Dr Richard Scarth 1930 - 2014 It is with sadness that we report the death of Dr Richard Scarth, a loyal and influential member of the Society for many years. He was born and raised in Pickering, Yorkshire, where, at an early age he showed great interest and talent in organ music. At the age of 11 he first played the organ in the church at Pickering under the auspices of its organist, making his debut at a Christmas event nearby. Aged 12 he was made organist of the church at Hutton Bectel and the next year at Pickering church. In 1947 he entered the Royal College of music on a scholarship. His studies were interrupted by National Service from 1949 - 51 in the RAF, interestingly in radar. He graduated in 1953 but not before he had met Hilda, a fellow student. They married in 1956 and lived initially in Pickering. After teaching posts in Yorkshire, Leicester and Birmingham, they moved to Canterbury where he taught at the Christ Church College of Education until retiring in 1985. Wishing to settle outside Canterbury, their house search brought them, probably influenced by his keen interest in the Light Railway, to 17 North Road part of a former Mackeson house. From this time he and Hilda joined HCS and she served on the Committee and became a Vice President. He started to play the organ regularly at St Mary’s, Brabourne. In 1998 they moved to Admirals Walk. Richard’s contribution to the HCS was immense. Apart from giving great support to Hilda’s role, for 4 Years he researched the Sound Mirrors near West Hythe through frequent visits to the Public Record at Kew. This resulted in the publication of his book, “Mirrors by the Sea” to mark the 50th anniversary of the HCS in 1995. The book has twice been reprinted with many of the profits going to the HCS. He also gave evidence in a Public Enquiry against plans to build on Princes Parade. In the last few months or so of his life he made outings to the Denge Mirror site restored by English Heritage and to Fan Bay at Dover, recently reopened by National Trust. He had thus more or less completed his life work and must have “gone out” on a high. Those of us who knew him will savour his kind friendly nature and above all his cheery Yorkshire brogue. Our deep sympathy goes to Hilda, his loving wife and constant close companion.