Henley-on-Thames’ many unique assets include the offices of the Open Spaces Society in Bell Street. Its general secretary Kate Ashbrook has always defended the rights of way along both sides of the nearby Thames.
But Kate of course has a wider brief keeping watch on paths and commons which may be suddenly fenced off in other parts of the country.
Today she has been in post for 25 years and is now talking about her second 25 years.
Many congratulations on doing such a vital job so well at the OSS and with the Ramblers’ Associaton.
This week Kate said: “Our most important work has been our constant help and encouragement to people fighting to save their commons, greens and paths which are under threat. It has been a joy to give this assistance and to make a real difference to communities. It has been a joy too to work with the society’s small but committed, hardworking and loyal staff to achieve these victories.
“The society has always had to run on a shoestring, dependent upon the generosity of its members and on legacies. Times are tight for everyone, but with us a little goes a long way. And so I start my next quarter century by calling on people to support our vital work.”