Throughout his life, Tom was a committed Christian and contributed to wider society, helping to form over thirty Young Men's Christian Associations across the North of England.  He was also Captain of his local Fire Brigade.  One of his lasting legacies is the Cleveland Institution of Engineers.  The Institution is one of the oldest such engineering bodies in the world.  Tom hosted the inaugural meeting at his home on Church Road in Stockton and was the first secretary of the organisation. There were 12 members at that first meeting, but by the time of his death (when he was president) the ranks had grown to over 460.