MY YORKSHIRE Hannah Russell
Hannah Russell is a bestselling author, businesswoman and the newly appointed ambassador for the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Hannah, 26, has written over 20 books, many of which are stories about the pint-sized pony, Little Alf.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory?
The sands at Scarborough, and riding the donkeys. I was born on the coast, and I can remember falling in love with the creatures as my brother John and I watched them from the esplanade. We’d ride them, as well, and I honestly believe that is what triggered my love of animals. Later we moved back to the Dales – which is where my mother’s family have their roots.
What’s your favourite part of the county?
Where else but the Dales? The scenery, the stone walls, the ever-changing skies. The gallops at Middleham, wandering around Wensleydale and Hawes, the fields in winter, the greenery in spring.
What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?
I have four dogs, two workers and two pets. I’ll take them all, and a backpack and a flask, and we’d go up on to the moors, around Scar House Reservoir, and walk for miles. I love watching the hen harriers and the red kites, and the ideal time of year would be winter, with a light covering of snow on the ground.
Which Yorkshire sportsperson would you like to take for lunch? The phenomenon that is Kevin Sin
field, late of Leeds Rhinos. What can I say about this man? It’s an over-used word, but the man truly is a legend. His fund-raising efforts to help his old colleague and friend Rob Burrow – who suffers from that terrible scourge of motor neurone disease – are beyond words. I know that he already has an OBE, but I can’t be the only person who believe that just isn’t enough. If anyone deserves a knighthood, it’s him.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star would you like to take for dinner?
James Alfred Wight – better known, of course, as James Herriot, who wrote all those wonderful books. I’ve not read them all, but most of them, and I love his style, and the way that he depicts this county. I have, however, watched all the new TV series, and I love every second of it.
What is your Yorkshire “hidden gem”?
Ravenscar, and the seal colony you’ll find around the cliffs. When the pups are born, all you’ll see is the white of their fur. You come along the tops at the end of the Cleveland Way, down the overgrown path, and there they are.
If you could own, or have access to, one thing in Yorkshire for a day, what would it be?
The glorious Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster. They have over 400 species in those many, many acres of land, and their record in conservation and in rescue and rehabilitation is exemplary. Their commitment is to give animals a far better life, and I am 100 per cent behind that.
What gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
Apart from our unique landscape? Pies and peas with chips and gravy.
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?
Clay shooting – competitive, but not obsessively so. I’ve reached a reasonable level of skill, and I love it because it doesn’t harm animals, it’s outdoors, lots of fresh air, and very companionable. I don’t go out game shooting, that’s not for me – but I can see that it does really help the rural economy, so there are arguments on both sides.
Do you have a favourite restaurant/ pub?
The White Bear, in Masham. My love affair with that place started when I was a youngster, and we’d have lunch there, which always finished with their delicious apple pancakes. It is family and dog friendly, there’s an open fire, and the service is five star.
What is your favourite food shop?
It’s another Masham institution – WS Rogers & Son, on Church Street. Wonderful fresh meat, a great deli selection, home-cooked meats, and the sausage rolls are to die for.
How do you think that Yorkshire has changed?
Covid definitely changed a lot. As soon as people could get out a bit more – but still couldn’t travel abroad – they flocked
to the coastal areas and into the countryside, and I’m afraid that a lot of them left behind their common sense, manners – and a lot of litter. They were letting dogs off their leads, and they hadn’t got a clue about the Countryside Code. That has, I’m so happy to say, swung back into visitors having more responsibility for the environment. But there are still those who bring their barbecues, and light up amongst dry heather, which is completely irresponsible. Please don’t.
Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?
My friend Marina Gibson, who lives just along the road from me, in Swinton. She is the most wonderful fishing instructor, a conservationist and guide. Marina founded (and runs) the Northern Fishing School and many hundreds of all sorts of keen fisherfolk flock to her every year to learn all about fly fishing.
Has Yorkshire influenced your work?
In more ways than you can ever imagine. My work is inspired by the county, and the people and creatures in it.
Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.
It’s Sharron Russell, who just happens to be my mum. She took up painting a few years back, which helped her with some health problems. She’s turned it into a thriving business – all from initially painting what she describes as a “quirky cow”. Unknown to her, I posted a few of her first paintings on social media, and people loved them.
If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?
Masham. As soon as we started coming over from the coast, I knew that I wanted to live in the town, or near it. The bustle of the market, the independent shops, the friendliness. The walks along the River Ure. It’s as Yorkshire used to be – and in Masham, it’s as Yorkshire always will be.