Latest news with #YorkshirePost
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
We quit our 9-5 jobs to live full-time on narrow boat – but gave it up to go even MORE off-grid… no cars are allowed
The couple have created the ultimate digital retreat DIGITAL DETOX We quit our 9-5 jobs to live full-time on narrow boat – but gave it up to go even MORE off-grid… no cars are allowed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE have revealed how they gave up life on a narrow boat after quitting their jobs to open the ultimate off-grid glamping site. After life on the water, Verity Bellamy and Ed Gaskarth have now gone even more off-grid, creating a super remote glamping spot that's perfect for a digital detox. 6 A couple have revealed how they gave up life on a narrow boat to open a super off-grid glamping site Credit: Facebook/@Coast & Camplight 6 Coast and Camplight is located on a farm near Whitby, Yorkshire Credit: Facebook/@Coast & Camplight 6 Verity Bellamy and Ed Gaskarth always dreamed of starting an outdoors business Credit: Facebook/@Coast & Camplight Coast and Camplight is on a farm near Whitby, Yorkshire where there are no mobile phones or gadgets and kids are encouraged to go feral, report the Yorkshire Post. No cars are permitted on the site and are left at the gate to preserve the wilderness and peace. The couple were inspired by Ed's parents, John and Kathryn, a teacher and dog groomer from Middlesbrough who "decided to risk it all to try and live the good life". Verity explained how her in-laws gave up their flat and sensible jobs to buy a run-down farmhouse in 1970. But after an "idyllic childhood" Ed was "desperate" to make his own adventures and left home at 18. Over the course of the next 20 years, Ed did all manner of things from helping renovate a stately home to running paintball sites and bars as well as stints as a tree surgeon and beekeeper. Travelling extensively across the UK, Ed still had the travel bug but decided he needed a place of his own while still having the freedom to travel. That's when he bought a narrowboat called Joker. The couple met on a dating site in 2010 and Verity says she was drawn to the photo of Ed's narrowboat and his Labrador, Lewis. Verity was ready to quit her nine-to-five life and have an adventure. World's Tiniest Home The couple spent many "happy years" on the UK's canals and rivers and spent summers camping and going to festivals. Then, in 2016, they sailed Joker into Hebden Bridge and Verity never left. The pair always had in their minds that one day they'd start their own business, something outdoors and creative. When visiting Ed's parents one sunny summer, they were camping out in the fields with friends and realised there really could only be one place for them to build that business. That's where Coast and Camplight was born - out on the fields of their parents' now unused farm which presented the amazing opportunity to make their dreams a reality. Wanting it to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the Northern Skies site has its own spring water, composting toilets and willow banks across four glamping sites. All lighting is solar or via rechargeable batteries and eco-friendly washing products are provided. With ancient woodland to one side and fields which they are rewilding full of wildflowers, bees and butterflies, the site is truly wild. 'Our camps are completely off-grid, making it perfect for those looking for a digital detox and to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life,' says Ed. All the camps have a luxurious feeling despite being cut-off from the outside world with proper beds, comfy mattresses and their own hot showers. Luxury bedding and fluffy towels are provided despite the back-to-nature feel of the site. Each of the camps has been entirely hand-built by the couple too using recycled or upcycled items or things they found at car boot sales. "Some things are on their third or even fourth life on the farm,' says Verity. 'Nothing says glamping to us like a real fire at the end of the day, toasting marshmallows, sharing stories, putting the day to rest and each camp has a fire pit for you to do just this.' The site has three camps: Northern Skies, The Wild Woods and Writers' Retreat. They all have spacious safari tents with a double or king-sized bed and bunk beds, perfect for families with a log burner inside, a separate bathroom and a composting toilet. The Outpost, the newest camp, is a 5 metre Moroccan-themed bell tent, designed with couples in mind with a spectacular view of Whitby Abbey. There are plans to add more tents and possibly a cabin, but Ed and Verity are determined to keep their ethos of seclusion and privacy. 6 No cars are permitted on the site and are left at the gate to preserve the wilderness and peace Credit: Facebook/@Coast & Camplight 6 The site has three camps: Northern Skies, The Wild Woods and Writers' Retreat with a fourth in the works Credit: Facebook/@Coast & Camplight
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The 'rejected' Channel 4 Grand Designs home as producers warn 'we need more drama'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For 25 years, Kevin McCloud has been synonymous with Channel 4's popular renovation series, Grand Designs, which follows individuals as they endeavour to construct their ideal homes, capturing every stage from design to completion. However, it seems that not all projects are deemed suitable for the show, particularly if they appear to be progressing too effortlessly. A Yorkshire homeowner has come forward, alleging that Channel 4 axed a planned visit after deciding against featuring their property on the programme. According to the Yorkshire Post, the production company behind Grand Designs had initially identified the Hawksworth Moor Reservoir construction project in Yorkshire as an ideal candidate. READ MORE - Noel Gallagher confirms 'true reason for Oasis reunion' ahead of Edinburgh gigs READ MORE - Blue Peter star Katy Hill's life now as she enjoys new career away from the spotlight Despite its stunning location and bold architecture, Channel 4 ultimately opted against filming the project, reportedly because "there wasn't enough drama". Jonathan, the former owner of Hawksworth Moor Reservoir, expressed his disappointment with Channel 4's decision to the publication. He disclosed: "We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in 'Kevin days' but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn't want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn't provide enough drama.", reports the Mirror. (Image: Channel 4) (Image: Channel 4) (Image: Channel 4) "It was definitely a compliment, in a way," he reflected, and continued with enthusiasm, "I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge. "I've always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle." He then described his latest ambitious project: an expansive country mansion spreading over 12 acres and boasting four en-suite bedrooms, a home theatre, a games room with comfortable seating and an open-plan kitchen featuring a boardroom-style dining table that seats 14. Additional luxuries include a separate annex encompassing three more bedrooms, an exclusive gym, a sophisticated office, a contemporary shower room, and even a garage equipped with a kitchen. Jonathan acknowledged, "The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. There were no sleepless nights." Channel 4 has been approached by The Mirror for commentary. Last month saw the appearance of a Grand Designs property on the market, priced at £1.5 million after two decades of renovations, earning it the admiration of fans as the "perfect" home.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Grand Designs reject house now worth £3m after cancelling Kevin McCloud visit
Channel 4's Grand Designs rejected a country mansion worth £3 million after they refused to send host Kevin McCloud to visit the property as it was going 'too well' For a quarter of a century, Kevin McCloud has been the face of Channel 4's much-loved renovation series, Grand Designs. The programme showcases the trials and triumphs of individuals as they strive to build their dream homes, documenting every step from design to completion. However, it appears that not all projects make the cut for the show, particularly if they're going too smoothly. The owner of a Yorkshire property has spoken out, claiming that Channel 4 cancelled the show's visit after deciding against featuring the home. According to the Yorkshire Post, the production company behind Grand Designs had identified the construction of Hawksworth's Moor Reservoir in Yorkshire as an ideal project. Despite its breathtaking location and daring architecture, Channel 4 decided against filming the project because "there wasn't enough drama". The former owner of Hawksworth Moor Reservoir, Jonathan, shared his disappointment about Channel 4's decision with the publication, reports the Express. He revealed: "We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in 'Kevin days' but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn't want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn't provide enough drama. "It was definitely a compliment, in a way," he shared, adding, "I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge. "I've always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle." Describing the grand estate, the country mansion sprawls across 12 acres and features four en-suite bedrooms, a home cinema, a games room complete with comfy seating and an expansive open-plan kitchen that proudly houses a boardroom-style dining table that seats 14. Further amenities include a separate annex with three more bedrooms, a private gym, a well-appointed office, a modern shower room, and even a kitchen within the garage. Jonathan conceded: "The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. There were no sleepless nights." The Mirror has reached out to Channel 4 for comment. Last month, a Grand Designs property that took two decades to renovate went on the market for £1.5 million, with fans calling it the "perfect" home.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
‘I was standing naked in the woods in Kent': What happened when I became one of Britain's six million naturists for a day
The situation was a little unusual. I was standing there naked in the woods in Kent with my spaniel Jessie on a lead and camouflage Crocs on my feet. 'Oh, she's just lovely,' an elderly (clothed) woman we'd bumped into said, as she cooed over the dog. I say 'we', because I was with 30 or so other naked blokes, most of them in their 70s, a good 40 years my senior. The woman and I exchanged pleasantries about Jessie. 'Yes, she does have a lovely face,' I agreed, and 'indeed, such a shiny tail' before I told her – hushed, gesturing towards the naked old boys – that, 'I'm not actually a naturist.' The woman, who until then had seemed not to notice my state of undress, smiled as though to say, 'If it quacks like a duck…' whereupon Jessie and I went the other way to catch up with The Naturist Ramblers Club. I really am not a naturist, but friends of mine point out that naturism has featured prominently in my writing. Five years before my walk in Kent, I spent a couple of days hanging out in Hull at England's second oldest naturist community, on official business for The Yorkshire Post. It was cold and rainy, but heartwarming. We spent time sitting inside the clubhouse naked on plastic chairs, drinking pints of John Smith's, talking about Brexit. A big part of naturism is about trying to desexualise nudity – though lots of naturists find it hard to pin down what it is about the practice that appeals to them. Bob, an old university lecturer I met on my ramble, told me, 'This is rampant nature worship.' To him, naturism is about being as close as possible to the nature spirits. Did I 'get it'? Not fully. But his enthusiasm was a delight. British Naturism, the UK's national representative body for naturists, which traces its origins to 1891, has around 10,000 members. While membership isn't soaring, casual naturists are on the rise. A 2022 survey reported that more than six million people in Britain occasionally get naked recreationally, up almost 12 per cent in 20 years. There is an interesting split between those practising naturism inside (at clubs like the one I went to in Hull) and outdoors in public. Part of this is that those who like being in public think they are visibly spreading the good word of the naked. But outdoor naturism is comparatively niche; there are far fewer members of The Naturist Ramblers Club – which I had to pay a £5 membership fee to join – than there are of British Naturism. Happily, my fee meant I was covered by its insurance policy in case somebody accused me of indecent exposure. While rare, the Naturist Ramblers told me that it does happen. (Although, actually, naturism doesn't constitute indecent exposure because that legal offence concerns deliberately exposing your genitals to somebody rather than simply being naked. Streaking is the opposite of naturism; the former is meant to cause offence, the latter hopes to cause none.) Frankly the whole outing, which lasted from the heat of the day to the cool of the evening, couldn't have been more 'decent'. As we walked, we spoke about gardening, and whenever we saw a notable flower we would gather to admire it. The responses of those few members of the public we encountered, other than the elderly spaniel fancier, were notably mild; their gazes remained at face level as they nodded stoic 'hello's. A lot of my new book, Uncommon Ground, is about the impact humans have on the countryside: how a discarded ham sandwich can cause swine fever or the chemicals in sun cream can destroy aquatic life. But access matters, too: going into the countryside and being able to do things that are an integral part of British identity, naturism included. I felt sorry for some of the men I met out walking who told me that they are not welcome at RSPB reserves – a blow for those naturist bird watchers. It was also sad to hear that there are just two regular female attendees on the club's jaunts in Kent. 'The trouble,' one of my new acquaintances explained, 'is that ladies aren't made to feel comfortable in the nude. One nasty comment from a member of the public and that's it.' We put our trousers back on in the same car park we'd undressed in and went to the pub. 'Would you come again?' one of the group asked. They meet at least half a dozen times a summer but I told him that, sadly, I was done with naturism. Still, I would tell the world they are good people and 'not perverts'. In researching my book, I came to love rural eccentricity. It is part of what makes the countryside: from ravers in the Welsh mountains to magic mushroom gatherers to naturists. They are all part of Britain's wild, kaleidoscopic soul and without them our country would be a much paler place.
New European
29-05-2025
- Business
- New European
Reform oppose net zero… unless it's in their own backyard
Newly-elected MP Sarah Pochin, sat alongside Farage at his press conference this week, said: 'We have calculated that if we scrap these net zero white elephant projects, that the Conservatives were just as committed to as this Labour government, that over five years we can save £225 billion.' (Economists have pointed out that the bulk of these projects are funded by private investment.) Nigel Farage's Reform are campaigning hard against plans to make Britain net zero by 2050, this week making claims – roundly mocked by economists – that the party would save £225 billion over five years by scrapping all related projects if it wins the next election. Also sat alongside Farage was Luke Campbell, newly elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, who has previously spoken out against net zero. The former boxer told the Yorkshire Post last month that he would 'bring back oil and gas and drilling and stuff like that, which then would create more jobs or if not just the same', adding that net zero was 'a lot more hype'. And how does he feel now he's actually in office and inheriting his authority's bid to host a £1.6 million project installing rooftop solar panels and battery storage units at local authority buildings across the area, adopting new car ports and extending a solar farm at a council-owned holiday park? 'I have consistently supported the region in green energy business and for creating jobs, and I will keep on that track,' Campbell told his first executive board meeting of the combined authority as mayor this week. 'I was brought into this by the people of the region, and I will represent them. If I can create local jobs and help local businesses that is what I will do. I have been very vocal in stating that I represent this region, and I put it first ahead of party politics. I will always put this first over anything.' Like Groucho Marx, Reform has principles, and if you don't like them… well, they have others!
