Football legend Chris Kamara lives in Wakefield with his wife, Anne. He was made an MBE in 2023 for services to football, anti-racism and charity, and recently received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford
A place in Yorkshire that makes you smile?
Kirkhamgate, Wakefield – our home. We have beautiful views from the back of our house, which takes in a couple of historic local landmarks – the Gawthorpe Water Tower and Emley Moor mast – as well as horses and sheep in abundance, grazing in the fields.
A place in Yorkshire where you love to eat?
When we find the time, Anne and I love to drive to Masham, where we like nothing more than takeaway fish and chips from Harry’s in the market square. Smothered with salt and vinegar, we eat them from the wrapper, al fresco style, and then walk it all off along the beautiful trails in the area.
A place in Yorkshire where you love to take friends?
York Races. I always meet up with my old schoolmates a couple of times a year, and one of those times is usually at York Races. It is ideal for us all logistically and gives us the opportunity to enjoy the racing and for me to get the gossip on what my pals have been up to – they usually already know what’s been happening for me. Another big favourite get together happens in Yarm, usually just before Christmas. It’s great catching up with lifelong friends and especially at that time of year.
An early memory of Yorkshire?
Occasionally going on the bus to Redcar with my mum and dad. Standing outside the pub doorway waiting for a bag of crisps and a bottle of pop. I grew up in Middlesbrough which, at the time, was in North Yorkshire. It then changed to Teesside, then Cleveland and now it’s back to Teesside. Middlesbrough played its football at Ayresome Park when I played as a youngster for ’Boro boys. The Yorkshire cricket team played at Acklam, Middlesbrough. Bill Athey, one of my team mates in that ’Boro boys team, made his debut for Yorkshire cricket in 1976, roughly the same time I was making my professional football debut for Portsmouth.
Alhambra Theatre in Bradford (Image: Getty Images)
Your cultural go-to in Yorkshire?
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is 15 minutes from where I live, and the artwork is beautiful, and can sometimes be mind-boggling. There are brilliant walks where young and old can enjoy the surroundings – our family makes regular visits here.
A place for indulgence in Yorkshire?
I love my football, and it remains my particular indulgence. I was so lucky in my football career, I played for four Yorkshire clubs – Middlesbrough, Leeds, Sheffield United and Bradford City, which I also managed. When I was a kid, my ambition was to play for ’Boro – my hometown team – and my dream was to play for Leeds.
I was playing for Beechwood Youth Club and the coach, Alan Ingledew, took me and his son, Jason, on alternate weekends to support Middlesbrough and Leeds at their home grounds – that’s how I came to support both, and still do.
I’m never happier than when...
We have our four grandkids, ranging in age from eight down to four. They have changed mine and Anne’s life for the better. I always say: ‘They are the gift that keeps on giving.’ We love to take them on outings all over Yorkshire. Flamingo Land is a favourite for them, and we love taking them on the train to Hebden Bridge for the day, to kick a ball around in the park. It has become a bit of a tradition to take them in the Christmas holidays to the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford for the pantomime – Billy Pearce is a hero of theirs because he makes them laugh so much!
Sunset over Roseberry Topping (Image: Getty Images)
A Yorkshire view that inspires?
From the age of 15 until I was 22 I walked, jogged and ran the trails of Pinchinthorpe and Roseberry Topping, close to my home town. The views are spectacular over the North York Moors, the Tees Valley and Guisborough. Back in the day, I represented my school, St Thomas’s, in the Yorkshire Schools Cross Country, and never forgot the wonderful hills and the scenery around Pinchinthorpe. When I was a footballer at Portsmouth and Swindon, I would return to the hills to get fit for the upcoming new season – taking in the scenery and running my heart out!
Three words that sum up your best Yorkshire life?
Friendly. Inviting. Unbelievable!.