It is with profound sadness that I have to announce that Peter Franks passed away on 4th March 2026. He was due to celebrate his 75th birthday this May.

Pete was awarded the Silver Acorn by the Chief Scout in 2025 and gave more than 44 years of adult service. He was completely dedicated and devoted to the Scouts and the 2nd Mortlake family.

He started as an Assistant Venture Scout Leader in 1973, then became Assistant Scout Leader until 2004 and latterly was an important part of the Monday Beaver Team- in fact he was still Scouting the day before he passed assisting with the Monday Beavers successful Richmond Fire Sation Visit this Monday.

Pete joined 2nd Mortlake Scout Group as a Wolf Cub in 1959 and never left the Group, moving through Cubs, Scouts and Rovers. He was extremely practical and spent many days and evenings maintaining our wonderful Scout Hut. He took down and safely stored the Annual Group Photos during our renovations and then spent much time ensuring they were mounted back in their pride of place with frames ready for many years to come. Of course he appears in many of the photographs around the walls and if the walls could speak, I am sure they would have many tales to tell about him!

He also undertook many Quartermaster repair tasks saving the Group significant costs. This has been especially important when sections return their tents wet from camps. Pete spent many hours each week volunteering at 2nd Mortlake and travelled on two buses to and from the HQ when he finally couldn’t cycle any longer. He has consistently supported the Group, quietly supporting in the background new younger leaders with his vast practical skills, experience and ideas.

Pete took his Scout Promise very seriously and always did his duty to his absolute best. Pete was a great listener, always extremely reliable and discrete. Over his over four decades of adult service, he will have touched the hearts and minds of hundreds if not thousands of young people as they developed into responsible adults.

Thank you, Pete.