My Yorkshire: Antony Ball, hlw Keeble Hawson

Antony Ball is head of hlw Keeble Hawson’s Doncaster family team.

Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born in Pontefract, raised in Castleford and now live in a tiny village just north of Doncaster called Hooton Pagnell.

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
I love the journey to Whitby via Sutton Bank with a short stop off at Helmsley on the way. Whitby is very much at its best in the winter months under a bruising sky to add atmosphere to the place.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?                                                                                                            
I would like to complete the Lyke Wake Walk. I’ve done parts of it in my youth but never the complete route in one go.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
The Sample Tasting Menu at the Feversham Arms, Helmsley. Rarely as a family do we all manage to get away together and switch off from work and responsibilities. This was one such occasion.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?
There has to be Yorkshire puddings with every roast although I am flexible as to whether with or before. There has to be lots of gravy and they have to be made from scratch. My mum and grandma’s were unbeatable.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
Yorkshire is on the same latitude as British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. That probably explains our weather!

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
Coming from Castleford it has to be Henry Moore.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The proposed HS2 route will create massive social damage to towns and villages and the ecological impact and destruction to some of the most rural areas of this glorious county will be devastating. The billions set aside for the project would be better spent on improving existing infrastructure, public services and, in light of Brexit, 21st century solutions to national and international connectivity.

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
If we don’t already have it in Yorkshire then it’s probably not worth having.

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
As a Yorkshireman, I would have to say nothing – this is ‘God’s own County’.