Sheffield Scout Archives
 

 

 

 

Colin Oscar Makin
1914 - 1994

Colin Makin

Wolf Cub, Scout and Rover Scout - 79th (St Timothy's) Scout Group
1951 - 54 Assistant Scout Master (201th (Firth Park School) Scout Group)
1954-60 Assistant District Commissioner (Attercliffe Division)
1961-69 District Commissioner (Norfolk District)
1970-80 City Commissioner (Sheffield)

"Colin Makin was a life-long member of the Movement having been a Wolf Cub, a Scout and a Rover Scout in 79th Sheffield (St Timothy's) Group. His first Warrant - dated 29th December 1951 - was as Assistant Scoutmaster in 210th Sheffield (Firth Park School) Group, now alas, closed, Subsequently he became an ADC in the old Attercliffe Division and was awarded his Wood Badge in 1956.

In the reorganisation of 1962 when the old Divisions were replaced by six Districts, he became the first DC of Norfolk District, steering it successfully through the first, formative years creating a strong corporate spirit which exists to this day. He was awarded the Silver Acorn in 1966.

In 1971, he was appointed City Commissioner and, at the same time, he became the Deputy County Commissioner retaining both Warrants until he reached retirement age in 1979. As City Commissioner, he made a significant contribution to Scouting in the City. He was an enthusiastic advocate for the acquisition of the Village Theatre in Great Hucklow for conversion into a Scout hostel. He played a key part in the Public Appeal which was launched to finance the project and in all the vicissitudes of planning and execution. His efforts and those of many others achieved fulfilment in 1974 when the Centre was opened by the Duke of Devonshire.

The Chief Scout's Advance Party Report initially advocated the abolition of all City Organisations but was subsequently amended to permit existing organisations to continue. Whilst at the time there was some debate, it was confirmed that there should be a City Commissioner, and his duties were defined. It was also confirmed that a new Constitution of the City Scout Council could be prepared. The text was approved by the Committee of the Council of The Scout Association on 1st August 1981.

Following his retirement from active Scouting, Colin continued to support his old District as a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Appointments Sub-Committee. He was particularly gratified to be invited to be District President in 1989.

For many years, he was a member of the City Executive Committee and of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, where his wise counsel was much appreciated. He was a Vice-President of the City Scout Council. In 1991 he was awarded a Bar to the Silver Acorn.

Colin was a policeman. He served with distinction for some thirty years in Sheffield and Rotherham Constabulary retiring in 1966 with the rank of Superintendent. He then became Estates Officer for Sheffield University.
He became a Mason in 1964. He was Master of Ivanhoe Lodge in 1974 and, thereafter Past Provincial Grand Warden
".

Based on a Tribute written by J Derek Breakey