TRIBUTES have been paid to scout leader Frank Alford who sadly died last month after a short illness.
Frank was a stalwart of local Scouting, spending more than 60 years as a local leader. He was awarded the Chief Scout’s 60 Years of Service award for his continued voluntary work with the Scouting movement last year, one of just a handful of people in the country to reach 60 years of service to Scouting.
A special section on the Historic Melksham Facebook page has been set up in his memory, with many people remembering his service to local Scouting.
Some of the warm tributes included:
Darren Crook: “Did so much for Melksham Scouts and I’m pretty sure I would never be doing what I’m doing now if it hadn’t been for Frank. Deeply saddened by this news. RIP Frank.”
Pete Jonik: “Wonderful man he did so much for Scouting in Melksham and Wiltshire I remember when he joined the Second Melksham Scout Group, he gave his life to helping others.
Paul’s Taxis: “He WAS Melksham Scouts.
Paul Bailey: “RIP Frank, great trips and memories of camping at Scotland and Guernsey. Those Guernsey trips were legendary! Brilliant days
Mark Bishop: :RIP Frank. This guy did so much for many generations of Melksham kids in the Scouts.”
Wayne Hawkins: “The man was a legend. So much dedication, work and time put into helping so many young people over 60 years. Thank you Frank for helping me to learn so many new skills and giving me an interest in the great outdoors as a teenager. RIP and thankyou for your service Frank .
Lesley Soulsby: “RIP Frank you gave a great deal to Scouting, enriching the lives of boys in Melksham
Cherry Clarke: “Peter Chidley and my dad, Don Phillips, ran 1st Melksham. Many evenings Dad and Frank would be at our house planning how they would transport 20+ boys to Guernsey with all the kit and ordering food for the week (pre internet days!) Not an easy task! Collecting vouchers from cereal packets so they could all travel at reduced rates on the train and ferry.”
Paul Bright: “Many memories of Scouting led by Frank – an inspiration to many in Melksham.
Frank became a Scout in 1951 at the age of 11 and became a Young Scout leader at 19. He then went on to become assistant leader and later Scout leader at Melksham Scouts where he remained for 35 years. He moved to Seend in 1995 and then again moved to Chippenham in 2005 where he stayed for nine years. Frank then moved on to Wiltshire West District Scout Active Service Unit with 1st Bowerhill Scout Group, where he remained as Scout leader despite his recent illness.
During 1980 to 1999, Frank worked with Scouts in America through International Scouting and Camp America, working as a Provisional Scout leader and Camp Programme leader in North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey and New York.
During Frank’s 12 trips to America, he covered over 14,000 miles and 32 states. He regularly gave talks to sections across the district and county, of his travels and experiences. He also received his 50 years of service award in 2009 and the Silver Acorn Award for Scouting in 2017.
Pictured: Frank receiving his 60 Years of Service award last year
