The Ramblers' Association welcomes Floella Benjamin as president of the RA
The Ramblers’ Association is delighted to welcome Floella Benjamin OBE as President of the organization, from March 2008.
Actress and well-loved broadcaster, Floella Benjamin, has been an inspirational figure in the lives of children and adults alike since she first appeared in Playschool and Playaway in the late ‘70s. Passionate about exercise and young people, Floella has been chosen as president of the RA for her national status, experience and sustained ability to communicate with all ages.
As Chair of BAFTA-Television, Floella created the BAFTA Children's Film & Television Awards and in 2001 was awarded the OBE, for Services to Broadcasting. In 2004 she received the BAFTA Special Lifetime Award and in 2005 an Honorary Doctorate at Exeter University for her influence on British society. She also received the IVCA Clarion CSR Champion Award and the GG2 Lifetime Achievement Leadership & Diversity Award.
Committed to outdoor activities, Floella has completed nine consecutive London Marathons and is a Cultural Ambassador for the 2012 London Olympics.
Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers’ Association, comments: “We are delighted that Floella Benjamin has become our new President; an experienced, passionate communicator and supporter of outdoor activities throughout Britain, she is a natural choice for the RA.
"This is a time of change for the
organisation. As the nation experiences soaring levels of
obesity and inactivity, the RA has pioneered Get Walking urban
walks programmes in the heart of 5 English cities, which helps
people living in inner cities to combat ill health and social
alienation through walking. Floella’s commitment to supporting
and inspiring people of living in disadvantaged situations – of
all ages - makes it fitting that she should take presidency in
the year that the RA has hugely expanded its Get Walking
operation.”