'I lived in the same village as this hidden Yorkshire gem - I didn't know it was there for years'
Linda Oldbridge is a member of Follifoot WI and the person behind the WI’s Ladies in Leather calendar, which is raising money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
As I was born and have always lived in Yorkshire I have many early memories but probably the earliest ones involve our family day trips to the East coast, specifically Filey. We four children would be squeezed into the back of dad’s Triumph Herald for what then seemed to be a long journey, stopping off en route for a ‘brew up’ and to meet mum and dad’s friends for a day at the beach.
What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?
It just has to be the Yorkshire Dales, the spectacular views at places like the roads over the moors from Leyburn towards Reeth, and Masham towards Lofthouse are incomparable and never fail to take the breath away.
What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?
It would be a visit to York, crossing the River Ouse for an afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel and maybe catching an evening performance at the Theatre Royal, the Grand Opera House or the small but perfectly formed Joseph Rowntree theatre.
Do you have a favourite walk/view?
I’m not a big walker but the view from the top of Hackfall Woods in Grewelthorpe down into Masham is a beautiful one especially in winter when the leaves have fallen off the trees leaving a clear view.
Which Yorkshire sports person, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?
Born in Doncaster, I think the late great Kevin Keegan would be an excellent lunch companion, widely respected and very well thought of.
I think he was a thoroughly decent chap who would have had many interesting stories to tell about top level football.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?
This would have to be Dame Judi Dench, born in York, possibly the most talented and versatile actress of our time, truly gifted but with a down to earth humour, a cheeky twinkle in her eye and glorious tales to tell.
What’s your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’ ?
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park at Grewelthorpe. I used to live in Grewelthorpe village and this was such a ‘hidden gem’ that we didn’t even know it was there for a few years.
It has the most spectacular display of rhododendrons and azaleas, some of which are extremely rare and it is dotted with marvellous sculptures throughout the gardens, even in the middle of the lake. Truly a fabulous day out.
If you could own something or somewhere in Yorkshire for a day, what would it be?
Probably the Piece Hall in Halifax, originally a cloth hall, it was saved from demolition by a Heritage Lottery Fund and now houses multiple independent businesses and has a fantastic central stage for live concerts and stage performances.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
The people. Known countrywide for ‘telling it like it is’ we can often be blunt but there is no duplicity and we are a very friendly bunch.
There is also a wonderful sense of community with clubs and societies such as my village WI
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?
We do follow Follifoot Cricket Club which is 180 years old this year and is working hard to survive but manages to involve the whole community with its social events.
Football too is in my family, my late grandad played for Huddersfield Town and England back in the 1930s.
If motorbiking counts, I regularly ride pillion around Yorkshire with my husband which is where the inspiration came from for our WI “Ladies in Leather” calendar came from.
Do you have a favourite restaurant pub?
There are just so many excellent places to eat in the county that it’s almost impossible to choose but, near me are the Guy Fawkes at Scotton and The Crown at Roecliffe which never disappoint and a small independent bistro The Hideaway in Boroughbridge which is wonderful for a lunch with friends.
Do you have a favourite food shop?
Has to be Fodder on the Yorkshire Showground. Suppliers of locally sourced food, including delicious cakes and pastries and a butchery department to die for.
How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you’ve known it?
The town centres in general have suffered from the economic climate and Harrogate is no exception. It’s vital that we start to look at other ways to revitalise our towns and cities to stall the downward spiral.
On the plus side, the spectacular scenery throughout Yorkshire isn’t changed by recession and economic downturns so we can still enjoy everything it has to offer.
Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?
Sir Kevin Sinfield. His love and friendship toward Rob Burrow has been nothing short of inspirational and he has raised so much money and, more importantly awareness, of the dreadful illness. A true hero.
It was wonderful to see Prince William and Princess Catherine in Wakefield last week to support him in his 7in7 challenge.
Has Yorkshire influenced your work?
I am long retired but my husband and I ran a small business in Harrogate for many years and were hugely influenced by the demand for honest, straightforward business dealings in all things.
No false promises, pride in your work, a fair price for a good job.
Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.
I’m a huge fan of the the writer Sally Wainwright who has produced such gritty northern shows as Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax and Gentleman Jack.
A fellow Huddersfield girl, she showcases West Yorkshire’s past industrial heartland to great effect and isn’t afraid to tackle some of its contentious problems.
If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, where should it be?
It’s almost impossible to choose but if I had to, it would be York, for its museums, city and railway, independent shops, the River Ouse, Bishopthorpe Palace, marvellous cafes and restaurants, the city parks and gardens, the list goes on and on.