Couple days away from completing Atlantic challenge
A couple in their 60s are proving an adventurous spirit does not stop with age as they reach the final stages of a transatlantic rowing competition.Nicky and Bob Parr are taking part in the 3,000 mile World's Toughest Row event after setting off from Spain in December.They have been rowing two hours each in their boat, named after Mrs Parr's father, who was a medal-winning rower in Herefordshire.The couple, who are expected to arrive in Antigua on Friday, are raising money for ex-servicemen through charity Pilgrim Bandits.
Mr Parr's sister Kate Parker said the pair met in Hereford when Bob, 67, was in the services and have always had a strong sense of adventure."They're very supportive of each other in their ambitions - Nicky particularly of Bob because of having been in the services - he's gone all over the world and she has literally followed her man," she said.
"Bob has led an incredibly adventurous life, both in the services and when he left in 2000, he went and worked in the film industry, worked in Hollywood and went and travelled all over the world for various different productions that he was involved in."I think it's very hard as you head into your late 60s and 70s and you've lived on adrenalin all your life to give it up."The idea to take part in the challenge came from Mr Parr, his sister said, although he would only do it with his 62-year-old wife.The couple subsequently got their RYA qualification for seamanship, "so she knows what she's doing", Ms Parker said."Over time they're just developed this desire to do things. I think it's just become part of who they are," she added.Mr Parr is is a patron for Pilgrim Bandits New Zealand and "the whole point of Pilgrim Bandits is to encourage people who have lived adventurous lives.. to get back out there and feel how they used to feel," Ms Parker said.Overall, the couple had struggled with the two-hour rowing shifts as well as the total physicality of the trip, but what they had loved most had been wildlife."They've loved the wildlife and I think being out of the everyday mix of the world," she added.
Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Outlander fans share Blood Of My Blood speculations - will there be time travel?
Outlander: Blood of My Blood will be released this coming August, with fans eagerly awaiting further updates on what to expect from the series. Outlander fans have been left thrilled, as the air date for its highly-anticipated spin off show Blood of My Blood was finally revealed. It comes as viewers are eagerly awaiting the eigthth and final series of Outlander itself. Announcing the premier date of the prequel as August 8, the official Starz social media account on Instagram wrote, "Can true love overcome rival clans? Experience Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser's story in Outlander: Blood of My Blood premiering August 8 on STARZ." Fans have eagerly been keeping an eye out for updates. Taking to Reddit one fan pondered, "I'm looking forward to Blood of My Blood but I can't help wondering how they're going to bring these two stories together. "I mean, they can't leave the two couples separated by two centuries, can they? Is time travel involved? Any thoughts or speculations would be welcome." Sharing one theory, one fan said: "I think they will be two separate storylines. These couples never meet." Another noted, "I believe I saw a shot of Claire's mother time travelled into 18th century, that is probably how they would bring the two stories together." Backing up the same theory, one fan highlighted, "There was a BTS photo on IG that looked to be Claire's mom in 18th century clothing, riding in a horse and carriage sitting next to Brian. It was quickly deleted. So, there's speculation that there will be some sort of time travel in BOB. We'll know for sure this summer." "I'm not sure two separate storylines would make any sense, especially to people who are not Outlander fans. Surely there has to be a connection between the two," questioned one fan. One person reponded, "There will be parallels but they won't come together." "Hopefully they will some sort of explanation that these are Jamie's and Claire's parents. I would assume most people who will watch are Outlander fans. JMO," voiced another. In response, they said: "You're probably right but I'll bet Starz would like to have a show that stands on its own. Also, an Outlander spinoff with no spooky time-travel stuff just seems odd." One fan said: "The prequel that Diana is writing is only about Jamie's parents and the Jacobite uprising of 1715. The show runners decided to add Claire's parents." Many of the Outlander fanbase, which is based on Diana Gabaldon's original award-winning novels, are hoping the characters bring as much on-screen energy as both Claire and Jamie Fraser did, played by Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe. "I hope they found some actors with amazing chemistry because they will live in the shadow of the original couple's chemistry. I already feel bad for the comparisons that are to come, but I am also really excited about new material," gushed one fan. One pondered, "Have they said whether this is intended to be a mini-series/one-season wonder, or if it's open-ended and might go on for multiple seasons?," as some speculated already that it could be billed for a second series before it's even hit screens.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Scots grandfather completes incredible 200-mile cycling fundraiser
Robert 'Uncle Bob' Taylor has taken on the task of raising cash for The Benevolent Society of Scotland every year since 1985. A SUPER-FIT Scots grandfather has has just clocked up another 200-miles on his bike for charity. Robert 'Uncle Bob' Taylor recently completed his 40th annual challenge around the Italian hills of Tuscany at the age of 80. Glasgow man Bob has taken on the task of raising cash for The Benevolent Society of Scotland every year since 1985. With a long career in the hospitality trade behind him, Bob toasted his success after crossing the finishing line in the small town of Barga on Thursday night. Cycling since the age of 15, Bob has twice been named Scottish junior champion, and set the over-60 ten-mile Scottish cycle record in 2005. He began fundraising for The Ben in 1985 with a ride from Pitlochry to Brighton. The charity supports individuals in the drinks industry with practical, financial, and emotional assistance. Bob said: 'It then became a tradition and I love it – and now I am still keeping fit for and with our Tour of Tuscany. 'It's exciting to see cultures connecting in this way and long may it continue. There are 10 of us, eight Scottish cyclists and two Italian cyclists who live in Tuscany. 'Italy is a cycling country and the drivers give great respect. 'The roads are perfect for the cycling. This special event is close to my heart as I've built up a brilliant relationship with the Italians in the hospitality trade. To visit their homeland is a special moment for me personally.' Bob's arrival in Barga comes after the local mayor signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year. Bob says he has no plans to slow down, and is now working towards beating the over-80s ten-mile Scottish cycle record, after his over 60s record was recently beaten. The record stands at 25 minutes and 30 seconds. He told Glasgow Live: 'I keep fit, I have always been conscious to look after myself, everything in moderation; food and drink etc. 'I've trained five days a week for many years. Twenty years ago I broke the 10-mile Scottish cycle record while cycling with the Glasgow Wheelies, it was great fun to put myself under pressure. 'Am I proud? I'm grateful – I've only been able to do this due to the help and support I've received over the years. Cycling is a unique sport so I've been blessed.' Former president of The Ben charity Warren Paul helped organise the challenge. Warren, who organises the Italian Awards, is closely involved in many major links between the countries and is passionate about introducing Scots to the joys of Italy. He said: 'The Italian Awards were created to recognise excellence in the Scottish Italian community. We are delighted to be able to support this event, taking place in many of the Italian Scots' homeland. 'I am passionate about bringing Scotland and Italy even closer together – the links between the two are incredible and very natural, so it feels right to help the connections grow and deepen. The mayor of Barga signed a friendship agreement with Glasgow last year and this reinforces the special links Scotland has with Italy. 'Uncle Bob is a legend in Scottish hospitality and The Ben are a charity very close to my heart – I am proud to be their former president – so this felt like an opportunity to bring charities in each country together too for a great cause.' The cycling challenge was supported by the charity Italian Scotland. Ronnie Convery, President of Italian Scotland, said: 'As the official charity of the Italian community in Scotland, we are delighted to support the charity cycling event taking place in our beloved land this month through the hills of Tuscany for The Ben. 'The Italian community has a deeply-felt link to the hospitality industry in Scotland. So many of our families migrated from the little hill towns near Florence, Lucca, Rome and Naples to this land of opportunity over a century ago in search of a better life and set about bringing their cuisine, their welcoming spirit and their ethos of hard work to Scottish consumers. 'As the generations pass, the support given to current and former employees of the hospitality industry in Scotland is ever more appreciated by the members and friends of the Italian community. 'For that reason, we are proud to make our own donation to the Benevolent Society of Scotland - a sincere 'grazie' to the charity for all it has done, and continues to do to support those in need.'
Time Out
7 days ago
- Time Out
‘Stories of Surrender': 8 Things We Learned About Bono From His New Documentary
World, meet Bono. In Bono: Stories of Surrender, a new doc directed by Andrew Dominik (best-known for two excellent films about Nick Cave), the U2 singer born Paul Hewson bares his soul in front of an intimate audience, in a lively stage show based around his memoir. The candour is punctuated with stripped back versions of his band's mega-hits. He's backed by a handful of young, mostly classical musicians; his U2 bandmates, as well as his parents and his wife, are all represented simply by chairs. The whole thing is captured in stunning, cinematic black and white. Here are eight things we've learned about a man usually seen leaping about a giant, effects-heavy stadium stage in front of thousands. 1. His dad was dismissive of his son's talents The film leans heavily with humour (and pathos) into the difficult relationship the singer had with his father, Bob, who begrudged his son having the musical career he'd wanted for himself. Cue a series of putdowns ('You're a baritone who thinks he's a tenor!') and only a begrudging acknowledgement when Bono plays him Pride (In the Name of Love) for the very first time. Even when Pavarotti called personally asking for a song from Bono, Bob didn't believe it. 'I craved my father's attention,' Bono admits. 2. He met his future wife Ali and joined U2 in the same week It turns out The Edge had his eye on Ali first, but Bono soon put a stop to that. Ali and Bono married at 21 and have been together ever since – as have the band. As Bono says, all the important adults in his life he has known since he was a teenager. To say they are tight is an understatement. 3. He once nearly died at Christmas It turns out a rock 'n' roll lifestyle can catch up with you. During the festive season, Bono collapsed at home with his 'lifeline' (aorta) about to burst in 2016. He was wheeled off to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for emergency treatment. He describes in vivid detail staring up at the ceiling as the surgeons worked frantically to save him. 4. Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen once hid from Pavarotti in a cupboard Originally a punk outfit, Bono had a hard time convincing his bandmates to get excited about the world's greatest tenor visiting them for a major collaboration. When the great man brought a film crew with him, only Bono and Edge were there to greet him. 5. Bono lost his mum at 14, and his father never spoke of her again With heartbreaking honesty (and lashings of Irish charm), Bono recounts the trauma of losing his mother from an aneurysm on the same day they buried his grandfather. His father refused to talk about it – or her – ever again, and Bono never visited her grave. 6. Bono met up with his dad once a week at a bar in Dublin and they barely spoke to each other 'Anything strange or startling?' is all Bob had to say to his young son as they supped their pints in silence. Bob's dying words were also suitably opaque ('Fuck off!'). In his younger years, Bob liked to sing and conduct classical music at home with his wife's knitting needles. Punk was not his thing. 7. Bono is fine with being seen as a hypocrite when it comes to money He admits he has his faults. He also explains why he doesn't accept that people should be starving, or that countries in Africa should still be paying interest on debt to the big banks of the world from dodgy loans from the Cold War. He's still a man of the people, then, who can get a good table at a fancy restaurant. 8. U2 came up with their first big hit with two strings and two chords A massive punk fan, Bono always believed in the immediacy and directness of music. In an early rehearsal one day, he grabbed Edge's Gibson Explorer and began playing what he describes as the 'sound of an electric drill on the brain'. When the band joined in, the classic I Will Follow was born. And despite wanting to quit after one album, they went on to become the biggest band in the world.
