Oz Hardwick
Oz Hardwick is the author of eight poetry collections and the editor of several more. He lives in York with his wife and cat, and is Professor of English at Leeds Trinity University, where he leads the Creative Writing MA.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory? The first one that sticks with me was June 9, 1975, on a day trip into York while I was staying with an aunt, walking up from the station, across Lendal Bridge, catching a glimpse of St Mary’s Abbey, then seeing the Minster for the first time. How do I remember the date? I was in a cafe by the market and the first live broadcast from Parliament was on the radio.
What’s your favourite part of the county and why? It’s still York. While I love the coastline – I was brought up by the sea – I really feel in my element in old towns and cities, and there aren’t many anywhere that can match York. I’ve lived here over 30 years now, and have never tired of the history that you feel all around you. I’m a great medieval art enthusiast, and the city’s stained glass is exceptional.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend/day out in Yorkshire? I do like to spend time nosing around churches. Misericords, those curious folding chairs in medieval church choirs, are my particular fascination – I’ve even written a book on them. So exploring the nooks and crannies of Beverley St Mary’s and Beverley Minster is hard to beat, but there are gems all around the county. Of course, the day would have to be rounded off with good company in a proper pub: fortunately, you can’t move for excellent pubs in these parts.
Do you have a favourite walk, or view? My wife and I love Thorp Perrow Arboretum, which is beautiful whatever the season, and that it has birds of prey and meerkats is a bonus. Probably my favourite views, though, are from the Harrogate train line from York to Leeds, in particular the Knaresborough viaduct.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star (past or present) would you like to take for lunch, and why? Arthur Brown. I remember seeing him on the black and white TV when I was about eight, and being absolutely terrified and equally captivated. He still, in his late 70s, has one of the finest voices in rock. A great eccentric, too, and I’m sure he’d be wonderful company.
If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what or where would it be? That brings us back to York again. Everyone, quite justifiably, visits the Minster, but it’s absolutely overwhelming and takes years to get to know. Just over the Ouse, All Saints on North Street is unquestionably one of the finest parish churches in the country, with fascinating stained glass – including the last 15 days of the world – and magnificent wood carving.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity? I think I’d say its quiet grandeur. Yorkshire has a landscape that doesn’t show off, but doesn’t need to. For the most part, the people are the same.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub? We’re spoilt in York for pubs with great beer and a great atmosphere, but I’ll just mention a couple of particular favourites. It’ll be no surprise that I like curious old buildings, so the Eagle and Child in High Petergate is a favourite in the centre, and the Black Swan on Peasholme Green is one of the great folk music pubs – who hasn’t played there? I’m also fortunate in my local, the Fox in Holgate, which is a unique building, wonderfully looked after with a great garden that they make full use of in the summer.
Do you have a favourite food shop? Rafi’s Spicebox on Goodramgate in York.
Do you ever find yourself ‘selling’ Yorkshire to others? I don’t find
I have to, as wherever I’ve been in the world, people seem to know something about Yorkshire for one reason or another. Having said that, I do find myself enthusing about places anyway.