Michael Wallbank, St Hilda's lay assistant and PCC member, writes:
Sandra and her husband Bill joined St Hilda's in the early 1960s as a young, recently married couple who had moved to Denton from Clayton. Over the next six decades, their Christian faith and commitment to the church never wavered.
They were faithful weekly communicants at St Hilda's during the time of two long-serving incumbents Fr Brian Bason (pre-1989) and Fr John Kershaw (1989-2020).
As a PCC member, Sandra played a pivotal role in keeping the church running as smoothly as possible during the interregnum of 2020-22. She was closely involved in the discussions regarding the future direction of the church and our decision to rescind the previous policy regarding the ordination of women. Sandra believed our prayers were answered with the opportunity we were presented with, a short time later, which led to the appointment of Mthr Amy-Elizabeth as the new vicar.
Even after Sandra was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks before Bill died in December 2022, she was determined to carry on her 'admin' support for the church and other organisations she supported, working from home.
Right until the end, she could always be relied on to offer wise words of advice and encouragement whenever they were needed. Her dedication to volunteering and down-to-earth common sense approach to life in general will be greatly missed by everyone at St Hilda's and the local community she was associated with for so many years.
Sandra was a loyal friend and colleague to many, renowned for her countless acts of kindness, concern for others and her active involvement in the local community. For many years she worked as a medical secretary with the Child Development Unit, originally at Guide Lane clinic, Audenshaw and later Rowan House at Hyde Hospital. She served as a magistrate and was the secretary of Denton Golf Club and Denton West Labour Party.
St Hilda's Scout group
During the 1960s and '70s, she appeared in plays with Denton Dramatic Society at the Festival Hall. In 1975 Bill started a new Scout troop at St Hilda's with their sons Stephen and Peter among the first members. As the numbers grew, Sandra became the group leader overseeing thriving Scout and Cub Scout sections which were eventually joined by Venture Scouts (aged 16-20). In the 1980s she was one of the first women to be appointed as district commissioner - a position she held in Denton for 15 years. She later switched to a behind-the-scenes role with Tameside South (Denton and Hyde) Scouts.
Sandra received several awards for her services to Scouting including, in 2011, the movement's highest accolade, the Silver Wolf presented at Windsor Castle by the Chief Scout, TV adventurer Bear Grylls. In 2016 she was awarded the MBE and invited to Buckingham Palace to receive her medal from Prince William.
Netball, golf... a love of sport in general
She was also highly regarded in the world of netball playing for Spurley Hey (Gorton) and the Greater Manchester county side. Peter recalled that his mum was also selected for the England squad on at least two occasions. In later life she took up golf and enjoyed watching a range of sports on TV.
Warm tributes have been paid on St Hilda's and Denton Memories Facebook groups...
"An amazing woman...a lovely lady...a great asset to the Scouting community.... a font of knowledge and guidance and a strong person... she flew the Girl Power flag long before the Spice Girls....
"Sandra and Bill were "the best of people and had such a positive impact on my life and many others too."