A HUSBAND and wife team are celebrating one year of being full owners of Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley.

In September last year Richard Shelton left his job at Ilkley Brewery and joined his wife Sally at the indoor climbing venture.

Sally, who has lived in Ilkley most of her life, said: “I love that we are in the heart of the town, right at the end of the train station and next to the bus station. We encourage people to come into Ilkley to enjoy the day here, come for a climb, go shopping in the town and then up on the moor or to the park and even stay on for a meal in one of our local restaurants. We are a family run, independent business and I have always run the business as a mum (offering a caring, personal touch to all my customers) but now that Richard has joined me, there is a lot more flexibility.

"We want to be here for the community when needed, whether for local schools bringing their reception starters for a get to know you climb, or bringing a SEN group of children, or even teachers can come as part of their wellbeing and team building.

"Climbing isn’t just for kids - we have had hen nights, stag dos and company nights out, as well as the regular groups of scouts and guides who visit, and of course our kids parties.”

Many people think Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley is a chain or a franchise. Some later ones are, but Ilkley is owned and run by Sally and Richard. The branding is the same and the walls are the same as other centres, and indeed the same manufacturer made the walls in the Tokyo Olympics.

Sally added: “I am so lucky. I love my job, I love offering that personal touch to my customers, and also love my staff – I have a great team.”

Richard said: “Having been a director at Ilkley Brewery for 13 years, helping the business to grow from humble beginnings to supplying beer nationally and to export markets, I have seen the importance that local businesses provide to the community. We operate a similar ethos at Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley, where commitment to provide a great experience for the customer, has been rewarded with a growing list of returning climbers.

"Despite all the bright colours, Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley is a great experience and a physical workout for all ages. Over the autumn period we will be providing more sessions of our adult Clip Fit classes, combining climbing with body-weight exercises. This is a great way to build core and upper body strength, whilst experiencing the fail-safe wall climbs.”

For further information, call 01943 603829 or email info@clipnclimbilkley.co.uk. Bookings can be made directly via the website www.clipnclimbilkley.co.uk