Sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He invested me into the Cubs in Cyprus in 1963. He was also my Cub Leader when we returned to Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire in 1964. We lost touch when we returned to Cyprus in 1968, my father also working for GCHQ . Fortunately, at a Scout Camp at Kibblestone in the mid 70's, I recognised him and introduced myself, and he remembered me!!!
Since then, whenever I went the Consul Scout Camp, I would pop in to see Roy and we would reminisce about our Scouting experiences and time in Cyprus. Due to Roy, after 57 years, I am still involved in the local Scouting Movement and help out at a Scout Group in Dresden, Stoke on Trent. He will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
Written by Christopher Voisey, February 14, 2021 -
Tributes to much-loved scouting leader
1 year, 4 months ago•1 Comment.
Tributes to much-loved scouting leader
Tributes have been paid to a popular scouting leader from the Moorlands. Roy Porter, from Cheadle, passed away peacefully on December 19 at the age of 90 following a short illness.
Tributes have been paid to a popular scouting leader from the Moorlands.
Roy Porter, from Cheadle, passed away peacefully on December 19 at the age of 90 following a short illness.
Roy was much loved and is so missed by family and friends. He gave many years of service to his country, beginning with national service in The Royal Signals, later at GCHQ and also decades of dedication to the Scouting movement.
Here, Roy’s nephew Chris pays tribute to his uncle: “Roy was born in 1930, so when he joined the Cubs as a young boy he promised to ‘Do my duty to God and to the King.’
“Roy will be best remembered in and around Cheadle for his work with the Scout movement. He led the 2nd Cheadle Scout group for many years.
“Before moving to Cheadle in 1977 Roy had been Akela for the 11th Winchester group. He was awarded the Scout association’s Medal of Merit in 1983 as featured at the time on the front cover of the Cheadle & Tean Times newspaper.
“He also received the Silver Acorn in 1995 for services to the scouts and a 60 year scouting service award in 2018.
“For his early life Roy was evacuated in 1940 from his home in Essex to Duffield in Derbyshire. “While there he joined the school scout troop. He loved sport and played rugby, football and cricket for his school.
“He signed up for National Service in 1948 joining the Royal Signals and was posted to Gibraltar.
Roy retired in 1988 after nearly 40 years of crown service with the army, the war office, and GCHQ, spending time in Cyprus (running a scout group in his spare time), at Bletchley Park and Beaumanor House among his postings. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal on his retirement.”
Chris added: “Roy had many good friends from his career and within scouting. He’ll be remembered by his family as being fun, inspirational and very clever.
“He set some puzzles for family to work out during lockdown last year. They were very difficult, he thought they were quite easy. He loved doing the cryptic crossword in the local paper and would often win the £5 prize.
“In the last year Roy was introduced to the wonderful world of video calling, so was able to wave to family, play Cribbage with his great niece and even chase Pokemon.
“Roy’s funeral will be in Bristol (for family reasons) on Friday, February 12. Attendance will be restricted due to Covid-19.
“Donations will be accepted in Roy’s memory for Cancer Research UK. https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/in-memory-of-unc.”
Here, fellow scouting member Roy Plant pays tribute to Roy. Mr Plant said: “Many many hundreds of young people passed through 2nd Cheadle Scout under Roy’s Akelaship all of which, I am certain, have the greatest respect for him and look back on their scouting days with fond memories.
“Roy was Akela to 2nd Cheadle Cub Scouts until Scouting Association age restrictions forced him to step down and relinquish his position.
“He organised three cub scout camps a year including the legendary cub and dad weekend camp where dads regressed to their childhood. Great bonding sessions.
“Many Cheadle residents will remember and have fond memories of abseiling, sliding down the bank covered in mud, Frisbee golf, and non-stop cricket.
“Roy was an avid supporter of Consall Scout Camp and for many years served on the camp management committee.
“He established the camp tuck shop, a popular addition to the camp. Roy voluntarily kept it replenished and was always there to open up whenever the camp was occupied. All profits from sales going towards camp maintenance.”
Mr Plant added: “When the government announced in 1981 that charities were permitted to deliver cards locally over the Christmas period Roy seized the initiative and was responsible for the instigation and operation of the Scout Christmas Post covering Cheadle and the surrounding villages.
“Due to the increased popularity of this service and ever increasing number of cards this eventually became a joint venture with 3rd Cheadle Scout group. Since inception many thousands of pounds have been raised for both troops.
“Roy supported Cheadle Methodist Church, 2nd Cheadle’s base, and always ensured that there was a good cub turnout at the monthly parade service when the troop’s flags along with those of the other youth organisations were presented. He also supported church events including auctions, quizzes etc.
“Roy was also heavily involved with Scout district events, none more so than the St George’s Day and Armistice Day parades always ensuring that these were well supported with a good turnout.
“He also supported district activity dates such as craft days and various sporting events.
“Surprising to many Roy was quite competitive and was never prouder than when 2nd Cheadle finished the day with a trophy.”
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