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Jim Green remembered
24/05/2010
Gilwell Park's Jim Green Gate was the scene of a special event earlier this month, which remembered the man who gave the landmark its name – a proud son of Hertfordshire who had a huge impact on the early days of Scouting.
Born in St Albans in 1903, George (Jim) Dymoke Green (known as Jim) was editor of The Scouter, a forerunner to Scouting magazine, a Deputy Camp Chief of Hertfordshire and Scoutmaster of the 4th St Albans Scout Group. Members of the Dymoke-Green family, Hertfordshire Scouts past and present and staff from Gilwell Park were on hand to mark the 80th anniversary of Jim’s tragic death at the age of just 27.
Scouting in the blood
‘It’s wonderful to be able to come together and remember a great man and in particular to thank God for the Scouting movement and for his small part in that,’ said Charlie Newcombe, whose grandfather was Jim’s brother Charles – himself a notable Scout.
‘Scouting is very much in our blood,’ continued Charlie. ‘It’s a great Movement which gives young people the chance to enjoy so many of the important things in life; relationships, the outdoors, responsibility and the sense of achievement.’
The service was the brainchild of Frank Brittain, Archivist, History and Heritage Support Team, Hertfordshire Scouts. ‘I thought it would be good to mark the 80th anniversary of Jim’s passing,’ Frank explains. ‘The Jim Green Gate is one of the most famous places to visit at Gilwell Park but perhaps people don’t always realise its significance.’
A point reinforced by Charlie: ‘This is my first time at Gilwell Park and I never knew until recently that this (the Jim Green Gate) was here. It’s great to know that it is.’
Young people’s tributes
To mark the solemn occasion, young people from St Albans Scout Groups were on hand to read the prayers and tributes which were delivered at the original funeral in 1930. One of those, Daniel, said it was ‘very interesting to learn how our Group was formed through people’s generosity and effort’.
‘It’s good to keep that link going through the generations, so people remember,’ states Frank. ‘Jim was a man of immense character, drive and ambition. When he died, his coffin was conveyed to St Albans Cathedral on a trek cart by his Patrol Leaders through streets lined with mourners. Many Scout dignitaries including B-P attended his funeral.’
A rose tree and plaque to symbolise the cross of red roses that was placed on his coffin was presented to the Dymoke-Green family to be planted in their garden.
All in all, a fitting memorial to a man who will be remembered as long as young people pass through his gate on their way to another adventure. Scouting is always looking for volunteers to follow in Jim's footsteps, so why not join the adventure?
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