Christine Talbot's Yorkshire: 'This is where I love to eat, shop and walk '

What’s your first Yorkshire memory?

My first visit to Yorkshire was driving over to Sheffield from Lancashire in my friend’s old banger to visit her sister at university. We were teenagers and my friend had just passed her driving test. I remember thinking how hilly, wild and exciting it was. That night we went to the iconic Leadmill club and saw Pulp. I later studied in Sheffield as part of my journalism training. I think I always knew I’d end up making Yorkshire my forever home.

Name your favourite part of the county?

I love the area where I live, which is near Wetherby. It’s no more than 30 minutes from Leeds and York and 20 minutes to Harrogate. I love the feeling of living in a village surrounded by lots of beautiful countryside, but close to city life too.

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

I think it would begin with breakfast at Fodder at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate, then I’d buy lots of fresh Yorkshire produce for Sunday lunch, followed by a lovely, long walk along the river in Boston Spa and probably a coffee in the village with my mum or my friend Janette.

Do you have a favourite walk?

Two places are close to my heart. Filey Brigg where it’s been our tradition to watch the sunrise on New Year’s morning since the Millennium. But our happy place is Richmond in North Yorkshire. We do the circular walk along the river, down past Easby Abbey and the ancient church to Brompton Lakes, then back into Richmond.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

This has to be paralympic sprint champion Hannah Cockroft. I’ve met her a few times at various events, and I love chatting to her about her amazing life. I always feel I’d love to get to know her better.

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

The much-missed writer and actor Kay Mellor. I got to know her and interviewed her many times. She was always so warm, welcoming and full of curiosity about people and their lives. I’m now good friends with her daughter Gaynor Faye, who is just like her mum. I’m really excited to be working with Gaynor on a brand new Yorkshire film called Hot Flash this year. I’m playing myself, which is a good thing as I can’t act for toffee.

If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?

There is a tiny little beach at Jackdaw Crag on the river at Boston Spa where I live. The river is often like a millpond at that time and there are ducks going by and wildlife all around.

If you could choose something in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be?

Well, I may be a bit ambitious here but - York Minster. I’m fascinated by history and that sense of the past. It originated in the 7th Century, and I’d love to have it all to myself.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

Definitely the people. I was born in Lancashire and I was immediately struck by the bluntness and “suffer no fools” mentality of Yorkshire people. You must earn your friendships and approval, but it also comes with a great genuine warmth and kindness. I now co-host a podcast and YouTube show called Yorkshire Talks with my friend Matt Jameson and I love meeting the new generation of Yorkshire folk.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

Our local pub The Pax, is lovely, a proper traditional pub with a fire, sense of community and good food. We often go to San Carlos, The Flying Pizza for a special occasion.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

I love Fodder at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre and Weetons at Crimple Hall in Harrogate.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you’ve known it?

I’ve seen Leeds change a lot, particularly in terms of becoming quite a shopping destination. The arrival of the Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate have really glammed it up. On the other hand, it’s sad to see how many smaller town centres are suffering. You can walk round on a Saturday in places that used to be bustling, and they feel deserted.

See a host of VIP Yorkshire women step out at Elland Road for a charity evening, here

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

There are three women whose stories of courage and determination I have continued to write about: Claire Throssell from Penistone, whose two sons were murdered by her abusive ex, fights to change the law on child custody arrangements. Joan Lawrence of Malton, now 81, who is still searching for answers after her daughter Claudia disappeared in 2009 in York. And Jackie Roberts of Wetherby, whose daughter Megan drowned following a student night out and who has bravely tried to prevent the same happening to other young people. All three have become my friends.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Yes. I’ve now got a Yorkshire accent although true Yorkshire folk might disagree. I think too that as I’ve got older, I’ve also soaked up that famous Yorkshire grit and I’m less of a people pleaser.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

Richard Hawley, Sheffield lad, formerly of Pulp. When he came on Calendar once he sang Happy Birthday to me and I had goosebumps. His song The Streets Are Ours is the one Chris and I love most as “our song”.

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

I’d say York for the sense of history, but also the Bronte Parsonage. Reading Wuthering Heights sparked my love of writing and led to my career path.

Christine co presents the Yorkshire Talks podcast on YouTube and Spotify. She is also a founder of Primed For Life, a collective celebrating life at all stages. On Sunday, March 8, International Women’s Day, she will be joining co-founders Rachel Peru, Annie Stirk and Bernadette Gledhill to lead an abseil down the Cow and Calf Rocks at Ilkley in aid of women’s employment charity Smart Works Leeds. Details here