From Trinity to Thornes Park: Wakefield readers reveal what they love about the city

The comments came after a Wakefield Civic Society campaign asking people to celebrate the things that make their city special.

Wakefield Express asked readers to have their say – and the response highlighted the affection many people have for the city, its heritage and its people.

For plenty of readers, there was one obvious answer – Wakefield Trinity.

Ben Booth nominated “The mighty Wakefield Trinity”, while Sarah Louise, Brenda Dobson, Sue Asquith and Wayne Woody Woods were among those who also picked the club.

Jonathan Sykes added: “Come on folks get yourselves down BV.”

Others pointed to some of Wakefield's best-known cultural attractions.

Martyn Watson said: “The cathedral is beautiful, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth and of course Belle Vue, home of the mighty Trinity.”

The city's green spaces also featured heavily.

Sarah Moo Horncastle said: “All the lovely places to walk, Thornes Park, Swan and Cygnet Nature Reserve, Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Woods, Seckar Woods, Newmillerdam, Pugneys, the canals, Walton Colliery, Lofthouse Colliery (and more that I can’t remember right now). Also love the cathedral.”

Richard Taylor also chose Thornes Park.

For some, it was Wakefield's food, drink and independent businesses that make the city stand out.

Karen Smith picked: “The Art Walk and Harry's Bar”, while Emma Beth Cavalli said she loved “the independent restaurants and bars”.

Nichola Greenwood chose “the great real ale pubs and live music scene”, while Mick Carr said “pubs on a Saturday afternoon/evening. Watching Trinity.”

Derek Paton chose Rooftop Gardens, while Jodie Illingworth remembered “Back in the day the markets shakey waki”.

Tracey Smith picked “Rhubarb Radio the ONLY local radio station for the area”, while Faris Rotter said: “The underground music scene.”

And one answer suggested that sometimes it is the people themselves that make a place.

Brian Tapson simply said: “The people.”

Ann Hughes chose Syhiba Restaurant on George Street, while Angie Russell picked “Everyone calling you ‘Love’”

For Ann Mayne, the connection is more personal.

She said: “I lived in Wakefield up until I was 10 years old, I came to live in Co Durham in 1964, due to my dads job relocating I had a really happy childhood born in Alverthorpe then we went to live on Kettlethorpe estate, I was able to play out, my school was great and I had nice friends, Wakefield people are really friendly.”

The city's location and connections also got a mention.

Annemarie Donnachie said: “That we are in the middle. If we want to travel north, south, east or west distances are not to bad. We are close to motorways. We have two train stations. Not too big a city but close to Leeds if you want one and also close to lots of countryside. Friendly people and the cost of living is less that many other places in the UK.”

And for those who have moved away, Wakefield still clearly holds a special place.

Stuart Purcell said: “It was where I was brought up and lived most of my life from 1947 until 2005 then retired to live in Greece on Rhodes but will always be a Wakey Lad and Yorkie at heart.”