My Yorkshire: Ray Breame

What's your first Yorkshire memory?

Playing in the lanes and fields around Edenthorpe, near Doncaster, which was then very distinct from the bigger town – it hadn't become all built up. Back then, it was all very open, and you could go off and have a lot of freedom. I remember the Bridgewater post office, which my mother used to work at, and I'd go there after school to meet her. It was also a kind of general store.

The school where I went in those early years was actually a wooden building, and it has since been replaced by a brick structure, which is now a community hall.

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

My wife, Anne, and I are very fond of several areas, particularly the east coast, and the Dales. I think that the coast somehow wins over, because we used to go there a lot with our children when they were growing up. Our youngest, Sally, then had a bronchial condition, and when we got to the seaside – Bridlington was always a favourite – the sea air always eased it, and she went home feeling so much better. We all loved Dane's Dyke, and the kids used to spend a lot of time rock pooling and being active.

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

We'd drive up to Burton Agnes Hall, up there past Bridlington, and we'd spend a lot of time wandering around in the woodlands and those wonderful gardens, then we'd carry on to Dane's Dyke for another stroll there, and on our way back to South Yorkshire we'd stop off somewhere for fish and chips.

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

Pocklington Canal was a real find for us, and we now go there a lot. It is truly rich in its natural diversity, and the wildlife that you can see is amazing. In season, there are kingfishers, owls, cuckoos, herons – you name it.

In the summer, you can see dragonflies and butterflies in abundance. And for anyone of a certain age or condition who is a bit wary of walking over uneven ground, you can just stroll along the towpath. It's idyllic.

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

I'm not a great sporting man, but I'd go for Dickie Bird, who I have always admired because he speaks his mind, and he's a pretty no-nonsense kind of man, which I admire very much. He also has a grand sense of humour, and I'll bet that he has quite a few tales to tell.

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

Another no-nonsense chap, and this time it is Michael Parkinson. We always used to watch his chat show when he was on TV, and used to enjoy it thoroughly – although occasionally some of the many guests weren't quite our cup of tea.

Parkie is a straight talker, and he obviously wants to find out things from his guests, and he knew how to make them at ease.

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

Burnby Hall and Gardens at Pocklington, which were bequeathed to the local council by the last owner of the eight-acre estate, Major Percy Marlborough Stewart. There are two lovely lakes, with huge koi carp in them and they are connected by little bridges. The water lilies are magnificent and best in July and August.

The house itself is now the main offices of the Pocklington Council, but there's also an interesting museum that chiefly focuses on Major Stewart's travels and adventures and there's a nice caf and

a bandstand.

There's also a conservatory that is crammed full of interesting plants. And – again with a mind to anyone with a disability – it is all very level, and there's lots of access. We love a trip up there.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The hills, the Dales, the coast, and, above all, its people who are, I believe, friendly, open, honest and, let's face it, the salt of the earth.

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

I've never really been a sporting man, but I will admit to keeping an eye on how Doncaster Rovers are going, and I like to watch the St Leger, run at Doncaster. That's all about loyalty to the town.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

We're not great pub-goers, or folk who eat out, but we like the Hare and Tortoise, on Bawtry Road, which serves good food and where the staff are nice and friendly.

We're also fans of the restaurant at Langland's Garden Centre at Shiptonthorpe, where the food is always so very fresh.

We've watched the place grow and grow from small beginnings to what it is now, and it is very popular. The staff, however, are still very approachable, knowledgeable, and friendly. It's a pleasure to go there.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

Wheatings of Harrogate gets our vote – it's just off The Stray. There's a nice little caf, but above all, there's a great range of really fresh produce of all kinds, because it's a sort of local co-operative for all the local farmers. The deli is marvellous, and there's also home-made bread. The people of Harrogate are very lucky indeed.

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

I can remember trolley-buses operating in Doncaster in areas that are now all pedestrianised. There's been a lot of building, and some of it, particularly in the Sixties and Seventies, wasn't of much merit – if any. Now that in turn is being pulled down. I'm saddened that in Doncaster we lost a lot of very striking buildings like the old Guildhall, which was just smashed to rubble overnight .

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

Alan Titchmarsh. He had a very humble start in life, in a municipal garden, and rose to be one of the top experts in his field. He's a great, and very enthusiastic, presenter. And my wife carries a bit of a torch for him as well.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Not my work, no, because until my retirement I ran a plastering business. But my hobby, yes, very definitely. Gardening is my life, and my passion. Some would say my obsession, and I love it. I enjoy sharing that with people, too. And Yorkshire has so many fine gardens and open spaces – we are truly blessed.

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

There are two writers I admire. One is James Herriot, whose books I have

always enjoyed, and the other is Gervase Phinn, whose work always makes me chuckle. Both are hugely gifted storytellers. Mr Titchmarsh has also produced some very good books on gardening.

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

Harrogate. Walk over The Stray in spring, when all the crocuses are out. Go to the Valley Gardens and stroll up there. Have a cup of tea and a slice of cake at Bettys and then make your way to Harlow Carr, the RHS grounds. It's a wonderful place to visit, and we do – time and time again.

This year's National Garden Society open day for Ray and Anne, at Jasmine House, 145, The Grove, Wheatley Hills, Doncaster, is tomorrow, Sunday, June 6, from 1pm-5pm. Visitors welcome by appointment at other times. 01302 361470.

YP MAG 5/6/10