Warm tributes have been paid to a Scouting 'legend' who worked tirelessly for decades, enriching the lives of hundreds of young people across Denton and Audenshaw.

Thomas William Marston - Bill to family and friends and ‘Skip’ to former Scouts - died just before Christmas aged 84. 

A devoted husband and dad, his first involvement with Scouting was through his sons who joined the then 3rd Denton (Wilton Street). 

As a family they attended St Hilda’s Church where the vicar Father Brian Bason encouraged Bill to start his own troop. Launching in 1975, 6th Denton (St Hilda’s) reached out to ten to 15-year-olds with membership steadily increasing by word of mouth. 

After a hugely successful, activity-packed first year, the potential to extend to a younger age range with a Cub Scout pack was realised in September 1976. 

Bill’s wife Sandra, who had supported him and their sons Stephen and Peter, then aged 15 and 11, from the start, agreed to become group leader and administrator - the first woman in Tameside to take on the vital role.

Nearly 50 years on, former Scouts and support crew remember Bill was still going ‘the extra mile’ to help them achieve their potential. 

BYGONE TIMES: By 1976 the Denton Scouts were able to include younger Cub Scouts.

St Hilda’s excelled in Denton district Scouts’ hiking, camping, five-a-side and swimming competitions, thanks to the many hours that Bill devoted to training and team-building.

Having qualified as a first aider through St John Ambulance, he was able to pass on the essential skills to the Scouts. 

The troop won the district first aid shield ten years in a row and went on to impress the judges in county-wide events up against teams from all over Tameside, Stockport and Manchester.

Bill organised regular weekend camps at Linnet Clough campsite, Mellor, as well as summer camps in the UK, Austria, Luxembourg and Holland. With several troop members keen to continue beyond the age of 16, he formed St Hilda’s Venture Scout unit. 

His outstanding service was recognised with several awards and commendations including the coveted Silver Acorn. An engineer by trade, Bill’s experience with young people led ultimately to a change of career.

He seized the chance to work in the resources department at Egerton Park Community High School where pupils and colleagues valued his practical know-how but also his friendship and personal support. 

Bill

At Egerton Park, St Hilda’s and beyond, his joke telling and quick witted humour were legendary.

Among the many tributes posted on Facebook: “...he was a massive part of my youth and a huge influence to me” ... “someone we always looked up to and respected”... “how many people would dedicate their lives to spending so much time with other people’s kids? Special, special man.”

Former Venture Scout Karen Pertoldi said: “Skip, together with Sandra, invested a lot of time and love into numerous kids and teenagers including myself and my brother. We are grateful for the friendships that developed and have lasted a lifetime, the skills they helped hone that have aided us in life and the laughter, fun and experiences we all shared.”

The funeral service is at St Hilda’s on Monday, January 16, at 11.45am, followed by interment at Gorton Cemetery. All enquiries to Kim Metcalf Funeral Services 0161 335 9699.

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