Dr S L Walker

The funeral service took place on Friday at St. Peter's Church, Nottingham, of Dr. Spencer Lewis Walker, M.D., L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., of Stonehouse, Forest Row, one of the founder members of the East Grinstead and District Scout movement.

Dr. Walker, who was 86, was formerly a very well known medical practitioner in East Grinstead. He came to live in East Grinstead in 1910 and joined  the newly-formed Boy Scouts  as a Scoutmaster. During the 28 years of Scouting that followed he rose to District Com­missioner and was awarded the Silver Wolf, Scouting's highest honour

He also played a major role in the erection of the present Scout headquarters at Moat Road, East Grinstead

He was chairman of East Grinstead Urban Council dur­ing 1937-1938, 1942-1943 and 1943-1944 and in the war years was the first to begin recruit­ing for the local Defence Corps, predecessor of the Home Guard.

In addition to members of the family at the funeral ser­vice, Dr. Jean Kies and Mr
Fred Weller were present as former East Grinstead Scouts. Arrangements have been made for the ashes to be scattered on Ashdown Forest following a 'Scouts Own' ser­vice at Broadstone Warren on Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m.

Former East Grinstead Scouts sent the following tribute to the 'Observer':  There are hundreds of men around the world today whose lives are more interesting and complete because of the education received through the Scout movement from 'Doc'  To list some of the Scouting activities promoted or encour­aged by him: Glider building and gliding, wireless transmis­sion and reception, all just prior to the 1914-18 War, boxing, physical training and swimming, woodcarving, wood-turning and leather-work. Where necessary he employed professionals to give instruction; for example; box­ing and wood-turning.

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