Memories

Kathleen "Kate" Ash 1916 - 2004

[From Stumps -Autumn 2004]

The tradition of Scouting was inbred within the Ash family and Kate was no exception.

Jack Ash introduced his then fiancée, Kate, to the 59th St. Augustine's Cub Pack as Assistant Cub Mistress in 1935 and there followed a lifetime of devotion to Scouting.

Wartime memories of marriage to Jack included living at Moscar with weekend camps; overloaded open tourer Swift car (pushed on odd occasions by Scouts); chocolate biscuits for camp breakfast; a mountain of scrap iron in front of our HQ (a converted gents' WC); seeking out Drakeholes campsite; the list is endless but all remembered with affection.

Kate lost her beloved Jack in 1971, but then filled her life in numerous social work activities, such as Nether Edge hospital, being a committee member of Abbeyfield Residential Homes, deaf club, Samaritans,etc, but she never overlooked Scouting, being Vice President of the Group Committee and an avid member of the Jack Ash Awards Committee.

She was often deeply distressed to attend funerals of her friends, referring to them as "one of my ex-Cubs".

Over the years, Kate became the accepted "Matriarch" of the 59th Group. Her viewpoint was often sought and seriously digested, she was a source of arbitration, a calming influence in times of stress. Her loyalty to her friends never wavered and the world has lost her cheerful disposition.

She faced death with fortitude, courage and eventually with humour and we, her friends, in the midst of our sadness, must consider ourselves as being very privileged.

Man Gee