Derek Pollard presents a set of bookcases in the form of a dedication to the memory of Professor Eric Frank
Meeting with staff in the World Scout Bureau Geneva Support Centre, Geneva, Derek Pollard, Chairperson of the Eric Frank Trust, recalled how Hans Eric Frank, born in Austria in 1921 was sent at age 17 to England as a refugee where he became both a teacher and Scout Leader. His gratitude for the welcome he received from Scouting as a refugee motivated him to become Assistant International Commissioner for UK Scouting, and a Member of the Adult Leader Training Board. With his firm belief in Baden-Powell’s ‘Scout Method’ he applied his considerable professional management expertise to International Scouting, writing training handbooks, providing training courses around the world and funding international projects for young people.
His best known literary works in Scouting are "Are we Doing it Right?" and its sequel “Could we do better?”, both published in association with the World Scout Bureau. Eric Frank was a Baden-Powell Fellow, and received World Scouting’s award of the Bronze Wolf.
In 2010 he founded and funded the Eric Frank Trust to promote adolescent personal social and leadership skills through Scouting and similarly motivated organizations.
In acknowledging the Trust’s generosity, Ray Saunders, Director, Information Services said, "The gift of these bookcases will enable us to protect and display our international collection of heritage Scouting publications, some dating back to the earliest beginnings of our Movement, for future generations. We’re very proud to have Eric Frank’s name associated with this endeavour."
Eric died in December 2013 at the age of 92. Scouting was his lifetime interest. For his extensive contribution both nationally and internationally he is remembered with affection and gratitude by the many he has helped.
