My Yorkshire: Mark Goodson, MD at Wayside Holiday Park

Mark Goodson is the owner and managing director of the award-winning Wayside Holiday Park at Wrelton, near Pickering. He comes from a family steeped in the leisure and entertainment business and has just invested £500,000 in a superb new lakeside lodge development at Wayside.

Where do you live/where are you from?

Born in Filey, educated in Bridlington and now living in Driffield, so very much an East Riding boy.

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

York. Its beautiful streets and historic buildings are unique, as is the glorious Minster. And we mustn’t forget some excellent pubs.

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

To open the batting for Yorkshire at Scarborough.

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

Christmas lunch with my staff at the Downcliffe Hotel in Filey

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

Being cynical – and it’s getting worse!

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

We have the biggest coal-fired power station in Yorkshire. Step forward Drax.

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

Michael Palin. An incredibly funny man and a great writer, particularly of sketches

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)

The continuous sunshine once you cross into the county.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

Being told it’s your round and realising you have the money to pay for it.

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

Black pudding, chips and curry sauce, my favourite takeaway when I lived in Manchester in my youth.

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Eating fish and chips on the Filey seafront in a Force 9 gale.