My Yorkshire: Andy Turner, managing director of First Choice Recruitment
Andy Turner, managing director of First Choice Recruitment
Where do you live/where are you from?
I’m originally from Burnley in Lancashire but don’t hold that against me. I’ve lived longer in Middlestown near the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield than anywhere!
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
This is a really difficult one with so much variety on our doorstep. Locally, I’m lucky enough to look over Coxley Valley (my dog Cuba’s favourite place in all the world!) and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is only a stone throw’s away to name just two.
What is still on your ‘to do’ list in the region?
I’ve lived in the area for over 25 years now so managed to do quite a lot, but I’d love to go to the top of Emley Moor Mast if anyone can ‘sort’ that for me?
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
Wow…another tough question. I promise it’s not a line, but my wife Kath’s cooking is amazing – in particular, Christmas Dinner in our house takes some beating. We’re also blessed with some great restaurants on our doorstep. Wakefield City Centre can now boast some real quality offerings but a meal at the 3 Acres, Eric’s or 315 take a lot of beating.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
You ask a Lancastrian that? I’m certainly not tight like some of my friends (or ‘careful’ with their money) but I like to think one of the greatest traits of Yorkshire folk is their honesty (occasionally bluntness) and I think people would describe me in the same way.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region
My favourite story is about the nursery rhyme ‘the Grand Old Duke of York’ and the Battle of Wakefield at Sandal Castle in December 1460. The Duke marched his men up and down the hill. Unfortunately, it didn’t end up well for the Duke, but it’s all part of our rich history.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
Yorkshire Pudding or Dickie Bird. As a cricket fan it has to be Dickie Bird but I always question why Yorkshire folk serve Yorkshire Puddings with almost everything and not just roast beef? It’s a bit strange!
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The weather could be better, but then how could we have such green and pleasant hills without the rain? One thing I’d like to improve is to take away the traffic jams when I’m trying to get to the seaside – Scarborough, Whitby and Filey are all lovely locations for a day out.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
Turf Moor! It’s always controversial but as Burnley are ‘my team’ I sometimes wish the football ground was a tad closer or played more often at local grounds. Unfortunately, only the mighty terriers (Huddersfield) are in the same division right now – I wish there were more. It always helps with the Monday morning banter too…
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
I hate to finish with a negative and in truth there’s very little overrated in Yorkshire. The only thing that slightly irritates is whenever there’s an international event such as the Olympics local newsreaders would say “and if Yorkshire was a Country we’d be 7th in the league table.” It’s great to be proud of our local achievement’s but we’re NOT a country!
