A Harrogate-based barbershop chorus is promoting wellbeing for older men.
The oldest member of Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus (HHBC) is 92 and the youngest is 66.
Public relations officer Leo Niemiec believes the group can help men’s physical and mental health. He said:
“You cannot worry and sing at the same time.”
Men’s mental health is a pressing concern. In 2021, men made up 74% of suicide victims in England and Wales, according to figures release by the ONS.
A report by mental health charity Mind found that 40% of men regularly feel ‘worried or low’, and Age UK has suggested that 22% of older men have depression.
HHBC, who perform acapella in four-part harmony, rehearse every week at St Peter’s Church in Harrogate town centre.
The group will be performing at the Victoria Shopping Centre in Harrogate on Friday, February 2 at 11am.
The chorus is also offering a five-week singing course for men that will begin on Valentine’s Day (February 14). The full course costs £10 and no previous experience of singing is required. Applicants do not have to audition or be able to read music, and can find out more by emailing chairman@harrogateharmony.org.uk.
Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus can be booked by emailing engagements@harrogateharmony.org.uk.
This week’s photograph was taken by Kevin Griffiths, capturing an early morning sunrise across the stray in Harrogate.
Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.
Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.
Some may find the word “triathlon” daunting and exhausting, but Jon Chamberlain disagrees.
The Harrogate Triathlon Club chairman has been in post two years, but has ambitions to broaden the club’s appeal.
The organisation boasts 160 members and an eclectic membership base, ranging from 70 year old athletes to those taking their first steps into the sport.
For Jon, the club is a family – but it could be more than that.
Jon moved to Harrogate from Leicester nine years ago.
He had first got a flavour of the town while based at the Army Foundation College during his time in the British Army as a physical training instructor.
After upping sticks and moving his life to North Yorkshire, he joined the Harrogate Triathlon Club.
He had initially started the sport in 2011, when he took on an event with his brother.
“There was a sprint triathlon in Stratford and I really enjoyed it. He didn’t enjoy it so much, so I decided to progress from there.”
Jon, who is 51, has gone onto the race the world and European triathlons in Venice and Ibiza in his age group.
The sport has fostered a community for Jon, which he enjoys on a weekly basis in Harrogate.
The club was founded in 2012 as a legacy of the London Olympics and is made up of 130 adults and 30 juniors.
It hosts fundraising events, training sessions and an annual triathlon at Ashville College – the next of which will be held in April 2024.
Jon took up the chairmanship in 2021 and oversees the running of the club.
For him, much of the enjoyment comes from facilitating the club for its members – some of whom have never run a triathlon before.
“The ethos of the club is bringing together like-minded people.
“We have a range of athletes who are very experienced, Great Britain level age group and compete in iron man distances. Then we have got members who have never done a triathlon in their life and just want to start out in doing swimming, biking or running.”
Some members of the club are athletic and compete at a high level – but not all of them.
Jon points to Dave Newby as an example of one of those people.
Dave came to club in late 2022 with an aim of losing weight and making new friends – both of which he achieved within 12 months.
“Dave has been on a massive journey and lost a considerable amount of weight. He’s a lot stronger, because we do a lot of fitness training in the club.
“He’s now swimming, biking and running on a regular basis.”
Jane Holmes and Dave Newby.
Last year, Dave completed four triathlons and various 5k,10k and 21k races. Now, he’s training to compete an ironman contest in Nottingham in May 2024.
On the other end of the scale, Jane Holmes is competing in world championships in her 70s.
Jane is described as an “inspiration” to members of the club, Jon says, and helps to coach youngsters starting out in triathlon.
She currently world champion after finishing first in the World Triathlon Sprint and Relay Championships in Hamburg this year.
She also finished first place in the World Duathlon in Ibiza and European Duathlon in Venice this year.
“She is a real high performer when it comes to age group representing her country.
“She competes in the 70-74 age group, which is incredible. If you look at many 70 to 74 year olds, you wouldn’t expect them to be competing for their country and winning those races.”
Jon has ambitions for the club in his time as chairman.
While there is no time limit on how long he can hold the post for, there are areas which he feels the club can improve.
Jon says part of the club’s strategy is to bring in younger athletes within the 20 to 45 age bracket, as well as female and disabled athletes.
But, perhaps the biggest challenge is to tackle the stigma of triathlon.
“Triathlon is sometimes a word that scares people.
“We don’t want to put that as a barrier. So we’re thinking of potentially rebranding into some multi-sports domain where people see us and they can do different sorts of events – not just triathlon.”
Another element is tackling the expense that comes with participating in triathlon.
“It can be seen as an expensive sport because potentially there is lots of gear to buy.
“You don’t need all the gear to start. If you’ve got a pair of trainers, goggles and a bike then that will do to get you going. There’s an endless list of things you can invest in, but you don’t need all that to start.
“The best thing is to just come along and try it.”
So, what does Jon want to achieve before he relinquishes his position as chairman?
Attracting a younger demographic is among the top priorities.
“It’s quite a challenge, because at that age people are busy doing other stuff.”
For Jon, the key will be maintaining the culture of the club and keeping it as the big family that attracted people to it in the first place.
While there is an ambition to attract more people to take up triathlon, he does not want to grow it “too big”.
“I think ultimately we want to keep the culture of the club. There’s a lot of clubs you go to where you feel like you’re the only one and you’re out of the clique.
“All the members are really supportive. The culture of the club is very social and very supportive. That’s something that we want to keep.”
If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured in Sporting Spotlight, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Firefighters with breathing apparatus tackle Harrogate kitchen fireFirefighters used breathing apparatus to deal with a kitchen fire that broke out in Harrogate last night.
Fire crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge were called to Grange Avenue, which is one of the roads between Skipton Road and King’s Road, at 9.37pm.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report said:
“The fire had started under the kitchen units, believed to have been caused by faulty wiring.
“Crews entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet to extinguish. They then assisted with ventilating the property using a positive pressure ventilation fan.
“The fire caused approximately 15% fire damage to the kitchen units and smoke logging throughout the property.”
‘Without my carer I’d be a mess’ – Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023
This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal aims to raise money for a much-needed minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district.
The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.
Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.
Today, we hear from members of the charity’s singing group.
“Dementia Forward has been such a lifeline for us.”
These are the words of so many people who have been helped – and continue to be helped – by Dementia Forward.
It supports people living with dementia, and their carers who may be struggling to do their best to help them.
However, in reality, hundreds of families are fighting a losing battle with this condition. It is robbing people of their former selves daily – and none of us can stop it.
The Stray Ferret hopes to raise £30,000 to buy the charity a new minibus but we’re still a long way off our target – and we need your help.
We know times are hard, but please donate whatever you can to this vital cause.
Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward. It will fund a new minibus and improve the lives of people living with dementia and those around them.
Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.
Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.
Thank you.
Christmas Markets: a guide to the Harrogate districtThe festive season is fast approaching, so we’ve collated a list of all the Christmas markets taking place across the Harrogate district.
If you know of one that we have missed, please email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we can add it.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
The 17-day Christmas market will return to Cambridge Street this year.
There will be a variety of traders, selling festive foods and gifts, as well as live music and entertainment.
It will run from December 1 to December 17 and will be open daily.
The market will take place from 10am – 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.
Harrogate Ice Rink at Crescent Gardens
The fairground and ice rink will return to Crescent Gardens this year.
There will be a carousel and a collection of small rides for children to enjoy, as well as some market stalls.
It will run from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
The ice rink and attractions will open from 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 11am to 8.45pm on weekends.
Harrogate Festive Artisan Market
The Valley Gardens will also host a Christmas market again this December.
Little Bird Market has arranged for vendors to sell a range of food and drinks, as well as Christmas gifts.
Market days are Saturday (10am – 5pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm) between December 2 – 17.
Christmas Market at Harrogate Horticultural Nursery
The Harrogate Horticultural Nursery will run a two-day Christmas market in November.
On Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, there will be a range of Christmas plants, gifts and Christmas trees on offer.
It will be open 9.30am – 3.30pm and entry is free.
St Wilfrid’s Church Christmas Fair
St Wilfrid’s Church, on Duchy Road, will host a Christmas fair.
Gifts, art, clothing and food and drink will be on offer.
There will also be a free film screening for families from 4pm, with a welcome drink and snack for children.
It will run on Sunday, December 10 from 11am – 4pm.
Entry is free.
Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the film screening.
St Wilfrid’s Church – Christingle-making
St Wilfrid’s Church is also hosting a christingle-making session.
The event will be held in the Parish Hall and will be followed by a crib service at 5pm.
It will begin at 4pm on Sunday, December 24.
Email bookings@stwilfrid.org to reserve a place at the christingle-making session.
North Bar Christmas Market
North Bar is hosting a “keep it local” Christmas Market.
Stalls will be inside the bar with 20 traders selling a range of art, knitted and crocheted good, jewellery and more.
There will also be charity stalls to raise money for Harrogate Cat Rescue.
The event will include a table ran by Artventurers of Harrogate and Knaresborough for children to enjoy.
Mulled wine and food will be served accompanied by live music.
The event is free and will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 6pm.
Country Living Christmas Fair Harrogate
Country Living is holding a Christmas Fair at Harrogate Convention Centre.
The fair will include gift stalls which will include artisan designers, independent producers and small businesses.
There will also be workshops and a food hall.
The event will be held from November 30 to December 3.
Ripley Christmas Market
A Christmas market run by Real Markets will be held in the grounds of Ripley Castle.
The event will take place on Sunday, December 10, from 10am until 3pm.
It will include 40 independent and artisan traders, as well as festive carols from local school children and craft activities.
The market is free to attend.
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity — Outdoor Pop up Christmas Market at Harrogate Railway AFC
The Christmas market will offer a range of stalls offering arts, crafts and handmade jewellery, as well as food and drink vendors.
There will be live music, donkeys and even a Father Christmas grotto to enjoy.
The event will be held on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm at Harrogate Railway AFC.
All proceeds will go towards supporting staff, patients and families at Harrogate District Hospital.
Tickets are available now for a donation of £5 per adult and £2 for children over three — U3’s go free.
Tickets include a drink and a mince pie on arrival.
Starbeck Christmas Fair
Starbeck Christmas Fair, which will be held at St Andrew’s Church, will offer more than 30 stalls selling festive goods.
St Andrew’s Choir will be singing, followed by a performance from the Summerbell Dance Academy.
The Starbeck Christmas lights will be switched on just before 6pm, where mince pies will be handed out.
Harrogate Theatre Choir will then lead a festive sing-along.
It will take place on Saturday, November 25 from 2pm – 6pm.
St John’s & St Luke’s Churches Christmas Fair
St Luke’s Church, in Franklin Square is hosting a Christmas fair this December.
There will be a range of stalls selling jams, plants, jewellery, books, gifts and more.
Light refreshments will also be on offer.
The fair will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 10:30am – 1pm.
Admission is £3 and includes coffee and cake. Accompanied children go free.
Bilton Area Methodist Church Christmas Fayre
The church will host 16 craft stalls for its Christmas fayre.
Coffee, cake, festive sandwiches and soup will all be on offer.
There will also be a Christmas hamper raffle and a lucky dip for children.
The event will take place on Saturday, November 25, from 10am – 3pm.
West Park & St Paul’s Churches Community Carol Service
A community carol service will take place at the West Park United Reform Church, on Victoria Avenue, in December.
There will be plenty of carols to sing followed by coffee and mince pies.
Anyone is welcome.
The service will be held on Friday, December 22 at 5pm.
Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food and Gift Fair
The cathedral will host more than 100 stalls during its Christmas fair.
There will be hot turkey sandwiches, mulled wine and Christmas gifts on offer.
The event will take place on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, from 9.30am – 4.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 for adults and U16s go free.
There is also a free park and ride available.
Little Bird Christmas Artisan Market
Little Bird will offer a variety of stalls in the Market Square.
There will be homewares, personalised gifts, toys and food and drinks on offer.
It will take place on Sunday, November 26 from 10am – 3pm.
Ripon Community Christmas Craft Fair
A Christmas market will be on offer at Ripon Community House.
There will be handmade gifts, local produce and arts and crafts.
There will also be a visit from Father Christmas for young ones to enjoy.
All proceeds from the tombola and refreshment area will go towards the Community House.
Entry is 50p and the event will take place from 10am – 3pm on Sunday, November 19.
Late night Christmas shopping
There will also be a late night shopping event around Ripon.
Traders will stay open until 8pm.
It will take place on Thursday, November 30.
Festive Winter Warmer Cruises & Local Makers Market at Canal Basin
The Pride of Ripon will be running festive cruises on the canal this Christmas.
The boat ride, which will be 30 minutes in total, will also include mulled wine, hot chocolate and nibbles – including brownies and mince pies from The Secret Garden.
Local traders will also have stalls running alongside the boat rides.
It will take place on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 11am — 3pm.
Tickets start at £8.95.
Knaresborough Christmas Market and fireworks
Knaresborough Christmas Markets will take place around the town’s Market Place.
There will be almost 60 stalls, including festive food, clothing and Christmas gifts.
Live music and entertainment will also be on offer, with performances from a Ukrainian Dance Group, Knaresborough Choral Society and Harrogate Spa St John’s Church Choir.
There will also be a free park and ride for the weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the market square. Buses will run from 8am to 5.30pm throughout the weekend.
A firework display at the Castle grounds will bring the market weekend to a close.
The markets will run on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3.
Pateley Bridge Late Night Shopping
Pateley Bridge will hold a late-night shopping evening on Friday, December 8.
Local shops will be involved and hand out samples, while children can enjoy the santa’s grotto.
It will begin at 6pm.
St Nicholas Fair at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge
A Christmas fair will be held in Pateley Bridge on Sunday December 2.
There will be a range of stalls selling jewellery, cakes and gifts, as well as a festive tombola and a raffle.
The Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Prize Band will also be performing from noon until 1.30pm.
Admission is £3 and includes a hot drink and a mince pie.
Soup and a roll will be available from noon.
The event starts at 10.30am.
Christmas Big Sing at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge
To continue the festivities, a “big sing” will be held at the church later in the evening on December 2.
Tickets cost £5 on the door and there will also be a raffle.
Tables of 4 or more can be booked in advance by emailing me.mitch@btinternet.com
The bar opens from 6.30pm and the event will run from 7pm – 9pm.
Masham Christmas Fayre
A traditional Christmas fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.
There will be a variety of gifts available to buy.
The event will take place on Saturday, December 2, from 10am .
SYD Christmas Craft, Vintage and Collectables Fayre
An eclectic Christmas Fayre will be held in Masham Town Hall this year.
There will be two floors of handmade craft, vintage and collectables stalls.
It will take place on Sunday, December 3 from 10am.
Late night Christmas shopping
A late-night Christmas shopping event will be held across Boroughbridge.
Shops will stay open late and will compete in a window display competition.
There will also be festive street stalls, a hog roast, choir performances and children’s rides.
Children can also expect a visit from Father Christmas.
The event, which will take place on Wednesday December 6, will be kicked off by the official light switch-on at 5.30pm.
Christmas Fayre — Minskip Village Hall
A Christmas Gift Fayre will be held in Minskip, near Boroughbridge, this month.
The event, which will be held in Minskip Village Hall, will run from 1pm – 4pm.
It will feature a wide range of local traders selling festive gifts, food and homeware, as well as a tombola and refreshments.
All proceeds will go to the local church.
The fayre will be held on Saturday, December 9.
Entry is free.
Lovingly Made in the Dales — Hampsthwaite
An artisan Christmas market will be held in Hampsthwaite village hall.
There will be more than 20 vendors selling locally-crafted gifts.
Tickets cost £10, which includes a glass of wine and a raffle ticket, and money raised will go towards the Roddy Scott Foundation.
It will take place on Thursday, December 7, from 6pm – 9pm.
Artisan Christmas Market — The Inn at South Stainley
The Inn at South Stainley will host three-days of Christmas markets in November and December.
It will host a range of local sellers.
There will be mulled wine and bratwurst on offer while shopping.
The event is free to attend and will take place on Wednesday, November 29 from 4pm, and December 6 and 13 from 8pm.
The Christmas Kitchen — The Washburn Heritage Centre
The Washburn Heritage Centre will be hosting a Christmas market in December.
There will be a range of stalls selling homemade seasonal goods, including jams, alcohol and sweet treats, baked by the centre’s volunteers.
The Tea Room will also be serving a seasonal menu with hot soup, turkey rolls, mince pies and Christmas cake to enjoy.
The Fewston Musick singers will be performing at the event.
It will take place on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 11am – 4pm.
Copt Hewick Christmas Fair
A festive market will be held in Copt Hewick village church and hall on Saturday, December 2.
There will be craft stalls, a tombola and raffle, food and drinks, and even a visit from Father Christmas on a horse-drawn sleigh.
The event will run from 11am – 3pm.
Admission is free.
Yemi’s Food Stories: Spice up your Christmas dinner
People can be frightened by the idea of spice, but spice doesn’t have to mean heat.
In fact, the right spices can elevate any dish and a Christmas meal is no exception.
This week, we’ll look at how to be a little more adventurous this festive season without running the risk of burning your guests’ tongues…
As mentioned, spice doesn’t have to equal heat and can often bring a balance of sweet and savoury to your plate.
So, why not try brining your turkey in a spiced solution for a warm and festive flavour?
Just add the meat to water with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, salt and a bit of sugar. Leave to rest and, once cooked, you’ll have a turkey bursting with flavour.
If the sweetness doesn’t appeal to you, you can try something a little more traditional. Add onions, peppercorns, crushed garlic, fresh herbs, grated ginger and salt to the water.
To go with your aromatic turkey, you could also add some spices to your gravy for an extra kick.
Begin by using all juices from the meat to make the base of the gravy as flavourful as possible. Then, try adding some grains of selim and grains of paradise to it.
Both have a similar flavour profile to black pepper, while grains of selim have a musky essence which compliments the meaty flavour.
I know roast potatoes can be a little polarising in terms of how they’re made; some like a simple olive oil and salt garnish, others like the full-whack with a homemade herb salt and goose fat.
No matter how you like them, I can guarantee a little added spice will take your roasties to the next level.
I like to add some urfa biber chilli flakes to my potatoes — a sweet and smokey chilli with an added kick. This is a simple step that will really elevate your dish.
If you’re wanting to go one step further, try making a spiced oil using a mix of black and white mustard seeds.
I then add shallots and spring onions, chilli flakes, mixed herbs and a pinch of smoked sea salt before grinding it together.
With so many flavours involved, your guests will be begging you for the recipe, I’m sure!
Yemi’s sara saffron and thyme crème brûlée.
I’d recommend adding sara saffron to your puddings this year.
It pairs well with cream-based desserts, like panna cotta, ice cream or crème brûlée, and creates a lovely golden colour.
Top any of the above with raspberries and you have a perfectly light but indulgent dessert.
There is no end to the flavours you can create once you start experimenting with spices – and I hope you add a little more spice to your Christmas this year.
The para athlete setting ice swimming world records and living life to the max
I meet Jonty Warneken almost 29 years to the day of his car crash. It was November 29, 1994, when he veered off a road near Ripley at 50mph, ploughed through a hedge and hit an oak tree. His injuries were so severe that his lower left leg had to be amputated.
In the years since, Jonty has taken on extreme challenges, set world records and represented Great Britain in ice swimming. So how has he done it? How does someone move on from such a traumatic incident to live such an extraordinary life?
“I do it because it’s fun, it’s amazing. I love life. I’ve always had that bit of spark in me. If something happens to you, you either let it affect you for the rest of your life, or you don’t.
“Never once do I feel sorry for myself. I’ve had my disability for so long I don’t even think about it. I wouldn’t say it’s an irrelevance; it’s just a fact of life.
“I never say ‘What if I hadn’t driven my car that way.’ That just eats your soul and serves no positive purpose. Instead, I say ‘what if’ I do this, or ‘why not’ try that. I know how fragile life is. I don’t want to go to my grave thinking what I could have done if I’d said yes a bit more.”
Jonty was 22 years old on that day in 1994, driving home alone from a job interview in his 1963 MGB Roadster. It didn’t have seatbelts and, like many classic cars, wasn’t the safest of vehicles, even by 1990s standards. It took emergency crews an hour to cut him free. After he arrived at the hospital, a police officer who’d been at the scene of the crash entered A&E saying, ‘I take it this is a fatality.’
Jonty spent six months in hospital. As well as facial injuries which would require his nose to be rebuilt, both his legs were badly damaged. His left leg later became infected. He was given a choice: five operations over three years for a 30 per cent chance of being able to use it again, or amputation below the knee. He chose the latter.
“From a psychological point of view, it was a decision of logic, not emotion. I knew what I was doing: I’m not playing that game. I’d had an awful year – I’d left the Army and split up with my girlfriend – and I just wanted to get on with my life.”
Jonty in hospital after the car crash
He remembers sitting up in bed after the operation and looking down at the space under the duvet.
“I knew then that I had to get on. I had a responsibility to my parents and my friends. I thought, ‘Let’s crack on, I can’t sit here and feel sorry for myself.’”
First up, he wanted to do everything he could to make sure he wasn’t a burden and a worry to his family and friends. Secondly, he wanted to be out of hospital as quickly as possible – something he managed on June 5th, his mother’s 50th birthday and just two weeks after the amputation.
He set himself more goals. He wanted to be walking as best he could by the time of a friend’s wedding in July, around six weeks after the amputation. By the end of that year, he’d got a job.
Now 51, Jonty discovered open water swimming 12 years ago, when his brother Andrew decided to give it a go and asked him along. They had grown up in Nidderdale and spent many happy times as children swimming with their friends in local rivers, but Jonty was surprised how much he enjoyed it again. It was easier on his leg than other activities, and he loved being in nature, which he describes as “the best balm for my mind and soul”. He now lives near Wetherby and promotes accessibility to the outdoors as a trustee of Open Country, a Harrogate charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Open water swimming led to ice swimming (swimming in water under five degrees) and the start of some extreme challenges. In 2014, Jonty became the first disabled person to complete an Ice Mile swim. In June last year, he crossed the North Channel, from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland to Portpatrick in Scotland, as part of ‘Team Bits Missing’, the only para swimming relay team ever to do so.
Team Bits Missing with Jonty, second from left
And in September this year Jonty crossed the same stretch of water again, this time on his own, in a time of 15 hours, 22 minutes and 41 seconds. With no wetsuit on, in line with official rules, he had to contend with cold water, lion’s mane jellyfish (“They really hurt “), and currents that pushed him so far off course that he ended up swimming 33-and-a-half miles instead of the 21 it should have been. He was the first amputee, and 135th swimmer overall, to complete the challenge solo.
“It’s so hard but there’s just something about getting into cold water and swimming a distance; it’s the endorphins. And the community is amazing, it’s so welcoming and friendly. Everyone is equal in ice swimming. It’s a commonality of suffering.”
Jonty at Knaresborough Lido, in a water temperature of one degree
That sense of equality is really important to him. He sees one of his greatest achievements as successfully pushing for a change in the system at the International Ice Swimming Association (IISE)’s World Championships in France. It allowed a para mixed freestyle relay team, including Jonty, to compete as a country in its own right, swimming against able-bodied national teams.
“It still makes me emotional. I know how happy it made everyone on the team. Show me another sport where men and women are in one team and paras compete against able-bodied people. It’s saying we can do this and we can do this as equals.”
Before ice swimming, it was skiing that replaced rugby after the crash. He had never tried it until he heard about a trial being held by the British Disabled Ski Club. Straight away, he was hooked. And, in typical style, he’s aiming to push his limits there, too. In January last year, he had to abandon plans to ski in the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra in Canada, said to be the world’s coldest and toughest. He’d caught Covid during preparations on an Arctic survival course in Sweden.
“You get dealt a set of cards and I’m playing my hand to the max. I’ve honestly never had a moment where I’ve regretted anything. Instead of saying, ‘Why would you want to do it?’, I ask, ‘Why not?’”
It’s this ‘why not’ mentality that his beloved wife, Penny, has to keep in check. She seems to be the only reason he’s ever said no to anything.
“I have a responsibility to Penny. The challenges I do aren’t cheap and some of them come with risk, so the deal is that Penny has a say on what I do. What I’m not allowed to do is climb mountain peaks. I’m quite glad about it really, because if someone asked me I would say yes.”
But he is beginning to recognise his limitations and the strain his body is under, particularly his remaining leg which was also badly injured in the crash.
“Swimming and cross country skiing don’t hurt the ankle as much, but walking and running are getting harder. I’ve had four operations on my ankle already and I can’t have any more. I’m lucky because I live with pain so my pain threshold is pretty high. I find it fascinating how far I can go. But as you get older, your body starts giving up.”
Whether he listens to his body is a different matter, though. He’s written down some ‘rules of life’ which include: I say ‘yes’ a lot more than ‘no’ to try new things’ and ‘I accept that pain and suffering are part of what I have to go through to achieve what I want to achieve’.
So what else does he want to achieve? Still on Jonty’s bucket list is a North or South Pole skiing challenge. He’s aiming to get ‘all the big stuff’ done before he turns 65, and then he says he owes Penny the rest of his time.
I have one final question for Jonty, and it’s one he gets asked often. Given that he says his disability hasn’t held him back, and that he’s met his wife and a great community of ice swimmers and friends since his accident, would he turn back time if he could?
“I would have my leg back tomorrow because it would make my life easier. I’d still have done all the crazy stuff, I’d have maxed all my potential, and I’d have still met my wife. I just think I could have done even more – and it wouldn’t have been so tough doing it.”
Do you have an extraordinary story to tell? Get in touch with Katie at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
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New butchers to open on Harrogate’s King’s Road tomorrow
A new butchers shop will open in Harrogate tomorrow.
The Harrogate Butcher, which has taken on the former Ramus Seafood site, will be owner Daniel Brady’s first solo venture.
Mr Brady, who is originally from the Midlands but has lived in Harrogate for the last 15 years, said he will bring a mix of traditional Anglo-French, American BBQ and Asian-style butchery to the town.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve been a butcher for almost 10 years in Harrogate.
“My background has always been food-related. I grew up in a pub that served food and was always involved in the kitchen from a very young age.
“I’ve worked as a chef in kitchens across Yorkshire but this is my first butchers shop that I’ve opened.”
The Harrogate Butcher will focus on locally-sourced meat and products, with pork, lamb, beef and chicken on offer. But Mr Brady said he “won’t shy away” from international meats, such as Japanese wagyu, Spanish Iberico pork and American meat cuts.
He added:
“The focus will be on high welfare, high quality, delicious meat.
“The inspiration for the business was mainly due to my passion for butchery and high-quality produce.”
There will also be a range of prepared food on offer once the shop gets going, Mr Brady added, including dauphinoise potatoes, curries, homemade kimchi and sauces.
As well as butchery, Mr Brady said another driving factor for his new venture was his family.
After working as a freelance chef, he realised he needed “more stability and less late nights” to get home and read his young children bedtime stories.
He also said:
“This project has been in the pipe line for almost 18 months at this location, but I got the lease five months ago.
“I waited so long as I really love this historical Harrogate building that has been providing the local community with food since at least the 70s.
“I have taken on most of the renovations myself, from plastering, tiling, plumbing, decorating. It’s been a tough five months but I’m really happy with how it’s looking.
“I can’t wait to get open and start serving the beloved people of Harrogate.”
The Harrogate Butcher will open from 9am tomorrow.
It will be open every day in the lead up to Christmas. In the New Year it will be open 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
First Harrogate Self Care Week to take place in January
The first ever Harrogate Self Care Week will kick off the new year, with a programme of free events to boost health and wellbeing.
Launched by Harrogate Business Improvement District, the week, which runs from January 22 to 27, will feature a range of self-care workshops, activities and classes, along with a themed market to help visitors work on their ‘body, soul and mind’, according to organisers.
Harrogate Turkish Baths will get the ball rolling on Monday, January 22 by hosting a free two-hour session in the frigidarium, steam room, heated chamber and plunge pool.
Throughout the rest of the week, the programme will include a mosaic-making event at Artizan, flower-arranging with Helen James, various yoga classes, a dynamic session with Ebru Evrim, gym training with F45 and gong bath therapy.
To close on Saturday 27, a pop-up health and wellbeing-themed market will be held in the Victoria Shopping Centre, with a range of traders and stalls on offer for visitors to explore.
Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:
“Since William Slingsby discovered the first spring in 1571, Harrogate has been a flourishing spa town that has been supporting both self-care and wellbeing.
“We are proud to be working with BID members and partners on this new campaign to showcase our present day offer, which remains world renowned.”
Harrogate BID has partnered with self-styled “holistic wellbeing warrior” Kitti Johnson for the new event.
A certified yoga instructor, crystal bowl sound healer, reiki and shamanic practitioner, Kitti has taught workshops on energy healing, journaling, anxiety, the chakras and essential oils for a number of years.
She said:
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to raise awareness of all the wonderful wellbeing services and ways that people can look after themselves as part of Harrogate’s first ever Self Care Week.
“We have a wide variety of classes and workshops for people to discover new ways to take care of their wellbeing and to kick-start a healthy, happy mind, body and soul for 2024.”
Further details on the programme are set to be released in the New Year.
Any businesses or independent providers in the BID area wishing to get involved, or anyone looking for further information, should email the BID team.