Born and 'bread' in Wales, John now considers himself an honorary Yorkshire man having lived in his North Yorkshire home since 1970.
With his roots in Wales, Rugby is in his blood. As testament to this, his office wall is covered in 'Welsh Grand Slam' pictures, (along with an occasional Liverpool F.C. trophy picture) but he says he can always find room for another! If John doesn't get opportunity to go to the match, not all is lost as he watches the game on television with his pal, Jake the dog, who by now knows all the words of the Welsh national anthem! Things can get pretty rowdy, so Val, his better half likes to retire to the garden at this stage!
Battling against the onset of middle age (his words!), he still finds time to keep up his fitness regime and enjoys running on his treadmill. John regards himself as a very lucky man, a fabulous wife and great supportive sons and daughters in law, and four beautiful granddaughters. Not only that, but also wonderful long serving team of staff working in the business. As a result, work is never a chore, just an infinite and interesting challenge! John is clear about his role in the business, to lead and determine with his fellow Directors and Senior Management team the direction of the business and the development of the team. As the business is constantly evolving, John is always encouraging the team to improve service standards and to come up with new and interesting products and ideas. John likes to remind the team that: "It's not the gales but the set of the sails that determine the way we go" – in other words, stop making excuses!
John and Val have always enjoyed holidays off the beaten track, so whether it's hiking the Himalayas in Nepal, or visiting the Copper Canyon in Mexico it's always going to be an interesting trip. Latterly they have enjoyed travelling Northern Spain and Portugal in their camper van, and have become regulars at a couple of their favourite hotels on route.
John is somewhat modest about his gardening skills! He is proud to harvest the earliest broad beans, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and more in Ryedale. If you are lucky, you might get some free samples as John grows enough to feed a small village. Much of the excess now ends up being sold in our deli, butchers and fruit and veg shop in Helmsley!