Worthing gang show treasurer and Scout leader dies

Mike Budd was leader of the 2nd Worthing Cub Scouts until his retirement in 1999 and was an active member of the Scouting community for more than 70 years.

He was known best as the treasurer of the gang show performed at the Pavilion Theatre every two years, helping to organise dancing, singing and comedy performances from young Scouts.

He was also an assistant bank manager at Natwest in Montague Street, Worthing, for many years.

His son Andy, who is also a Scout leader, has spoken about how inspiring he was.

Andy, 52, said: “I’ve taken over from him, in a way. My whole family are into Scouting, and it’s always been a big part of our lives.

“Everyone remembered him and he remembered everyone. He used to walk around the town, and his former Cubs would come up to him. It was great, because they used to talk about how their lives had been influenced by being in his group.

“At times like this, I realise how many people he knew and were part of his life. There were some great highlights for him, too, especially seeing his wife and family on stage in the gang show. He just enjoyed being part of it and he was always front of house for the shows.”

Mike joined the Cub Scouts in 1941, and rose through the different stages before becoming an assistant leader in the 1950s.

He became a Cub master in 1963, before returning to the Worthing Cub Scouts in 1981, and became district president in 2005 for Worthing. He also was given a number of awards including the Medal of Merit, the Silver Acorn, and in 1995 he was awarded the Silver Wolf, the highest honour a Scout can have.

Andy added: “He spent 70 years in the Scouts and when that milestone came he was surrounded by his family and friends. We had a good party, and we were so proud of him. We have had lots of amazing times.”

The gang show, or ‘Gee, It’s A Wonderful Life’ has been on at the Pavilion since the 1960s, and Andy is now starting to prepare the Scouts for the next show in 2017.

He said: “We’ve starting planning what will be in the show, so it is an exciting time for the Scouts.”

Mike’s funeral will take place at Worthing Crematorium, in Horsham Road, on Thursday, March 24, at 11am.

Anyone who remembers Mike is welcome to attend his funeral.

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