SALFORD TURN OUT FOR ONE OF THEIR OWN - HADGE MUSK

A cold, winters day at Agecroft Cemetery saw some 40 people turn up to pay their respects to Harold Musk the much loved and respected leader of the 31st Salford Sea Scouts as a new memorial stone was dedicated to him and his memory.

Geoff Greenhalgh was the man who was determined that "Hadge" who died in 1987 wouldn't be forgotten and has campaigned to have a permanent memorial headstone placed in the cemetery and working with Salford Council has realised his ambition.

A lone piper led the cortege to the headstone where Rev Karen Owen gave a moving speech about the good work that "Hadge" had done working with the young people of Salford and instilling in them values to guide them through life.

Speeches and memories were made by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Ann - Marie Humpreys, Councillors for Broughton, Maria Brabiner and Jim King, Salford MP Rebecca Long Bailey, Paul Kelly from Salford Trades Council and Geoff Greenhalgh.

Geoff spoke movingly of "Hadge" and thanked everybody who had helped in getting the memorial headstone in place, he told of the wording on the headstone which are the same as on Lord Baden Powell's and on the rear are Geoff's own heartfelt words and the mystery of "Skenning Emma" words carved on the base of the headstone.

The piper played a lament followed by the dipping of the flags by the standard bearers from British Legion, Royal Airforce, and Armed Services, followed by the playing of The Last Post.

Finally Rev Owen gave a moving talk about the importance of people like "Hadge" to Salford, unsung heroes who diligently carry on helping others without asking for reward for favour a person who we could all learn from in this day and age.

"Hadge" you served Salford well and today we turned out to honour you, sleep well.