Betty Clay

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Betty Clay
Born 1917-04-16
Died 2004-04-24
Nationality British
Other names Betty St Clair Baden-Powell
Known for Guiding and Scouting


Betty Clay CBE (1917-04-16 - 2004-04-24), born Betty St Clair Baden-Powell, was an international leader in Scouting and Guiding. She was the third and last child of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide. She was the holder of the Bronze Wolf from the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and a gold Silver Fish in the form of a brooch from the Guide Association.

Clay enrolled in the Brownies as soon as she was old enough. While boarding at St James' School in Malvern, Worcestershire, she joined the school's Guide company.[1]

She married Gervas Clay in 1936 and moved to Northern Rhodesia. Betty and Gervas had a birthday on the same day of the year. They had four children: Robin, Chispin, Gillian and Nigel. While in Northern Rhodesia, Clay became a Cub Scout leader for one of her son's group when the leader left. She was also an active Guider in Northern Rhodesia, eventually becoming Colony Commissioner for Guides.

When the Clays returned to England in 1964, Clay continued her involvement. She was President of the South West Region for the Guide Association from 1970-1991. In 1978 she was appointed a vice-president of the Guide Association. In 1985 she became a vice-president of the Scout Association. In 1993, she became the second person ever to be awarded an honorary Gilwell Wood Badge[2]. In 1997 Clay was awarded the CBE. She attended many jamborees, including the 4th World Scout Jamboree and 16th World Scout Jamboree.

Clay died in her sleep in 2004.[3] A memorial service was held at Wells Cathedral, Somerset.

The Scout Association's Betty Clay Library is at Gilwell Park.

[edit] See also

Scouting Portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ Carter, Simon. "Betty Clay", The Independent, 2004-05-14. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 
  2. ^ Betty Has Gone Home (2004-05-08). Retrieved on 2008-04-22.
  3. ^ Betty Clay, last direct link with the Founder of Scouting and Guiding Lord Baden-Powell dies. Retrieved on 2008-04-22.

[edit] External links


Persondata
NAME Clay, Betty
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Baden-Powell, Betty St Clair (maiden name)
SHORT DESCRIPTION
DATE OF BIRTH 1917-04-16
PLACE OF BIRTH
DATE OF DEATH 2004-04-24
PLACE OF DEATH