Ralph Basham

16th August 1936 – 12th April 2016

The 5th Dunstable (Methodist) Scout Group is saddened by the recent death of Ralph Basham, a staunch supporter throughout his life.

Ralph joined the 5th Dunstable Scouts in 1947. He was a scout for a few years before taking over as a Scout Leader at the age of 14 as the previous Scout Leader was absent on National Service. He organised his first Scout Camp at Toddington Manor that year!

Jean (later to become Ralph’s wife) was a Cub Leader for what is now 1st Dunstable Group. They met when they were organising a joint camp between 1st and 5th. In 1951 (after his National Service with RAF in Cyprus, Libya and Israel) Ralph left 5th to become the Scout Leader at the 1st to be with Jean. In his early days he earned his Wood Badge and he and Jean between them organised many scouting activities and camps. There are numerous ex cubs and scouts who still reminisce about those days when they bumped into Ralph and Jean and there is scarcely a family untouched by him in Dunstable.

Ralph and Jean married in 1960 and had two children – Helen and Nigel. Throughout this time he continued as Scout Leader at 1st until he became the Group Scout Leader.

In the early 70’s Ralph organised the building of the 1st Dunstable Scout HQ as we know it now. On the opening day the County Commissioner awarded him the Order of Merit for his achievement.

In 1977 Ralph moved back to 5th when his son Nigel joined Jean Clarke’s cub pack. He continued his volunteer work by becoming the Chairman of the Group for many years. Along with Kevin Phillips, Dave Betterton, Brian Calvert and many others, he helped raise money for the Group by May Fayres, Jumble Sales etc. He was active in making the 5th a buoyant group with expertise in water activities. Even after he retired he remained an active Friend of the group and continued to help and support the group.

Ralph has suffered with ill health for many years and was last seen in Scouting at the Jumble Sale this year. He and Jean have served Scouting for more than 65 years and his legacy is that his children and now grandchildren also enjoy scouting and have in their turn volunteered as leaders and administrators.

He loved Scouting and was a huge advocate of all it does. He will be missed by all who knew him.