My Yorkshire: Johnjo Sanderson

What's your first memory of being outdoors?

My father was manager and clerk of the course at York racecourse and, as young children growing up, my brother, sisters and I would spend our weekends charging round York racecourse. As you can imagine, for four children it was an enormous expanse of land and buildings, where we could get up to all sorts of mischief.

What's your favourite part of the county and why?

With my association to horse racing, I would say that Middleham and the surrounding areas are particularly attractive and offer a huge amount to the county, both from a tourist perspective and a racing perspective.

What's your idea of a perfect weekend/day out in Yorkshire?

If we have friends staying from outside the county, then it would be to have a walk somewhere up around Harrogate or Ripon and then to go to one of the numerous, fantastic pubs either in Harrogate or the surrounding villages for a few beers and some good unhealthy food. Alternatively, as a father of two children under three, my wife and I are always looking for something that will entertain them, like Big Sheep Little Cow in Bedale or Hesketh Farm at Bolton Abbey, which offer a great family day out.

Do you have a favourite walk, or view?

On a clear day as you drive west out of Harrogate the views across towards Skipton or up to Ripon are quite spectacular, especially with Menwith Hill adding a slight twist to the horizon. As far as walks go, a nice cold and clear day walking the dog anywhere along one of the many beaches on the east coast is a favourite.

Which Yorkshire sportsman/woman (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?

Harvey Smith, the champion showjumper. I am lucky enough to see him regularly through my job and he makes me laugh so much.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star (past or present) would you like to take for lunch?

Adrian Edmondson. I am a fan of comedy and Adrian is about as comical as you can get. He was also a pupil at the same school as me (before my time) so it would be good to compare how different school life was back then.

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

Wetherby Racecourse! There is a perception that we are a just a cold and windy racecourse, whereas in fact we have some of the most modern facilities in British racing, let alone Yorkshire. Not only that, we have a lot more going on than just racing, each year we hold the Driffield Championship Dog Show, we're staging the Spirit of Christmas Fair for the first time this year, we have numerous caravan rallies, car boot sales and a whole lot more.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The people. Yorkshire folk are world renowned for their honesty and humour, but above all we're full of character. Where else would you hear people welcome each of other with the expression "Now then" and in response get "Ay, not so bad".

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

Apart from the obvious (being horseracing), for which Yorkshire is blessed with a host of excellent racecourses, trainers, horses and now the champion jockey in Paul Hanagan, I enjoy watching all sorts, football, cricket and rugby to name three. I have been a regular visitor to Headingly to watch Leeds Carnegie play over the last couple of seasons. Hopefully they'll string some good wins together and ensure they stay in the Premiership for another year.

What about Yorkshire's cultural life?

I'm afraid that with having the children, I do not have the time for a huge amount of culture. Very occasionally, my wife and I might go and see a play or visit one of the many museums if we have friends from out of town to stay. Hopefully, there is plenty of time ahead for culture.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

I have eaten in many good restaurants (plus a few bad ones) throughout Yorkshire, but one of the best is The Victoria at Cattal, which is handy because it's five minutes from my house. The landlord, Steve Balcombe, an honorary Yorkshireman, is a fantastic host and creates a great atmosphere, which is borne out by the fact that the car park is always full.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

Morrisons in Wetherby, Harrogate or Boroughbridge. It doesn't matter which.

How do you think Yorkshire has changed in the time you've known it?

As industry has sadly died or been moved away from Yorkshire, the hard work of Welcome To Yorkshire has become even more evident in the increase in the number of tourist attractions that we see or read about and the promotion of the towns, cities and country that Yorkshire has to offer. Local authorities have also done their best to re-energise areas so that we're pushing the best that Yorkshire has to offer.

Are those changes for the better?

Well I think it is better to have something to shout about than not. There are plenty of other counties in the UK where once busy industries that have fallen by the wayside have been replaced with nothing whatsoever, leaving very little to attract you there, which is certainly not something that Yorkshire can be found guilty of.

Who is the Yorkshire man or woman you most admire?

The late, great John Smith – what a genius. Where would Yorkshire be today if he hadn't founded the famous brewery in 1758?

How has Yorkshire influenced your work?

I have lived and worked in Yorkshire for the majority of my life and Yorkshire, and its people, have the ability to keep you grounded. At Wetherby, all the team recognise that we need to adopt a direct and straightforward approach to promoting all aspects of the business. The majority of our customers are Yorkshire men (and women) and as such they are astute individuals, who like to get good value for money and to receive good service, which is what we like to think we provide, as well as a good, enjoyable, day out.

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

Michael Parkinson, he was at the top of his profession for decade after decade and yet still managed to attract a perfect blend of both old and young to listen to and watch his shows.

YP MAG 27/11/10