MR EDGAR COOPER, of Cedar Lodge, Hacken­den, East Grinstead, is soon to retire from his posi­tion as Scout District Commissioner, a post he has held for almost 14 years. Mr Cooper first started in Scouting as a Cub in 1929, when the 1st East Grinstead Group met in an old tin hut near the site of their present headquarters. He went on to become a Scout and Rover, was later appointed Assistant Scout leader, and for 13 years from 1950, was the Scout Leader of the 1st East Grinstead Troop.

During his time with the Scouts, Mr Cooper ran a gym­nastic team, well known in the area for their charity displays. He organised various pageants for the district, and in 1957, led a contingent of boys in the World Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield. He was also involved in several of the London Gang Shows, indeed, one of his most outstanding memories is of the Show of December, 1954, when he met the Queen, and was pre­sented with a commemorative certificate by the Chief Scout.

From 1964 to 1971 he as­sisted with the production of the District Gang Shows, held first at the old Grammar School in Windmill Lane. and later at Sackville School.

In 1962, Mr Cooper received a Medal of Merit from the Chief Scout for service to Scouting, and has since been presented with a Long Ser­vice Award. During the June of that year, he was appoin­ted as District Commissioner, having previously been the Assistant, and at that time only two Scout Groups, the 1st East Grinstead and 1st Felbridge, existed.

The district now includes Forest Row. West Hoathly. Turners Hill and Crawley Down, Felbridge and East Grinstead, with a total of 523 boys, more than double the original number.

During his 46 years in Scouting, Mr Cooper has seen terrific changes. From the short trousers and large brim­med hats of the pre-war era, he has witnessed major revi­sions in both uniform and work programmes

Next