On The Spot With Chris Midgley

What was your first job?

Working for the Co-op in the centre of York stacking shelves at a time when it was very old-fashioned and the uniform involved wearing a dicky bow!

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

Could well involve working outdoors, perhaps as a landscape gardener.

What was your worst mistake?

Was/is not holidaying enough – I rarely travel abroad at all.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?

Bob Paisley, ex-manager of Liverpool FC. I’m fascinated by someone who appeared to be so quiet and unassuming but took on the vast mantle of his predecessor, Bill Shankly, and achieved so much.

What was your best subject at school?

My best was social and economic history but my favourite was woodworking, even though I was no master craftsman.

What are your hobbies?

Golf, football, gardening and cycling. I also really enjoy walking and once did the coast-to-coast walk between St Bees and Robin Hood’s Bay with a friend, raising about £7,500 between us for charity.

What would you do if you won the Lottery?

Not tell anyone! Not because I’m greedy, but I’ve found that people can change when a lot of money is involved.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

Shorts; it means the weather can’t be too bad.

What’s your favourite time of day?

Daybreak. It’s great to go out cycling at the start of a new day when the sun’s coming up.

What’s the best thing about Yorkshire?

The way it embraces so much, either as it is, naturally, or what we have made it to be.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

You knew where you were.