One of our long serving volunteers, Rob Dobson, recently passed away.
Rob joined the group as a Beaver leader on a Tuesday in January 2003, continuing in that role for just over fifteen year, stepping down in 2019 and joining the Support Team. Rob returned in 2022 joining the Squirrels team until 2024 when ill health forced him to step back again.
Rob would often quietly work in the background to make things better for the group and brought a calming and level-headed approach to all he did, as a leader, on the Executive Committee and as part of Active Support, on a section night or at an activity or event.
Katie Harvey, formerly Assistant Group Scout Leader, remembers that when she first started being a Beaver Leader some 14 years ago Rob was “one of the gang” and was an integral part of the Beavers Team. His enthusiasm and passion were immense. He was always keen to get things done, lending a hand with planning, events, camps and covering other absent leaders when asked, often at the last minute. And he loved running games with the children, so much so, it was hard to stop him joining in!. Outside of Scouting he was a busy person, running his dental practice, but he always managed to find time to help other people.
Rob was a great Beaver and Squirrel leader who had an impact on many young people, he made the world a better place. His interactions with young people and adults alike were supportive and kind and he will be sorely missed by us all. He had the unwavering support of his family in his volunteering and our thoughts are with Helen and his children.
The funeral is today (21st March 2025)
