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- Yorkshire Wolds Brewery To Host Inaugural 10k Trail Race
A Yorkshire Wolds brewery and a Bridlington running club are partnering for the inaugural Wold Top 10k trail run. Wold Top Brewery has supported Bridlington Road Runners’ half marathon event for many years, but this is the first time that the brewery is hosting its own event. The Wold Top 10k run takes place at the Hunmanby Grange-based brewery on 16th September and also features a children’s 1k fun run, a hog roast and an option to camp at the award-winning brewery on the top of the Wolds. Brewery director and keen runner, Alex Balchin is looking forward to the event: “Starting from the brewery, you'll run an all-terrain 10k race around the Wold Top farm, finishing back at the brewery bar for a well-deserved pint and some food! We are blessed with amazing scenery here on the top of the Wolds and our walking events always sell out quickly, so we thought it would be great to host a family-friendly event featuring an off-road trail run and a fun run followed by a hog roast and overnight camping. It should be great.” The 10k run costs £25 to enter and includes food, a finishers’ pint and medal and first aid on site. Organisers are suggesting a £2 donation for the 1k fun run that will go to St. Catherine’s Hospice. Entries for the 10k run must be made online before the deadline of 30th August and there will be no entries on the day. Basic, but scenic, camping, caravan and motorhome pitches are available for £12 per pitch. You can book both the 10k run and camping online at https://bit.ly/WTB10KRun . Wold Top are hosting the event in conjunction with the team at Bridlington Road Runners.
- East Yorkshire Poultry Business Creates New Role
A Middleton on the Wolds-based family poultry business has created a new role in the operations team to support its growing business. Renata Zeliutkova has joined the team at Soanes Poultry as Production Manager to manage the day-to-day running of the production line. Ms Zeliutkova is excited to join the growing business: “It’s a great time to join Soanes and I’m looking forward to supporting the factory team.” Soanes Poultry’s Factory Manager, Dmitrijus Solovjovas said: “In the last few years, we have invested millions of pounds to produce multi-award-winning chicken, but we need good people to continue to grow. “Right from the start, Renata’s dedication, efficiency and attention to detail were obvious and she has already proved to be an invaluable member of the factory team. So much so that she was recently awarded Employee of the Month, which is unusual for a new starter.” Ms Zeliutkova’s interests outside work include cars, motorbikes and spending time with friends and family. Soanes Poultry is a family-owned business that has been rearing and preparing chicken since 1947. It sells chicken to butchers and independent retailers in Yorkshire and to wholesalers nationwide.
- South Leeds Adventure Attraction Launches Schools’ Rewards Days Packages
Further to a successful series of Teachers’ Days and Drop-Ins, an adventure play attraction in Leeds is launching three packages for school pupils aged 6 - 14. Developed by a qualified primary and outdoor educational instructor, Gemma Simpson, Duty Manager at Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre , the packages are the Elevate, Aerial and the Terrain experience that are suitable for all primary and secondary school Key Stages, with a minimum height requirement on the High Ropes. The Elevate package includes access to the high ropes and bespoke team-building activities that have been designed with an educational focus; the Aerial experience includes the challenging two-tier high ropes course and the Terrain experience gives full access to the park’s ground level activities. “Our schools’ packages are a great way to celebrate finishing SATs, to treat your class of 2023, to enjoy a fun-filled day of adventure to mark the end of the term, or to encourage team building at the beginning of the new school year,” said Miss Simpson. “At Mission Out, children in all year groups can experience epic challenges and exhilarating fun in four acres of the great outdoors. We provide a highly engaging and rewarding environment that allows children to step out of their comfort zone and build confidence. Adventure play promotes resilience and team-working, and helps the children to develop problem-solving skills, whilst making epic memories.” Tom Clements, Assistant Headteacher at Roundhay School recently took a group of 250 pupils to experience Mission Out: “Thank you so much for your help prior to and during our visit. We truly appreciate how easy and simple you and your team made it for us to plan and deliver an excellent day out for our pupils. “It was utterly brilliant to see how much fun our young people had and the freedom that they had to play and be children in a completely safe environment.” The cost of the packages, which start at £6.95 per pupil for the Terrain package , includes coach parking, cabins for breaks and group work and certificates. Follow the link for more information. Designed to appeal to families, groups and parties, Mission Out features high ropes, water activities, a jump challenge pillow, giant swings, deb-building and adventure golf among its many activities.
- Heat Recovery Business Shortlisted for Industry Award
The team at a Yorkshire heat recovery from refrigeration (HRFR) business is celebrating after reaching the final of a national refrigeration award. Beverley-based DK Heat Recovery has been shortlisted for the Retail Project of the Year award in the 20th annual Cooling Industry Awards that celebrate the industry’s achievements on all fronts; from innovation to environmental progress, best practice and personal development. DK Heat Recovery’s Marketing Director, Nigel Upson added: “ The Cooling Industry Awards are the biggest and most prestigious awards in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. We’re delighted to have reached the final for the work that we did with Crimple in Harrogate where we used the waste heat from the refrigeration plant serving the Food Hall chill cabinets to supply the hot water for whole site." The team face competition from Liebherr-Great Britain, BrainBox AI, RDM and SK Refrigeration Heating and Cooling in partnership with Wolseley Climate and Chemours and will learn whether they have been successful at an awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 21st September. Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire with a satellite office in Peterborough, DK Heat Recovery is the sole UK agent of DK Kaelteanlagen GmbH's heat recovery and water cooling systems and is supported by a network of installers and refrigeration engineers nationwide. It has installed heat recovery systems for food manufacturers, supermarkets, farm shops, butchers and garden centres over the last decade. DK Heat Recovery’s systems are suitable for use in any business that has refrigeration plant and a requirement for hot water or space heating and are very cost effective compared with other carbon-reducing technologies.
- Yorkshire Café named in top 10% of Tripadvisor listings
The team at a North Yorkshire café are celebrating after being awarded a Travellers’ Choice Award by the world’s largest travel platform, Tripadvisor. Cedarbarn Farm Café in Pickering was awarded the certificate for consistently earning positive reviews and ratings. As Mandy Avison, Cedarbarn co-founder explains: “Travellers’ Choice award-winners are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, so we’re naturally delighted to be part of such an elite group. The awards honour selected accommodation, attractions and restaurants that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence and it’s a real credit to our café team, led by manager, Louise Coverdale.” According to Tripadvisor, Cedarbarn Farm Café is ranked 10th out of 42 restaurants in Pickering. 87% of its reviews are four and five-star reviews combined. Follow the link for more information. Travellers’ Choice winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, as well as an additional editorial process. To be eligible for an award, a property, business, destination or point of interest must have been listed on Tripadvisor for at least 12 months, must receive a threshold number of reviews within the evaluation period of that award, and must maintain or exceed a minimum bubble rating on Tripadvisor. Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from a caravan 26 years ago and now is a thriving farm shop and café that sources a large percentage of its produce from its own farm and a neighbouring farm supplemented with local suppliers.
- Rising Interest Rates Is Biggest Challenge Facing SMEs
According to UK brokers, higher interest rates is the number one biggest challenge facing small and medium sized businesses (‘SMEs’) in the next 12 months closely followed by high inflation and securing finance as the cost of living bites. This is according to new research commissioned by Manx Financial Group PLC (AIM:MFX), the financial services group which includes, amongst other operating subsidiaries, Conister Bank Limited (“Conister”), Conister Finance & Leasing Limited and Blue Star Business Solutions Limited. Key Findings: Additional research showed that two in five SME owners have had to stop or pause an area of business because of a lack of finance over last couple of years 40% said AI would be used to further facilitate commercial finance application decisions 96% of brokers believe that SME overall sentiment is positive and with appropriate external finance, most believe they could grow their business by up to 19% Manx’s research showed that higher interest rates rose significantly in terms of the biggest challenge facing SMEs from fourth in last year’s survey to first. Higher inflation fell from first to second while supply and logistical issues and recruitment issues dropped off this year’s top three concerns. SMEs felt that the ongoing cost of living crisis will mean that within their business, securing finance will be most affected, followed by new markets expansion, mergers & acquisitions and new product launches. Opening new offices or sites and hiring the right personnel were also highlighted by one in ten (11%). Manx’s research also asked brokers about advancements in AI and how it will affect SMEs over the next twelve months. 40% said it would be used to further facilitate commercial finance application decisions while a fifth (20%) of SME brokers thought it would be used to identify new business opportunities. 19% thought SMEs would use it to determine future business risk and one in ten (9%) believe it will replace back office and non client facing roles. The findings of the study follow earlier research3 with SME owners by Manx which showed that two in five (40%) have had to stop or pause an area of their business because of a lack of finance over the last couple of years. Manx’s most recent research also showed that despite concerns over rising interest rates, higher inflation and the cost of living crisis, 96% (83% in 2022) of brokers believe that SME overall sentiment is positive. Indeed, with appropriate external finance, earlier research suggested that most SMEs believe they could grow their business by up to 19%. Douglas Grant, CEO of Manx Financial Group PLC, commented: "Our research emphasises the challenges confronted by SMEs in the midst of an ongoing cost of living crisis." "Overwhelmingly, almost every SME is being adversely affected. Accessing finance has been a persistent struggle for SMEs, and this lack of available funding is alarming as it will impede both their growth and the overall UK economy, particularly at a time when it is most needed." "The loss of potential growth is becoming increasingly prevalent, necessitating innovative solutions to bridge this funding gap." "We have been advocating for the establishment of a sector-focused, government-backed loan scheme that involves both traditional and non-traditional lenders. Such a scheme would provide much-needed security for the future of our SMEs. Given the mounting concerns about the economy's future, the implementation of a permanent scheme holds immense significance. It could serve as a crucial factor in sustaining economic recovery and ultimately determine the survival of many businesses.”
- Family Fun At Longines Royal International Horse Show
The Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (26-30 July) is synonymous with top-class equestrian action – but there is lots more to see in addition to the world’s best horses and riders. Hickstead’s five-star July fixture is home to some of the most iconic classes in the sport, including the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain, the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge, the Breen Equestrian Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Longines King George V Gold Cup. With six rings of action running throughout the event, there is everything from towering 1.60m international showjumping to tiny riders and ponies jumping little cross-poles; championship show horses to British Riding Club teams and speedy scurry driving ponies. There is plenty of entertainment for all members of the family, and under-15s go free throughout the show when booked with an adult – making a saving of £10 per child. Returning to the show for the second year is the Village Green area, with a live action stage with performances throughout the week. Popular children’s entertainer Tomfoolery is back, bringing his unique brand of chaos, magic shows and comedy. The stage will also be showcasing some of the best local talents, with musical performances from Choir & Ko, Ariel Company Theatre and more. For those who have been inspired by the action in the Longines International Arena, you can have a go at some showjumping in our very own Hobby Horse Derby. For crafty types, Fab Dab Do will be hosting workshops where you can purchase and decorate your own t-shirts to take home. Plus there will be facepainting, garden games such as Giant Jenga and Connect 4, as well as the usual funfair with inflatable rides, trampoline bungee and a carousel. The area also includes a large selection of equine and lifestyle tradestands, selling everything from tack and riding equipment to country clothing, footwear, homeware and gifts. When it comes to food and drink, there is a plethora of choices at Hickstead – ranging from street food stalls offering all sorts of world cuisine, to fine dining in one of our restaurants or private boxes. Ladies’ Day takes place on Saturday 29 July, with incredible prizes up for grabs for the show’s best dressed guests. The overall winner receives a luxury stay for two at Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, including dinner and spa treatments, while the runner-up wins a stay at South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa. Third place receives a tasting menu for two at Due South Restaurant in Brighton, while all 10 finalists receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Cottage Flowers in Haywards Heath. Tickets are available online or at the gate, with a discount applying to all online bookings made before Friday 21 July. Visit www.hickstead.co.uk for more information and to book.
- Teen Sprinter Set For Commonwealth Youth Games
Ebuka Nwokeji: England's 16 year old Sprinting Champion is Selected to represent England for the Commonwealth Youth Games Get ready to witness the electrifying performances of Ebuka Nwokeji, the exceptional athlete chosen to represent England in the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games. With his awe-inspiring skills and unwavering determination, Ebuka is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting legacy in the world of international athletics. On July 4th, 2023, Ebuka Nwokeji received the incredible news of his selection to represent England in the Commonwealth Youth Games in the 100m and the relay. This prestigious event will take place in Trinidad & Tobago in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in Ebuka's flourishing career as an international athlete. Team England proudly announced this achievement on their official website and social media platforms, spreading the excitement among sports enthusiasts across the nation. Young athletes from various Commonwealth nations will be present at Trinidad and Tobago to compete and show case their talents in this prestigious event. Historically, this event has provided a platform for numerous well-known British athletes to kickstart their careers, including the likes of Jess Ennis-Hill, Dina Asher-Smith, and Tom Dean. who later achieved remarkable success on the international stage. Now, it's Ebuka's turn to showcase his exceptional talent and make his mark. Ebuka Nwokeji's selection has sparked immense excitement and anticipation among fans and fellow athletes alike. As the nation's golden hope, he carries the aspirations of his country on his shoulders. With his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, he possesses the potential to bring home the coveted gold medal and etch his name in sporting history. Ebuka Nwokeji is not just an athlete; he's a record-breaker. Throughout his journey, he has continuously pushed boundaries, shattered records, and redefined what is possible in athletics. As he steps onto the global stage at the Commonwealth Youth Games, all eyes will be on his extraordinary performances. Ebuka aims to surpass his own remarkable achievements and set new records that will inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness. With an impressive ranking in both the 100m and 200m events, Ebuka has proven himself as one of the top athletes in his age category. In the UK Ranking for U17m 100m, he holds the first position with a personal best time of 10.50 seconds. Additionally, he ranks third in the UK for U17m 200m with a personal best time of 20.53 seconds (Power of 10). Furthermore, in the European Ranking for U18 100m, he secures the sixth position (World Athletics). Beyond his incredible accomplishments, Ebuka's journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the nation. His dedication, perseverance, and unwavering belief in his abilities stand as a shining example for aspiring sports enthusiasts. Ebuka's success encourages young athletes to dream big, work hard, and never give up on their goals. He embodies the idea that with passion and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of sporting excellence. Reflecting on his selection, Ebuka shares, "Being selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Games feels like a dream come true! I have now been selected twice this year and will wear the England jersey twice this season, and I am humbled. I'm going there to make England proud and bring back medals for all of us to celebrate! I couldn't have done it without the support of my coaches and family. They have always believed in me and encouraged me to never give up." As the Commonwealth Youth Games draw nearer, the anticipation surrounding Ebuka Nwokeji continues to grow. The nation eagerly awaits his remarkable performances, knowing that he carries the hopes and dreams of England's athletics community. Let us come together to support Ebuka on this amazing adventure, as he embraces his dream.
- New Team Building Programmes Launched At Hatton Estate
A local landowner has launched a new team building business which he says will be a much needed ‘shot in the arm’ for local corporate growth post-lockdown. The 700-acre Hatton Estate, which has been in the Arkwright family since the early 19th century, now hosts exclusive indoor and outdoor hospitality and events from four to 400 people. It is available on both fully managed days and a venue hire basis, with activities from sport and leisure through to individual and team challenges. Incorporating the Hatton Country World and Hatton Arms businesses, the new events menu includes everything from Laser Combat, Escape Rooms, Soap Box Derby, Scaling the Heights, Bridge The Divide and The Bigger Picture to It’s A Knockout, Circus Skills Workshop, Sports Days and Inflatable Games. Plus amateur sleuths can even take on a Crime Scene Investigation challenge. As well as team building, Hatton Estates’ new events marquee can host parties, events, conferences and weddings. This marks the latest in a series of diversifications for Hatton Estate, part of a country estate owned by the Arkwright family. The family – who are direct descendants of Sir Richard Arkwright, a pioneer of the industrial revolution – acquired seven small farmsteads in 1830. Over the years the small buildings on the farms became redundant due to the modernisation of British farming. Johnnie Arkwright said: “Exclusive Team Building, Family Fun and Activity Away Days are now a key part of business planning as companies decide how best to tackle what for many are more demanding times. It’s how best to build relationships with clients, to make your teams as effective as possible, to celebrate success and to motivate your employees.” “Located five minutes from the Midlands motorway network and regular trains to London and Birmingham, we’re obviously in a great position to host both local and national events.” “And because we have a whole range of the activities and facilities that most venues have to buy in, we are able to put on Events Days at very competitive prices.” He added: “For all businesses staff and clients are key and it’s well established that Away Days can boost both productivity and sales. Tailor making programmes that focus on a company’s objectives is an art-form in itself and the numerous venue options that Hatton is able to offer make this task that much more straightforward.” “If the Midlands is to thrive in an era of increasingly global competition where AI and digitalisation is fast changing both work practises and markets, we need forward-looking businesses prepared to invest in their teams and to explore new markets. And we want to do our bit to help our great region to stay at the forefront for decades to come.“ Hatton Estate has been home to the Arkwright family for the last 200 years when, back in 1770 they had the vision to build the first mechanised factory in the world and is now regarded as ‘The Father of the Factory System.’ “Carving a successful role for the Midlands over the next 100 years might be every bit as big a challenge as The Industrial Revolution all those years ago!”
- Scotland Release Rugby World Cup 2023 Kit
Scotland has today released details of its kit for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France, with the connection between the team, its supporters and the country paramount to Macron’s design for the showpiece tournament. The home jersey is a classic, heritage dark blue, flanked by the Scottish Rugby tartan on either side, with the same features on dark blue shorts, and white socks. The alterative kit sees a return to a white jersey, patterned with the characteristics of the Scottish Rugby tartan, with blue and white shorts and socks. In addition to excellent quality and advanced technology, the new shirts feature exclusive graphics designed to express the sense of identity and belonging to the colours of the national team. They also convey a clear message of sustainability and respect for the environment, being made from Eco Fabric, a polyester material derived entirely from recycled plastic. It takes around 13 recycled half-litre bottles to make every shirt. Scotland will embark on their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign with an opening Pool B fixture against world champions South Africa at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on Sunday 10 September. Three further Pool fixtures will see Scotland face Tonga at the Stade de Nice (24 September), Romania at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille (30 September), before finishing the stage with a potentially crucial encounter with Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris on 7 October. Ross Cook, Macron’s Senior Sports Marketing Manager, said: “Rugby World Cups are very special, prestigious events that should be rightly celebrated. As a brand this is our chance, through fabric, to tell the world the unique story of this iconic nation and its deep-rooted history in Rugby." “For the match day kits we have created a special custom designed collar from the players' feedback. Scottish Rugby tartan remains the protagonist, with subtle inserts on the flanks of the home shirt and thistle-coloured pinstripes on the sleeves, whereas the stunning alternate jersey features an all-over embossed pattern of the tartan.” Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie added: “As a squad we feel a real connection to our fans and the kit helps to encapsulate that as we all wear it together. When we go to France in September to represent Scotland at the Rugby World Cup and see fans in our kit, it will give us a huge boost to know they are behind us all the way.” In addition to the Rugby World Cup 2023 match kit, a new Scotland travel and leisurewear range has also been produced by Macron. Ross Cook added: “For the training and travelwear collection, we have two historic additions, never seen before by Scottish Rugby." “Firstly a black base colour for the total look, combined with the traditional tartan as its distinguishing feature. Secondly, we have a unique RWC branded collection available for sale to fans, which will allow supporters to acquire a little bit of history.” Scotland’s Rugby World Cup Match Kit, as well as RWC branded travel and leisure wear, will be available for purchase from Monday 10 July online or in-store at Scottish Rugby Store, BT Murrayfield Edinburgh or Scottish Rugby Store, Queen Street Glasgow. The full Scotland range for the 2023/24 season including match, training and leisurewear will be launched on Friday 14th July. This will include the match kit Scotland men will wear during the Summer Nation Series and international matches outside the Rugby World Cup, and the match kit Scotland Women will wear for their WXV campaign in October and Six Nations competition in 2024.
- Sparkling Glass Made Easy By Winterhalter
Sommeliers know the importance of sparkling clean glassware. Serving fine or vintage wine in streaky or dirty glasses reflects badly not only on them but the whole business. The quality of the glassware your guests experience acts as a business card for your business. The latest version of Winterhalter’s UC Excellence-iPlus glasswasher guarantees that even the most delicate stemware can be cleaned to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, without the need for polishing. Winterhalter is often called “the home of glasswashing,” thanks to its pivotal role in the development of professional glasswashing systems. The company is constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of the results its range delivers. The current undercounter UC Excellence-iPlus models combine a range of technical innovations that allows all kinds of glassware to be cleaned perfectly, without the need of further attention, like polishing, before they are used in service. These include powerful insulation, eco-friendly chemicals, an integrated reverse-osmosis system and features that help to ensure hygiene like deep-drawn water tanks and rack guides specially designed to stop debris collecting. One key to the UC Excellence-iPlus’ superior performance is the wash arm. The nozzle geometry has been designed to optimise water flow and the s-shaped washfield distributes the water evenly, ensuring that wherever glasses are placed in the wash rack they receive equal wash power and exposure during the cleaning cycle. Tests have shown that this washfield outperforms two main competitor models with a removal rate of 88% compared to 14% and 38%. The wash arm also reduces water consumption by up to 25%, which in turn reduces both energy and chemical consumption. This means an overall reduction in operating costs of up to 22%. A four stage filtration system removes even the finest particles from the water, reducing how often it needs to be changed while increasing its cleaning power. The UC Excellence-iPlus can also be fitted with a hybrid water treatment system that offers both reverse osmosis filtration and a standard water softening system. Reverse osmosis removes minerals like calcium and magnesium which can cause streaks on glasses as they dry, delivering the best possible cleaning results. RO water gives the UC Excellence-iPlus the ability to clean glasses perfectly, and means that they are ready for use straight out of the machine with no need for additional and time consuming hand polishing The UC Excellence-iPlus can also be switched from RO to the standard softening system, depending on the job. RO uses more water than standard softening, so switching to the latter for less critical washes helps to reduce both water and energy consumption. The UC Excellence-iPlus has a powerful control system that includes programs calibrated for different kinds of glass. For example, delicate wine flutes require lower pressure jets than sturdier items like hiball glasses. Select the required program for each wash from the simple touchscreen control panel and the system automatically adjusts a range of parameters including water pressure and the amount of chemicals. Certified to DIN SPEC 10534, the machine guarantees hygienic and virus-free cleaning. The system can also inform operators when it’s time to change the water, and thanks to Winterhalter’s ConnectedWash, all operational data can be recorded and accessed remotely via PC, tablet or smartphone. The UC Excellence-iPlus can also be customised for specialised applications including washing reusable glass bottles and plastics such as polycarbonates. All of this technology allows the UC Excellence-iPlus to deliver the wash results Sommeliers demand, without the need for laborious and expensive polishing. This allows staff to concentrate on providing customers with the best possible service. “Having great looking glassware is so important to make a good first impression,” says Stephen Kinkead, Managing Director of Winterhalter UK. “The UC Excellence-iPlus makes achieving that simple, without having to worry about extra steps after glasses are washed.” Winterhalter has created guides packed with useful information about how to achieve great glasswashing, which can be downloaded here
- Harrogate Resident Walks 700 Miles!
“I don’t even feel old”, reveals 87-year-old Margaret Hockney as she walks 700 miles A resident at a care home in Harrogate has revealed walking 700 miles in just one year following her arrival at Harcourt Gardens Care Home in June 2022. Born in 1935, Margaret, an accomplished artist and published author, is a self-confessed “technology whizz” having mastered the skill of ‘Scannergraph’ art in her early 60’s and being a lover of computers and gadgets. In 2022, Margaret was taken ill and following a short stay in hospital she moved into Harcourt Gardens, a luxury residential care home offering dementia and respite care on Harcourt Road, Harrogate. Determined to return to better physical health, Margaret stopped her medication, upgraded the wheels for her trolley, and downloaded a pedometer app on her smartphone in a bid to build her strength. Margaret said, “My goal was to get to 4,000 steps a day. Because of the location of the home, I realised I could walk very nicely around the stray, or into town. I worked out a flat route around the home and stepped to it.” Despite her ill health before moving into the home, Margaret has always been very active. Before she drove a car, Margaret would ride a bike to and from her work as a midwife in the 1950s. Margaret continued, “The funny thing is, I didn’t even realise how far I had walked until I had a little play with the pedometer app and I couldn’t believe my eyes when it showed I had covered 700 miles.” Care home manager at Harcourt Gardens Care Home, Debbie Daniels said, “Margaret is a true inspiration and a shining example of sheer determination – Margaret really is testament to the saying ‘age is just a number’. “Nothing will stop Margaret from getting her steps in – she leaves the home with everything she needs for rain or shine in her trolley bag and owns a good pair of shoes recommended for her osteoarthritis. “As well as keeping physically active, Margaret is also a big believer in keeping her mind active too and has started a Scrabble Club here at Harcourt Gardens on a Sunday afternoon.” Margaret added, “I’ve always loved the outdoors and moving into a care home wasn’t going to stop me from exploring and keeping my body and mind fit and active.”