MP heralds Wainwright Society as 'Keeping his traditions alive'

South Lakes MP Tim Farron praised members of the Wainwright Society today on the eve of their 10th anniversary and thanked them for keeping Alfred Wainwright's traditions alive.

The inaugural meeting of 'The Wainwright Society' was held on November 9th 2002 at Ambleside Youth Hostel. This was followed by a walk to the summit of Dove Crag, as Alfred Wainwright had done 50 years before. The society will next meet on Saturday 10th November at Wilf's Café in Staveley to celebrate their milestone.

The primary aim of the Society is to keep alive the things which Wainwright promoted through his guidebooks, started over 50 years ago, and the many other publications which were the 'labour of love' for a large portion of his life.

The Society has, over the years, raised many thousands of pounds for causes which it believes Wainwright would have appreciated and supported. There are now close to 1000 members including such famous names such as Sir Chris Bonnington, Julia Bradbury, Stuart Maconie and Doug Scott.

Tim said: "Wainwright communicated better than any guide book writer either before or since, the essence of the Lakeland landscape. His books are still a joy to read. I want to pay tribute to Eric Robson and all the other members of the Wainwright Society for campaigning to protect the environment and living up to Alfred's memory. They do amazing work all year round and I hope they have a wonderful anniversary dinner!"