Beryl Mullender sadly passed away in her sleep at home on Thursday 11th March aged 83. It was an unexpected and sudden end for someone who had remained active through to the last. Her lengthy treks around the village for her regular ‘permitted exercise’ in these isolated COVID times were substantial, and definitely worthy of her Scout and Guide background!
Beryl was a long time supporter and volunteer for the Scout and Guide Association for over 65 years. She started out as an Assistant Section Leader for a Cub Scout Pack (Wolf Cubs in those days) with her husband-to-be in 1956, and contined with various voluntary roles (e.g. District Secretary, District Chairman, Appointments Secretary, Badge Secretary et al.) for the remainder of her life. Through her actions with the Scout Shop team she helped raise over £100,000 for local Scouting. She was awrded the Scout Association's highest voluntary leader honour, the Silver Wolf for 'services of the most exceptional nature' and, together with her 'soulmate' Michael, was very pleased to be voted Basingstoke's Place to be Proud of 'Unsung Hero Award' in 2014.
As a member of the WRVS, Beryl did a twice weekly ‘meals-on-wheels’ round for several years and would often return to her 'customers' to do odd jobs and provide support where needed.
In her paid working life, Beryl spent time as a Clerical Officer for the Civil Service at AWRE Aldermaston and later in administrative roles at, the then brand new, Brighton Hill School in Basingstoke. She ended her paid working time by retiring from her role as the School's Administrative Officer in 1983.
In her last wishes Beryl requested that any charitable donations be made in support of “something local that would make a difference to people’s lives”. In accordance with her wishes we have chosen the Basingstoke and District Young Carers group (Registered Charity 1182014) and encourage you to support this cause generously.
The Mullender Family
