Train Naming by Minister David Miliband

Secretary of State David Miliband performed a ceremony to name a Northern Rail train after “Benny Rothman – Manchester Rambler” at Manchester Piccadilly station on 21 April 2007.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs travelled to Manchester with High Peak MP Tom Levit, Sir Martin Doughty, Roly Smith, Mike Harding and Harry Rothman, son of Benny. They returned to New Mills to visit the Heritage Centre and to participate in the celebrations at the Town Hall.

David Miliband with camera crew alongside the train named 'Benny Rothman - The Manchester Rambler'

On leaving the station, the Minister was taken on a short tour over the Millennium Walkway and through the Torrs Riverside Park, before making the ascent to the Heritage Centre.

Sir Martin Doughty, Tom Levitt and David Miliband on the Millennium Walkway

At the Heritage Centre, David Miliband met the new Administrator Angela Fuggle and officially launched the 'Trespass Trail' by Sir Martin Doughty and Roly Smith. He then took a brief tour of the Heritage Centre to see the Exhibition of a typical 1930s Manchester rambler's room and the other exhibits. Roly Smith presented the Minister with a copy of his book 'Kinder Scout – Portrait of a Mountain' - winner of the Libraries Association Alan Ball Award in 2002.  

David Miliband at New Mills Heritage Centre