Gone Home Ernie Spicknell
Scout leader who died on 16th January. Ernie was an Assistant Cub Scout Leader with the Apollo Cub Pack starting back in November 1997, eventually retiring in May 2019 after over 20 years of dedicated service to the8th Hornchurch Scout Group. Ernie's `retirement' party was attended by many leaders and it would be fair to say that his face was aglow all evening.During his time as a leader Ernie received his various Long Service Awards and back in 2015 I was very pleased to visit Apollo Pack and indeed honoured, on behalf of the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, to present Ernie with the Award for Merit which is only presented to leaders on the following criteria: The Award for Merit is given for outstanding service of not less than 15 years. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period and is a recognition of this exceptional service.Ernie was a very worthy recipient of the Award.We all have memories of Ernie and having helped out with Apollo Pack for a period of time I was lucky to see Ernie's contribution first hand, whether it was telling a joke and making us all laugh, or interacting fabulously with the Cubs or the pride he took in ensuring the flag was correctly folded and broken at the start of every Pack meeting with the due respect it deserved.We will all miss Ernie and I am sure you join me in sending our thoughts and condolences to Joan and their two children at this sad time.
