The smokers lobby group FOREST (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) was founded in 1979. This year marks our 30th anniversary.

FOREST was founded by Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, a distinguished World War II pilot who became the RAF's commander-in-chief in Germany and later chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Pilots' Association and vice-president of the Royal United Services Institute.

Sir Christopher was the first chairman of FOREST. A pipesmoker, he died in 2003, aged 86. He was succeeded in 1987 by Lord Harris of High Cross, another pipesmoker, who retained the position until he died in 2006, aged 81.

Supporters

Patron of FOREST is TV chef and restaurateur Antony Worrall Thompson. Other high profile supporters include artist David Hockney, musician Joe Jackson, Oscar-winning playwright Ronald Harwood, award-winning inventor Trevor Baylis, and restaurateur Ranald Macdonald.

In our 30-year history there have been just four executive directors: Stephen Eyres (1981-1990), Chris Tame (1990-1995), Marjorie Nicholson (1995-1998) and Simon Clark who joined FOREST in 1999.

"There's something about FOREST, and the smoking issue in general," says Clark, "that gets under the skin and makes it difficult to walk away. I don't know what it is, but it becomes less of a job and more of a crusade. It drives you crazy at times and it's relentless because the war on tobacco never stops. But there have been some marvellous moments which make it all worthwhile."

Events

Later this year FOREST will mark its 30th anniversary with a number of special events. Plans currently include a parliamentary reception, a one-day symposium, a prohibition party (similar to our hugely successful event at the 2006 Conservative conference in Bournemouth), and a gala dinner incorporating the 30th Anniversary Forest Awards.

For advance information, and to register your support for our ongoing work, join this Facebook group and/or click here:

http://www.forestonline.org/output/Sign-Up.aspx

See also Simon Clark's blog:

http://takingliberties.squarespace.com/

Last, but not least, please invite your smoker-friendly Facebook friends to join this group. (read less)

The smokers lobby group FOREST (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) was founded in 1979. This year marks our 30th anniversary.

FOREST was founded by Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, a distinguished World War II pilot who became the RAF's commander-in-chief in Germany and later chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Pilots' Association and vice-president of the Royal United Services Institute.

Sir Christopher was the first chairman of FOREST. A... (read more)