【今日英語】Walking tall 漫步英國鄉下

　　vocabulary: countryside 辭匯：都会

　　An estimated eight million people in Britain enjoyrambling in the Peak District every year.

　　But what many who enjoy outdoor pursuitsdon't know is that their "right to roam" was won by men who sacrificed their own freedom to gain access to the countryside for all.
 

　　In 1932 wealthy landowners had exclusive use of large areas of moorlands for grouse shooting.

　　Walkers were kept out by guards, until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass. The campaigner was jailed with four other men.

　　The event is credited by many with starting a movement that paved the way for the establishment of national parks.

　　Mr Rothman died in 2002 but he is now being honoured for his contribution with the unveilingof a blue plaque on his former home in Crofton Avenue, Timperley, Greater Manchester.

　　Retired professor, Harry, who followed in his father's footsteps by specialising inenvironmental issues, says: "He was a very optimistic man and he made the best of it when he went to prison. It didn't put him off campaigning, he went on campaigning on environmental issues most of his life."

　　Mr Rothman did live to see the Countryside Rights of Way Act passed by Parliament in 2000, ensuring the freedom of the countryside for future generations.

　　Roly Smith, a friend of Mr Rothman and an author of walkingguidebooks, said: "It is down to them that we have got what we have today."

　　Councillor Jonathan Coupe, of Trafford Council, said: "The honour of having a blue plaque attributed to you means you have really made an impression on society."

　　"Mr Rothman contributed to the changing of history and it is because of him that we are able to enjoy the local countryside as often and freely as we can today."

　　Quiz 攷試

　　1. According to the article, what were large areas of countryside used for by the 1930s?

　　2. How will Benny Rothman be honoured?

　　3. Is the following statement true, false or not given?Benny Rothman had a son who is interested in the same issues as himself.

　　4. What expression in the article means activities carried out in open air?

　　5. What word means 'the act of entering into private property without permission'?

　　Glossary 詞匯表

　　· to ramble漫步

　　· outdoor pursuits戶中活動

　　· to roam游逛

　　· to sacrifice便義

　　· a landowner一個地主

　　· the moorlands荒野

　　· grouse shooting捕獵緊雞

　　· a trespass一次犯警進侵

　　· to pave the way為某事攤仄途徑

　　· a national park一個國度公園

　　· to unveil掀開

　　· a blue plaque一個藍色牌匾

　　· to follow in his father's footsteps逃隨女親的腳印

　　· an environmental issue一個情況題目

　　· the Act一項法案、法令

　　· a guidebook一本觀光指北

　　· to be down to (someone)回功於(某人)

　　· a councillor一名議員

　　· a Council政務會、議會