2nd Halton (St. Augustine’s) started back in 1974 at Astmoor School, then when construction had been completed at St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Castlefields, the Group moved into there. John Marnell was the original founder of the Group and remained with the Group until its closure in 2011. The Group opened with two Sections, Cub Scouts and Scouts. The Scout leader at opening was David Greenwood, John Marnell ran the Cub section along with Joan Taylor.

Frank Gerrard took over from David Greenwood as Scout Leader, and Arnold Bailey took over from Frank. Unfortunately the Scout Section would close in the 1990’s and Cubs old enough for Scouts would then move on to 1st Halton Scouts.

The Group’s neckerchief colours were Royal Blue and Gold as shown below.

From the 1980’s to the early 2000’s, John assisted with Dave McDermott at 10th Runcorn (Our Lady’s) on Palacefields.

Letter received by John Marnell from the District commissioner Alex Cowan congratulating him on gaining the Medal of Merit. This letter acknowledges the support given by John to the opening of 10th Runcorn (Our Lady’s). 18th April 1984. Owned by Mrs. J. Marnell

Unfortunately 10th Runcorn would close but Dave would join up with 2nd Halton Cubs and form a dynamic duo with John.

2nd Halton on parade, St. George’s Day 2003. Credit : Marnell Family
North West Cheshire District, St. George’s Day Parade 2003. Credit : Marnell Family
2nd Halton on parade, St. George’s Day 2005. Credit: Marnell Family
2nd Halton on parade, St. George’s Day 2007, Scouting Centenary. Credit: Marnell Family
2nd Halton on parade, St. George’s Day 2008. Credit: Marnell Family

In 2011, 2nd Halton’s numbers had declined and in September 2011 the Group Scout Leader, John Marnell, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The last official Scouting event that 2nd Halton attended was a Halton Borough Council awards evening at the Halton Stadium, with John (now wheelchair bound due to his illness) attending and receiving a long service to the young people of Halton award. There are many faces on this image, how many do you recognise?

L-R : Alex Cowan, Jane Duley, Pat Cowan, John Duley, Mike Walker, Wendy Frodsham, Jack Guy, Glyn Watkins, Alan Thomason, John Frodsham, John Marnell, _____, Betty Newman, Barry Newport, Christopher Boardman, Pam Barker, Dave Walker, Mayor of Halton Councillor Keith Morley, Sandra Hale, Dianne Gardner, Reg Bowden, Midge Watkins, Vernon Henry, Ron Sayle, Lindsey Wharton, Mayoress of Halton Mrs. Sheila Glynn

John’s illness and the declining numbers lead to the decision to close 2nd Halton at the end of the year and for its young people and leaders to be transferred to 1st Halton Scout Group. At the time of closing there were three Cub Scouts and three leaders, John Marnell, Dave McDermott and young leader Matthew Marnell. John passed away in December 2011, after 50 years service to Scouting, with 37 of those years being at 2nd Halton. However, John’s and 2nd Halton’s legacy live on. The Scout of the Year award at 4th Runcorn is named in honour of him, and the 2nd Halton Group flag was kindly donated for display by the Marnell Family to 4th Runcorn, where the flag currently takes pride of place amongst several other former Group’s flags.

2nd Halton (St Augustine’s) Flag as displayed at 4th Runcorn Scout Group today

Memorabilia related to 2nd Halton (St. Augustine’s) Scout Group

  • John Marnell’s 1950’s Scout Shirt. Owned by Mrs. J. Marnell
  • Letter of congratulations from Mr. Hugh Gorton, County Commissioner, to Mr. John Marnell to recognise the award of the Medal of Merit. 12th April 1984. Owned by Mrs. J. Marnell