Early Wednesday morning I headed to Great Ayton for Captain Cook Day. The great British cartographer and adventurer James Cook spent his early years in Airey Farm, just outside the town, and so each year residents have a day of celebration on his birthday. I had a great time speaking with residents and learning more about the area and its history, and found the warmth of the community touching.
As much as the local residents were warm, All Saints’ Church lived up to its reputation as one of the coldest churches in North Yorkshire. I am looking forward to coming back for Carols when all the candles will be lit. The Captain Cook service included a moving tribute to his wife Elizabeth Betts, a woman of admirable fortitude.
James Cook circumnavigated the entire world, and has towns and monuments named after him across the globe, but his first adventures while growing up were spent climbing up the nearby hill, Roseberry Topping.
On Captain Cook day, local school children have fun racing small boats along the river Leven and recognise (in their small way) Captain Cook's travels all around the world, while remembering exactly where they started. A wise long-time resident told me that the trick to winning the boat race was less about building the perfect boat and more about knowing which side of the river runs fastest - Good advice for when I am hopefully back with my own kids next year!