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Betty Clay - 16th April 1917 - 24th April 2004

24rd April 2004

It is with deep regret that The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK announces the death of their Vice President, the Hon Mrs Betty Clay, CBE, and youngest daughter of our Founder, Lord Baden-Powell. She died peacefully in her sleep in a nursing home alongside her home in Somerset, on Saturday morning 24th April 2004, just a few days after she and Gervas, her husband had celebrated their joint birthday - her 87th and his 97th.

In 1997 her unique services to Scouting and Guiding were recognised with the award of the CBE in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Camping, events, meetings, Jamborees - Scouting and Guiding were Betty's life. She was at ease chatting with the King of Sweden as she was with the youngest Cub Scout or Brownie Guide.

Betty continued that completely unselfish, warm-hearted sharing all her life and through the link with her parents kept them 'alive' for millions of young people and adults who had never seen them. Today the Scout Association is the largest coeducational youth Movement operating in the United Kingdom with 500,000 Members. GirlGuiding UK is the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in the United Kingdom with 620,000 Members.

For further details on Scouting today visit www.scouts.org.uk. Information on Guiding can be obtained at www.girlguidinguk.org.uk

Further details and pictures can be obtained by contacting Simon Carter - Head of Communications on 07889 130 812 or Paul Werb (from Monday) at Girlguiding UK on 0207 592 1837

A larger version of the above image is available.