My Yorkshire: David Williams

What's your first Yorkshire memory?

When I first arrived in Yorkshire, I was puzzled by some of the linguistic differences there are between this wonderful county and the rest of the UK, all of which are rather endearing. It takes a little bit of time before you get your ear used to them, and you fully understand everything that is going on around you. An example? The way that Yorkshire folk refer to members of their family as "our". As a lad from Leicestershire, I found that really confusing.

What's your favourite part of the county – and why?

Like so many others, I really do love Whitby; it's beautiful and it's got everything. We like the wonderful combination of coast and rolling beautiful countryside behind the town. The views down from the Abbey are second to none, and there are some excellent restaurants and arguably the best fish and chips in Yorkshire. Plus, it's got an amazing history, ranging from Captain Cook to Bram Stoker's Dracula. It is mind-blowing to think that a man like Cook would set off from such a relatively small port and achieve so much with such limited resources. And that Mr Stoker's creation would have such an international impact on literature, film and theatre.

What's your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?

I am going to be completely honest and reveal that it would be a weekend where I don't have to work, or answer the telephone, check e-mails or texts. That would be perfect, my idea of heaven – because we have 33 race meetings throughout the year at Doncaster and free weekends are few and far between. There's far more to being Clerk of the Course at a major sporting venue such as this one, than sitting in an office and sending e-mails. I like to get out there, on the course itself, get involved, and get my hands dirty. I am, I think, just part of a well-organised team.

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

Walking the course at Doncaster before every race meeting is always something special. I like going round, checking everything, taking it all it. Even when the sun isn't shining, it's a very special course, and it is steeped in history. Yorkshire should be proud that it has so many fine racecourses – but Doncaster is the best bar none. I've got to say that, haven't I? But it's true.

Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for

lunch?

Harvey Smith, the show-jumper. Because he's the typical straight-talking, no-nonsense Yorkshireman, who says what he means and means what he says. I'm sure he would make a brilliant lunch guest, and he must have a fund of really good stories. Not much of a chance of getting a word in, but I would love to sit there and listen.

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

Sean Bean; he reminds me of myself. No, seriously, I think he would make interesting company and I could maybe pick up a few tips. I like the way that he never seems to have lost touch with his Sheffield roots. He's a good actor, and a man with heart, and integrity. I'm not sure he'd like to be taken for dinner, though – would that be a bit on the posh side? So maybe a few pints and a pie in a good pub somewhere?

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

I think the tiny picturesque market town of Bawtry, near Doncaster, is amazing. It's pretty, packed with great shops and some really good restaurants. It's quite a compact community, and the fact that everything and everyone seems to have by-passed it adds to its charm. Nothing has ruined it, it's always been a little out of the limelight. And, of course, as you head north, on your right-hand side you'll see a house with a little blue plaque which proudly says "No 1, Yorkshire".

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

I don't think it can be anything other than the people. Yorkshire is just full of really friendly folk. I don't think that you get that "down south". I find that up here you get greeted with a "good morning" all the time, that people take time to have a chat and maybe a bit of a gossip. They're concerned about what's happening, they like to get involved, but never in a nosey way. They take their time to get to know you, true, but when you do, you make friends for life. And in today's world, that's a really nice trait. We could all do with a bit more friendliness…

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

Apart from horse-racing? I'm a big motor sport fan and will follow anything from rallying to motorcycle racing. And, of course, one of the best motor sports guys in the world is Doncaster's own James Toseland. It's just finding the time to get out there and to get to the meetings.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

The China Rose in Bawtry has to be our favourite restaurant. Good food, friendly and attentive staff, easy-going atmosphere. What's not to like?

Do you have a favourite food shop?

I have to hold up my hands and confess that I don't do food shopping. I leave that all to my wife, Jo. What is good, I think, is that there's a huge choice of really good fresh food to be had in South Yorkshire – Doncaster market is exceptional, and there are other stalls in Bawtry.

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

I think that it changed for the better when I arrived at Doncaster five years ago… only kidding! I'm not really qualified to make a comment because five years is nothing really. But there have been huge improvements to the racecourse here, to bring our visitors, owners and trainers state-of-the-art facilities, and that will always be on-going. From what I've seen, Yorkshire always seems to move with, and indeed ahead of, the times and that's a sound philosophy.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

My wife, Jo. We are shortly to be celebrating our first wedding anniversary. There aren't many partners who understand the pressures of the "other half's" job, and the odd hours that it entails, but she does, bless her.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

No, I honestly can't say that it has – not as yet. My job has taken me around various counties and I have taken something different from each of them. Everywhere you go, I think, you learn, you absorb, you take time to understand each individual place or area. I think that it will be a few years down the line when I can really say, "Ah yes, Yorkshire did this or that for me".

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

I love the Human League – that's really going to show my age. For those too young to remember, they were the electronic New Wave band formed in Sheffield back in 1977. I think that Phil Oakey, their singer-songwriter, is the only original member of the band left today, but their output has been prodigious, they are still recording and playing live gigs, and they've been a huge influence on all sorts of other artists, from Madonna and The Pet Shop Boys to Little Boots. Everyone who is anyone in music has covered them as well. More than 20 million copies of their albums have been sold worldwide, so I'm not the only fan.

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

It would have to be Doncaster Racecourse, especially Leger Week. There's a wonderful buzz to the town, and to the venue, and there's nothing quite like it anywhere else. Excellent racing, great socialising.

YP MAG 11/9/10