Scarborough and District Group Annual Report 2004-2005

The number and choice of walks available has ensured that we have had
another good year to enjoy our fabulous countryside. For this we must
thank the walk leaders without whom there would be no Ramblers' Association.
Thanks also to Ray Johnson for compiling our Group walks and to Ray
Fielden who has the mammoth task of producing our annual Area walks programme.
The choice of walks available makes it very difficult to select one on any
given day.

Our Footpath Officer, Les Atkinson, although a member of the RA for
some years attended his first AGM last year, when he 'volunteered' to take
over the post from Bob Clutson who needed the rest. The introduction of the
new maps following the introduction of the CRoW Act and also the new Access
routes has kept all FO's extremely busy, and Les has been the busiest
member of our Group.

In addition to the new legislation, he and Bob have been very much
involved in the long running saga of the Langdale Quest company and their
application for, and subsequent appeal against, the North York Moor National Park
Authority's decision not to grant or renew LQ's licence.  Langdale Quest
is a company who operate 4x4s, all-terrain and other off-road vehicles
within a 200-acre area of Langdale Forest. They were originally granted a
licence 10 years ago and wished to continue this operation providing vehicles for
those who enjoy this type of recreation. Local residents, farmers and other
users of the area objected to the renewal on the grounds of noise, danger and
damage to paths. Bob, and more lately Les, have submitted written and
photographic evidence to the Secretary of State for the Environment and
the NYMPA. The meeting to hear the Appeal was heard in October when the
Appeal was allowed but with restrictions.

These are: - the number of days per year and the hours each day during which they can operate and also how many vehicles can be in use at any time. Although welcome, it is difficult to imagine how these operations can be 'policed' and by whom. It is in LQ's interests both to comply and perhaps report any use by unlicensed vehicles that we think may be the real problem.

On the more social side of our Group's activities, Lisa Crozier has
provided us with another successful programme of dining-out evenings and is in
the process of circulating another for the forthcoming year. To assist Lisa
in future it will be necessary for diners to make a definite commitment in
order that she can book any given restaurant.

Lisa and Richard also organised another Scottish holiday in Pitlochry
for Group members. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all who went. Plans are
afoot for a similar trip during 2006.

Dennis Muir, Scarborough Group Secretary