Dave Jackson
24th August 1950 - 1st February 2010
Dave was a keen sportsman. He played football for Brighton Boys, Whitehawk and Preston Dynamos, as well as for AMEX. When his playing days finished he became manager of Preston Dynamos and for three seasons they never lost a game. He was also a Black Belt 3rd Dan in Judo.
Dave married Lyn in 1974. Mark arrived in 1976 and Leia in 1983. When Mark joined Beavers, Dave became a Skills Instructor in Judo on 1st January 1982. He held this position until he he took out a warrant on 19th April 1988 as ASL with the 6th Brighton with GSL John Corrish. He later became SL and on 1st January 1994 became ADC Scouts under Mike Armson. When Mike retired Dave became DC of Brighton District on 1st October 1998. He held this position until 31st October 2008. He then took on the role of ACC Public Relations for East Sussex.
Dave loved our campsite at Parkwood, and with Geoff Austen, Keith Elliott and Dave Simon, was responsible for the development of the caving complex on the site. During his tenure as DC, the 100 years of Scouting was celebrated in 2007. Dave was heavily involved in the County Camp held in August at Laughton. He and Geoff Austen organised the Sunrise Ceremony at the Peace Statue on the seafront on August 1st. Many old and present Scouts attended the ceremony to renew their promise, including about 40 German Scouts who were camping at Parkwood. After the ceremony Dave returned to his tasks at the camp at Laughton.
Dave was awarded the Silver Acorn in 2009, and he and I went to Windsor to attend the service in St. George's Chapel and watch the Parade of Queen's Scouts in the Palace Quadrangle. Dave was in his wheelchair (no scooter), and how Lyn managed to push him up the hill to the castle I don't know. Neither do I know how I pushed him across the cobbles into the chapel. He was no light weight. He enjoyed the day tremendously, including giving the Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, a hilarious talking to.
Cancer struck Dave and he endured the treatment, but it was not enough. Even though he knew he was dying he could still be seen at Parkwood most fine weekends running around on his scooter. He took on the job of Parkwood Booking Secretary and made an excellent job of it.
We didn't always agree with you, but Brighton Scouting is going to miss you. I know I will.
God Bless you Dave,
Ray