My Yorkshire: William Worsley

William Worsley of Hovingham Hall in North Yorkshire is the president of the Country Land and Business Association.

What's your first Yorkshire memory?

Picnics in the woods at Hovingham with my grandfather which were a great family tradition.

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

The North York Moors because of its beautiful heather-clad hills.

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

A walk along the beach at Runswick Bay followed by a picnic in the

heather on the moors and then getting home to sit in the garden at Hovingham Hall and read a book. Wonderful!

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

The view from Middle Way above Hovingham over the Vale of Pickering

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to the North York Moors – for me, it's the best view in England.

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

It would have to be my grandfather. He was a superb cricketer and captained Yorkshire in 1928 and 1929. During his captaincy the club only lost twice.

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

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James Mason, who was born in Huddersfield in 1909, because of his tremendous screen presence.

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

Ebberston Hall, a Palladian mansion in miniature, near Scarborough.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

Great regional pride. Yorkshire people are very proud of where they come from.

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

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Not really but we do have a cricket match in front of Hovingham Hall every Saturday.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

The Durham Ox at Crayke – I love the fish and chips.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

Hunters in Helmsley.

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

I have lived in Yorkshire for all of my life and it has certainly changed. I miss some of the old characters in the village, and farming has become more difficult, but some changes have been for the better. More people now visit and enjoy our beautiful countryside and that's a

great thing.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. He may not have been born in Yorkshire, but he is a wonderful man.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Like most Yorkshiremen, I am straight talking.

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

James Herriot, the author of those wonderful vet books.

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

It would have to be York Minster, a beautiful piece of architecture and a spiritual place.

Hovingham Hall is open from June 1-28, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, tours only (last tour 3.30pm). www.hovingham.co.uk

YP MAG 22/5/10