Betty Clay
| Betty Clay | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 April 1917 |
| Died | 24 April 2004 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Betty St. Clair Baden-Powell |
| Known for | Guiding and Scouting |
| Spouse | Gervas Charles Robert Clay (1936-2004; her death); 4 children |
The Hon. Betty St. Clair Baden-Powell, Mrs. Clay, CBE (16 April 1917 – 24 April 2004) was the daughter of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting and Olave Baden-Powell. She was the sister of Peter Baden-Powell, 2nd Baron Baden-Powell; the aunt of Robert Baden-Powell, 3rd Baron Baden-Powell and Michael Baden-Powell; the niece of Agnes Baden-Powell, Baden Baden-Powell; niece and god-daughter of Warington Baden-Powell; and grand-daughter of the Revd. Prof. Baden Powell.
Career
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. She enrolled in the Brownies as soon as she was old enough. She was educated at Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire and St James' School in Malvern, Worcestershire.[1] While boarding at St James' School, she joined the school's Girl Guide company.[2]
While in Northern Rhodesia, she became a Cub leader for the pack of which one of her sons was a member, when the leader left. She was an active Guider in Northern Rhodesia, eventually becoming Colony Commissioner for Guides. When the Clays returned to England in 1964, Betty continued her involvement. She was President of the South West Region for the Guide Association from 1970-91. 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.[3]
Personal life
On board ship, returning from Africa, Betty met Gervas Charles Robert Clay (16 April 1907–18 April 2009), a District Commissioner in Her Majesty's Colonial Service in Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia), who was returning to England on leave; they married on 24 September 1936. They lived in Northern Rhodesia until retirement. Gervas Clay later became Her Majesty's Resident Commissioner of the Barotseland Protectorate, in which capacity, in 1960, he and his wife entertained Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Gervas and Betty Clay had four children: Gillian, Robin, Nigel and Crispin. Betty, Gervas and Robin Clay were all born on the 16th April, sharing the same birthday; Betty's parents also shared a birthday, 22nd February, and they, too, had met on board ship.
Honours
In 1997 she was awarded the CBE. She attended many jamborees, including the 4th World Scout Jamboree and 16th World Scout Jamboree.
Death
She died, aged 87, in 2004.[4] A memorial service was held at Wells Cathedral, Somerset.
Legacy
The Scout Association's Betty Clay Library is located in Gilwell Park.
See also
References
- ↑ Betty Clay. www.spanglefish.com. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
- ↑ Carter, Simon (2004-05-14). "Betty Clay". The Independent. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040514/ai_n12783612. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
- ↑ "Betty Has Gone Home". 2004-05-08. http://pinetreeweb.com/betty-clay.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
- ↑ "Betty Clay, last direct link with the Founder of Scouting and Guiding Lord Baden-Powell dies". http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/headline/040424.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
External links
- Betty Has Gone Home
- Photograph of Betty Clay
- Photograph of the Baden-Powell family, including Betty in her Brownie uniform (second from right)
- Her own WebSite, a family tribute, more biographic details, pictures, and more links
