In Memory of Nigel Scott

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel Scott, for so very many years a mainstay of South Wiltshire Mencap. As Trustee, Company Secretary, Treasurer and Shop Director. Nigel made a huge contribution, with the welfare and quality of life for “our people” always to the front of his mind. And for many years he was the most important link between the Shop and the Trustees, defusing potential tensions and calming waters. He had played a key role in the decision to purchase 16 Catherine Street when the lease of the previous shop ran out and much later been the lead and then project manager on the proposal to use a wonderful legacy to improve the shopfloor, convert upper stories for storage and to bring in income from flats. Nigel’s work was undoubtedly the reason for the very strong financial position of South Wilts Mencap. And he was still banking for the Shop at the post Office at the time of his death.

Nigel was careful with the Society’s money but very keen that it was spent to directly benefit local people with learning disabilities. It was he who first came up with the idea of the New Year Party: “our people love a party!” he said and the party still remains a highlight of the year for many. 

Nigel was deeply suspicious of the Society’s hard earned money from the Shop going to bureaucracy or the Council: there was quite a battle over a contribution in the very early days of the Council scheme for community sports coaches. He wanted the money to be spent on activities,  not on phones or desks, though he eventually reluctantly admitted that without phone calls, members of the community wouldn’t know when and where to turn up to their community sport sessions! The Society’s contribution was vital in allowing the scheme to get off the ground in South Wiltshire and it has gone on to become an established part of the Wiltshire Council service provision supporting people with disabilities across the County.

Treasured memories of Nigel are around the street collections that were for so many years an important part of the SWM calendar. Important as fund raisers in the beginning, the street collections remained a very significant part of keeping a high profile of the work of the Society. Over time our members became very involved in the street collections, especially once our holiday programme became established. Nigel was the driver of it all, establishing the rota, collecting the money (and counting it) and memorably perilously climbing a step ladder to put up the banner in front of The Guildhall! At the time the Journal used to publish the proceeds of street collections and SWM always raised at least twice as much as any other charity.

Nigel’s contributions to discussions were always thoughtful, courteous and considerate: he has been a force for good and a source of strength for South Wilts Mencap, fighting for what was right ever since his early days with Hillcote.  Our hearts go out to Angela, Alan and all the family.