My Yorkshire, Sara Ellison – Banner Jones Solicitors

Where do you live/where are you from?
I’m not Yorkshire ‘through-and-through’ – I was born in Oldham and grew up living in a village called Wardle in Rochdale, so I’m actually a Lancashire lass. Since relocating to Sheffield, I have settled in Grenoside, and I love it out there because I feel like I’m surrounded by the fields and countryside that are part and parcel of village life!

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
I love the East Yorkshire Coast – it encompasses some of the UK’s most rugged and rocky cliff faces that stretch alongside white sandy beaches and tiny fishing villages. The sea air does wonders for your lungs, and I love visiting hidden gems – my most recent visits have been to Skipsea and Withernsea.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
I’m tempted to sign up to the Yorkshire marathon but having experienced the pain of half marathons I’m not sure I’m brave enough. I would like to go on one of the ghost walks in York which undoubtedly stands a better chance of getting ticked off my to-do list!

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
This is really tough because Yorkshire has a lot to offer for foodies, from fish n chips on the beach to Michelin Star restaurants. It’s not a meal, but I do love a trip to Our Cow Molly for the best ice cream around.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Although I have been based in Yorkshire for the past eighteen years, I don’t think I have acquired any Yorkshire traits – I’ve stayed true to my Lancashire roots, so to speak!

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
There’s loads to choose from. I love that many a television drama has been based in Yorkshire – for example, This Is England, Downtown Abbey and Emmerdale – which symbolises how diverse the county is!

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
Synonymous with the county, Yorkshire puddings and Henderson’s Relish are definitely the best things to have come out of Yorkshire, but I suppose it’s questionable how ‘cultural’ they are!

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)
Despite being brought up in Lancashire, Mum always included Yorkshire puddings in our Sunday lunch, giving me a taste of the region from a young age. I also remember going on holiday as a child with my family to Primrose Valley in Filey. I remember being very excited by a ‘train’ journey along the beach.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The weather, although that can be mirrored across the UK in general. In my experience it takes a lot of time and effort to become accustomed with the lingo, but dare I say, I’ve grown to love the Yorkshire accent.

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
It’s a tricky one, but I’d have to say Holland’s Pies, Pukka Pies’ more sophisticated counterpart! My husband and I have had many debates over the better pie, and I’m yet to be convinced that it’s Pukka Pies!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
As mentioned above, it would have to be Pukka Pies!

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