HE has been described as the scout leader with the booming voice.

Frank Shipman, below, better known to his charges at 2nd Abingdon Scouts as Bagheera, or Baggy, has died, aged 80.

He first became involved with 2nd Abingdon group when his son Paul wanted to join cubs there in 1965.

He started as a helper and went on to become an Akela and then Bagheera.

He was also at one time assistant district commissioner for cubs.

In total, he gave 48 years of unstinting service to scouting.

Paul Shipman is now carrying on the family legacy as a Beaver Leader and daughter Ann is a cub Akela at the 2nd.

Scout leader Rita Alexander said: “Baggy was known for his booming voice, but many cubs recall that he was all bark and no bite!

“The more canny cubs would take their badge work to him for assessing because they knew he was a soft touch.”

Mr Shipman was born in London on October 5, 1933, and had two older sisters and a younger brother.

He married Sheila Nicholls on August 28, 1954. He died from an infection on Sunday, October 27.

He is survived by his sister Evelyn and his brother Derek, as well as his wife Sheila, son Paul, and daughters Ann and Susan.