Rick Witter: 'I moved to York aged 11 - but I still dedicate two days a year to being a tourist in the city'

We moved to York in 1984, when I was about 11 years old, and I distinctly recall the night that the Minister caught fire.

I wasn’t aware of it on the evening, but the news was all over the city the next morning – stories of the clergy and the staff rushing into the building with wet cloths over their faces, all trying to save the treasures inside.

That may have spurred my interest in history, and the bitter disappointment I had when I was told at school that I couldn’t specialise in ancient history because there weren’t enough of us to make up a sizeable group.

So, I reluctantly did modern history instead and I was in a deep sulk for about two years. Today, I just love my history, and I’m fascinated by the events of the Second World War, and the issues which led up to it.

What’s your favourite part of the county?

The city of York, where I live.

I am so busy for most of the year that I specifically take at least two days out of my calendar, and I dedicate them to wandering the streets, and looking up, and finding new things on every corner. I’m a tourist again, discovering ‘my’ city.

What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?

It’s over to the coast, Scarborough (where the band played a great gig in the Open-Air Theatre last year) or Filey, and walking on the beaches.

Better, a full weekend at Hunmanby Gap, enjoying those unspoiled golden sands and the views of Bempton Cliffs.

Do you have a favourite walk?

Around York’s amazing city walls, where you can see everything from a different angle.

You can imagine yourself back in 1600, and how it looked then, or even further back with the gruesome heads of offenders on spikes at the gates.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

Paul Hunter was one of the greatest snooker players of all time, a Leeds lad who had a glittering career before him – but he was tragically claimed by cancer, and died at the age of only 27.

He was world number four at one point. A brave, talented and courageous young man. It would be an honour to chat to him.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, or past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

Dame Judi Dench – but not because I admire all her work on stage and in films, brilliant though she is – but because I heard that it was she who campaigned with others to have the geese remain in Rowntree Park.

Dame Judi didn’t have to play footie in the park, or walk there – does she know the mess that the things leave behind them? That’s just one of the things we’ll discuss over dinner.

If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem,’ what would it be?

The enchanting Janet’s Foss waterfall, up near Malham, because one of the things that I love is the sound of running water. You can have a dip in the pool up there.

If you could own one thing in Yorkshire for a day, what it be?

The keys to both Terry’s and Rowntree’s chocolate factories, so that I can be left alone to sample……well, everything. And if there’s anything left at the end of my visit, I’ll be shoving it all into the boot of my car, to take home.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The language, for a start – where else in the UK will you find or hear so many unique names for various objects. A dozen names for an alleyway, for example.

Then it’s the doggedness of the people, their generosity, and the fact that we don’t suffer fools gladly. The sense of humour, and the determination to get it done, and done properly.

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

Hooray for York City. They finally made it, after knocking on the door for so many years.

Their promotion is only right. I can remember the pride we all felt, back then, when they played Arsenal, and beat them one-nil. Let those days return.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

Rustique is brilliant, such lovely staff, and a stylish place with lots of room. Mind you, I always choose the same thing on their menu, which is the beef bourguignon, and it’s unfailingly delicious. For a good pint, there’s always the Crooked Tap in Acomb.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

York market is still rather good, and there are lots of delis to choose from I rather like Rise Brunch on Fossgate.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you’ve known it?

There have been a lot of developments in where bands can play – The Piece Hall in Halifax (which we’ve done twice now) is outstanding – but sadly many of the medium-sized venues seem to have closed their doors and that’s sad, because bands and performers need progression as they develop.

I can remember when we first started, we were playing pubs in York, and we rather daftly put posters up to promote the gigs.

Sadly, we were still at school, and the teachers weren’t that keen on lads our age working in licenced premises of an evening, and advertising that fact.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

Our very own national hero, Jarvis Cocker. He had – and has – self-belief, and perseverance and he never gives up.

He knew that Pulp could achieve a place in music history, and he was absolutely right. I hope that I have just a little of his determination.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Without a shred of doubt. It’s where I live and breath and work and write and play.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

Mr Alan Bennett. That accent, that talent, that observational skill, the body of work, and the ability to make characters come vividly alive. He truly is unsurpassed.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?

I’d ask if they wanted to pop over to my place for a cup of tea, and then we’re walk over to The Minster, and we’d stand there, just looking up, and contemplating the history of the place, the atmosphere, and all the people who have visited, over the centuries.

Upcoming Yorkshire dates for Shed Seven’s Shedcember X tour: The Octagon Sheffield (November 27) Leeds O2 Academy (December 12 and 13).