Josie was one of life’s characters, a mentor, listener, and doer.
We met her in her scouting days with Greenford & District Scouts; however, she was a teacher at Ian’s High School.
Josie had the ability to bring the elephant in the room into conversation, which, 9/10 times, would be required to find a solution.
Fond memories of Chief Scout’s Challenge Expeditions. She would often sit in the van next to the driver, not navigating, but watching the road on the tiny, single-track roads, whilst monitoring scouts on three-day expeditions.
She would calmly say, “Clear on all bends,” however, when another vehicle came into sight, she would scream, “Car!!!!!” We would all jump. I’m not sure how the driver did not just crash, even steer off, and go down a ditch.
Her other skill was her and the telephone. One of the first leaders to have a mobile phone and be the emergency contact for the same said expeditions. It didn’t hold a charge for very long, so Barry provided a portable car battery that the phone would be plugged into, so Josie would walk round with the battery and the phone, or Barry would follow on carrying the battery as not the lightest of appliances. We could be in a café or other hostel-type accommodation. We could be raucous in conversation; the phone would ring. There was always a little panic in finding and answering said phone; however, the space would go silent, and Josie, in the most poshest, politest voice, would say, “Josie speaking.”
We also enjoyed a fun week with Barry and Josie exploring Cornwall, an experience that will always be treasured.
Josie was a special individual, who will be missed.
Josie and Barry are and will always be in our hearts.
Our thoughts are with Barry and the family, now and always.
Love & Cuddles
Sue, Ian, Jenna and Nathan.
XXX
Susan, Ian, Jenna & Nathan Chick
28/11/2025
