Mike is a very special person who has been directly connected with the 7th for at least 70 years.
Mike was born in 1935 and was brought up in Clifton, the youngest of twelve brothers and sisters. He became part of the 7th when he joined the Cub Pack aged 8 in 1943. Mike continued through the sections as a Scout from 1946 and Senior Scout and Rover Scout until 1953. At the age of 18 he was given special dispensation to run the Scout Troop. When he reached the officially required age, Mike became the Assistant Scout Leader and then the Scout Leader in 1961, a role he held until 1977. Mike then took on a Group role before becoming Group Scout Leader (GSL) in 1988.
In 2002 Mike stood down as GSL as the Scout Association had a policy that all Leaders had to retire at the age of 65, however he continued as part of the Group as an Executive member, Vice President and President. A post he holds to this day in 2018.
Mike has been awarded the following by the Scout Association:
1973 Long Service Decoration
1979 Medal of Merit
1987 Bar to Medal of Merit
1992 Bar to Long Service Decoration
1996 Silver Acorn
1999 Chief Scouts Long Service Award
2016 60 Years’ Service Award
What Mike has done for the 7th cannot be underestimated and is difficult to summarise. Through his vision to keep Scouting alive in Clifton, he secured the purchase of the Headquarters in Waterloo Street in 1978. This followed a two year period of renovation and refurbishment of the building, which Mike organised and managed. Then in 1981 he also arranged the purchase of the Stiles Campsite at Lower Failand, for local Scouts and Guides to enjoy camping and outdoor activities. Since its purchase Mike has put in innumerable hours in its upkeep and maintenance, allowing its continued use for us to enjoy. At a time when fund raising was difficult, Mike set up the Second hand shop which ensured a steady income for the Group and involved the parents of our members.
Through his hard work, dedication and foresight, Mike influenced the lives of, and allowed countless people, both young and old to benefit from the adventure and experiences of Scouting.
Mike has been and is the true embodiment of Scouting.