Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
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Two Villages – One Hall
The two villages – Topcliffe and Asenby – are separated by the River Swale and until April 2023 were actually located in different local authority areas: Topcliffe was located in Hambleton District and Asenby in the Harrogate District. But these divides did not create any barriers to local people, who have worked tirelessly to maintain a communal facility for the two villages.
The hall was originally built in 1961, extended in 1993, and refurbished in 1998/99. With further upgrades starting in 2015, and following a year-long major refurbishment, the Village Hall was officially re-opened on Saturday, 15 October 2016. The official opening was performed by Thirsk-based Vet, Peter Wright, who co-stars in the "Yorkshire Vet" series on Channel 5. He was ably assisted by Nellie Ascough, who at 96 was the oldest resident of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages. (Unfortunately, Nellie died in February 2018).
Many organisations are regular users of the Hall, including the Parish Councils of the two villages, various village committees, library, mother and toddler groups, indoor carpet bowls, Boccia club, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Warm Hub, Soup and Sweet Lunch, pilates and yoga. The Hall is host to a range of annual events such as The Produce Show, Race Night and St George’s celebrations, as well as regular events such as birthday and Christmas parties, Sunday brunches, receptions, dances and film nights.
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Hall improvements (2015-16)
In 2014 the Village Hall Committee decided that improvements to the village hall would be desirable in order to update the toilet facilities, maximise the space for community activities, ensure full access for people with disabilities and improve the external appearance of the building.
The declared objective was to provide a modern, spacious and accessible village hall which would meet the needs of current user groups and encourages the development of further activities.
Plans were drawn up and submitted to Hambleton Council and approval to proceed was granted in July 2014. The works included:
The construction of an entirely new toilet block with full disabled access.
Construction of a new, more manageable access ramp suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Conversion of existing toilet facilities to provide much-needed storage space.
Improved lobby and entrance.
External works to enhance the appearance of the Hall, provide attractive flowerbeds and improve signage
The above works – the main contract - were carried out by local builder Paul Thompson Contractors Ltd., based in Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton.
Simultaneously, the committee also agreed to totally refurbish the kitchen area, though this work was not subject to the planning process and proceeded separately. Additionally, significant other works including re-decoration of the main hall and ancillary rooms, new lighting, resurfacing of the excellent dance floor in the main hall, installation of an audio-visual system and many other smaller improvements were undertaken.
The total investment was over £140,000, most of which was grant-aided by a wide range of organisations and by local fundraising.
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Grand Re-opening of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall
Following a year-long major refurbishment, the Village Hall was officially re-opened on Saturday, 15 October 2016. The official opening was performed by Thirsk-based Vet, Peter Wright, who co-stars in the "Yorkshire Vet" series on Channel 5. He was ably assisted by Nellie Ascough, who at 96 was the oldest resident of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages. (Unfortunately, Nellie died in February 2018).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Village Hall chairman, Andrew Eckersley, said, “I am delighted with the outcome. The Hall, which is shared between the neighbouring villages of Topcliffe and Asenby, is the main centre of community activity. The investment undertaken will ensure we have a much-improved facility that locals and other users of our Village Hall can enjoy and appreciate. Without the support of our hard-working committee and a range of very generous grant-giving bodies, we wouldn’t have been able to undertake this work, so I am very grateful to them all.”
