Paul_Humphreys
New Member
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This has been talked about another forums I have been asked to post it here as well.
The Countryside Recreational Access Group
CRAG has been formed by a group of enthusiasts who regularly use motor vehicles in the countryside and who have become disillusioned with the approach of organisations in resolving current issues. CRAGs members believe that in order to protect our pastime in the current rapidly changing environment an alternative approach to that of the existing organisations will be required.
The cornerstone of the groups objectives will be to develop closer working relationships and partnerships with Rights of Way, Highways and National Park Authorities. Whilst the group will not shy away from supporting legal actions where appropriate, the consensus is that these should be undertaken only as a last resort.
The focus of the groups activities will be to work closely with the relevant authorities to maintain, repair and clear routes and also to encourage them to take advantage of volunteer labour in order to get the best value from their budgets. This is aimed at generating positive PR and a change the in attitude towards motorised users in general by local authorities and the public.
CRAG will be seeking to appoint regional and area team leaders to co-ordinate activities on the ground and develop a rapport with the relevant authorities to organise volunteer projects etc.
Fundamental to the Groups activities will be family orientated fun revolving around ROW use such as treasure hunts, BBQs camping etc.
If youve tried the rest and not found what youre looking for we invite you to find out more about CRAG by dropping us a line at [email protected]. A website is currently under construction and should be up and running by the end of this month Watch this space!
Membership for the first year is £25. For further information, please email [email protected]
The Group intends to work alongside existing organisations such as LARA, TRF and GLASS to represent the interests of motorised Rights of Way users at a local and national level.
In the interests of openness here is a list of the founding members of CRAG along with their roles within the group.
Dave Rogers - Chairman
Ray Dadd - Vice Chairman
Mark Margetts - Secretary
Pete Browning - Membership Officer
Jon Wildsmith - IT Officer
Paul Humphreys - Press Officer
Clive Richardson - Shropshire Regional Team Leader
Steve Mainwaring - Staffs Regional Team Leader
Mark Brenchley - Glos & Brecon Reg Team Leader
Jerry Herbert - BBNP Regional Team Leader
Statement from the Chairman Countryside Recreational Access Group
All at CRAG would like to thank those who have expressed an interest in the organisation. We would also like to thank those who have pledged membership, your support and commitment is priceless.
As the NERC bill reaches a critical stage, changes can still be made and the more our voices are raised in unity, the more we will as a Countryside Access Community, influence the decisions which are made on our behalf.
You already know who the founding members are and the general locations which we serve.
On the 26th of November, our website will go live, the web address is www.crag-uk.org and we look forward to your visiting our site and welcoming you as members in what will become an effective community of those seeking to preserve and enjoy unfettered access to our countryside.
At this stage of CRAG's development there are many questions, not least those concerning our Aims and Objectives, our Mission Statement, and our Constitution. These will all be placed on our website where the details will be available for everyone to see.
Until then, the founding members would prefer to respond only to membership enquiries. This will cut down the amount of time spent answering questions and allow CRAG's various team members to spend a little more time with their families. It is a very busy time for all right now in setting up this new organisation and your patience would be greatly appreciated.
To those who would accuse us of causing a rift within the laning community, we would answer that we are here to support, not tear down, existing organisations and we welcome the opportunity to help where we can in whatever ways we are able. We want to offer a positive response and input to local, regional and national government and can only do this with the support of the countryside access community.
As the Chairman of CRAG, I would like to thank each and every founding member for their energy, courage and conviction. Choosing this path has not been easy, I feel however, that it is the best way forward and one which offers an open and inclusive dialogue with all who enjoy access to the countryside.
It now falls to us to do what we say we will do, thank you for your patience.
Please feel free to join, membership packs are available via email.
Yours
Dave Rogers
Chairman,
Countryside Recreational Access Group
The Countryside Recreational Access Group
CRAG has been formed by a group of enthusiasts who regularly use motor vehicles in the countryside and who have become disillusioned with the approach of organisations in resolving current issues. CRAGs members believe that in order to protect our pastime in the current rapidly changing environment an alternative approach to that of the existing organisations will be required.
The cornerstone of the groups objectives will be to develop closer working relationships and partnerships with Rights of Way, Highways and National Park Authorities. Whilst the group will not shy away from supporting legal actions where appropriate, the consensus is that these should be undertaken only as a last resort.
The focus of the groups activities will be to work closely with the relevant authorities to maintain, repair and clear routes and also to encourage them to take advantage of volunteer labour in order to get the best value from their budgets. This is aimed at generating positive PR and a change the in attitude towards motorised users in general by local authorities and the public.
CRAG will be seeking to appoint regional and area team leaders to co-ordinate activities on the ground and develop a rapport with the relevant authorities to organise volunteer projects etc.
Fundamental to the Groups activities will be family orientated fun revolving around ROW use such as treasure hunts, BBQs camping etc.
If youve tried the rest and not found what youre looking for we invite you to find out more about CRAG by dropping us a line at [email protected]. A website is currently under construction and should be up and running by the end of this month Watch this space!
Membership for the first year is £25. For further information, please email [email protected]
The Group intends to work alongside existing organisations such as LARA, TRF and GLASS to represent the interests of motorised Rights of Way users at a local and national level.
In the interests of openness here is a list of the founding members of CRAG along with their roles within the group.
Dave Rogers - Chairman
Ray Dadd - Vice Chairman
Mark Margetts - Secretary
Pete Browning - Membership Officer
Jon Wildsmith - IT Officer
Paul Humphreys - Press Officer
Clive Richardson - Shropshire Regional Team Leader
Steve Mainwaring - Staffs Regional Team Leader
Mark Brenchley - Glos & Brecon Reg Team Leader
Jerry Herbert - BBNP Regional Team Leader
Statement from the Chairman Countryside Recreational Access Group
All at CRAG would like to thank those who have expressed an interest in the organisation. We would also like to thank those who have pledged membership, your support and commitment is priceless.
As the NERC bill reaches a critical stage, changes can still be made and the more our voices are raised in unity, the more we will as a Countryside Access Community, influence the decisions which are made on our behalf.
You already know who the founding members are and the general locations which we serve.
On the 26th of November, our website will go live, the web address is www.crag-uk.org and we look forward to your visiting our site and welcoming you as members in what will become an effective community of those seeking to preserve and enjoy unfettered access to our countryside.
At this stage of CRAG's development there are many questions, not least those concerning our Aims and Objectives, our Mission Statement, and our Constitution. These will all be placed on our website where the details will be available for everyone to see.
Until then, the founding members would prefer to respond only to membership enquiries. This will cut down the amount of time spent answering questions and allow CRAG's various team members to spend a little more time with their families. It is a very busy time for all right now in setting up this new organisation and your patience would be greatly appreciated.
To those who would accuse us of causing a rift within the laning community, we would answer that we are here to support, not tear down, existing organisations and we welcome the opportunity to help where we can in whatever ways we are able. We want to offer a positive response and input to local, regional and national government and can only do this with the support of the countryside access community.
As the Chairman of CRAG, I would like to thank each and every founding member for their energy, courage and conviction. Choosing this path has not been easy, I feel however, that it is the best way forward and one which offers an open and inclusive dialogue with all who enjoy access to the countryside.
It now falls to us to do what we say we will do, thank you for your patience.
Please feel free to join, membership packs are available via email.
Yours
Dave Rogers
Chairman,
Countryside Recreational Access Group
