BBC journalist returns to native Dales to tell story of city vs country
A BBC journalist’s documentary series based on his own experiences of growing up in the Yorkshire Dales is to be broadcast on Radio 4 today.
Chris Mason, who grew up in Grassington, North Yorkshire, has been a BBC Political Correspondent for seven years and is known for his Brexitcast podcast made with Political Editor Laura Kuennsberg and others.
He returned to his native Yorkshire late last year to gather material for his documentary The Country vs The City, which explores how each perceives the other.
Based on his experience of growing up in the Dales before moving to London for work, the programme also speaks to other people who have done the same.
It features a contribution from David Mitchell, son of legendary former Dalesman editor Bill Mitchell, reflecting on his father’s journalism during the unveiling of the plaque to him at Parish Church School in Skipton in December.
Also featuring is Jamie Roberts, the fourth generation of his family to live and work at Kilnsey Park, near Skipton. The documentary will tell how he was brought up in the Dales, went away to London and the island of St Helena before returning to Yorkshire.
The programme, which explores themes like community, belonging, identity and home, also includes an interview with couple Janet and Alan Stockdale, who have farmed at Hebden, in Wharfedale, all their lives.
The Country vs The City is on Radio 4 at 11am today and will be on the BBC Sounds app.