WRUFC is delighted to announce the start of a new chapter in its long history of welcoming the community and visitors to The Avenue.
From 1st November 2025 Chris & Natalie Gregson will take over the running of all the clubs’ hospitality function in a lease partnership agreement with Wharfedale.
It’s business as usual until then, although the transition to the new operating structure will begin immediately. The club would like to thank Gina Hodgson and all those in her hospitality team for the last 5 years. During that time, she has led from the front, managing both the bar and more recently the catering side during a particularly challenging period. Gina will continue to be part of the new structure along with all those who want to remain part of the team, providing a warm welcome to club members and visitors. Chris and Natalie have some exciting plans for the club, but rugby will continue to be at the centre and the heart of all future activities building on the legacy that has been nurtured over many decades.
About Chris, Natalie & the family
Both having started their careers in catering at the age of 13, Chris & his wife Natalie have also developed skills in other fields. Natalie as a dance teacher and Chris as a business systems analyst and advertising sales representative. At 19, they joined the Boddingtons management training programme and soon after, in February 1996, they both moved to the Tempest. By 1997, at just 23 and 21 years old, they were appointed managers of the Devonshire at Cracoe.
They instantly fell in love with the Yorkshire Dales, drawn to its deep sense of community and the strong presence of sport, especially Wharfedale Rugby Football Club (WRUFC), in local life. They quickly immersed themselves in village activities, playing cricket and rounders for pub and regional teams, and participating in numerous fundraising events, including the now-famous Calendar Girls story, helping secure sponsorship and, in the words of others, providing “legendary” teas.
A brief departure from the Dales saw them opening England’s first gastropub for Jennings Brewery, marking the company’s largest-ever investment. Despite the professional success, they deeply missed the community spirit of the Dales and soon returned.
In 2001, they took over the well-established Devonshire in Grassington. Under their leadership, the business reached new heights, earning them “Manager of the Year” for two consecutive years. Once again, they became active figures in the community, supporting the rugby and cricket clubs, founding the Divas rounders team, and getting involved with Grassington Juniors.
After four rewarding years, they moved on to the Fountaine Inn in Linton, where they spent the next 15 years building a thriving business while continuing their community involvement. Their commitment was especially evident through their work with local sports clubs and schools. Chris, as chairman of Grassington Juniors, famously took penalties for 24 hours to raise funds and help save the club. Their efforts helped expand the teams from under-6s to under-17s, with successes both on and off the pitch, culminating in events like the much-loved foot golf tournament, which brought smiles to hundreds of children.
Throughout this journey, their teamwork and dedication were key, not only to raising their three sons but to running a busy pub and wholeheartedly supporting the community.
In 2020, following a change in ownership, they returned to the Tempest Arms. Despite initial challenges and skepticism surrounding the new company, they rebuilt and strengthened the business, earning the title of Wedding Venue of the Year in 2024. Today, they are among Robinsons Brewery’s top-performing managers and are held in high regard.
In addition to their professional and community work, Chris has volunteered as the under-9s coach at Earby Cricket Club for 12 years. Their three sons, George (nearly 24), Jacob (22), and Lucas (16), have all grown up rooted in this spirit of service and community. George is now a football coach, Jacob is duty manager at the Tempest, and Lucas, who recently finished as head boy at West Craven, will soon begin a chef’s apprenticeship at the Tempest. All three played at Wharfedale as children.
So, why leave now?
Because they miss the Dales, not just the landscape, but the sense of belonging to something greater than the business itself. The chance to contribute meaningfully to the community once more is a driving force behind their decision.
When we asked Chris for a comment he said:
“I am lucky, I am blessed, but sometimes the hardest decision in life, for various reasons, feels like the easiest”
Tim Lockett Engagement Officer WRUFC