THE Exmoor Society celebrated its 60th anniversary by returning to its roots at Simonsbath House Hotel, where it was formally founded on November 28, 1958.

Simonsbath Lodge, as it was then called, was the home of John Coleman Cooke, the first chairman of the society.

Trustees and members were entertained by a dramatic dialogue, written by trustee Roger Watts, that brought to life the reasons for the formation of the charity.

The president, Sir Antony Acland, proposed a toast to the society before a buffet lunch.

In 1958, proposals to afforest The Chains, the central moorland area, were made public. Mainly because of its wild and remote moorland, Exmoor had just been designated as a national park – local people from the Barnstaple area and the Dunkery side of Exmoor and coastal communities were horrified at this idea.

They decided to start a petition, backed by the North Devon Journal, which collected over 3,000 signatures and was successful in persuading the Forestry Commission to withdraw their plans.

The core purpose of the society’s founders was to present alternative views to public bodies and encourage activities beneficial to Exmoor.

But this week’s Free Press for a full report.