Tributes to charity’s Bill ‘on the till’
HUNDREDS of tributes have flooded in online following the death of legendary volunteer and veteran Bill Armes from Runcorn.
Bill, who continued to staff the tills at a children’s charity past his 100th birthday, died aged 101 last Wednesday after a short illness.
The news was announced by the charity Halton Play Council based on Mersey Road in Runcorn where Bill had earned admirers and awards for his commitment to serving customers.
Always smiling and a friend to all who came through the door, his upbeat attitude to savouring his time at the charity would see him named Halton Man Of The Year, Cheshire Man Of The Year, Star Citizen Of Chester and Volunteer Of The Year in quick succession, and in April 2018 he was again honoured, this time being named Environmental Champion Of The Year.
Fondly dubbed ‘Bill on the till, who’s never off ill’ by Radio Merseyside DJ Tony Snell, Bill was also last year picked as guest of honour to celebrate Runcorn Shopping City’s relaunch under its original name.
Originally from Bootle, Bill later moved to Litherland and then in 1960 to Runcorn, and worked as a credit controller as well as fostering a love of volunteering during his long service as a leader with the Scouts.
Following his retirement and exit from the Scouts 31 years ago, he joined Halton Play Council, which supports children with additional needs, where he ● deployed his woodworking skills to craft toys and games for the youngsters.
Until recently, he was still serving on the till seven hours a day, three days a week.
As well as serving in the Second World War, Bill fought off burglars who raided his home in Halton Brook, when he was 93, enduring bruises to swipe back at two intruders with his walking stick.
Earlier this year he credited his longevity to a smoke of his pipe and a glass of whisky, although Joyce Reilly, Halton Play Council manager was sure his active attitude had helped to give him a long and happy life in his later years.
A statement on Halton Play Council’s page on Facebook said: “It is with great sadness that we announce our muchvalued, greatly-loved volunteer Bill passed away on Wednesday, October 31.
“Bill has been a part of Halton Play Council for 30 years and meant so much to all of us who have had the honour and privilege to work alongside him.
“He had time for everyone and was full of advice and a listening ear. He was devoted to our charity and supported every idea, event and suggestion.
“Bill had an uncanny ability to connect with everyone he met, regardless of age – he could easily switch from conversations about Old Runcorn with some of our mature staff and customers to speaking to toddlers attending our toy library.
“His volunteering with the Scout movement is well documented, as well as his support in several local schools – all achieved before he joined us!
“Bill on the till who is never off ill”, you are a Legend to everyone who has had the pleasure to know you in whatever capacity – you will be missed by us all.
“Rest in Peace Bill x Loved always xx.”