Tributes paid to dedicated Scout leader made MBE in 2013 for her service to Scouting who has died aged 75

Tributes have been paid to a Scout leader who has died after dedicating 40 years of her life to Scouting in the county.
Anne Lewis with her MBE EMN-160622-104427001Anne Lewis with her MBE EMN-160622-104427001
Anne Lewis with her MBE EMN-160622-104427001

Anne Lewis (75), of Thrussington, who was awarded the MBE in 2013 for her service to the movement, died last Wednesday.

Anne, a former Charnwood District Commissioner, was county adviser for Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in the county.

In April, she received a bar to her Silver Acorn award - one of the highest awards within Scouting.

Later that month, she watched with pride as 13 Queen’s Scout Award winners from the county, including several from the 1st Rearsby Scouts, where she was a Scout leader, received their honours at Windsor Castle from Prince Michael of Kent and Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Carol Black, County Commissioner for Leicestershire Scouts, said: “People have passions and Anne’s was Scouting. She gave so much and would always put other people’s needs before herself.

“Anne has given over 40 years of dedicated service to Leicestershire Scouts. She was highly motivated in the training of new leaders and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

“Anne’s efficiency, high standards, and sense of fairness will be sorely missed. A wealth of experience and knowledge has been lost too soon.”

Paul Smith, Charnwood District Commissioner, said: “Anne got involved in Scouting 1975 and was right up to date with Scouting in 2016.

“Her constant energy for helping young people and leaders was over and above that of a volunteer.

“Anne will not only leave a huge gap in her close family, but in Charnwood district Scouts, Leicestershire County Scouts, and DofE.

“We were all proud to have known Anne and to have worked alongside her.”

Anne began volunteering when her children, Andrew, Nigel and Jeremy, joined the Scouts in the 1970s.

On receiving the MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list from the Queen, Anne said: “I feel very honoured and privileged. There are so many people in Scouting who have given so many hours which is why I feel so special to have been selected.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with young people. What I get most out of Scouting is seeing them go all the way through the sections.

“Helping and encouraging them to get their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, seeing them go through Scouting and then come back as leaders themselves is just wonderful.”

On top of all the years Anne devoted to Scouting she worked full-time all through her life. Her jobs included being a lab technician at Wreake Valley College in Syston and the old Alderman’s Newton School in Leicester.

She was a first aider at the schools where she worked, also training adults as well. Anne was also a member at the Ragdale Hall health hydro and thermal spa and a member of the local choir in Thrussington.

Her son, Andrew, said: “She was a very outgoing person who was up for any challenge. She loved working with young people and would do anything for them to make sure they got the best out of life. She was very encouraging, highly motivated and very well respected.”

As well as her three sons Anne leaves husband, Brian and two grandchildren, Bethan and Adam.

Anne’s funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Thrussington, at noon on Thursday, June 30. Family flowers only. Donations to Holy Trinity Church.

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