Ron Nicoll

Ron started his Scouting in South West Africa (Namibia) in the 1st Windhoek Troop soon after the occupation by South African forces during the First World War.

Later he was a member of 1st Pinelands, 1st Mowbray (Presbyterian) and the 4th Rondebosch Rover Crew. Subsequently he left Scouting to devote his time to the St John's Ambulance Brigade.

As a person first impression would have led one to regard him as abrupt and impatient. Perhaps his military experience "Up North" and the double row of ribbons on his jacket may have contributed to this image. One would have been fooled by this impression, what made him tick was his meticulous attention to dress, timing and planning.

Ron Nicoll was, until retirement, an employee of the South African Railways as a Claims Inspector and arrived in Port Elizabeth on transfer from East London.

After leaving Cape Town, he came back to Scouting and was a tower of strength to the Cape Midlands Division.

Taking over St. Columba Troop he made rapid progress and left behind something tangible before accepting a warrant as Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Information.

The quality of his work led to a long working association with Vic Clapham, editor of Veld Lore and of Scouting Digest. Warranted as SAHQ Commissioner for Information and then SAHQ Commissioner for Publications saw him editing: -

• ED - from January 1964 to July 1976. This was a guide to help Group magazines and
• SCOUTING DIGEST - from July 1966 to September 1973. During this period under Ron's guidance the One, Ten and Fifty Mile Swim Project was initiated.

As a communicator Ron had few peers.

This national job, enough for mere mortals, was only part of his Service to others. Recognized as one of the finest Instructors in St. John he applied his knowledge and skill vigorously in this direction.

Then, seemingly with time on his hands, he accepted a Warrant as Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Training which led to Wood Badge Courses, Scout Competitions and a Patrol Leader Course to spice his variety of ideas. His lasting contribution to Scouting was the development of Gilsands under his leadership and a tribute to this will be found in the foyer of the Ron C. Nicoll Complex.

Ron passed as he had lived, he died suddenly on the 19th March 1974 after a heart attack caused by the strain of rendering first aid to an accident victim near his home. That he should sacrifice himself thus for others was typical of him.

Ack: Cape Midlands Trail, April 1987