f: ANNUAL REPORT 1991 ~ u~ 0 (f) CJ) ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ z ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ z0 0z ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Annual Rep( ·t 1991 :·

Members of Council page2 Chairman's report 4 Miscellany 5 COSA Unit 6 Months by the minutes 8 Wins, weeps and wants 9 Fifty years ago 10 Secretary's report 12 Signpost report 18 Footpath inspectors 20 Treasurer's report and accounts 24 Membership report 30 Constitution and rules 36 Midweek walks 38

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1 Vice Presidents Hon General Secretary A BennettMP D Taylor DT Berwick 15 Parkfield Drive, GS Cooper Tyldesley PDaley Manchester M298NR T Ewart "ll' 061 790 4383 Chairman Honorary Treasurer LG Meadowcroft SShaw 1 Nelson Street 10 A/stone Road Hazel Grove Stockport Stockport SK45AH SK7 4LR "ll' 061432 6097 'B' 061 483 2482 Membership Secretary Vice Chairmen T Whittaker NH Edwards 51 Queensway 5 Godward Road Heald Green New Mills Cheadle Stockport Cheshire SK12 3BR SK83ET HA Hadfield "ll' 0614371226 3 Lakeside Drive Inquiries and Courts Poynton Stockport Officer SK12 1BR DWLee 7 Mossway Alkrington Middleton Manchester M241WR "ll'061653 4560 Signpost Officer PS Hutchinson 1 Oak/ands Avenue Marple Bridge Stockport SK65DB "ll' 0614271718

Auditor Environment Secretary EMcCormick Mrs P Cliff 10 Raven Road Timperley Trustees Altrincham CS Cooper WA15 6AP L G Meadowcroft "ll' 061 969 7995

2 average attendance of some four visits a year and, in addition, we attend annually the Peak District Voluntary Joint Committee. We therefore view with some concern the proposals by the Country Landowners Association to establish an additional and duplicate Forum to the above and which would involve further time by your officers if we were to be represented. Further ref­ erence to the CLA 's Policy Statement is made elsewhere in this report. We now have a link with the Byways & activities Bridleways Trust through my member­ of personal ship and this is proving useful. I have local au also attended a useful seminar on Map self have Modification procedures at which we Cheshire, Peak Park,· were the only voluntary body present. Wakefield · The Course papers are especially useful to our activities as are the views of the On several :: we were accom- learned QC's who presided. panied by • Society's local footpaths Some members will be aware that the inspector overall much as been memorial indicator on Lantern Pike has achieved, significantly on many occa­ once again been subject to vandalism sions, by the subsequent performance and theft, and steps have been taken to of the authority concerned. Although repair and replace. I recently received both time and mileage consuming we hints that all was not lost and more believe the overall effect is worthwhile. recently was informed that the indica­ We continue to be represented on the tor plate, somewhat damaged, had been e Kinder Advisory Committee to the found- behind a wall. It was later passed National Trust over to the National Trust who are e Derbyshire Countryside Conservation looking into the possibility of repair or Advisory Committee and the replacement. One can only wonder if e Northwest Federation for Sport, the person(s) responsible for the theft Conservation & Recreation found that our local publicity made its retention 'too hot to handle'. 0 the latter giving us access to Sports Council facilities. Each requires an Leslie Meadowcroft

Waiter Brookfield A longstanding and popular member of the Society's Council, we mourn his passing. He gave valuable and practical assistance to the Society, particularly in relation to the supply of equipment for signpost maintenance. His ashes were scattered on Bleaklow in the presenceof a number of friends and members of the Society.

4 The Countryside Commission During the year we considered and responded to two of their consultation documents- e Agenda for the Countryside and e Visitors to the Countryside We would wish to express our thanks to the Commission for their generosity in grant-aid to the Society. On the lOth April1992 we shall be personally expressing our appreciation to their Chairman, Sir John Johnson, at our Annual Dinner in Manchester where he will be the Speaker and Guest of Honour.

Country to.U·ILUU Ploughing The Coun ners Association Despite the recent Rights of Way Act have pub! a report entitled- A with regard to what is now legally Better Way Forward which has been fair­ described as 'Disturbing the Surface', ly widely distributed to various organi­ we are finding there are still a large sations during the latter half of 1991. number of farmers who continue to As an attempt to foster good relations 'disturb' and do not reinstate. with other bodies we commend its It is extremely important, therefore, intentions, but on certain specific issues that this Society continue to press local which would affect our rights we must authorities to ensure that the provi­ beg to differ. For instance, the proposal sions of this Act are adhered to. that local authorities be empowered to We can only do that if we are kept grant closures and diversions to which informed of ploughed out paths. Please there are unresolved objections and the therefore contact the Secretary without abolition of the 20 years claim for a delay if you find a path ploughed and right of way. not restored. Pkase do not wait for oth­ ers to inform us, they may never do so. There is also a proposal to create Countryside and Recreation Access Groups (CRAGS) made up of interested bodies from each shire county and in addition The Society's Slide Lecture to similar existing county bodies. In The Chairman or Secretary would be Derbyshire such a body has been in pleased to present the Society's slide existence for many years and the CLA lecture to any interested organisation. have been conspicuous by their absence Please contact either for further infor­ for the last few years. mation. 5 are determined, will result in reference to the Secretary of State to decide fol­ lowing a public inquiry or written rep­ resentation. In these cases the file is then passed over to our Courts and Inquiries officer to deal with. Selected items from the London Gazette are also examined and pro­ cessed, much of which requires indent­ ing for further information before a decision can be made. On average, 50% of public path orders are diversions, 12.5% are clo­ sures and 5% are creations. Definitive map modification orders are another operation requiring time and labour and two members of the arriving f : 9 o'clock onwards are our afternoon shift usually deal with these first line against those who, plus amending our own maps with the often by means, would attack details involved. Since the upturning of our pub! of way system certain legal cases, these modifications The deal with the ever are becoming more numerous and inc of mail which has often need special treatment. accumul during the past week, In addition to the above, research usually to some 30+ items and technical information is often of correspondence. Each item is regis­ needed by other officers and manpow­ tered and allocated a file number to er has to be provided for this and other which is added any previous documen­ tasks. Meanwhile much typing is being tation relative to the current correspon­ done and the word processor and pho­ dence before being passed to a panel of tocopier are providing busy support. three assessors who make individual We are now coming to the end of and decisive comments on a stamped another busy day and outgoing mail box panel. If there is total agreement, a has to be stamped, sealed and posted. suitable reply is sent to the authority or We can then go home- although there applicant. remain the long distance phone calls to If the proposals are likely to be against be made on the cheap rate after 6pm. the public interest or lack specific infor­ The COSA team comprises about 12 mation, it is likely that our local inspec­ persons but would welcome additional tor will become involved or a holding members to provide cover for any that objection lodged with the local authori­ may occasionally be absent! ty until details are provided. Monday is the principal work day If consultations do not resolve a situ­ from 9am to 4.30pm plus the occasional ation we await the Order and, if still Saturday morning. Special arrangements unsatisfactory, the matter is brought to are made for outside work. Refreseh­ the Society's Council with the unit's ment facilities are available and the recommendations. If we agree to object, companionship is excellent. Some prior the authority concerned is notified and training is given. Applications to the we await their next move which, if they Chairman or Honorary Secretary. 0 6 Part of the COSA team busy at work in the Archive Centre

Out of Order?

Z)id you hear the one about the local The applicant then lodged an appeal authority who made a Definitive Map against that decision with the Secretary Modification Order to downgrade a of State, who felt that there was certainly 'Road used as a Public Path' to footpath sufficient to warrant a public inquiry. status and then opposed their own So, he directed Tameside MBC to Order at the subsequent public inquiry, make an Order which they did (they employing Learned Counsel to present had no choice) but subsequently at the their case. inquiry they obviously felt that they I know it sounds like something of a should continue to oppose. However in bad joke, but not so, for it did in fact so doing it cost the Community Charge happen in Tameside ... and it's not payers of Tameside dear, for Learned quite as simple and stupid as it sounds. Counsel do not come cheaply. Briefly, the Council received a request The interesting conclusion was that from a local landowner to downgrade the Inspector refused to confirm the the RUPP to footpath but, based on the Order, so in fact the Council won the evidence available to them, the Council day by making an Order and then indicated that they were not prepared opposing it ... it's a strange world is it to make an Order. not? 0 7 June e Society's review of procedures to be undertaken; e Awareness of Society's forthcoming centenary; e Debate on Dogs on Lead notices on signposts. July e Charity Commission rules 'no hono­ rariums to officers'; e Irregularities by Kirklees at public vvo...... au. .., at Hulme, Manchester: sine die at Magistrates inquiry; DoE subsequently awards a:.,,th,,-,r,·ty's officers had acted costs to Society. September e Flixton Historical Society to recog­ IJrcmo,saE:':tJV Central Rights of Way nise our work; m,,..,..,., ,rn make all canal towpaths e Lantern Pike Memorial damaged and · status; plaque stolen; e Society produces new membership e Little Bud worth Inquiry result not in leaflet; our favour; e Rochdale MBC unable to carry out e Ash ton Canal towpath closed at maintenance due to staff being occu­ 'Piccadilly village' . pied with national trails etc; we refer October this to Countryside Commission. e Country Landowners produce policy March document; e Proposal to extinguish 60 paths at e A34 Handforth bypass public inquiry Gorton, Manchester; held. e Pennine Way modification align­ November ments considered. e Treasurer models Society's logo T­ April shirt; e AGM considered Lode Mill to Mill e Attendance at Definitive Map semi­ Dale path creation in view of National nar by Chairman; Trust's motion at their AGM and their e Lantern Pike Indicator recovered but subsequent refusal to implement. damaged; May e Council cancel December meeting and authorise officers to act. e Cown Edge Way path on Werneth Low created - at last; December e Proposals for the New Mills bypass e Officers meet to discuss Society's considered. Review Report. 8 000 We were instrumental in persuading The failure by the National : British Waterways Board to re-erect the implement their 1990 ·

demolished footbridge over the canal at and continue to refuse a lUlJL·t.,a.u Woodley. side the River Dove 000 and Lode MilL After our objections, an assurance was received from Derbyshire County An adverse verdict from Council that, when the Pennine Way is Inquiry into quarrying diverted from the Grindsbrook, a Calton HilL definitive path would legally remain. 000 000 Creation of a diversionary route by That we now have a number''of unused Stockport through Redbrow Woods at older type signpost plates seeking Compstall. benefactors and which can be obtained at preferential rates- if you can find a 000 path that equates with the sign's Agreement for improvements to the description. Details from Signpost path network around the site of the old Officer. Mines Research Establishment at 000 Harpurhill, Buxton. o.oo We are seeking the gift of a portable electric generator with a mains voltage Successful claims for an omitted path at output, such as are used to supply cara­ Long Edge plantation Ladder Hill, vans and boats with power. Whaley Bridge and at Charles Head Farm, Rainow. 000 000 The offer to become Minutes Secretary We are grateful for the gift of a vehicle for our Council meetings - no other trailer from Mr & Mrs P Hutchinson. duties involved. Apply to the Honorary Secretary. 000 000 Someone with artistic or display talents to assist with our mobile exhibition. More Indians to help the Chiefs­ Please contact the Chairman. please tell us what you can do to assist. 000 000

9 The Society divides its eight-county coverage into two major areas which we describe as Inner and Outer. In the Inner area, which is that covered by our inspectorate (details on pages 20 to 24), we deal with all matters, ie closures, diversions, creations and obstructions. In our Outer area (ie the area outside that covered by our inspectorate) we deal only with closures, diversions and creations. We do however have con­ tacts in our outer area who will deal with obstruction problems on our behalf. In this Outer area we are gradu­ ally appointing agents to be our eyes and ears and who will respond quickly to our request for on-site information with regard to proposals to close or dline in the Countryside divert rights of way. We already have u"'"v:~~::P twice yearly magazine agents covering Staffordshire (South) Enjoying de- Summer 1991 and West Yorkshire (North) and we are edition. goes on to say - on the look out for the right sort of per­ Highway a ties throughout the coun- son to represent us in Merseyside and try are up to see who can be the Lancashire (North). first to meet Countryside Commission 's target of having every public right of way On then to the situation by local author­ legally defined, properly maintained, sign­ ity areas- posted and publicised, by the year 2000. Well ... yes there is certainly some Cheshire movement in that direction by some In 1991 the responsibility for footpaths authorities but I have to say there is a and bridleways changed from the High­ distinct lack of enthusiasm in quite a ways Sector to Heritage and Recreation. number of others. For myself I am quite There has certainly been some improve­ prepared to wait patiently for another ment since that took place but the foot­ year or so to see which of the areas we path network in the County is in a ter­ cover is first to get into top gear. If we rible state. With almost every Cheshire consider the size of the task and the fact stone that we turn these days something that there are only eight years to go I nasty crawls from under. Paths are think we should be seeing positive signs obstructed by wire, ploughing, illegal now if the target is to be achieved. Full diversions and barns, houses, stables, marks however to the Commission for etc are built across the line, you name it providing the impetus to the campaign. and Cheshire have it! Before proceeding to the resume of the Having indicated the problems it is footpath situation area by area I thought fair to say that there is a move towards it would be useful, certainly for our further improvement and the amenity newer members, to comment briefly on societies were in fact invited to the very how we deal with problems across the first liaison meeting during the year quite large area we cover. (we hope the first of many) when we 12 had the opportunity to voice our fears Macclesfield BC for the path network. I am not sure that There is so much which could be said the concern is there at elected member about the gross inefficiency of this level but we will have to wait to see how Council with regard to footpath matters things go at future meetings. that I really don't know where to start The reaction of the County Council or indeed end. There would appear to sometimes rather surprises me. On a be no liaison between the Council's number of occasions we have had to Planning Department and the Rights of make it clear to them that we would not Way Section for there are quite anum­ be prepared to talk with people wishing ber of buildings of all types built across to divert a right of way until the defini­ rights of way in the borough. Almost tive line is open. We believe this to be a always they know nothing about these perfectly reasonable stance. Imagine our until we tell them, they then express surprise, therefore, when in May we surprise. As the year closed we finally received a letter from the County Legal had to resort to reporting the Council Department threatening to report us to to the Ombudsman in respect of three

the Department of the Environment for selected cases 00 0 we could find many refusing to negotiate. We told them to others.

get on with it 00 0 but have heard nothing further. I almost wish they had pursued Bollin Valley Project the matter with the DoE for I would Last year I expressed my concern at the have been delighted to draw the atten­ way this body operated and I said that tion of the Secretary of State to the way in despair I had written to the County in which the County fail to carry out Heritage & Recreation Officer. I am their statutory duty of preventing the pleased to report that the project officers obstruction in the first place. It would have taken our complaints to heart and have been an interesting exercise. are now busy removing concession One interesting and I suppose unique paths where they were substitutes for situation occurred during the year. I obstructed definitive ways. reported that a light aircraft landing strip had been constructed across a Warrington BC right of way in the Parish of Marthall. This Council moves slowly but does The County replied by asking us if we take some minimal form of action could provide them with the registra­ when requested. We could usefully use tion letters of the aircraft using the some formal contact with them but that strip. This surely must be a first in foot­ has not be possible to arrange at this path preservation circles. time. We are concerned that here again In the parish of Rainow we have been there appears to be a lack of contact successful in claiming a footpath from between the Council's planning officers Charles Head to Summer Close (GR and the Rights of Way Section for we 979787). have a garden of a new house, com­ And finally, what of the farm gate so plete with a new fence, arranged across securely fastened as to be unopenable the line of path. and firmly fixed thereon a notice­ Country Landowners Welcome Careful Walkers. We have that situation in the County area. Greater Manchester Rochdale MBC In my report last year I said that we BoltonMBC must apply increasing pressure on this We continue to meet regularly with this Authority during 1991 and of course Authority and there would appear to be we did just that. The result has been some movement in path maintenance disappointing; there is a massive list of matters though there are a number of outstanding complaints of obstruction longstanding problems which the which the Council fails to address. This authority fails to address. Bolton is one is the Authority who advise us that their of the very few authorities who consult footpath officer's time is taken up by the Society at the planning application Countryside Commission surveys for stage and this often results in any foot­ long distance paths. path related problems being resolved before planning permission is granted. Salford City Council The Authority is to be complimented Some considerable improvement here on this approach. in that at last we are talking together and the Council has recognised the BuryMBC need to apply itself to footpath matters. A quiet year for this Authority; we con­ We have now met the Council's officers tinue to meet with them regularly but on two occasions and there are signs our Inspector for that area, Fred Darwin, that some long outstanding issues will has been out of commission for a short be resolved. Members should note that time. We hope to see him back in action it took a complaint to the Ombudsman in the not too distant future. Our best to trigger off these meetings. Regrettably wishes Fred for a speedy recovery. the path Swinton & Pendlebury 51 (GR 764007) is not one which has been Manchester City Council resolved; the saga of this particular path An Authority with very few what they goes on and on. call field footpath s. However, there are some limited signs of improvement in Stockport MBC their attitude though there are still many Last year I described this authority as old cases still outstanding. At least they the jewel in the crown of Manchester are replying to letters which is a con­ authorities and I suppose that is still siderable improvement on past years . the case, but is probably so because the rest perform so badly. I get the impres­ OldhamMBC sion that the crown is slipping slightly Difficult to find something good to say but they are still a good authority who about this Authority; our complaints to respond fairly quickly to our requests them are many and varied but there for assistance. It is anticipated that the would seem to be little positive canal bridge at Bred bury (GR 935926), response. I get the distinct impression missing for some years, will be com­ that they wish we would go away but pletely reinstated as this report goes to of course we won't. press. Tameside MBC Again, not a lot to report except to say that we do at last have a contact with the authority and there are signs that 14 so_me effort is being applied to dealing Derbyshire with our complaints. In this area most The County Council deals with footpath of the improvements to rights of way obstruction problems in the High Peak result from the efforts of the Ground­ and the signposting of paths through­ work Trust rather than the Authority out the county. I am pleased to report but we are reasonably happy with this that in the main they do an extremely arrangement and quick to give credit good job. We appear to have very few where it is due. outstanding problems in the areas dealt Trafford MBC with by them. However, one matter which did raise its head during the year A quiet year in Trafford, there is still a was that they formally indicated that certain 'distance' between us- they they would not be able to carry out appear afraid that too formal a contact their statutory duties under the Rights will perhaps involve them in spending of Way Act 1991 (the Ploughing Act). ~ome money on footpath matters. Early We have yet to understand how a local m the year we were looking at the pos­ authority or indeed any citizen of the sibility of claiming a track in Dunham land can decide which of the laws they Massey (GR 74198924 to 73988960) as a obey nnd which they can disregard. We definitive route. We contacted the are watching this carefully. Council for certain information and We were successful during the year received the reply ... It is unlikely the in establishing a claim for an additional authority would support an application for footpath in the Black Edge Plantation a modificatiOn Order ... this before we had Ladder Hill Area of Derbyshire (GR even produced any evidence. We have 025785) but be aware that it will be expressed our concern that the Council many years before it appears on the sho_uld have prejudged our application. Pathfinder Maps. InCidentally we are still looking for 20 plus years use of this track. Please con­ Derbyshire Dales DC tact me if you could complete an evi­ We have very few problems with this dence of use form. The track is on Authority who do an excellent job, National Trust land. responding quickly to any complaints WiganMBC we lodge. We also have a good relation­ ship with their rights of way officer. There is only one short word to describe the concern for foo.tpaths shown by this North East Derbyshire DC aut~ori~y ... nil. We meet on a regular After a very slow start, this authority is basis with the Chairman of Highways beginning to arrange for work to be and Works and express our concern, we done on rights of way and are at last make suggestions as to how they can responding to letters addressed to seek help both financial and otherwise them. but we meet with a stone wall. My fore­ cast is that the footpaths of Wigan MB will not be right in the year 2100 never mind 2000 if their present negative atti­ tude continues. I can see no alternative in 1992 other than an approach to the Ombudsman :

15 Lancashire Staffordshire The County Council deals with all paths The County Council deal with all foot­ in the Chorley area except those in a path matters and are the highway central core area - you would need a authority for the area covered by map to locate this. I am concerned that Staffordshire Moorlands DC the County Council seem to take the There is a distinct improvement in easy option with regard to footpath this area, the County is well into sign­ matters and I recall two items which posting every footpath leaving a met­ give cause for concern during the year. alled road within the National Park area, One was in the parish of Coppull where even to the extent of signposting points a garage has been built across the line where the actual access is obstructed. of path; the County will not say if our They tell me that they will deal with allegations are correct but say there is such problems as a separate issue. We an alternative line and they have put a now have regular meetings with the stile behind the gnrage for those who insist Council's officers and they now present on walking the definitive line which goes us with a schedule showing work done through the garage. The other matter on a six monthly basis ... so progress ... relates to some reclaimed land where yes ... but I still have some doubts paths have been laid out on non defini­ whether their clearance programme is tive lines. The County will not tell me if as efficient as they would have us there was a temporary closure order on believe. The Society's inspectors in the the definitive lines but merely say that area are now carrying out a survey to they have 'invited' the landowner to see just how good a job is being done. I apply for a diversion order. Lancashire hope to be able to report progress next County Council is an authority to be year. carefully watched. We are still looking for an additional inspector in this area, anyone interested Blackbum BC should contact myself. I despair that we will ever persuade this Authority to even recognise its statutory duties with regard to rights of way never mind do something about improving them ... I would like to say more but there is just nothing more to say !1

Rossendale BC This authority tells us that they are con­ fident of meeting- the Countryside Commissions targets by 1995 or 1996, and say that at one time there were more than 200 reported path blockages but these have now been reduced by more than two thirds. I have the feeling there­ fore that all our problems in that area must fall within the remaining third.

16 West Yorkshire fruition and area three is used then we stand to lose some 11 footpaths within Calderdale MBC the parishes of Wilmslow, Mobberley There are still a considerable number of and Ashley. It is a very disturbing situ­ obstructed paths in this area and we ation and one we will be monitoring have no formal contact with the Council. carefully during the coming weeks and Some progress towards the clearing of years. Whilst on the subject of the air­ obstructions is under way but, as the port development we are aware that Council is very reluctant to reply to let­ the airport rail link is disrupting foot­ ters, it is difficult to measure that paths at the moment but are assured progress. that all will be restored when works are complete. Kirklees MBC The picture here is no clearer than it was Membership last year, our main dealings with this The membership situation really has no authority are on closures and diversions place in my report, but I felt that I must and their track record in this area is not just comment on my concern and dis­ good. It is interesting to note that at a appointment at the poor response to recent public inquiry into the proposed our recruiting campaign conducted via diversion of paths at Denby Dale the last year's report. You will recall that Inspector recommended that costs we inserted two copies of our recruit­ should be awarded to the Society ment leaflet into each report .. . 800 against the Council for their frivolous, reports .. . 1600 leaflets. Would you vexatious and reckless attitude towards believe that out of that total we recruit­ the Society. ed two new members. As I say a feeling of acute disappointment, I really 000 thought the response would have been much better. Fortunately recruitment That then is a very brief summary of from other sources was much better. the situation as I see it throughout our Membership leaflets are still available area. I think we are making some from all officers, please try to recruit an progress but it is very slow and will additional member in 1992. need a rapid acceleration if the race is to be won. Finally ... 000 Finally, once again I have the opportu­ nity to express my thanks to all those who have helped me during the year. If Some other thoughts I must select anyone for special mention then it must be the footpath inspectors Manchester Airport extension who work quietly in the background One additional area of concern during with very little recognition of their the year has been the proposals by the efforts. Also special thanks to John Manchester Airport Authority to select Houfe for his gift of a 35mm camera for an area for a second runway As the year use in the field. 0 turns we hear that they have selected 'search area three' as being the most Derek Taylor acceptable. If their proposals come to

17 Signpost work completed

181 Bowstonegate Farm (974814) Post re-painted. 174 near Moorside Hotel (984823) Re-painted. 152 near Moorside Hotel (984822) Re-painted. 182 near Moorside Hotel (984819) 1regret :: rt that vandals have Replacement plate affixed and post re­ been at :, tly on signpost No. 10 painted. originally:;<:>: '~-'>rtPrl in 1905 near the 14 Nether Booth (145864) Snake :. 10990): the dog notice- Post shortened and re-planted, plate re­ plate No. ,: disappeared. painted. nnc:t.':l'l.l:n 205 at Benfield Clough (GR963912) erected in 1986 for Stockport 203 Wilderness (027016) CHA to commemorate their 75th anni­ At the request of his daughter, an versary has had the arms pulled off and additional plaque in memory of Waiter the post broken off at ground level. A Brookfield has been affixed to this replacement will be erected as soon as existing post. possible. 43 Grindleford (249783) Split in post repaired. Suitable locations are still being sought 34 Grindleford (243778) for commemorative signposts requested Heavy deposit of lichen cleaned off by- plate. 0 Mrs Janet Davies 98 Rushop Edge (099834) 0 Mrs Katherine Barber Re-painted. 0 Mr Reg Hampshire 110 Hayfield (029891) 0 Friends of Mrs Mary M organ Plates re-painted and re-erected on new 0 & Moor Mountain Club post. 0 Mrs Mary Lane 228 Marple Bridge (967888) On behalf of the Society I wish to thank New signpost erected in memory of all those who have assisted with sign­ Cyril Harris- donated by his widow, post work during the year and particu­ Mrs Anne Harris. larly whilst Ihave been unfit for duty. 157 Reeds Bridge (983794) New style cast plate erected on existing Percy Hutchinson post to replace shoddy sign. 18 Work in progress 227 Ollerton (779759) New signpost to be erected awaiting design and production of cross plate. 229 Ollerset (014857) Donated by Miss 0 Bowyer - awaiting cast plate. 230 Ollerset (013855) Donated by New Mills WEA, awaiting cast plate. 184 Stoneheads (003817) Awaiting cast plate to replace arm on existing post which is partially obscured by wall. Original post donated by Mrs P Bramwell.

Signpost No. 10 (dog sign 15) near New Snake Inn

Working on signpost No. 205 at Benfield Clough

19 Increasing pressures on the footpath network continue to increase the pres­ sures on our workers and more help here now will avoid any possible future difficulties. Volunteers with an interest in helping the Society preserve footpaths will find a large variety of work available. Please contact the Honorary Secretary. The CAFCASH fund you see men­ tioned under Assets in the Balance Sheet is operated by the Charities Aid Foundation, and has enabled us to obtain interest rates often in excess of t/nce successful year with Bank Base Rate on a fully realisable total by more than the investment. The fund is open only to Interest rates Registered Charities. than inflation and with The Charities Aid Foundation offer ,,;~'"","" (and hence divi­ other services of value to us. and you ua,c u:·•~u,!) falling, cash deposits may wish to note that as we are a regis­ investment, although of tered charity, donations may be made '"'-"''-"u"' in interest rates (not to us by the Give As You Eam scheme would affect our operated by CAF, and that donations income from investments. may be directed to us through the CAF VOUCHER scheme. Subscription rates The latter scheme is one in which you increased in 1991!!! Please ensure that make a covenanted donation to CAF you renew at the new rates and that for a minimum of four years, and then any membership forms you may hold make your charitable payments by which quote the old rates are either means of a special voucher - rather like amended or destroyed and new ones a cheque book. Thus you increase your obtained. This will save us a great deal charitable giving by the amount gener­ of administrative time. ously added by the Inland Revenue The Society receives very valuable (you must be subject to income tax for contributions which do not appear in this to work). You also remain fully in the balance sheet: the contribution of control of how much goes to each char­ time and talents by a small but hard ity, and are not tied to giving a fixed working band of volunteers. You will amount to a particular charity each see that we have the finances to fund year for four years. voluntary work by more volunteers­ For details of this please write to: can you assist us? Perhaps with public­ Charities Aid Foundation, 48 Pembury ity? Maybe with greater contact with Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2JD. The our members? Footpath inspection? CAF is itself a registered charity. The Office work in the Archive Centre? Leeds and Holbeck Building Society Signpost maintenance? There are a huge Charity Account offers interest rates number of jobs and even an hour or so very close to those of Cafcash, also per week would be greatly welcomed. fully realisable. 24 Legacies and Bequests In 1990 we benefited from legacy memorandum found amongst my papers income and this was most welcome. after my death but so that notwithstanding We are grateful if members would such request the Trustees of the Foundation remember the Society when making or shall have absolute discretion as to the dis­ reviewing their wills. tribution of this Gift and shall be entitled to To make a bequest to the Society the make a contribution of 3% of this gift to following wording is suitable their founder, namely the National Council for Voluntary Organisations for its charita­ I bequeath the sum of ...... to the ble purposes as required by the Trust Deed Peak and Northern Footpaths Society establishing the Foundation. Registered Charity No. 212219 Rather lengthy but very valuable. Do (Bankers: Royal Bank of Scotland plc, consult your legal adviser on such mat­ Mather Way, Sa/ford Shopping Centre) ters. and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the Attention Affiliated Societies time being of the said Society shall be suffi­ It would appear from comments cient discharge for the said sum . received that some of you did not read the Treasurers Report last year! The Charities Aid Foundation also offer For the year 1992 the cost of affilia­ a service which allows you to bequeath tion is six pounds a year and, if you a sum or portion of your estate to chari­ wish to receive Council minutes, there ty in general, and then leave informal is an additional service charge of five written instructions for specific dispos­ pounds to cover costs. al - this makes it easier to redirect Following comments received from funds if your interests alter without affiliates and voted upon by their dele­ having to have a new Will made out or gates at Council, the 1992 AGM is to be a codicil added, both of which may asked to amend this arrangement for produce income for your Solicitor. The 1993. Affiliated societies are requested form of wording would be - to not pay their 1993 fees until they receive the Annual Report in 1993 My trustees shall hold shares ...... when they will be advised if the 1992 (or I bequeath the Su.m of ...... AGM has sanctioned the variations. for the Charities Aid Foundation of If affiliates must pay their 1993 subs 48 Pembury Rd, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2]D before the annual report is published, (Registered Charity No 268369] upon trust please would they either send £12 to distribute the same and the income thereof (which includes the minutes) or £7 for charitable purposes (including its Foun­ (without minutes) and any surplus will dation Fund) and I request the trustees for be treated as a donation. Additional the time being of the Foundation (without donations are, as always, most welcome. intending to create any binding trust or legal obligation) to distribute the same or Stephen Shaw part or parts thereof to such charity or charities and in such shares or proportions as I may have made known to them during my life or as may be recorded in any note or

25 N 0"\ Income 1991 1990 Expenditure 1991 1990 ~ ~ ~ ~ Subscriptions "' ('"'} ::r "' c u;· Ordinary 642 383 Postages and telephones 1057 886 ;:;;-"' Joint 588 0 3 2:: 338 Stationery etc 388 600 V> ~ (!) - Transfer from 10 yr suspense 782 635 "' ~ Photocopier maintenance 198 487 "';:: ~~ ~ rJ) c Junior 2 3 ~ ~ .... Office Equipment 85 109 ::rro Affiliations 624 505 V>"' ~ (!) rJ) 0 Travel 627 627 ;:s ~ rJ) ::l-· c total subscriptions 2637 1865 "1:::! ~ 3 ~ Annual Report 610 530 rJ) 1797 ~ Donations 1006 Expenses of Archive Centre 142 116 ...,.,,....0 -:1 ~~ ~ro 3643 3662 ~~ ::T'Il.> Room costs: Archive Centre 368 338 (!) rJ) Affiliates Service charge 95 140 ---~ ..,.,c Secretariat 300 300 ~ CJQ (!).... Consultation expenses charged ~. c-· .... 22 Meetings 115 95 .... rJ)- Sale of badges 51 10 ~ ~ A) Publicity I exhibition 325 66 :::: 168 150 ""'t 3 .g ~ Subscriptions & donations 62 43 ~ ~ Sl 0 ...,., Investment Income Conference fees 94 214 0 &.e;~~'"""'" .... Received net of tax 834 ~ ~I'll 715 Purchase of maps 63 35 ::r (!) rJ) (!) .... ::T Income Tax refund due 238 278 Bank Nominee '< i!l.o (!) o'Q" ~ 954 1112 Company charges 50 30 llJ :T::l .... Received xross - (!) ~0 Insurance of work parties 20 19 ::l ...,., ~ Government Stock 2095 2278 CL .... ::r Loss on refreshments 26 9 (!) 0 (!) Short term deposits 3401 2 722 CL 3 ::l Purchase of badges for resale 141 VJ ~ (!) ...... ::T'Il.> Total investment income 6450 6112 (!) iil 0 ~rJ) Ill 0 ~ Total ordinary income 10261 9924 n ~'"0 Ill ~0 Total expenses for year 4670 4503 3 rJ) c Grants received 160 er rJ) ::l (!) ::rCL Legacies to General Funds 2500 Excess of .... 0 '· ...... ~ Sale of bonus scrip 16 income over expenditure 5767 7 921 \0 ~ ...... \0 176 2500 Total income 10438 12424 10438 12424 Funds of the Society as at 31 December each year 1990 1991 name of fund b/fwd + income ex~enses cjfwd General 45744 10438 4670 51512 Defence 4035 25 4010 Signpost 770 319 178 911 Survey 399 399 Memorial funds E Royce 55 55 HWild 250 250 FS HHead 142 142 51394 + 10757 4874 57278 notes • Our thanks to the Countryside Commission • The Signpost Fund is for the erection and for grant aid towards the cost of attending maintenance of Society footpath signposts. conferences. • The Survey and memorial funds are not • The Defence Fund is for use as and when open to further donations; the Survey fund required to cover the costs of obtaining pro­ was for the original survey of rights-of-way fessional legal advice and, if required, meet­ and the memorial funds are for use when ing expenses relating to legal actions. needed to maintain the appropriate memorials.

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1991

1991 1990 Assets Investments 27148 29041 Current Account 83 95 Deposit Account 197 Leeds & Holbeck Charity a/c 205 Premium Account 4353 12123 Cafcash Deposit Fund 29857 13106 Cash float (Archive Centre) 20 20 Tax refund due 238 278 61905 54860 Liabilities Funds of the Society as shown 57278 51394 Ten year membership suspense 4627 3466 61905 54860

27 Notes to Accounts Investments All investments are quoted on the Stock Exchange 1991 1990 Equity investments Cost of purchase 11474 11474 Market value on 31 December 13924 12015 Government Stock Cost of purchase 17008 19008 Market value at 31 December 16630 18953 Maturity value 15674 17566

• All investments are listed on the Stock • During 1991, Treasury Stock having a Exchange except a government stock nominal value of £1892.64 was repaid which was delisted during the year due on maturity. to the small amount on issue. This • Assets purchased by the Society are remains repayable in 2000 I 2003 and has fully written off to expenditure in the been included in the accounts, as before, year of purchase. All sanctioned expen­ at its maturity value of £490.34. It is ses for the year are shown, no signifcant excluded from the market value in the claims awaiting sanction were known above table. of at the end of the year. Income is • Equity investments are shown in the recorded as it is paid into the accounts, Balance Sheet at cost of purchase, which the only item of accruals shown is the is lower than total market value as at 31 tax refund due on net investment December. Government Stock, which is income. held until maturity, is shown in the Balance Sheet at the maturity value, which is lower than both purchase cost and market value as at 31 December.

Auditor's report I have examined the Society's Accounts and in my opinion and to the best of my knowledge and belief the Income and Expenditure Report and the Balance Sheet here given provide a true and fair view of the revenue and transactions for the year ended 31 December 1991 and of the state of affairs as at that date.

date 22 January 1992 signed: E McCormick Honorary Auditor

28 Annual members The total membership under this head­ ing is 439 which includes 115 joint members, an increase over last year of six. During the year, 47 annual members transferred to 10 year membership. The recruitment drive, aided by a new membership form, was fairly suc­ cessful and resulted in 130 new mem­ bers but unfortunately this was offset by 72 members not renewing despite Soc'iPl'if.':r.,'""' has 11 honorary life , the total membership at reminder letters. We were hoping that 1991 stood at 978, a we would get a lot more new members 49 over last year. as a result of the wide distribution of the year sent to me the new and well designed member­ ->Q?J;;::::..-....1 this represents the ship form but this did not have quite as response from members good a result as we had anticipated. I hope for many more applications dur­ trlratE~):;oc:reties During the year I ing the coming year. t@.!::Sc>ciE~ty' s rucksack badges; to acquire one Affiliated Societies to their next subscription At the close of the year there were 102 direct. societies affiliated, a reduction of three 10 Year memvers compared with last year. Societies can There are 528 members under this obtain a copy of the minutes of our heading including 119 joint members, monthly Council meetings at a cost of an increase of 43. Regrettably 11 ten £5 per annum. year members did not renew in 1991. Ted Whittaker Affiliated organisations

1 Alderley Edge & Wilmslow 38 Hanliensian Rambling 70 North Western Nat Union & District Footpath Society Club 71 Nottingham Wayfarers 2 Bar! borough Bor Council 39 Hazel Grove District Rambling Club 3 Barnsley & District FPS Scout Council 72 Offerton Community 4 Barnsley Mountaineering 40 HF: Bolton Group Council Club 41 HF: Bury Group 73 Pennine Paths 5 Black brook Cons Society 42 HF: Holidays Ltd Preservation Society 6 Brad well Parish Council 43 HF: Manchester Group Rossendale 7 British Mountaineering 44 HF: Nottingham Group 74 Pennine Wayfarers Council 45 HF: Rochdale Rambling Club 8 Buxton Field Club Field & Fell Club 75 Poynton Rambling Club 9 Buxton Rambling Club 46 HF: Sheffield Group 76 RA : Barnsley & Penistone 10 Chapel en le Frith 47 HF: Warrington Group Amenity Society 48 ICICALS Social Club 77 RA : Bolton Group 11 Cheshire Tally Ho Hare & Hiking & Rambling Soc'y 78 RA: Congleton Group Hounds Club 49 ITT Rambling Club 79 RA: Derbyshire Area 12 Christian Endeavour 50 I