A labour of Love: Tributes paid to Scouts stalwart
The family of West Runton Scouting stalwart Leslie Love presenting a photographic tribute in his memory at the group's Cromer Road headquarters. Picture: supplied - Credit: Archant
The family of a north Norfolk man who dedicated 65 years of his life to Scouting has presented his local group with a pictorial tribute.
West Runton Scouting stalwart Leslie Love pictured with some of his charges in 1968. Picture: supplied - Credit: Archant
Leslie Love, who died last year at the age of 84, became a Scout at West Runton aged 11 in 1943.
He was made an assistant leader as a teenager and, after a stint as a Scout leader and assistant district commissioner, took on the role of group Scout leader in 1974.
Les was also a member of the county training team tutoring potential Scout leaders in Norfolk and Suffolk and his efforts led to him receiving his first award, the Medal of Merit, in 1968, when he met the Queen and attended a service at St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle.
More honours followed, including the highest award in Scouting, the Silver Wolf.
West Runton Scouting stalwart Leslie Love. Picture: supplied - Credit: Archant
In 1997, Les and his wife Mary, who was a Cub Scout leader at West Runton, were invited to attend a party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their services to Scouting.
Ill health eventually cut short Les's Scouting efforts, but he remained a member of the West Runton group executive committee and continued as vice president of east Norfolk district until his death.
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Les was also an active member of East Runton Methodist Church, where his carpentry skills were put to good use building a communion area and making a large cross above the pulpit.
At a celebration held at West Runton Scout headquarters, on Cromer Road, Les's daughter, Judith Bywater - also a West Runton Scout leader - was awarded a 40-year long service medal, with his family presenting the group with a framed photo montage mapping Les's six-and-a-half decades' service to Scouting.
