch after dark at Monk Park Farm. Enjoy evening farm admission, thousands of pumpkins, entertainment, carnival games, pumpkin carving and fantastic family photo opportunities. Delicious food and drinks available. Wrap up warm and enjoy an unforgettable autumn evening. Prices starting from £3pp. Tickets: online or on the door.
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The Sunday Quiz
TONIGHT: Sunday 25 October – the quiz will take place at 8pm this evening in the Village Hall. All welcome.
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Another great quiz held last Sunday. It was prepared and presented by David. The winners were Peter, Shirley, Sylvia and Alan. 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. What are the Christian names of the two male members of ABBA?
2. How many players make up a netball team?
3. In which soap did actor Ross Kemp make his debut appearance in 1986?
4. What was the name of the Greenpeace ship that sank in Auckland harbour in 1985?
5. Which Welsh pop singer was born Gaynor Hopkins?
6. Which is the biggest lake by area in Africa?
7. The Khyber Pass links which two countries?
8. In which decade did the farthing cease to be legal tender?
9. Which daily newspaper is the main sponsor of The Pride of Britain Awards?
10. What is the name and number of the current pope?
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Asenby business park extension refused planning permission
On Friday last week North Yorkshire Council refused a planning application for the erection of a commercial building to provide five additional business units with ancillary trade counters) and associated access, parking and landscaping at Asenby Business Park on Wide Howe Lane. Many residents of Asenby and Topcliffe had opposed the application on the grounds that the continued extension of the business park is inappropriate for the rural location. The reasons for the refusal decision are as follows:
- It is not considered that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposal requires a countryside location for operational reasons or that it is sufficiently well related to the settlement of Asenby.
- Opportunities to access the site by sustainable modes of transport are limited and the development would be heavily reliant upon private vehicle use.
- Further units in this location are not considered to represent sustainable economic growth and fails to meet a range of planning policies.
- The proposal would result in a permanent and harmful alteration to the character and appearance of the area through the further urbanisation of the open countryside.
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Poppy appeal
There was a very disappointing response to the appeal made in the last Tattler (early September) and repeated in last week’s Sunday Email, for a few volunteers to get involved with putting up the knitted poppy decorations for Remembrance Sunday. In fact there was only one – me!
As a reminder, in recent years, Debbie and Rob Roberts have undertaken the task of putting up the Remembrance Sunday knitted poppies and other decorations around Topcliffe. However, 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 is appealing for two or three volunteers who can help out erecting and taking down the displays. Some ladder climbing is involved, so ideally younger, relatively fit people are asked to step forward.
I’m sure Rob with the help of one volunteer will do as best they can but there’s no doubt it would be a lot easier and quicker if a few younger members of our community would put their names forward and be prepared to do a couple of hours work, especially in relation to such an important commemorative event.
The ladies in the Knit & Natter group are doing their bit, creating poppy decorations to mark one of our most important national days. Seeing these decorations proudly displayed in our village should be something we all want and will do what’s necessary to make happen. The fact is, that without some community support, this sort of initiative simply won’t happen…and where would we be then?
So, come on Topcliffe residents, make a commitment and put your name forward and do something in support of your community and village. We can’t always think that you can leave it to others. If we all did that, these sorts of initiatives for our village might disappear. How sad that would be.
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 [email protected] or Doug Allan at [email protected]
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Parish Councils continue search for new councillors
The theme of searching for community volunteers is repeated in this article, but this time it’s more serious as it’s to do with local democracy. Parish Councils are an important rung in the local democracy ladder: they represent community interest and provide the most direct, community‑level form of democratic decision‑making, giving residents a voice in shaping services, spaces and priorities that affect everyday life.
So, are you passionate about your community here in Topcliffe and in Asenby? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for your council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then you should consider being a parish councillor in your community.
- 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 [email protected] 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 – [email protected]
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Topcliffe School – key diary dates
- 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.
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Village Hall Coffee Mornings
The next coffee morning at the Village Hall will be on Wednesday 28 October – 10am to 12.30pm – to assist with the running costs of the Boccia Club, which provides exercise and coordination activities for elderly villagers. Refreshments will include quiche, sausage rolls, cakes, traybakes, flapjack, buns and choice of tea and coffee, or soft drinks. It’s half terms so kids will be off school and they are welcome to attend with their parents.
Then on Saturday 5 December – between 10am and 12.30pm – there’ll be coffee morning to raise funds for the Topcliffe-based Blue Cross animal shelter and re-homing centre.
Watch out soon for details of occasional ‘winter warmer’ lunchtime get-togethers planned for the new year at which a delicious dish of homemade soup and sausage rolls will be served, along with coffee tea and biscuits.
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Halloween Party at the Village Hall
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There is still a few tickets available for the Halloween party in the Village Hall on Saturday 31 October so if you plan to go please buy a ticket as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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.
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Art classes
The following special one-off classes are planned and anyone interested in attending is invited to get in touch:
- 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/
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Flying Oysters at the Village Hall
The Flying Oysters are returning to Topcliffe on Saturday 7 November and it promises to be another fantastic evening of music and dancing, along with an excellent supper consisting of pie and peas and a pudding. There’ll be a raffle with a great 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.
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Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall Committee meeting
The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be on Tuesday 10 November at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
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Christmas Fair in Topcliffe
The annual Christmas Fair at Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall will be held on Saturday 14 November between 10am and 1pm. All the available stalls have been allocated and there’ll be a wide selection of local traders and organisations hoping to tempt you to purchase Christmas and other items. The catering team will be putting on a Brunch with bacon rolls, cakes, tea, coffee and squashes. There’ll also be a raffle. All funds raised will go to the Village Hall fund.
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Festive Activities at The Angel Inn
The Angel Inn is planning a few festive workshops before Christmas:
Whether you’re creating your own beautiful Christmas wreath or learning the art of perfectly wrapped presents, both workshops offer a lovely opportunity to get into the festive spirit.
And looking ahead to Christmas itself, here are some advance details of two live music evenings to get you in the festive mood:
- Wednesday 23 December – Christmas Eve – Freddie Cleary will perform from 6–8pm.
- Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve – The fantastic Stevie Kay performs his brilliant Frank Sinatra tribute, bringing timeless classics and a wonderful atmosphere to Christmas Eve in The Angel. From 6.30pm.
Whether you’re just popping in for a few festive drinks or making an evening of it, The Angel team look forward to seeing you. On Christmas Eve, all children must leave the premises by 7pm. Bookings are strongly advised. To reserve your table, please call 01845 578000.
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Foraged wreath-making at The Shack
The Catton Kitchen’s annual festive wreath-making workshops with a difference are now available to book. They are on Sunday 29 November. Nearly everything used will be foraged from the surrounding woodland and areas of Catton Hall and brunch can be included, which is also from the surrounding paddocks and woodlands! Presented in partnership with Tarragon Flowers. There are a number of packages available. Please call/text 07747083155 for more information and to book.
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Auction Night to raise cash for Topcliffe School
The Friends of Topcliffe School 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 179009.
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Seniors’ Christmas lunch
Bookings are now open for places at the annual Senior Citizen’s Christmas lunch in the Village Hall on Tuesday 15 December and the price this year for a three-course festive lunch is £18.
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.
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Chip & Dales
Paul and Karen will be serving fish and chips in Topcliffe on Fridays between 5 and 7pm.
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The Ritz Cinema
- Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – to Thursday 29 October – matinee today – Sunday 25 October.
- National Theatre Live: Golden Boy – Friday 6 November. 7.30pm
Evening shows start at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2.30pm.
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Coffee and Chat
Every Tuesday from 10am 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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Concerts at Ripon Cathedral
- 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/
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Perfectly Spooky Halloween Ghost Walk
From the Clock Tower, Thirsk Market Place on Saturday 31 October at 6pm. Enjoy a wonderful autumn treat this Halloween and explore the old haunted streets of Thirsk and hear ancient tales of history and ghosts with the Historic Experiences team. A 75 minute tour of spooky places, legends and creepy tales. The tour is led by Tina, an archaeologist, tour producer and writer of over 30 years who is passionate about bringing
the past to life! After exploring Thirsk end the evening with a delicious hot chocolate at an historic location. Price £16.96.
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Thirsk Farmers’ Market
on at Market Place in Thirsk between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 1 November. 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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An Autumn Adventure Canal Cruise
Enjoy a wonderful autumn Ripon Canal cruise for all the family. Available until Monday 2 November – no scary Halloween frights in sight. A fun canal bank quiz, with a prize for every child (up to 14yrs). Suitable for ages 1 to 100, disabled accessible and SEN suitable. 10.00am – 3.30pm. £6 pp or family ticket (up to 4, one must be an adult) £23. Tickets: https://buytickets.at/riponsceniccruises/2
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Thirsk Heritage Show
Sunday 15 November from 10am onwards. Classic and vintage tractors, stationary engines, working threshing machinery, models, crafts and collections. The show typically attracts dozens of restored tractors covering more than a century of agricultural history, including Fordsons, Fergusons, David Browns and other classic marques. Thirsk Farmers’ Auction Mart, Blakey Lane, Thirsk. £6 adults, under-14s free.
ALSO SEE: Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team and rural task force will be at the auction mart throughout the event. You can take this 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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Fireworks at the Farm
There’ll be fireworks at Monk Park Farm near Bagby on Thursday 5 November. Gather around the roaring bonfire before watching a magical low-bang fireworks show set to Disney music. Enjoy carnival games, marshmallow toasting, delicious street food, a visit to the animal barn and an on-site bar. 5.30pm-8.30pm. Prices starting from £3pp. Tickets online – www monkparkfarm.co.uk – or on the door.
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Thirsk Artisan Market
Sunday 15 November between 10am and 3pm. 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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Thirsk Yarnbombers Coffee Morning
The will be a coffee morning held by Thirsk Yarnbombers at Thirsk Town Hall on Wednesday18 November between 10.30 and 11.45am. There’ll be a stall selling knitted and crocheted items and funds raised will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
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Dalton Christmas Fair
The village’s Christmas Fair will be held in the village hall on Saturday 28 November between 10am until 12 noon, a week earlier than our usual date. There will be various stalls, tombola, a visit from Santa for the children, and bacon butties on sale.
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The Thirsk Friends of the Lambert Hospice
Friends of the Lambert Hospice are holding a winter fundraising lunch, with guest speaker, in partnership with The Angel Inn at Topcliffe on Thursday 3 December. Details, times and prices are at http://.www.thirskfriendsofthelamberthospice.org The funds are needed to support end of life and palliative care services in the area.
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Quiz answers
1. Benny and Bjorn
2. 7
3. Emmerdale
4. Rainbow Warrior
5. Bonnie Tyler
6. Lake Victoria
7. Pakistan and Afghanistan
8. 1960s (1961)
9. The Daily Mirror
10. Leo 14th (XIV)
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That’s all for this week. Keep safe and remain well.
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