Arthur Pitcher enrolled with 2nd Edgware within two weeks of its formation in October 1929 and rose through the ranks. With the onset of war in 1939, and his disability disqualifying him from military service (although it did not stop him from applying), he found himself propelled into the position of Scoutmaster. With the Group Scoutmaster, ‘Chief’ Martin, unable to attend regularly, Arthur was GSM in all but name. During the war years, many Groups collapsed through lack of leaders and boys. Arthur’s efforts, and those of a small band of ever-changing and loyal assistants, ensured that, incredibly, the 2nd Edgware emerged from the war years stronger than the outset. In this respect, it is not an exaggeration to say that through his leadership the Group was saved from extinction.
Many of you reading this will not have known Arthur, but to those of us who did, Arthur was the Second Edgware… My earliest memories of him however were as a young scout on camp in the rain. I was cold and wet in the rain and miserable and he was walking around, wearing his army surplus cape and his old fashioned wide brimmed scout hat, with a grin on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and puffing on his pipe which was clamped upside down between his teeth.
As a Senior Scout (that’s what Ventures used to be called) Arthur Pitcher taught me some of the basic skills required to be a quartermaster for the scout summer camp at Broadstone Warren near East Grinstead in 1963. At that camp Arthur, Les and the rest of the Scouter team of the time were justifiably proud of the fact that every boy from both troops attended the camp for at least part of the time…
Later as a young Scouter when Rich Stone and I were running the troop Arthur was never far away. He always knew what was going on in the troop and he taught us to be aware of potential problems before they manifested themselves. It may have been galling at the time but Arthur was the king of the gentle touch on the arm and a discrete word in the ear. Usually it was deserved.
Right up until he died Arthur was a valuable member of the executive committee. Although his health may have been failing him in later years, he had the most astute mind. When the committee discussed any issues Arthur would unfailing cut through the waffle and chatter to reach the heart of the matter. I may not have always agreed with his conclusions, but his analysis was always faultless.
To the 2nd Edgware, Arthur Pitcher was Scout Master, Group Scout Master, Assistant District Commissioner, District Commissioner, and when the rules finally precluded him from wearing uniform he was a member of the Group Executive Committee. He was awarded the Silver Wolf, an award which is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout, for service of the most exceptional nature.
Arthur was a profound influence on my life, and I am sure, on many other people. He will be sadly missed.
