Published: January 27, 2012

HUNDREDS of mourners  turned out in full scout uniform yesterday (Thursday) to give a final scouting send off one of their stalwart leaders.

Alvis Hill, who died earlier this month aged 77, had been a member and leader of the movement’s Islington branches for more than 70 years.

How he managed to join the Wolf Cubs at 14th North London in 1941, when he was aged six, and so two years too young, is a mystery. It is thought the rules might have been relaxed due to the war.

Nevertheless, becoming one of the first Beaver Scouts was the start of a life time’s love affair with the movement – rivalled only by his love affair with Anne, his wife of 50 years – a remarkable 71 years’ service.

Alvis was born in Portsmouth in 1935 but his father’s position in the Air Force soon brought them to London.

Apart from two years he spent in the Air Force on National Service he spent the rest of his life active in the Scout Movement.

His first adult appointment was in Salford where he had been sent by his insurance company employer but by 1959 he was back in Islington and did not leave again

His first appointment in the borough was to lead the pack he had joined as a boy - Cub Scout Leader at the 14th North London who met at Highbury Quadrant church in the 1960s.

He continued in this role for almost two decades, before being appointed Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Scouts.

The service at Golders Green Crematorium was led by Janet Wootton, who first met Alvis as minister at the Union Chapel and chaplain for the scout district. She paid tribute to his “life of service” and recounted how he met his wife, Anne, at a scout meeting in 1962. 

Life long friend Jane Rasmussen added that “Alvis was a real gentleman, one of life’s good guys.”

Alvis has become a legend among the Islington packs - there are few he has not helped to run even for a short period. Hundreds of children have been led by him.

The Scout Association’s rules forced him to retire at 65, but scouting was too much in his blood.

He continued in support roles including eight years as District Treasurer, only standing down last Autumn as his health began to fail.

With Anne he organised most of the catering for District and County events up to the last District AGM in October.

He was also a prominent member of the District Gang Shows which were so popular and for many years filled Islington Town Hall  theatre until costs forced a move to other venues. He was never a front row person on stage but always there giving support.

Alvis also helped organise the District Fete at Highbury Fields with the many stalls and activities not only from Islington Scouts but from several groups further afield.

His long service was recognised with an award for 50 years in 2006 and his distinguished service by the Medal of Merit (1977) the Silver Acorn (1991) and finally he received the Silver Wolf (1998) the highest award in Scouting.

He will be remembered by the many hundreds of young people he has influenced at the start of their scout journey and the many leaders he counted as friends.

He is survived by his wife  Anne, also a Scout Leader in Islington, with a similar record of service, and by his sister Audrey.
BRIAN HOSIER