Obituaries

Published on Monday February 08 2010

Hilda Stone

A tribute by Brian Townsend and Caroline Tendler

Hilda Stone, who helped found the Fareham district of the Woodcraft Folk, has died at the age of 90. She simply wore out with good use and age.

She was born in Camden Town, the youngest of eight children, and attended secondary school in Wembley. Even as a child she was struck by the Dickensian circumstances in which some of her neighbours lived, and this greatly influenced her developing political views.

Hilda’s brothers were already involved in socialist politics, with some of their colleagues fighting in the International Brigade of the Spanish Civil War. She remembered the time Basque children came to the UK and were received so warmly by the Co-operative movement. In her youth she had the dubious distinction of being chased through the streets by Mosley’s Black Shirts, who identified her as “Red Preston’s” sister.

On leaving school she became a telephonist and met her husband Reg in the 1930s. They married in the 1940s and had two sons, Phillip and Allan.

In the 1950s Hilda joined the Bridgemary branch of Co-operative Women’s Guild and in the 1960s she became active in the Portsea Island Co-operative Society’s Education Committee.

From the 1970s onwards her efforts were focused on the education of children and world peace. On a very practical level she helped children with their reading and cooking in a local school and became chair of governors at another.

Hilda supported the women at Greenham Common and helped found the Fareham district of the Woodcraft Folk. She also worked hard on the Co-op/Woodcraft Folk liaison group.

Politics and education took up all her time. Her efforts on behalf of children won her awards from the Hampshire Education Committee and she turned down an MBE.

Hilda was a friendly and outgoing woman, who was wedded to her political views. She enjoyed good oratory and a rousing speech. Even though she may not have changed the world to the extent that she wished, Hilda made the lives of many children much happier.

Bob Summerfield 1946-2009

A tribute by Bill Hudson

Bob Summerfield, a long-standing member of the Folk, died in December.

He became a member of the Folk at the age of seven, joining Trailblazer Elfins in Tooting, which was run by Marg White. His parents, Fred and Vera, were also members for many years.

He later moved on to Foresters Pioneers run by Eddie Stanley and then joined Freedom Lodge in Tooting. As an adult he joined Clapham District and ran Springfield Elfins in Stockwell along with his wife Jan.

Bob, who worked as a civil servant in what was then the Ministry of Work along with Jan, was moved away from London under a reorganisation programme to the Manchester Office.

It was not long before Bob & Jan started Milnrow Woodcraft in Rochdale, and by this time had 2 children, Emma and Bobby. The connection with Clapham continued and both districts camped together on several occasions.

Unfortunately Bob had a stroke about 10 years ago which changed his personality dramatically, sadly ending with Jan and Bob separating. About a year ago Bob had another stroke, after which it became impossible to hold a conversation with him. I understand from Emma that Bob has left his body to Medical Science and therefore there may not be a funeral.

Bob and I have been friends for the best part of 60 years: he lived opposite me in Earlsfield. In our days as elfins Bob, Keith White (Marg’s son) and myself were known as the gang of 3 in Brixistanthing. However, his death may come as a welcome relief for someone whose mind had been so troubled over the last 10 years.

Bob: a friend who will be sadly missed by all

Bob Gray 1945-2008

A tribute by Linda Gray

Remembered by many past and present members of the Woodcraft Folk, family and friends.

Famous for his camp porridge, Bob was involved with the Woodcraft Folk for most of his life. He was a local lad who joined Woodcraft as a young teenager - it was a big part of his life and he became a group leader when Silver Birch and Arkela retired.

His love of people and the principles of Woodcraft motivated him, he was a keen camper and loved teaching children folklore and traditional Woodcraft skills.

He is widely loved and remembered by a large number of friends, family, ex-Woodcraft and present members. A truly great guy!

Dennis Manners

Dennis Manners died on January 2, 2009. He was a member of Woodcraft Folk in the 1930s and again after the World War Two in the Harrow and Watford areas.

Dennis still had contact with old Folk members and the ethos of the Folk was part of his outlook on life. A life-long socialist he will be missed by many.

Maysie Mays

It is with deep regret that Woodcraft Folk records the death of Maysie Mays at the age of 95. A member of Wandsworth District, Maysie is remembered for her time at camps over the past 45 years. She is survived by her son John, his wife Joanna, grandchildren Paul and Jemma and great-grandchildren Hayden and Jordan.

Betty White

Woodcraft Folk is sad to announce the recent death of Betty White at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness. A tireless community and youth volunteer, Betty and her husband Brian ran Woodcraft groups in Balham, Lewisham and then Blackheath.

Betty is survived by her husband, three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ivy Lovekin

Woodcraft Folk is sorry to announce the death of Ivy Lovekin, a supporting member in the Midlands.

Ivy very generously left a legacy of £1,000 to Woodcraft Folk in her will, for which grateful thanks are extended to her and her family.

The money will be used to ensure the continuing work of Woodcraft Folk with children and young people across the United Kingdom.