I trust many members will have walked the above footpath in memory of William Hercock Rippin, (born 3rd May, 1871, died 9th August, 1949). At his death he was Chairman of our Association. At our last committee meeting it was learned of the theft of a bronze plaque erected at the bottom of the footpath on the North Western slope of Beacon Hill had been stolen. This was presumably for its scrap value.
The 61 acres to accommodate this footpath was donated. An appeal by our Association raised £366.15s.11p towards the laying out of the land by the erection of a wall and planting of trees. The official opening of this footpath took place on Saturday, 2nd May, 1953. A special coach was used to convey members to the opening which left Humberstone Gate at 3.00pm at two shillings per head.
The bronze tablet set on a foundation block of local stone, and the memorial stone was set on that. The picture below of the plaque was taken by Ken Brockway. Your committee will further discuss the loss of the plaque at its next meeting on the 5th July.
Rippin plaque