My Town: Sir Rodney Walker

What do you like best about your town? 

Its diversity, in the arts, sport and the countryside. The Hepworth, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Theatre Royal and the National Coal Mining Museum makes it an important national centre for art and heritage.

What would be your perfect day?

A trouble-free day with friends or family

Do you have a favourite walk or view?

A stroll in the garden before work in early summer sun, the seafront at Scarborough and around the lakes at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

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

The newly re-opened walk around the 100 acre nature reserve at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Do you have a favourite pub or restaurant? 

No, I enjoy the diversity in and around Wakefield although the Three Acres, Cowshed and Rinaldi’s probably stand out

What do you think makes Wakefield special?

The increasingly wide choice of attractions available and an admiration for the way the city and district are recovering from the collapse of old industries.

Do you have a favourite shop?

The newly opened Debenhams in Trinity walk, which, for the first time displays a city determined to modernise its image and compete with its neighbours.

If you were hosting a dinner party, which three other guests would you invite (from your town) and why?

We host regular dinner parties for friends. I am a great admirer of Neil Fox both as a Rugby League player and a person. One of the teachers who told my mother I would never make anything of myself as I didn’t try hard enough and Sir Colin Sampson who trusted me with his friendship.

What is your pet hate about the town?

Too much litter, which detracts from the improvements taking place. For the increasing number of visitors expected it is important to make a good first impression.

What are your priorities?

The next challenge. My coat of arms embraces the words “Accept the Challenge”

What would your ideal holiday be?

My last holiday was a cruise on the new Marina from Venice to Athens which was so relaxing my wife and I have booked to sail with the new sister ship the Riviera next year.

What was the book/film/play/concert/CD you have most enjoyed recently?

A visit to the panto at the Theatre Royal each year to see the enjoyment of the younger generations and families at a live show gives me a sense of satisfaction and pleasure

Who or what makes you laugh?

At the age of 68 I still look back with a smile at the comedians of my early life and admit that most of today’s humour is lost on me.

How would you sum yourself up in a single sentence?

Caring, willing to give time to help others, ambitious, prepared to take risks, magnanimous, ready to give credit where credit is due.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

Larger than life, organised, punctual, inclined to be frustrated by others who are less organised.

What is your favourite charity?

As chairman, president or patron of eight charities it would be impossible to chose one before another. The Theatre Royal, Wakefield, is special to me but, having led a variety of campaigns which have raised more than £40m I feel an obligation to put something back into society in recognition of my good fortune in life.