David's view from above
David Urpeth is national head of workplace accidents and head of the accident team at Irwin Mitchell's Sheffield office, specialising in employer's liability works accidents, industrial disease, public liability matters, road traffic accidents and actions against the police.
He has written and lectured widely on the subject of personal injury law.
He was a member of the Lord Chancellor's working party which designed the Personal Injury Pre Action Protocol. He is an assistant deputy coroner for South Yorkshire (West) District.
David is Sheffield born and bred and says he cannot imagine living and working anywhere else. He has three children.
Work/life balance
Sheffield has a real buzz now and is a city where life can be very rich. I was born in Sheffield. I think it is a great city to live and work. The city provides the right environment to achieve a good work/life balance – something I don't think many other cities in the UK do.
I also think that because of this I have possibly managed to find the right formula – I am pretty regimented at making sure there is plenty of time for me and family as well as my work – and I feel passionate and committed to both. Actually, many of my work colleagues regularly tell me I have found the right balance.
Flying
One of my greatest passions is flying. I have always had a fascination with aviation. I managed to get my glider pilot's licence at the age of 26, 15 years ago. Gliding is a great stress reliever and a superb way to see our fabulous county. I have seen many parts of the county from the air.
My longest flight was over six hours which saw me take off from Gamston in Nottinghamshire, fly south all the way to Rutland Water in Leicestershire, up to Wetherby in North Yorkshire and back to my club at Gamston. That was a very challenging but extremely rewarding flight.
In addition to my glider pilot's licence, I hold the highest glider instructor rating, called a full rating. I was the club's chief flying instructor for over six years. I also hold a private pilot's licence and fly light aeroplanes.
Fitness
I am currently doing much less flying than I used to as this city also allows you to take up so many other pursuits.
Currently I do Taekwondo and kick boxing three times a week at the FamilyFirst marshallarts academy near Crystal Peaks to keep fit.
Recently I have also taken up golf. I am not very good at the moment but like all things, with lots of practice I should get better. I play at Birley Golf Club which is close to Beighton where I live.
Sheffield sport
I am a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday supporter and go to see them as often as I can. The two football teams are good for the city and our sporting facility prowess should stand us in good stead for aiming to attract some of the 2012 Olympic teams to train here.
I often take Emily, my youngest daughter, aged five, to iceSheffield or swimming. There are impressive leisure options for young people and of course attract huge crowds for the ice shows.
We are fortunate to have major leisure and sporting facilities in the city and whilst other cities may have comparable venues I believe our environment and context is better. Although Abbie, my eldest daughter, aged 16, finds the shopping locally at Crystal Peaks or at Meadowhall more attractive.
Family meals out
I think Uncle Sam's in Ecclesall Road is hard to beat for a relaxing, fun family meal. My five-year-old loves the train. I am also a fan of the caf in the Botanical Gardens - the Curator's House restaurant and tea rooms - we often wander in there for a coffee and a something to eat, justifying our visit with a stroll around the park.
For a really excellent meal reserved for special occasions, it has to be the Old Vicarage at Ridgeway. This place is the epitome of the true English fine dining experience. The setting, quality of food and service, and the fact that every visit is memorable makes this my ultimate Sheffield food destination.
New city centre spaces
I remember Sheffield when it was pretty grim, before all the regeneration projects. When you have that memory, seeing city centre developments such as the Devonshire Quarter and Leopold Square (I am old enough to remember the old education buildings there), it makes me feel quite proud when I take visitors into the city. We have so much more choice for good food than we did even five years ago. Also, and I know lots of people say this, but the Winter Garden is truly a fantastic piece of beautiful architecture.
What do you think? Add your comments below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
