Column: Celebrating the best of Harrogate by Nick Hancock

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I do feel very lucky. Having enjoyed a lovely ‘send off’ when it was time to say Goodbye at Stray FM, I have been bowled over this week by the response I’ve had to the launch of ‘Your Harrogate’.

Your Harrogate is all about sharing and celebrating the best of life in Harrogate.

We have everything from School closure information when it snows (and which kid doesn’t love a snow day??) to half price vouchers for great local restaurants and attractions (including The Bay Horse, Thornton Hall and the Malt Shovel….so enjoy!)

Hopefully, you’ll always find something on Your Harrogate to cheer you up or make you smile.

Our aim is to shout about local businesses and support the community.

One of our first big promotions is called Lockdown Heroes.

We’re giving one local superstar the chance to win their very own well deserved taste of luxury at Grantley Hall.

I’d like you to tell us about the person in your life who was totally epic back in proper lockdown.

They could be the person who delivered food parcels to the elderly, the teacher who zoomed your kids each week, the Key worker who went out every day despite everyone else staying at home or it could be a family member who looked after you and made you feel a bit better.

The prize includes an overnight stay for two, you get to pick which of Grantley Hall’s three amazing restaurants you want to eat in and then after a great night’s sleep you can enjoy the Spa the next day. What is not to like?

I would like to thank Grantley Hall who are very keen to play a big part in the local community (they very much see themselves as a local business) and they asked me if I could help create a competition for them for an outstanding Lockdown Hero.

As you might imagine this prize has been exceedingly popular so far (450 entries and counting in the first five days). Not only as it involves a stay at Grantley Hall but more importantly because there are so many people in the Harrogate district who have been through a tricky time or gone the extra mile during lockdown.

The year 2020, and all that Covid has brought along, has been tough on everyone in unique and different ways.

However, the worst of times has actually brought out the best in so many people and that is the kind of positivity we all need to share and celebrate.

You can find the Lockdown Heroes at yourharrogate.co.uk

I’m really proud of what we’re creating at Your Harrogate.

I absolutely loved presenting the Breakfast show on Stray FM as I got to talk about Harrogate every day and meet lots of brilliant people.

Now I get to continue banging the drum for the district and sharing stories with the people who make it such a great place to live and work.

Special thanks to everyone who has reached out to me over the past few weeks to offer support for Your Harrogate and to wish me all the best.

I am extremely grateful for all the emails, DMs, texts and whatsapps!

The Best of Harrogate Life - visit www.yourharrogate.co.uk

Read Nick Hancock every month in the Harrogate Advertiser.

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