Benny Rothman’s book

The Battle For Kinder Scout

Launched as part of the 80th Kinder Trespass anniversary celebrations on the 24 April 2012 at the Moorland Centre in Edale, the new updated version of Benny Rothman's book is entitled 'The Battle For Kinder Scout’. It contains an extra chapter from Benny Rothman, where he voiced his concerns for the future of the countryside.

Also there are accounts of the protest from other trespassers, along with the stories of ramblers who got caught up in events with dramatic results. The head keeper of the estate gives his version of events and there are many other articles about the background to the campaign for more access to the countryside and more fascinating details about the trespass. Mike Harding has written the foreword.

The book is 100 pages in full colour and is available for £9.95 either from bookshops, online retailers or direct from Willow Publishing, 36 Moss Lane, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 6SZ + £3 p&p.

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1932 Kinder Trespass: A Personal View of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass

by Benny Rothman (April 1982, Willow Publishing, 56 pages)

In the words of the Foreword by Tom Waghorn: "This book, told in Benny's own words, is an important historical document for the rambling world."   Contents Foreword by Tom Waghorn Introduction "The Manchester Rambler" Living for the Weekends Opposition The Trespass Arrest and Trial Derby Assizes Not in Vain

In the Introduction Benny says he has written the book "... because I believe that the Mass Trespass is too important to be dismissed either as youthful folly, or as a political stunt."

Recognising that "a whole mythology has grown around the Trespass", in preparing for the book, Benny interviewed participants, local villages, keepers and policemen who took part. He re-read newspaper accounts of the time, and again looked at the court proceedings, in order to present as accurate an account as possible of the Trespass, and what it brought about.

His hope was that "The book should help to impress on outdoor lovers that access such as we have was not easily attained. It should help in making us more vigilant, and determined to oppose any threat to the countryside from whatever source it might come."