One of the great names from West Cumbrian scouting, Bert Horsley, has died at the age of 84.
Bert became a scout leader in June, 1957 and in November 2017 received his Chief Scouts 60-year award before taking a back seat.
He had also received an MBE in 2015 for services to scouting in Workington.
Bert was a teacher all of his career, teaching woodwork at Guard Street and metalwork at Moorclose. He was also headmaster at Monkwray School in Whitehaven and Victoria Junior School, Workington
He was also headteacher of Victoria School for 20 years until he retired in 1999.
As a teacher and head teacher in Workington and Whitehaven, together with his wife, Anne he will have influenced the lives of hundreds of people in Cumbria.
Anne Horsley was for many years the Group’s Guide Leader.
He organised camps abroad every two years with Scouts and Guides and hundreds of legendary camps and camp fires ending with ghost stories and the Branthwaite Boggle.
Assistant Group Scout Leader Steve Binyon said: “Bert has been an amazing leader at 4th Workington in North Fells District Scouts since 29 June 1957 and was a supporter of Dragnet Cumbria for many years.
“He leaves behind an amazing legacy of positive influence on so many lives and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
“It was with such great sadness that we heard of his passing.
“He was a cub leader, scout leader and GSL (40 years) at 4th Workington St Michaels and played a huge role in the development and upkeep of Branthwaite Scout campsite and the old Workington District.
“Many leaders will remember being welcomed into Scouting by Bert in his role as District Appointments Chair, or met this larger than life man at the annual Christmas Panto trip he ran.
“I’m so sad he will not be here to witness the new developments at Branthwaite and enjoy another camp fire there. He will be a huge loss to so many people after over 65 years as a volunteer.
“His enthusiasm for all things Scouting was infectious and he spread his knowledge and kindness wide. I hope he is with Mervyn getting the camp site up there looking smart.
“Rest easy Bert, we’ll miss you more than you could imagine.”
He leaves his wife Anne, children Allan and Kathryn; grandchildren Emma, Luke, Matthew and Grace and great grand-daughter Hallie.
Bert and Anne had celebrated their diamond wedding earlier this year. Anne spent more than 50 years leading the 4th Workington St Michael’s Guides, a group now led by their daughter Kathryn.
Son Allan is an assistant commissioner for Scouting in the Bradford area.
