My Yorkshire: Stephen Thompson, Wake Smith
Stephen Thompson, senior chartered legal executive in the Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution team at Wake Smith Solicitors in Sheffield.
Where do you live?
I live in Hoyland, Barnsley, a short walk from the open spaces of the Wentworth Fitzwilliam Estates. I was born in Chapeltown, Sheffield, nearby and descend from Yorkshire gamekeepers/blacksmith. My father was born in Hoober Stand Cottage, Wentworth, which I understand was used as one of the beacons in the Second World War.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Most parts of the Yorkshire Dales but perhaps concentrating around the Buttertubs Pass and Semer water. Both offer superb photographic opportunities and even in the height of the summer tourist trade, it is not difficult to escape far from the madding crowd.
What is still on your ‘to do’ list in the region?
There are still a number of walks to wild places or to rocky outcrops no doubt with my faithful four-legged friend, Tilly.
What is the most memorable meal you have ever had in Yorkshire?
There are so many that it would be difficult to pick out individually. If the location, atmosphere and company are right then this always makes for a memorable meal. I suppose location-wise, The Station Inn at Ribblehead in the Yorkshire Dales takes some beating, particularly as it overlooks the Ribblehead Viaduct and which is just a short walk away.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Stubbornness and an uncanny knack of judging people on first sight.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region?
Whatever piece of trivia I find invariably is of no interest to others! Ripon is said to be the oldest city in Britain.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
My real icons would all be sport-based; either the legendary Yorkshire and England opening bat, Geoffrey Boycott or anyone from the heady days of the 1970s Leeds United team, including captain Billy Bremner and manager Don Revie.
First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk).
I am not sure if the flat cap, whippets and pigeons still hold true and it would depend upon what part of Yorkshire. I suspect it would either be the friendliness of Yorkshire folk or conversely that a spade is called a spade.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The constant reference to the connection between Dracula and Whitby.
What is one thing you would steal from Lancashire, or other UK regions if you could?
Nothing readily springs to mind from Lancashire but I would certainly steal the Scottish Cairngorms. I always like to escape to the wilderness and a sense of isolation.
