The Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District (FRCC) are set to mark a century since 12 Lake District fells were given to National Trust.
The gift was in remembrance of FRCC Members who were killed in WW1.
The fells were purchased by 450 surviving members, whose donations totalled £600. This purchased the freehold of 3,000 acres.
The Great Gift was “For the use and enjoyment of the people of our land, for all time”
The fells given to the National Trust included Allen Crags, Base Brown, Brandreth, Broad Crag, Glaramara, Great End, Great Gable, Green Gable, Grey Knotts, Kirk Fell, Lingmell and Seathwaite Fell.
All the fells are situated close to Scafell Pike; England’s highest summit.
Groups of FRCC members shall climb all twelve fells and meet up at the summit of Great Gable at 4pm on June 8, for an act of remembrance, at the site of the memorial plaque, which bears the names of the fallen in WW1.
In 1924 the dedication speech was given to 500 attendees by FRCC member Geoffrey Winthrop Young, and the plaque was unveiled.
It shall be read once again by Geoffrey Winthrop Young’s Great Nephew, FRCC member Richard Hargreaves.
The names of The FRCC Fallen shall be read by John L. Holden, President of the FRCC.
John L. Holden, 69, said: “This Act of Remembrance demonstrates that even after a hundred years have passed, the sacrifices made during the First World War still have our recognition and respect.
“This is a cornerstone of the traditions of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club. ”
READ MORE: "Great Gift" war memorial to be rejuvenated 100 years on
The FRCC was founded in 1906 and present-day membership numbers more than 1000 and include Sir Chris Bonington, Dave Birkett, and Alan Hinkes.
Jane Saxon, General Manager for the National Trust in the North & West Lakes, said: “The walk on Saturday pays tribute to those lost serving their country, and we share our continued thanks to the Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District for their generous gift 100 years ago in their honour.
“Marking the speech made by Geoffrey Winthrop Young in 1924, his tenacity and love for the outdoors serves as a reminder that everyone benefits from spending time in nature, and why we are dedicated to providing more accessible experiences in the countryside.”
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