There was one song that was always going to be played at the funeral of Patricia "Tricia" Dunning. As the contralto voice of Judy Garland filled St Michael's Church in Urmston with her signature tune, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, it unlocked emotion and fond memories of a woman who helped shape many young lives.
For more than two decades Tricia was devoted to the Scout Movement's "beginners" - Beavers. Her name, to hundreds, as a Beaver Scout leader, and later a district leader, and a World Scout Jamboree Team Leader, was Rainbow. Today there was a guard of honour at the entrance to the church provided by young scout leaders for the start and end of the service.
As scouts and leaders carrying troop flags saluted the sound of spring birdsong filled the air. The church was packed for the service, which ended with a favourite song of Tricia's, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver.
Her own colony of Beavers were the Flixton 1st, and her death from a blood clot on the lung, at the age of 61, has triggered a flood of tributes. On a WhatsApp page set up for parents to leave messages, one wrote: "So sorry to hear the sad news. Tricia was instrumental in starting both my children in Scouting, she taught them so much, along with other leaders, shaped them into the wonderful young adults they are today. Scouting has lost a wonderful leader and friend."
District Commissioner of Urmston and District Scouts, Chris Knowles, said: "Tricia where do you start? What an amazing lady she was. Nothing phased Tricia, she always had the sensible solution. Tricia started as beaver scout leader at 1st Flixton in 1998, where she soon became a big part of the group with her dedication and organisation skills.
"Tricia was soon a well loved and much admired leader, in fact, half of the leaders at 1st Flixton started as one of Tricia’s beavers and they show great love and respect for her. She was a great Assistant District Commissioner Beavers, organising great fun activities and trips for all the colonies in the district, including a trip to the cubs 100 birthday camp for the day. Tricia encouraged the young leaders to help at sections and ask for help if they needed it she would always be there for them.
"Tricia stepped down as ADC Beavers in 2017, when she was picked to be the unit leader of Greater Manchester West contingent to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree held in West Virginia in 2019. The youth members and leaders needed to raise the money to go on this trip of a lifetime.
"Tricia soon got the fund raising going with quiz nights and assisting at the Manchester Marathon they turned their hand to anything to raise money. She was an amazing support to all the youth members and fellow leaders with her calm nature she was just the person for the job."
"At times during my appointment as District Commissioner I’ve needed someone to talk to and Tricia was one of these people who I could trust to give me an honest answer, she’d chat things through, but no matter how serious the matter we always ended up having a laugh. Tricia will be truly missed by everyone at 1st Flixton and Urmston District Scouts."
In a moving eulogy to his daughter, Tricia's father, Raymond, aged 94, said: "On burns night Tricia organised a piper in full regalia to visit them at the scout hut. Later that evening a parent emailed her to thank her for what she did that night, saying my son thoroughly enjoyed it. You always go above and beyond, if there is anything I can do for you please ask me. Her reply was, it’s St Patrick’s night soon, you don’t know any leprechauns, do you?"
He revealed how she twice survived cancer. "The second time was touch and go. The odds were against her. Thanks to Finch (the insurance brokers she worked for) and their private medical scheme, she received the best of treatment. Despite the odds Tricia recovered and 12 months later she was back at work."
Speaking of the international Jamboree to West Virginia, Raymond said: "Tricia fancied this and duly applied for an assistant’s post. After her interview, in their wisdom the panel turned her down. They did instead offer her a leader’s post.
"She was to be leader of the Northwest Division, a party of nigh on 40, mixed sexes of whom she knew little. We talked about it in length. I was concerned that with leadership, came responsibility, with 14 – 18-year-olds, mixed sexes there would be a fair amount test estrone in the air.
"With absolutely no parental guidance, she said 'don’t worry dad, I’ve done a fair few camps.' Agreement had to be reached for Tricia to have a month off in August. Her employer readily agreed, all that was outstanding was a little matter of four thousand pounds.
"Tricia immediately set about fund raising, all the major supermarkets offered them bag packing days. Tricia also did a cabaret night with a Frankie Valli tribute artist. One way or another the four thousand was raised for herself and the few 1st Flixtons that had been picked. Amongst them was her niece Tori, who had come up through the ranks. This trip was to be her pinnacle. To me this was her highlight. Either way it was as a huge success."
Tricia was born on December 27th 1960 at Urmston Cottage Hospital to Doris and Raymond Dunning. As a child she was a Brownie and then a Girl Guide. She attended Moss Park Junior School and Stretford Grammar School for Girls, and worked for Alec Finch insurance brokers.
She lived alone in Flixton. Her sister-in-law, Joanne Dunning, said: "She was an absolute joy and was loved by everyone. Everybody knew at camps, that if they wanted anything ask Rainbow, as they all knew she couldn't say no!" She said just days before she died Tricia had been for a check up regarding her breast cancer and was told she was clear, and was
Tricia was awarded a 20-year service award and a merit award in 2015 by the Scout movement. It is hoped that as a lasting tribute to Tricia her group's run-down scout hut at Lansdowne Road, Flixton, will be refurbished.
Raymond said: "We have £5,000 towards the cost. This includes a magnificent donation of £2000 from the insurance firm, Verlinque, which came with a request that it be used to benefit Tricia's beavers. I remember her saying on many occasions how poor the scout hut was. With no heating in winter, they would huddle around, small portable heaters. Despite these conditions the numbers barely dropped.
"Tricia was always setting me projects; this was to be my project. I determined that no longer will the beavers, cubs, scouts, and explorers have to endure those conditions. The fund has now risen to five thousand. I would appreciate any help for tradesmen in this renovation project. This will be a fitting memorial to Tricia.
"I’ve lost a daughter, Janet and Chris a sister, Joanne a sister-in-law, Becca, Tori and Jo and Aunt, Henley a grandma. I feel I have lost the most, I lost my executer, my banker, my confident and my best friend."
The Scout Movement says: "The most important skills you’ll learn at Beavers are the ones that will make you feel super strong standing on your own two feet. We call these character skills. They include things like integrity – which means being honest and doing what you think is right – and initiative – which means knowing how to take the lead on something without being asked. It’s all about having the courage to try new things and learn from them."
It adds that being a Beaver "is all about making the most of what you have.,wherever you are and whatever you are". In Tricia Dunning they could not have had a better role model. A rainbow on the horizon makes people pause in awe, and brings a smile, and lifts anyone's mood.
Another parent of a child who was in Tricia's colony of Beavers, said: "It's so sad. She was always smiling, always so welcoming and helpful. She will be missed greatly by all that knew her. Harry said to me 'that's not fair mummy, Rainbow was nice to me at Beavers".
