Charles was born in Tovil in 1930. His father, and grandfather before him, were Blacksmith Farriers. Charles was the oldest of 4 children. They moved to Sidney Street in Upper Fant, where Charles spent his childhood. He joined 1st Westbridge scouts, and this was the start of his lifelong association with scouting. He gave it his all from the beginning, and he was awarded King’s Scout in 1948.
 
He started his career as an apprentice engineer with Tilling Stevens Motor Vehicles, before conscription aged 21. He spent 3 years in the RAF technical arm, as a senior aircraftsman working in RAF Thornaby near Middlesbrough. After his discharge, he returned to Tilling Stevens and secured a post in a team developing a multi fuel combustion engine that went on to be used in the Chieftain tank. His engineering knowledge and skills then resulted in a post with the MOD, where he built a successful career over 26 years, managing a variety of projects involving military vehicles. He achieved the level of Principal, before retirement in 1992.
 
Charles was a member of Institute of Mechanical Engineers for 71 years. Achieving chartered status in 1987. This was one of his proudest achievements, and he wears his membership tie today. He earnt it.
 
Charles was one of the founders, and first warden of Hamlet Wood Scout Camp which opened in 1965. He was awarded the Silver Acorn in 1988 for services to scouting ‘which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding’. He requested that this award to be carried on his coffin today. He served with the scouts for more than 60 years and his flowers are chosen in scouting green and purple. Charles continued with the Hamlet Wood Service Crew even after he could no longer do physical work. He made the tea for those who could.
The church was very important to Charles, and he has been an active member of the church community for all his life. He enjoyed giving readings, social occasions, fundraisers and became a church elder. During lockdown he benefitted greatly from the Zoom services which allowed him to stay in touch with people.
 
In his memoirs, Charles recalled how he was approaching 30, with no girlfriend and in his words 'no obvious prospects' when he was invited to make up a foursome to attend a ball. When he arrived, Joy was sitting at the top of the entrance stairs ‘looking magnificent in a ballerina red taffeta dress’. Charles said he was no dancer, but 'they got along fine', and he asked her out. ‘The rest as they say is history’.
 
He held Joy on a pedestal and always wanted to be the best he could be for her. Always putting her first. Sometimes he didn't measure up in her eyes, but it never stopped him trying. He looked after her and loved her absolutely. He was determined to be there for her every day, even when he could no longer cope at home. He never missed a day at Gavin Aster. He took 2 buses to get there if he couldn’t get a lift. Charles died on what would have been Joy's 92nd birthday.
 
Charles was an absolute professional. He valued education and embraced every opportunity to the full.
 
He was proud of the achievements of his children and his grandchildren. Proud of Alex’s swimming achievements, his university studies and his developing career. Proud of Cameron for following the family tradition, choosing to study mechanical engineering, and of Kevin now lecturing in mechanical engineering on the courses Charles himself did through his apprenticeship and HNC. And proud of Tim, now following a similar path to himself in electrical engineering.
Charles did nothing by halves, always giving 100% in every area of his life.
 
While in the RAF he joined the station rifle club. He said ‘they always beat the other local service units’.
 
He kept diaries for many years, detailing his daily activities. His family have enjoyed reading about his scouting days, including knotting competitions with his owl patrol, which we won, as usual. One of his old scouting pals reflected recently that they had also been ‘a couple of rascals’ scrumping and collecting shrapnel in the woods.


Charles’ family have fond memories of his axe work with his grandchildren. He was so professional and made it great fun. The boys were amazed that he would let them near sharp tools. They made mallets and tent pegs and fence posts. Real practical skills that kids don't get the opportunity to do much these days. It wasn’t just about the skills; it was as much about the trust and confidence he had in them that they could do it. He did the same for so many scouts over the years. Building confidence, opening up new opportunities and experiences. Life skills that help them forever. His legacy lives on.
 
Charles loved to use his engineering brain to conjure up novel solutions to everyday problems. There wasn't much he couldn't solve with a few bits of wood and a garage full of tools. He was delighted to be able to use his skills to help others in his Remap work after retirement.
 
Charles valued a good suit, an ironed shirt and shiny shoes. Always looking the part, presenting himself well. He never left the house without a tie for many years. But he was equally comfortable in his Hamlet Wood Service Crew uniform, or a set of overalls, when there was work to be done.
 
Charles was interested in people's lives and made time for others. He didn't think of himself as generous, he just was. And so grateful to all the people who have been there for him over the years, many of whom he could not have done without in recent times. Particular thanks go to Peter, who helped him maintain his independence for as long as possible.
 
Words to describe Charles: Funny, generous, hard-working, meticulous, determined, professional, inventive, old fashioned values, no nonsense, honest, dependable. Ultimately a true gentleman. 
 
This weekend would have been the St George's Day parade. A day the scouts renew their promise. It was a big day for Charles. So, it seems fitting to end this tribute with some words from Baden Powell's last message to the scouts, which would have meant a great deal to Charles:
 
‘I believe God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn't come from being rich, nor merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful, and so you can enjoy life when you are men’.
 
‘The real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try to leave this world a little bit better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time, but have done your best’.