www.cromfordcanal.org.uk/press.html -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 12/13/2007
Last Visited: 8/1/2008
The Friends of the Cromford Canal (FCC) are pleased to announce that the actor, adventurer and personality, Brian Blessed has become their President of the FCC.Brian was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, but has strong connections with Derbyshire, in particular the Peak District National Park.He is quoted as saying, "For me the beautiful landscapes of the Peak District are the centre of the earth."He is delighted to be able to head our great restoration project especially at this time.Formerly he was President of the Council for National Parks (CNP) 2001 to 2007.Brian Blessed, has been one of Britain's favourite actors for many years; a true national treasure with one of the most recognisable voices in television, film and theatre and has performed many roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company.Best recognized on the screen by his booming voice, when not acting, Blessed is an intrepid alpinist, having scaled such peaks as Mount Everest (attempted three times, has yet to succeed) and Kilimanjaro, as well as being the oldest person to have trekked to the North Pole.Mike Kelley, Vice Chair of the Friends said, "Brian is just the personality we need to head this wonderful Derbyshire project of ours.
...
We already have Julian Richards, Archaeologist, Writer and Broadcaster as our Patron, so now with Brian as our President we have a complete and balanced team to help us move ahead.We welcome Brian aboard."