Jim Thomas
Columns
August 28, 2008 11:48 PM
Jim Thomas
Lord Robert Baden Powell has long been recognized as the founder of the world Scout movement.
His wife, Olave St. Claire Powell, is considered as the initiator of Girl Guides.
But here in Stouffville, no one did more to promote the venerable Cub/Scout institution than Stuart Bellamy.
Now 84 and living alone, Mr. Bellamy has many years of scouting memories to occupy his mind, scouting reminiscences that span four decades.
From a Cub Scout at seven to a Cub Scout leader at 46, Mr. Bellamy saw hundreds of adolescent boys grow into mature adults, thanks to his dedication and guidance.
One of these was his own son Rennie who, along with Blair Clarkson and brothers Wynand and Gerry Egberts, were recipients of coveted Queen’s Scout in Canada medals.
Gerry also received the renowned Bushman’s Thong award.
They are believed to be the only Stouffville boys so honoured.
Mr. Bellamy’s entire life has been one of distinction, not the least of which is the fact he was born in jail.
That’s a story in itself.
On the day of his birth, Feb. 22, 1924, a raging blizzard snowed in the Langstaff area of Markham Township. All roads were blocked.
Stuart’s father, Alfred Bellamy, had no choice but to hitch up the horse and sleigh and drive wife Hilda to the neighbouring Jail Farm on the north side of Hwy. 7 where a resident physician was waiting.
“I can honestly say I was born in jail,” he laughs.
Later, Stuart’s parents, along with two brothers and two sisters, moved to Timmins where Bellamy Sr. obtained work in the mines.
It was there, Stuart contracted tuberculosis, then a dreaded disease that placed him in hospital for seven years.
The malady seriously affected his right hip, forcing doctors to remove a bone from his left leg in order to fuse the disabled joint.
“For (18 months), I was confined to a body cast from my chin to my ankles,” he recalls, “I had to learn to walk all over again.”
Other health problems followed including a ruptured appendix, two artificial knees and a bout with throat cancer.
“I guess I was too tough to die,” he says.
When the Second World War began, the Bellamy family returned to Toronto. There, Stuart met and later married June Burkholder.
In 1960, they took up residence in Stouffville, moving to a home built in 1867. Mrs.Bellamy died in 1997.
Holding the position of Akela with the 1st Stouffville Cubs, Mr. Bellamy remembers the troop meeting regularly in the basement of Stouffville United Church.
They were a great bunch of boys, he says. Ages ranged from seven to 13 years. He also remembers the wonderful support provided by Gladys Clarkson, Blair’s mother.
“We could always count on her to provide the food,” he said.
As good as this association was, the best was yet to come. Last year, Stuart was invited by Rennie to attend the 100th anniversary of the world Scout jamboree hosted in the home of scouting, Gilwell, England.
Rennie felt it appropriate his father should be present because Mr. Bellamy’s birthday and Lord Baden-Powell’s birthday fell on the same date, Feb. 22.
Stuart jumped at the chance.
“It was wonderful,” Stuart says, “Scouts attended from all over the world.”
He had his photograph taken with Lord Baden-Powell’s grandson and remained there two weeks, staying with his son and daughter-in-law.
Rennie’s son, Stuart Jr., lives in Oxford. He graduated with a master of arts degree.
Mr. Bellamy attended his grandson’s graduation.
This fall, he’ll attend his granddaughter Catherine’s university graduation. She resides in Manchester.
When not traveling back and forth across the pond, Mr. Bellamy busies himself collecting stamps, a hobby he’s enjoyed for 77 years.
He also accumulates opera tapes.
“I always wanted to be an opera singer,” he says. “Now, all I can do is hum.”
As a boy, he remembers music being very important in his parents’ home, almost as important as scouting in his own home.
As for scouting, nothing’s changed.
Jim Thomas is a Stouffville resident who has written for area newspapers for more than 50 years.