David Evans, who died on 28 February 2018 as a result of leukaemia, was a long-standing member of the HHS. In addition to his family (wife Brenda and four daughters) David had two other great interests: the recording of local history and London traditions, and the Scout Movement.
Recording local history
His recording of local history was as an amateur film-maker by means of video camera over a period of 60 years. Many members will be familiar with his video films about Hornsey, later made available as DVDs. Some of these contain unique footage dating from the 1960s of local events such as the Hornsey Carnivals and Carter’s Steam Fair at Priory Park. But his film-making was not restricted to Hornsey; other subjects included Wren’s City Churches, old trades, City traditions, the Thames, and wartime evacuation. David became a Freeman of the City of London in 1990 and a member of the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers in 1996.
Scout leader
David joined the 221st North London (Hornsey) Scout Group at the Campsbourne as a Wolf Cub in 1937 aged eight, remaining an active member of the Group until 1980. For many years he was the Scout Leader, from his early twenties until he was 50 years old when he needed to concentrate on his cash register repair business.
He led many camping trips to Europe. The Group regularly took part in the Hornsey Carnival, creating imaginative floats based on their trek cart. David and Brenda also produced over many years the 21 News, the Group Newsletter. David also ran the Youth Group at Campsbourne for many years.
The London Gang Show
Another of David’s Scouting activities was Ralph Reader’s London Gang Show which he joined in 1952, taking part at the Golders Green Hippodrome until 1963. He was a member of the Gang which performed at the Royal Command Performance in 1957. The 221st North London also took part in the Gang Shows held at the Hornsey Town Hall in the 1970s.
As a Freemason he became a member of the Red Scarf Lodge, providing him opportunities to reminisce with other members of the Gang. After moving to Exeter in 2006, David joined the Exeter Scout Active Support Unit helping with fund raising events and at front of house at the Exeter Gang Show.
For his many years of devoted service to the Scout Movement David was awarded one of its highest awards, The Silver Acorn ‘for specially distinguished service.’
Albert Pinching (with thanks to David’s daughter, Julie, for the details)
Footnote
Many people have wondered why David’s nickname was ‘Tec’. His daughter, Julie Preece (née Evans) explains: ‘David’s elder brother Bill had very large feet and was nicknamed ‘Detective’. When David joined the 221st North London Scouts he was called ‘Little Tec’ and fittingly he did have small feet-size