My Yorkshire: Leanne Silverwood, managing director of Local Care Force

Leanne Silverwood is managing director of the Leeds-based specialist nursing, and social care agency, Local Care Force.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I am from Temple Newsam in Leeds but we are looking to move to North Yorkshire imminently.

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?

Without a doubt it would be the Yorkshire dales, because of the most beautiful scenery. I love a good waterfall, friendly people, amazing locally produced food and the unashamed love for a good pub! We love it so much and were lucky enough to buy a little cottage there last year.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?

I’ve lived here my whole life and there is so much I haven’t seen. The videos from the air when the Tour de France was on were simply breathtaking, I would love to take a week or two to follow the route (not on a bike….!) and see all that beautiful scenery first hand! On my, to do list for a while has been The Black Swan  at Olstead voted the best restaurant in the world. The waiting list is brutal but we are eventually going in February!

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?

With my (now) husband, sat up on Simon’s seat – soup from a flask and bread up there tastes better than any Michelin star meal! And in a restaurant, ‘The Wensleydale Heiffer’ in West Witton, their Sunday lunch and Maple Roast Lobster, belly pork & scallop warm salad literally is the best meal ever!

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

Friendly chit chat with total random strangers, the further north into Yorkshire you go, the more chit chat, friendly conversations you have, its infectious and brightens your day.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

The Mouseman, a famous furniture maker who carved a mouse on all his furniture, from the early 1900’s is from North Yorkshire, we used to spend many a day as kids crawling round churches and older buildings hunting for the famous Mouse that he carved into his furniture. I still find myself looking for the mouse as an adult. His furniture is hugley sought after and collectable.

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?

Barbara Hepworth, I am not well versed in the arts but my good friend romanced me with Hepworth and her sculptures  and I’m especially looking forward to the Yorkshire Sculpture International Festival celebrations in Leeds and Wakefield this year. It’s a free festival of sculpture which shines a spotlight on the amazing culture we have on our doorstep.

A friend of mine is in charge of promoting culture for Wakefield and I really didn’t appreciate how much the city has to offer until she enlightened me and took me to The Hepworth, the Sculpture Park, Nostell Priory, the amazing Rhubarb Festival  and Pontefract Castle. They are all fantastic Yorkshire treats and definitely worth a visit.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

The rain. I’m not aiming for more summer’s days but Yorkshire is perfect on a crisp cool dry day, with a little sun.

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?

I would have said I would steal a few points from Man United but Leeds aren’t doing too badly on their own this season………

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Yorkshire Tea, not my thing at all (not a popular answer I’m sure!).