Tribute to Bob Anderson, Chair of Cheshire East Countryside Access Forum

Members of Cheshire East Countryside Access Forum have been paying tribute to their Chair, Bob Anderson, who recently passed away peacefully at home following a short illness.

Bob became involved in the Cheshire Local Access Forum, as it was then, in 2009, writing “I was a bit surprised to be accepted as a member of the Forum” in his article ‘Some Thoughts from a New Boy’ in the Forum’s annual report of that year. That article was an early demonstration of Bob’s enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

He continued to volunteer, firstly as a member and then since 2013 as the Chair of the Cheshire East Local Access Forum, having been voted in by fellow members in respect of his leadership qualities and his vision and enthusiasm for the Forum. This was a role he continued to perform with great focus, integrity, and vitality until his death. Bob quickly led the new Forum to establish its priorities on which it went on to deliver tangible results, making a difference in countryside access for all. He led the Forum to challenge road and rail infrastructure designers to maximize the opportunities for improving public rights of way and other routes for access.

Bob was particularly keen to bring the benefits of countryside access to disabled people and was instrumental in driving the publishing of the More Walks for All leaflet of accessible walks. Another publication written by Bob offered advice for drivers to increase awareness of and safety for walkers, cyclists and horse riders on rural lanes, calling on his advanced driving knowledge. In addition, Bob raised the profile of the Forum within Cheshire East and across the North West, establishing regular meetings with key players and getting his voice heard in the press on numerous occasions.

Bob was a genuine and caring person, full of compassion and enthusiasm for both the people and the nature around him. The Chair of the Forum has a difficult role in forming consensus from a wide range of interests represented by members, and Bob performed that balance with skill and tact. He will be sorely missed as a member of the Forum, as the Chair, and as a fellow enthusiast for the countryside.