Grannys Opening Centenary

By Angela Gooch on December 14th, 2008

100 Years Centenary Grannys Opening Right of Way Asserted

Samuel Moody Cuts the Wire

2008 is a year of special 100 year celebrations in Skegness, not least of which is the centenary of Coun Samuel Moody asserting a public Right of Way over the North Shore Golf Links, Winthorpe Skegness. The pathway, which locals have dubbed ‘Grannys Opening’, begins at Roman Bank opposite Church Lane, Winthorpe and forges over the golf course to the beach (photo below).

As yet, I am uncertain as to whether the incident took place at the beach end of the path or at the Roman Bank entrance. Even today, as you can see from the picture, signs saying ‘Private Keep Off’ and ‘Warning-you are going to cross a private golf course – keep to the path at all times’ are erected on a tree as one enters the pathway.

The Skegness Herald local newspaper gave full account of the incident which took place on May 8th 1908, the original of which we reproduce below:

“In our last issue we reported the discussion which took place at the May meeting of the Skegness Urban District Council with regard to the alleged right of way dispute at Winthorpe.
It will be recollected that the Council came to the decision that further evidence should be obtained with regard to the matter.
At the same time Councillor S. Moody declared his intention of going along the footpath as a private citizen.
The following describes the manner in which events have proceeded since our last issue.

A REMARKABLE SCENE LAST FRIDAY

COUNCILLOR S. MOODY CUTS WIRE, REMOVES FENCE, AND WALKS THROUGH
A remarkable scene was enacted at noon last Friday, in connection with the Winthorpe alleged right of way dispute.
In connection with the laying out of now golf links to the north of the town and immediately adjacent to Winthorpe, a fence has been erected by the promoters of the scheme.
At the Skegness Urban District Council meeting on Tuesday night Councillor Samuel Moody announced his intention of removing the obstruction and using the footpath.
Accordingly at noon that day a large number of people assembled at the place, and expectancy ran high. Mr. Moody arrived on the scene from the Skegness direction with an axe, pitchfork and wire cutter. He said : Are there any representatives of Mr. Kirk’s estate present?
Mr. Barton then stepped forward and said : Before you do anything I must warn you.
Councillor Moody : I am duly impressed. As a parishioner I ask you to remove this obstruction from what I submit is a public footpath. Do you refuse ?
Mr. Barton : I do.
Councillor Moody : For 200 years the family of which I bear the name have used this path for purposes of social intercourse, labour, and worship without let or hindrance, and also the parishioners of the parish have passed over for the purpose of worshipping at Winthorpe Church for a similar period without hindrance or question.
Also for seventy-one years the members of the Primitive Methodist Church, Roman Bank, have used this particular path I for the purpose of obtaining access to their place of worship. Allow me to remind you that in the early part of these years the Roman Bank was almost inaccessible owing to its condition during certain months of the year, and this path was used almost exclusively by them during the winter months.
Moreover for 40 years I have myself passed along it two and three times a day as occasion served, no one questioning my right to pass to and fro. For a period of 80 years a large proportion of the members use this path for the purpose of reaching the Lifeboat Station when summoned to rescue lives (hear, hear and cheers) and it is within the knowledge of many persons present that this path being accessible and used by them largely facilitated the rescue of shipwrecked mariners from a watery grave. (Renewed cheers). Therefore I claim for myself, for my children, and for my children’s children; I claim for my fellow parishioners, their children, and children’s children the right to use this path unhindered for the purposes I have stated. Therefore I claim there has been a dedication by right of usage and that for today, tomorrow, and for all the years that are yet to come, it is theirs. Now I am going through. (Loud cheers).
Mr. Moody then proceeded to cut the wires, and being assisted by several of those present, part of the fence was speedily removed, and this being accomplished Mr. Moody passed through amidst renewed cheers.

Coun Samuel Moody Cuts Wire

After he had done so he said : It is with extreme reluctance and with great regret that I have taken this step. No one holds the rights of private property more sacred than do, and I yield to no one in my respect for the same. I would suggest to Mr. Kirk in the kindliest manner possible that an amicable arrangement which will be satisfactory to both parties, would be to take the necessary steps to have this path diverted for about 15 or 16 yards on the west side and thus preserve ample room for his golf course which we heartily welcome, and largely secure the public rights as affected thereby. (Cheers).
Councillor Moody then proceeded further on but did not encounter any further obstructions.
On arrival at the gateway nearly opposite Church Lane, Winthorpe, Mr. Croft, Bleak House, Withorpe, read two letters, one which he had sent to the owner of the property regarding a claim of 7/6 damage sustained to a pair of trousers when climbing over the fence, and a reply to it.
A hearty vote of thanks was then accorded Mr. Moody, on the motion of Mr. William Petty, of Winthorpe, Mr. Moody in reply said “we have started a fight which I feel sure is not yet, ended. You have supported me right loyally today and I ask that you will continue to support me in the day of battle. (Cries of “We will.”)”

Skegness man, John Orgine, pictured below, brought the story to the attention of the people of Skegness via a local newspaper. Mr Orgine thinks that the centenary of the important event should be celebrated on May 8th this year. “It would be nice to try to find the descendants of the people who forged the pathway”, he said.