A LIFELONG member of the Scout movement in Radcliffe has died at the age of 78.

John Crossley, who lived in Radcliffe, became a well-known face in the town when he re-started the 10th Radcliffe (New Jerusalem) Cub pack in the 1940s. He died at Fairfield General Hospital on Friday, leaving his wife Joan, son Peter, and two grandchildren.

He took over the 10th Radcliffe Scouts in the 1960s and then the 10th Radcliffe Senior Scouts, which later became the Venture Scouts. John became the assistant district commissioner for Senior Scouts and was appointed district commissioner for Radcliffe Scouts for eight years.

During his time in the Scouting movement, John organised district holidays to Switzerland, Norway, Jersey and Guernsey. He was responsible for buying a ship’s lifeboat in the 1960s and supervised his Scouts when they converted it into a houseboat for the troop. He also built his own boat and canoes with the troop, some of which are still in use today.

He helped to build the headquarters for Ranger Guides and Venture Scouts in Lowton Street and formed a Scout band which he proudly paraded at the Whit walks, St George’s Day parades and church parades.

John also had several dates with royalty. He was awarded the Silver Acorn, which is given for distinguished service over more than 20 years, and was invited to Windsor.

He was presented to the Queen when she visited Bradley Fold in the 1960s and went to Buckingham Palace when five Scouts were awarded their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

John enjoyed gardening and often organised bedding plant weekends. He also made wooden toys to sell at craft fairs to raise money for the Scouts.

Paula Barrand, Radcliffe’s district commissioner for Scouts, said: “John was always dependable, was always interested in helping others and will be a loss to the district.

“He will be best remembered for co-producing the town’s gang shows with Jack Halliday, which involved a lot of fun - and lots of mishaps! He was always proud of the lads’ achievements and also proud of the town they represented.”

A funeral will be held at the New Jerusalem Church, in Stand Lane, followed by a cremation at the East Lancashire Crematorium. A date has yet to be set.