Cliff Goakes – 100th Birthday

On 8th September 2023 Colin Daniels had the pleasure of joining Chris Ward, our County Lead Volunteer, when he visited someone who was a Scout, Scout Master and Commissioner in March and District.  Scout Master is one of the roles Clifford Goakes held when active in scouting.  For Cliff scouting started at the age of 10 in 1933 and we were with him the day after his 100^th Birthday.

Cliff was awarded the Silver Acorn in the late 1970s and a press cutting at the time reports him saying “You are always surprised because you don’t join an organisation to get an award.  You join because you believe in its aims and I believe scouting has something to offer boys.  It gives them character and training.”  (Note, today of course scouting is open to girls as well as boys).

Cliff was equally surprised when Chris presented him with one of our County neckers and a framed certificate.  The Certificate congratulated him on his 100^th Birthday and thanked him for his Service to Scouting.  He also received a congratulatory letter from Bear Grylls, Chief Scout.

Cliff’s niece and great niece, Linda and Catherine, continued the family scouting tradition as Cub Scout Leader and Group Scout Leader with 1^st March Scout Group.