Alan Shinton

6/6/1927 – 3/10/2004

Alan was born in Coventry England and joined Cubs in 1935, later Scouts and Rovers. He was also awarded the King Scout Badge.

At the age of 16 and towards the latter part of the War he joined the Royal Navy and saw service on aircraft carriers.

Alan and his family immigrated to South Africa, where he was employed as a hydraulics engineer. He later took up the post of Divisional Secretary with the Movement. Settling in Monte Vista, he and his family joined the Monte Vista Group and Alan became the driving force behind the construction of the Monte Vista Scout and Guide Headquarters, which are a fitting memorial to him.

His love of band music led to him forming the highly successful Area Scout Band. The smartly turned out Band was to be seen at many local functions and made a number of popular tours around the country.

The Heritage Centre became one of Alan's passions and its present state is a result of his drive and tenacity. Not only was he able to establish the Centre, but also establish a team (Patrol?) of older Scouters to carry on this good work.

Alan was an active Honorary Commissioner and in May this year (2004) he received the Order of the Silver Springbok to add to his Silver Protea and Bar and 60 year bar to his long service medal.

Farewell old friend, you will be sorely missed.