Tony began his Scouting in Knutsford almost 80 years ago as a Wolf Cub and had continued his service in the same community with the movement ever since.

He was the very first person to be awarded the Queen’s Scout Award in Knutsford following the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, aged 17, After which he became an assistant Scout Leader with 1st Knutsford from 1954 until 1960. He then joined the army to complete his National Service but this did not interrupt his Scouting service. He was posted to a large army base in Germany where he became ASL in the Scout troop on the army base for the boys of families living there.

On his return to Knutsford, he was one of a group of leaders who formed the new 5th Knutsford with a single cub pack in 1968. He became a Scout Leader when he started the Scout Section there in 1970. As an architect by trade, he was instrumental in parts of the design, roof structure and procurement of items for the new 5th Knutsford HQ construction project which was completed and formally opened in 1977. Two years prior to the opening, he became GSL of 5th Knutsford, a post he held until 1990 by which time the group had become one of the largest and most successful in Cheshire. Tony has retained his association with the group ever since, serving on the Exec, maintaining the HQ and supporting a succession of GSLs and leaders.

Between 1991 and 2001, he held the post of ADC (General Duties) using his vast experience to support a very young DC. During this time he served the movement in many active and varied ways, including playing a major role in stabilising 2nd Knutsford HQ when the floor began to sink. As a youth, he camped and swam in the nearby Tatton Estate as a guest of the 4th and last Baron Egerton of Tatton, a story he told whilst assisting with the establishment of a Scout Campsite within the Estate, which is now Tatton Park Scout Activity Centre.

As a long standing member of the Knutsford community, Tony had been the major link between the committee for the famous Knutsford Royal May Day and the local Scout District, a mutually supportive association between two of the largest providers for local children.

Tony had been a key member of Scout Active Support since its formation originally as Knutsford Scout Fellowship, which amongst many other things raised funds to maintain and replace the District minibus. He was chairman of the self-named “Knutsford Wrinkly Patrol”, a group of senior Scout Leaders who planned and supported all events for Knutsford Scouts during the 2007 centenary celebrations, the year in which he was also awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn. He also featured in Gang Show in 2007 as BP  and in 2010 the Patrol reformed to guide the District Centenary.

In 2009, he was asked to form and chair the new District Appointments Advisory Committee. Having stood on the former appointments panel, he embraced the change, recruited 11 new members to the AAC of all ages and backgrounds, assisted with the training and drove forward the new way of thinking. As an extension to this role, he also ensures that service to Scouting by Leaders and Supporters is recognised, writing the vast majority of citations and completing the application forms for service awards on behalf of the DC.

He had served on Knutsford District Executive Committee since 2001 where his responsibilities have been varied and included the organisation of the annual District Dinner.

He had a keen interest in providing opportunities for young people to participate in adventurous activities and had been involved in many projects including the construction of the indoor climbing wall at 5^th Knutsford.

With the amalgamation of the Alderley and Knutsford Districts in 2023, Tony served as District President and as a valued member of the District Trustee Board. In May 2026, on his 90th birthday, Tony was presented with his 60 year service award with all his family and Scouting friends present.