Your Harrogate

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!

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.