Leigh-anne Stradeski
Leigh-anne Stradeski has been the chief executive of Eureka! the National Children’s Museum since 2000. Originally from Canada, Leigh-anne is also chair of the Community Foundation for Calderdale. She lives in Longwood, Huddersfield with her rescue greyho
What’s your first memory of being outdoors?
Riding my tricycle along the pavement in the suburban neighbourhood where I grew up in southwestern Ontario. From a very early age I was setting off on my own, exploring the local scene and seeking a new adventure, something which I still love to this day. What’s your favourite part of the county and why?
There’s so much about Yorkshire to love but I think you’re always influenced by your first experiences in a new place and coming straight to the Calder Valley from Canada left a big impression. The views in the upper valley where we first lived are absolutely stunning and we spent many happy days walking our dogs on the footpaths in the areas around Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. What’s your idea of a perfect weekend/day out in Yorkshire?
One of the most wonderful things about Yorkshire is its diversity and the fact that there is always something new to discover. So a perfect day out for me is to jump in the car without any particular agenda and see what transpires. There’s something very liberating about doing this, and I’ve never been disappointed yet. Do you have a favourite walk, or view?
Well, my favoured walk of the moment is the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a challenge I undertook in August with my two sons, both in their 20s, to raise funds for Eureka!’s new gallery on health and wellbeing. We achieved it in under 12 hours and although you don’t get much of a chance to pause and reflect when you’re up against the clock I did manage to take in some of the amazing and extensive views. Not a walk you’d do on a regular basis but definitely a memorable one. Which Yorkshire stage or screen star (past or present) would you like to take to lunch?
Patrick Stewart. I think he’s a great actor, of course, and has had a very extensive and interesting range of roles in film and on stage. But it’s his magnificent voice that would make him an ideal lunch companion; I could literally listen to him for hours. If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?
Halifax! When I left my job in Canada there was an article in the local paper about my move and a woman from England called me up out of the blue to congratulate me. She had visited Eureka! and was raving about what a great place it was but, she said, you won’t like Halifax, it’s a bit grotty. Well, she was so wrong; Halifax is an absolute gem with its beautiful Victorian buildings, the Piece Hall, market building and the outstanding Town Hall. Add to this its very hilly setting, community spirit and rich cultural life and I cannot think of a nicer place to be. What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
Definitely the varied nature of the region, its geography and landscape, and the ability to go from city to countryside in a matter of minutes. For me, that’s so important because I only truly feel like I can catch my breath when I’m out in the countryside and have some fresh air and space around me. How do you immerse yourself in Yorkshire’s cultural life?
I absolutely love the Yorkshire Sculpture Park because it combines an outdoor experience with art in a way that everyone can enjoy. The Hepworth has been a fantastic addition to the Yorkshire cultural offer as well, and we’re so lucky in Halifax to have Crossley Gallery at Dean Clough, Square Chapel and the Halifax Festival. Do you find yourself ‘selling’ Yorkshire to non-believers? If so, how?
Does Yorkshire really need to be sold? It’s really got it all… hills, seaside, sport, culture, music, great restaurants, what more could you ask for? But yes, when I’m travelling and when I return home to Canada I’m always singing its praises, the only thing it’s hard to sell is the weather but over time I’ve learnt some clever ways to discuss the merits of rain. Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?
Two actually, both in Sowerby Bridge; Gimbals with its lovely décor and ambiance, delicious food and accommodating chef/owners is absolutely fabulous. Also for veggies like myself Dandelion and Burdock is perfect. It’s a very rare experience for me to go into a restaurant and be able to order anything on the menu rather than have a choice of one or two items so I really appreciate their approach. Do you have a favourite food shop?
Two again, both in Slaithwaite. The Green Valley Grocer is a community owned cooperative which sells local and organic produce and the Handmade Bakery, which produces the best bread in the county. Who is the Yorkshire man or woman you most admire?
It’s not an individual actually, but our entire front-of-house team at Eureka! Their boundless energy, enthusiasm and commitment adds so much to the experience of every adult and child who visits us. If a stranger to Yorkshire had time to visit only one place, where would you send them?
Probably Saltaire Village because it’s a great Yorkshire story as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a visit here has everything; history, arts, local culture, animated walks shopping, and good food. It’s suitable for all ages and all interests and you can easily spend a full day wandering around Salts Mill, the village and walking along the towpath and woodland. A real taste of Yorkshire. Name your favourite Yorkshire book/ author/artist/CD/performer (just one of them!)
This is a tough one because there is a lot of talent to admire in Yorkshire but I’ll say the Brontë sisters. As a student of English literature the Brontë novels with their intensity and romantic descriptions of the landscapes gave me my first impressions of Yorkshire long before I’d ever visited. If I really must choose one favourite it would have to be Wuthering Heights. My first visit to the Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth and the surrounding moors and meadows took me straight into the lives of Heathcliffe and Catherine. What are you working on at the moment?
The project of the moment at Eureka! is completing our new gallery for launch next spring. The theme of health and wellbeing is so topical given concerns around the long term impact of lack of activity and poor diets so it’s been a real challenge for us to get the content just right. It’s taken several years of hard work, consultation and fundraising, so I’m really looking forward to getting it open this spring.