What is your first memory of being outdoors?
My birthday party at three, when my grandparents had a "switchback", which was a trolley on a track (similar to a small rollercoaster) and I was allowed to ride it without my mother running alongside, holding me on! All five of our children also had this at their early birthday parties.

What's your favourite part of the county and why?
I am torn between the North York Moors, near where I was born and the Dales, where I have spent the last 24 years. We are so fortunate to have these open spaces with beautiful gills and dales and where the only sound is the trickling of a stream and a grouse calling.

What's your idea of a perfect weekend/day out in Yorkshire?
Packing a picnic and driving into the Dales to find a quiet gill, preferably with a stream for my children to dam. We would walk the dogs prior to eating a huge feast, with a bottle of wine cooled in the water and then we would take a little snooze in the sunshine, before finally driving home with a glorious sunset over the hills.

Do you have a favourite walk, or view?
I love to walk around Fewston and Menston Reservoir with Mabel my Westie and a close girlfriend – exercise and gossip! My favourite view is of the lakes at Ripley with the sun setting and a gentle mist rising over the water. I still get a sense of coming home when I drop into the Vale of York and can see the Minster with the sun on the pale stone.

Which Yorkshire sportsman/woman (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?
Sir Ian Botham, as I know the conversation would be lively and it would be a long and interesting lunch.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?
Dame Judi Dench. Her parents were friends of my grandparents and she is very much a York lady. She has huge warmth and even bigger talent, so we could talk about York past and present. I might even get the lowdown on the new Bond film!

If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?
Our generosity. We enjoy the reputation of being rather mean, but actually, a Yorkshireman puts his money where his mouth is.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
Because people from Yorkshire are pretty straight-spoken, there is an honesty that is integral to us all. From this stems the brilliant humour, the one line put-downs, and the fact that you can never impress
a Yorkshireman.

Do you follow sport in the county?
I love Yorkshire cricket and with four boys and a cricket-mad husband I get to watch quite a few games. Yorkshire also has terrific race meetings, from York and Doncaster classics, to small days at Beverley and Ripon. There is nothing like standing on the rails and feeling the thunder of the "field" racing past, especially if you've backed the winner.

What about Yorkshire's cultural life?
Yorkshire is full of wonderful galleries, theatres and societies. I grew up where the pantomime at York was an integral part of our Christmas, and Berwick Kaler should be knighted for services to laughter. I studied ballet and modern dance when I was at school and think that the Northern Ballet Company are superb. We are lucky in the diversity and quality of productions in Yorkshire theatres. I once played the principal in Hay Fever at the Georgian Theatre in Richmond, so that beautiful little theatre is very dear to me. I also buy from new artists to supplement my husband's "ancestors" hanging at the castle.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?
I have spent many a happy hour in The Star Inn, at Harome, over the years.

Do you have a favourite food shop?
The Cheeseboard in Harrogate is delightful and Weetons, also in Harrogate, have made a very bold product statement. I hope that they go from strength to strength.

How do you think Yorkshire has changed in the time you've known it?
I think that rural Yorkshire has not really changed and there is always a dour Yorkshireman waiting to put a new resident straight. The main cities of York and Leeds have had serious investment in facilities and can compete with any of their national rivals in commercial terms.

Are those changes for the better?
Leeds and York have traffic issues, and I am incensed by the cost of rail travel from London to Yorkshire. It is ridiculously expensive and overcrowded. On the other hand, this does mean that we will never be a rural retreat for Londoners!

Who is the Yorkshire man or woman you most admire?
My husband, Thomas. He inherited a castle and debt-ridden estate at 18 and has spent the last 34 years working hard to make it pay and still found the time to promote Yorkshire culture and tourism for free.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/ musician.
James Herriot did more to lift the profile of Yorkshire than the Wars of the Roses! His books are timeless and carry the essence of all that is good and bad in our county.