My Yorkshire: Pauline Prescott

What's your first Yorkshire memory?

Stepping off the train and this smell hit me; it was the fish. I had never been to Hull before and I turned to John and he said: "It's the trawlers in." We don't get that smell now. Hull has changed and there isn't anything like the fishing industry there once was.

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

I love going to Beverley and all of the little villages nearby, such as Bishop Burton, which is really picturesque. Beverley is a lovely little market town and with me coming from Chester, I can relate to that. I also love York. I'm a great shop browser.

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

Something that would combine being with the family and having lots of fun. I like to go to York Races, so maybe something like that. Maybe a visit to Bettys in York for afternoon tea. Then either a trip out to the Dales or to the seaside, Bridlington or Scarborough, so that John can have his fish and chips.

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

I love going out into the Dales, and East Yorkshire, where we live, has some beautiful places, too.

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

I don't know many Yorkshire sportsmen, although horse racing is a passion. I know he's not from Yorkshire, but he will have ridden in the county many times, so maybe Frankie Dettori.

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

Someone who would be really fascinating would be the lady from the Dales – Hannah Hauxwell. I know she's not really a screen star in terms of an actress, but what an amazing lady. When you saw what she went through and lived so remotely I was in awe. Then all of a sudden she was thrown into the limelight, met the Queen and always appeared so genteel and elegant. You could put her anywhere, with anyone, and she didn't feel inferior in any way. She is a truly honest Yorkshire woman. I would also have Jane McDonald, whom I met met once, and Lesley Garrett – people I could have a really good laugh with.

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

The people. A spade is a spade. They take no messing. Once you are taken to a Yorkshire person's heart, you have a friend for life.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The people and their sense of community.

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

I come from a sporting family. My uncle was a boxer who won a title in the 1940s.

I was a sports captain, a really good sprinter and high-jumper, but I couldn't catch or hit a ball. Horse racing is a passion and John is now a director of Hull Kingston Rovers, so I watch a bit of rugby league.

What about Yorkshire's cultural life?

We have some of the country's greatest theatre talents here. A great friend of ours is Barrie Rutter, who runs the Northern Broadsides Theatre Company. We have always been supportive of Hull Truck Theatre and went to the new Hull Truck Theatre building recently. It really is a super place and a great addition to Hull's cultural life. We are very lucky to have people like John Godber and Barrie Rutter.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

We go to Pizza Express. When we go to York, it's nice to go into Bettys for afternoon tea, that's a bit of a treat. And, of course, Jack Chu's and The Lantern in Hull, as well as Cerutti 2 in Beverley. Years ago, we were regulars at the Westfield Country Club, in Cottingham, which always attracted the best singers, bands and comedians from right across the country.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

I think John would say Latus fish and chips in Hull, and I would say M&S food hall!

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

It is sad about the fishing industry having gone, but other things take up. I love The Deep in Hull. That was knocked by lots of people when it was first thought of, but it is very good and has proved a

great success.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

Hannah Hauxwell. She made such an impression on me.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Well it has certainly influenced John's – and that means it has influenced my life. We have lived here for so long now.

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

Ashley Jackson, but also the amazing blind artist, Gary Sargeant.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, where would you choose for them?

Anywhere in the Yorkshire Dales.

Pauline Prescott's autobiography, Smile Though Your Heart is Breaking, is published by Harper Collins.

YP MAG 24/7/10