Episodes
Nick Hancock is joined by Jamie Hullah, Chairman of the Wetherby Business Association, for a chat about all things Wetherby!
As the new Chairman, Jamie is aiming to 'reinvigorate' the organisation and how it supports the town, including introducing a new app to allow businesses to offer deals and offers to customers.
Jamie also talks about wanting to be heavily involved in Wetherby's various community activities, including Christmas lights and local bonfires.
Nick Hancock is joined by Nick Smith, Director of the Harrogate Flower Show, for an exclusive preview of this year's event!
The show is moving to its new location at Newby Hall this year, so Nick tells us all about the thinking behind the decision, what visitors can expect, whether the usual fan-favourites will be back and why they're able to attract visitors from further afield...
Nick Hancock welcomes Kim Johnston, Director at CityFibre, to talk about some exciting developments to broadband in Harrogate, Knaresborough and eventually Ripon!
We talk about what changes will be made, how this will affect residents, a change in internet habits due to the pandemic and the goal of CityFibre - to make broadband so reliable it becomes 'boring!'
Nick Hancock chats to the team behind the most ambitious project in the 121-year history of Harrogate Theatre - 'Our Gate'! Writer Rachel Halliwell and Director Amie Burns Walker tell us all about the new six-day production including why they believe the timing is perfect, the importance of putting on an immersive experience, the logistics of various locations and the pair also give a few hints at what audiences can expect to see.
Nick Hancock welcomes Ben Crick from the Yorkshire Symphonic Orchestra ahead of their highly anticipated performance at The Great Yorkshire Proms!
The orchestra are joining Aled Jones MBE and various other performers at Harewood House and Ben tells us how it feels to be back performing in front of a live audience and previews the event next month.
Nick Hancock is joined by Harriet Stainton, the Marketing Manager at Eden Camp Modern History Museum! This one is for the parents who are struggling for ideas when it comes to summer holiday days out, as Harriet tells us all about the fun and educational things that the WWII museum has to offer. The large Second World War-related museum near Malton occupies a former WWII prisoner-of-war camp of 33 huts, and Harriet tells us all about how visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of wartime Britain.
Nick Hancock is joined by Harrogate storyteller Olivia Parker on today's podcast after the release of her debut novel 'Hamish's Heydey'! Olivia gives us a preview of what her fictional children's book is all about, as well as how the characters came to her and what her inspiration behind the book is. We talk the ins and outs of getting a book published, researching and why it's important to get children reading and away from screens.
Nick Hancock is chatting to local artist Anita Bowerman at the Dove Tree Art Gallery and Studio in Harrogate! Anita offers a fascinating insight into the life of an artist and how she produces such beautiful pieces from this very studio. We also talk local inspiration including Harlow Carr, the Yorkshire Shepherdess, Fountains Abbey and Castle Howard among other beautiful hotspots across the district.
Nick Hancock is joined by Jacqui Hargrave, a swimmer from Knaresborough who is part of a 41-mile swimming challenge in aid of St Michaels Hospice! Jacqui lost her friend Jane to cancer in 2017 and the time she spent at the hospice enabled her to spend quality time with her friends and family. We talk all about the challenge that will take Jacqui’s team from Dover to France, training in the River Nidd and why she wanted to take on such a big challenge.
Nick Hancock is joined by singer and actor Alfie Boe all the way from America ahead of his performance at Harewood House! We chat to Alfie about England football, why he misses his home country, how perseverance saw him become a performer and look ahead to his visit to this part of the world in just a few weeks!
Alfie will be opening the Picnic Proms Summer Concert event on Friday 3rd September, joined by special guests Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker.
Nick Hancock is joined by special guest Phil Airey from Horticap to talk about the Hopkins Cafe and Shop - a beautiful new cafe named in honour of former student Peter Hopkins. Peter was a student at Horticap for around 20 years and it’s his legacy that has made the new facilities possible. Phil also chats future plans for Horticap, the menu’s focus on local produce and there’s some top gardening advice thrown in!
Nick Hancock is joined by ITV and talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface ahead of England's Euro 2020 semi final clash with Denmark tonight! Sam previews the match and offers a detailed insight into both teams including the threat Denmark offer and how England can win. We also hear how he feels personally about commentating on the semi-final and having so many people across the nation watching the game alongside him, and we get a fascinating insight into the preparations of a top level commentator ahead of one of the biggest occasions in football.
Nick Hancock is joined by Harrogate royalty in the form of ex-England and Leeds footballer Danny Mills! We're previewing the England v Denmark semi-final tomorrow night including how far England can go, the difference fans inside Wembley Stadium will make and why the England players are playing without fear. We also talk about Gareth Southgate's Harrogate connections and how not too long ago he was managing a local Sunday league side!
Nick Hancock chats to Danny Wild, the Principal at Harrogate College, to find out how they're bridging the gap and helping the hospitality industry with staff and skills shortages. We also find out how Harrogate College is supporting local businesses and helping the economy with apprenticeships and shorter courses in customer service and food safety. Plus we're previewing their Open Day on Wednesday to showcase their state-of-the-art facilities!
Nick Hancock chats to Kate Rogata, Director of Supporting Older People (SOP) in Harrogate! Kate tells us all about the charity including how it has grown to support over 280 older people in the area, what their volunteers get up to, plus we hear some wonderful success stories of people they've been able to help, both throughout the pandemic and before.
Nick Hancock is joined by Steven Green - owner of Harrogate Tipple and the star of the Tipple in the Tipi event at the Cedar Court Hotel! Steven talks us through the gin-tasting event which continues to be a sell out, plus we find out the backstory behind Harrogate Tipple, where the idea came from and about the 'blood, sweat and tears' that goes into distilling at their HQ in Ripley.
Nick Hancock is joined by the winner of Netflix's 'Blown Away' series Elliott Walker ahead of his first solo gallery in Harrogate! Elliott talks us through the pressures of appearing on the Netflix show, why it's not the 'Bake Off of sculpting' and gives us his plans for the future following his competition triumph. Elliott also previews his exhibition 'Plenty' which will be held at Messums Yorkshire throughout July!
Nick Hancock is joined by superstar celeb chef Steph Moon to talk about some exciting upcoming shows for foodies… The Harrogate Food & Drink Festival is this weekend, so Steph is previewing that event including the variety of street food on offer, the chef lineups and how she’ll be cooking on the Stray. We also preview the Great Yorkshire Show and get a hint at what Steph will be doing there in a few weeks time, as well as chatting about some changes the show will be making to make it covid safe.
Nick Hancock is joined by Yvonne Campbell, who is the Head of Charity and Business Development Project Manager at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT)! Yvonne tells us all about the charity's upcoming Summer BBQ at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC, as well as other fundraising events throughout the summer, the 'stepping up challenge' and the difficulties of fundraising during lockdown.
Nick Hancock is chatting to Amy Stubbs from the brand new Harrogate Garden Centre on the A61 at Bishop Monkton! Amy talks us through the amazing story behind British Garden Centres, how it started 40 years ago, lockdown gardening and the company’s plans for the future of the centre.
Nick is joined by Hadyn Moorby-Davies, the CEO of Harrogate Skills for Living, to talk about the launch of the Harrogate Chocolate Factory cafe! The initiative aims to support adults with learning difficulties and autism by offering them both employment and the chance to build social skills. Having already launch the Harrogate Chocolate Factory in 2019, the new venture will give the charity a new place to share its chocolate products whilst welcoming visitors for a coffee and some social interaction.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sue Cawthray, the CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, after they were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this week - the equivalent of an MBE for a voluntary organisation! Sue tells us what it was like to receive the award, why the Harrogate group were recognised and how the celebrations went on Wednesday.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sally Bendston, founder of Limelight HR in Harrogate, to talk recruitment, staff flexibility, mental health advice to businesses and lessons learnt from the pandemic. Sally also offers an insight into how a local business has dealt with the challenges and how she has been able to support others. Having worked with the BBC, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central in London, Sally compares the differences between Harrogate and London - specifically the people, businesses and forward thinking ideas.
Nick Hancock is joined by Simon Cotton, Managing Director of the HRH Group, for the start of Find a Job week on Your Harrogate! We’re talking the influx of job vacancies across the district and how we’re helping local businesses find the right people for the jobs they have available. We also hear about the specific vacancies at Yorkshire Hotel and the White Hart Hotel including chefs, housekeeping and food and drink staff.
Nick Hancock chats to Sharon Canavar, Chief Exec at Harrogate International Festivals, all about the launch of the In Memoriam Covid tribute on the West Park Stray, the return of events and some normality, Brits’ need for a holiday, anxiety returning to work, and the typical British chat about changes to the weather!
Nick Hancock chats to Associate Producer at Harrogate Theatre Porl Cooper to talk about an exciting few months ahead! Porl previews a few of the best events and performances coming to Harrogate Theatre, plus there's talk of a partnership with Odeon in Harrogate and how technology has helped them reach a bigger and more diverse audience.
Nick Hancock chats to Liam McGroarty, a 17-year-old from Harrogate who started his own advertising business in lockdown! Liam is the founder of Cyber Graphics UK and talks his thoughts behind setting up the business, how his first year has been, the services he provides and why his ‘dreams are finally coming true’!
Nick Hancock is joined by Matthew Chapman, the new Manager of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID)! We're asking what is a BID and what does a BID Manager do? Matthew also reveals his plans for the town, his vision for the ‘Disney effect’ in Harrogate, parking and his task of getting people back into shopping locally after Covid.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sammy Lambert, Business Development Charity and Volunteer Manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust! Sammy gives a fascinating insight into life behind the scenes at HTFT, plus her background and what her role involves, appreciation levels for the NHS during the pandemic, lessons learnt, community spirit, the stepping up challenge and an exclusive into an upcoming challenge launching at start of June...
Nick Hancock is joined by Miranda Hargrave, a Foster Enquiry Worker at Fostering North Yorkshire to do some myth-busting around fostering and put right a few wrong perceptions. Do you have to be married and own your own house? Plus Miranda talks us through the whole process and how rewarding it can be for everyone involved.