MADAM, The passing of Hilda Vaughan from the Monmouth scene marks the end of an era that many hundreds of ex- 'gangsters' will recall with great affection. One could wish that it might be possible to find the right words to express the full appreciation of what Hilda Vaughan contributed to the Monmouth gang shows during the 16 years of its existence between 1970 to 1986. At first, girls and the guide movement carried the day, under the leadership of their Commissioner, Phyllis Pope. Then as the scouts began to take an increasingly active interest in this new venture, Hilda Vaughan's enthusiasm and encouragement carried their leaders truly onto the crest of the wave, and by the fourth production it had become a district gang show including boys from Raglan and Usk as well as Monmouth. Entire families became involved, as mothers sewed stunning costumes, fathers and uncles made ambitious props and scenery, and stage make-up brought in further skills. Sales advertising and front of house needed diplomacy and patience. Every show was a complete sellout before the curtain rose, even publicised as a 'black market' in tickets in 1972, and charities benefited on every occasion. Hilda took an active role both on stage, and behind the scenes, and enjoyed a very real sense of the ridiculous without ever losing the dignity that her place in civic life demanded. Character acting was a forte, though no-one who ever saw it could forget her performance in the attempts at 'Getting Over' in 1984. With the unseen props men holding the five-barred gate firm on either side, her attempts to surmount the obstacle soon reduced the audience, and the props men, to helpless tears of laughter. She was a true professional and a real trouper, in every sense of the word. For the gang show production team, the place of Hilda Vaughan was paramount in its planning. Her enthusiasm and encouragement within the adult leadership was passed down to each and every young person within their charge. At one time, the cast list reached 200 young people on stage, and the safe control of so many was a daunting task, even though the discipline of being a full member of either the scouts or guide movements was the condition for their participation in the gang shows. Attendance at rehearsals was mandatory, and Hilda's support for the leaders unquestioned. In a production that involved almost as many adult helpers as cast, it might seem invidious to single out any one individual, - but Hilda Vaughan, in her role as Scout Borough Commissioner for much of the time, offered a strength of leadership that was impossible to ignore. Her criticisms could be firm, but were invariably fair. Her praise always genuine and fulsome. She completely embraced Lord Baden-Powell's adage of giving thanks where any were due, and saw to it that voluntary efforts were duly acknowledged and rewarded, if possible on a public occasion. So, thanks, Hilda, for your part in gang shows that should duly be recorded on behalf of every 'gangster'. Hilda Vaughan will be much missed amongst those who were privileged to have known her, and enjoyed her company. Monmouth has lost one of its senior and best-loved citizens. Scouting has lost a truly good scout. Barbara Holden (Brittany)