Kate Ashbrook: 'Brenda worked tirelessly'. Photo: Andrew McCloy
A new long-distance footpath will bear the name of a tireless rights-of-way campaigner who died just days before she was due to receive an award from the Ramblers.
The Brenda Parker Way was officially opened on Saturday by Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society and a trustee of the Ramblers.
The 126km (78-mile) route runs between Andover and Aldershot through north Hampshire and was devised, created and waymarked by the Ramblers, Hampshire County Council, Basingstoke and Deane District Council and Hart District Council.
Ms Parker was a member of the Open Spaces Society for nearly 40 years and died in 2008 only days before she was to have been made an honorary life member of the Ramblers in recognition of her lifelong work for the cause.
Ms Ashbrook cut a ribbon at the opening of the way, which is divided into nine sections, each covering up to 18km (11 miles).
Speaking at the event, Ms Ashbrook said: “Brenda was a builder of the Ramblers. She developed Hampshire area and formed new groups to increase the number of walkers, and workers, for the association.
“As area footpath secretary from 1972 to 1997, she defended paths from damaging change, claimed routes for the definitive map, organised walks and kept detailed records.
“For many years she went meticulously through every copy of the London Gazette in which all notices of public path changes were published, making a note of each one and checking when it was confirmed. She led countless walks, for the Ramblers and for Hampshire County Council.
“Brenda worked tirelessly and without complaint for over four decades to win a better deal for walkers throughout Hampshire. It is thanks to her dedication and commitment that so many people can enjoy the excellent walking in Hampshire today. Most importantly, she inspired others to get involved in path work, thus spreading the message that paths are vital for people’s enjoyment of the countryside.
“We owe her a huge debt of gratitude, and I am delighted that the Brenda Parker Way will be a lasting and fitting memorial to her wonderful work.”
The Brenda Parker Way was designed to allow walkers to use public transport to access the route.
