Footpath pioneer to step down after 58 years service to walkers
12 December 2007
Cotswold Way founder and renowned footpath way-marking
pioneer, Tony Drake MBE, will step down after 58 years voluntary
service and campaigning for the Ramblers Association this
Saturday.
Gloucestershire born Tony Drake MBE, one of the RA’s longest
standing volunteers, will step down from his position as
footpath secretary at the RA’s Gloucestershire Area annual
meeting this Saturday. He will be thanked by the RA’s new Chief
Executive, Tom Franklin.
Tony Drake started working for the Ramblers’ Association in
1949, shortly after the post-war National Park and Access to
Countryside act. Since then, he has played an instrumental role
in mapping local footpaths, pioneered a footpath waymarking
scheme, helped develop the Cotswold Way, and campaigned
tirelessly for better access to the countryside.
Tom Franklin will say: “From maps illustrating the region’s
footpaths and easy-to-follow waymarks dotted around the country,
to long-distance routes such as the Cambrian Way and the
Cotswold Way, Tony’s work has helped people all over England and
Wales to better access and use the countryside. His
contributions will be felt by walkers in the countryside for
generations to come.”
“Tony’s tireless work and his unswerving belief that people
should be able to access, enjoy and explore the beautiful
countryside surrounding them, exemplifies the aims and work of
the Rambler’s Association.”