In Memoriam

Robert A. Chadwick

Robert Chadwick, who died on 18th November, 1961, joined the Club in 1905. He was a York man, educated at Uttoxeter Grammar School, from which he won an open scholarship in mathematics at St. John’s College, Cambridge. He had a brilliant university career, he took a First Class in Law Tripos, was 25th Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos, a MacMahon law student and Whewell Scholar in Public Law. He gained Honours in the Final Examination of the Law Society and was a distinguished company and commercial lawyer. From 1937 to 1950 he was Clerk to the Magistrates of the Skyrack Division of the West Riding.

Chadwick took part in meets at Gaping Gill in 1905 and 1906 and was on one of the early Skye meets at Scavaig in 1907 where he played a notable part in an uncomfortable crossing of the flooded Sligachan. Although subsequently his professional interests took up an increasingly large part of his time he never lost interest in the Club. He was a man of the most kindly and helpful nature and was generous in advice and help both to the Officers of the Club in moments of legal difficulty and to other members.

J.H.

Harold Armstrong

Harold Armstrong joined the Club in 1929 and immediately made his mark, especially in connection with pot-holing and more particularly with Gaping Gill. The original (Fish and Chip) engine used for the Main Shaft was on its last legs and Armstrong re-arranged the winch and engine bed to take the Lister engine which served the Club so well at many Whitsuntide meets. Many of those who joined the Club in the early 1930’s will remember his helping hand and word of encouragement to those getting off the gantry on to the bo’sun’s chair for the first time.

Harold had a delightful dry humour and could always see some unusual and funny side in any situation. His most remarkable and unexpected characterjstiq, however, was the way in which he quietly took charge in any emergency; whether the emergency was small or large, Harold became the leader and had the unquestioned support of the rest of the party.

For many years he served on the Committee and was President from 1946 to 1948; it was during his presidency that the idea was originally conceived of having a Club Hut, an idea which came to fruition in 1950 with the opening of Low Hall Garth.

He had many interests apart from his great love of the Club. He gave much of his time to mission work in Leeds and to the Scout Movement, introducing many Rover Scouts to the safe ways of hill walking, climbing and caving. He was on the local Council, where his suggestions always received consideration.

Harold Armstrong will always be remembered by his contemporaries for bis kindly outlook which earned him the affection and respect of everyone.

D.B.