Ken Rustidge

I am appointed to the Authority by Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and I am a Trade Union Officer.  I have previously worked as a Teacher and as an Army Reserve Officer (Major).

My interest in the Peak District National Park goes back many years, I enjoyed going on a school hiking visit to Kinder Scout.  Additionally, as a member of 16^th Oldham Boys Brigade we walked up Chew Valley in Saddleworth over to Laddow Rocks and down to Tintwistle in Derbyshire.  In more recent times I have walked over Stanton Moor, around Rowsley, Birchover and Winster.  I also enjoyed walking around the Teggs Nose near Macclesfield as well as the Cat and Fiddle area.  I used to enjoy Potholing in the Peak District, which I found fascinating.  As a child I visited the Hope Valley around Castleton and I have taken my children to visit the Blue John mines and Peveril Castle, as I did as a child.  Other highlights to name but two are the tragic Plague village at Eyam and the Chatsworth estate.  I strongly believe that the beauty and natural habitat of the Peak District should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.