David Ward's Yorkshire: The Deep, Hornsea and Leeds United mystery man David Batty

It’s all pretty hazy – I have a terrible memory – but I think that my granny and I were going somewhere on the train, probably to Goole. We lived in the middle of a terrace of houses in Gilberdyke, way out on one of the flattest bits of Yorkshire. I’d have been about three years old. We also used to have a lot of caravan holidays up near Whitby when I was a youngster.

What’s your favourite part of the county and why?

North Yorkshire, for its sheer variety – there’s Harrogate, York, Scarborough, Saltburn, Whitby, all very different towns and communities. And the glorious moors. So much to offer.

What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?

We’d start in Leeds, have a picnic (and possibly see a good match) at Headingley, and then there’d be a drink in Whitelocks in Leeds centre. Then I’d take in a show at the Grand, and on the following day there’s be a coffee at the Brew & Brownie in York, a good walk, some shopping, and a reflective sit down, by the river, just to quietly end the day.

Do you have a favourite view?

There wasn’t a lot to see when I lived in Gilberdyke, the land went on forever. In Shipley, and from my home, there are glorious hills almost at the back door. But, when I used to commute from Leeds by train, the sight that always excited me was when we crossed the river at Knaresborough – the little houses that climbed the hill, the tiny boats on the Nidd beneath. What a wonderful surprise for anyone who didn’t know that line.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson would you like to take for lunch?

He’s a bit of a “mystery man,” the Leeds-born footballer David Batty. He played for Leeds United, and then at Newcastle, as a very good defensive midfielder. But when he retired, he did just that. He vanished completely, and he never (or very rarely) gives interviews.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star would you like to take for dinner?

James Mason, who came from Huddersfield, and who became one of Hollywood’s top stars in the golden age of movies. He worked with everyone – Hitchcock, Kubrick, Judy Garland. It would be a joy to have a few pints with him to learn all the movie gossip.

What’s your Yorkshire “hidden gem”?

Hornsea. I’ve long had a soft spot for little seaside towns, and Hornsea fits that bill completely. I love that it is just out of the way, the little museum there, the arcades and the fish and chip shop.

If you could own one thing in Yorkshire for a day, what would it be?

The Deep, in Hull. What a joy to be given the keys, and the company of a professional oceanographer to guide me around, and then to have a bed made up in one of the hallways, so that I could fall asleep as those great sea beasts glided around and over me.

What gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

It’s the fact that we have so many glorious assets in the architecture, the landscape, the treasure of museums, our incredible culture, the moors, the city parks, the rivers and canals – and we don’t make a fuss about it. We love it, we know that it is all marvellous, and we let visitors discover it for themselves.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

It’s the Pepper Mill, in Saltaire. Great food throughout the day, lovely people, and the go-to choice for me for a memorable celebration meal.

What’s your favourite food shop?

Otley’s Underground Bakery where the cakes and pastries are delicious and about the size of your mouth.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed?

I lived in Leeds for about ten years, and one of the fascinating things was watching the place growing and evolving. I welcome the fact that we’ve now got a West Yorkshire Mayor to fight our corner, and also the fact that the council is such a keen supporter of the arts and sport. It does its very best to deliver what people want to see, and the things that they wish to be involved with. I am, I admit, very keen on busy places, I like a buzz around me.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

We can be so proud of the fact that this county has produced some of the greatest philanthropists ever – Titus Salt, Rowntree, Terry among them. They were considerate of their workers, they endowed parks, open spaces, hospitals, museums and galleries and all sorts of facilities, and they built model accommodation. Not all businessmen were stereotypical grasping mill-owners!

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Very much so. It has given me both energy, and a sense of purpose and direction, and it has helped to blow away all the frippery and faffing-on, to concentrate on using the talents of the people, and the many facilities of the glorious venues that we take over for all sorts of many and varied events.

Name your favourite Yorkshire performer.

Dame Josephine Baker, one of the great operatic voices of the last century, a champion of early music, a lady blessed with a glorious talent, and a sense of “putting back” by her valued involvement with so many people and organisations. A truly great singer, and a truly great lady.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?

York, because it has so much to offer, particularly the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall. If ever there was a place with history and heritage, which serves as a gateway to all that York stands for, this is it.

Company, Bingley Little Theatre, Monday to July 6; Leeds Opera Festival, produced by Northern Opera Group, various venues and many world premieres, August 5 to September 8.