It is with great sadness that we report the death of Charles Scott, Past Deputy Chairman of the Havering Arts Council, a long serving member of the Executive and one who did much to publicise the work of the Arts Council, affectionately known to us all as Charlie. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family.

Charlie died peacefully on Friday last, 26th October and his funeral was held on Friday 2nd November with a service in the Methodist Church, High Street, Hornchurch, at 12.00 noon followed by a service and committal at the Crematorium in Corbets Tey, Upminster. The family have asked that rather than flowers donations to Charlies favourite Charity, The Rainbow Trust, should be made.

CHARLIE SCOTT
1923 - 2007

When I sat and chaired meetings with Charlie present I often felt the way the Mother Superior felt about Maria !! What do you do with a guy like Charlie ??!!??

I am not sure that I ever really solved that problem because in many ways it became irrelevant. Charlie loved confrontation and the tweaking of the tails of those in authority and whilst there was the basis of devilment there was invariably an element of fair play and common sense behind it and once one accepted that it just became 'Charlie’s way !'

He embraced the work and the challenge of trying to move the HAC forward and as part of the team he was always on hand to assist, and with his 'hands on' approach and his enthusiasm to help, much was attempted and achieved over the years to draw the attention of the general public to the work of the HAC.

There were many facets to Charlie’s life and I knew but one, his involvement in the Arts in the Borough, but that was sufficient to know, like and respect him as a colleague and friend His loss is felt by many, not only in the Arts Council but by the many his life touched, not least his charities, The St Francis Hospice and The Rainbow Trust, and the church he attended.

On his retirement from the HAC as my Deputy Chairman I prepared a valedictory as an appreciation and salute to him, but also to express my personal appreciation of his friendship and support. I think it appropriate to add it at this time and commend it to his next employer, St Peter:

CHARLIE SCOTT

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
HAVERING ARTS COUNCIL
1990-2006

As Chairman of the Visual Arts sub-committee and member of the Executive of the Havering Arts Council Charlie’s service spans a period of more than twenty years, his service to the arts in the borough is somewhat longer.

As Chairman of the Visual Arts sub-committee he encouraged the members to share his enthusiasm, not only for painting but for the arts in general; to the Executive he provided sufficient controversy to provoke lively discussion, but to go with it he also brought a willingness to work.

His enthusiasm and hard work has contributed in no small measure to the staging and success of many corporate functions of the HAC, not least among them the marquee at the town show, the 'Arts for all Days', the quizzes, for which he was Quiz Master, as well as the many concerts and events where he has “just lent a hand”.

On his retirement from office our reference for his next employer must be:

“Clean, hardworking, honest and trustworthy”

But, we must also add –

“A warm, supportive and loyal colleague - with an independent streak !”

Charlie, for the friendship, time, energy and expertise that you have given over the years, your colleagues of the Executive and members of the Arts Council wish you a very happy and healthy retirement, and may I add my sincere thanks to a challenging but very supportive Deputy of many years.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Frank Everett
Chairman