1944-1945, Thomas Haseldine, Mayor of Leigh

1944-1945, Thomas Haseldine, Mayor of Leigh

Thomas Haseldine was a native of Leigh, living at 279 Firs Lane. He started work as a surface hand at Bickershaw Colliery

Thomas was first elected to the Town Council in 1927 as a member for St. Peter’s Ward serving continuously till his death. He was a serving member on several committees including Education, Housing, The Library, Gas and Water Cleansing, Highways and Allotments Committees.

Thomas always took a great interest in anything related to the flooding of Plank Lane and Firs Lane and anything related to the subsidence of Plank Lane Colliery taking avid interest in the debates on such matters in the council chambers. He was a prominent member of Plank Lane Labour Club and a manager of St. Peters C. E. Schools. Thomas was also a member of the Joint Sewage Board.

Thomas was at one time licensee of the New Inn pub on Firs Lane, but he also with his wife ran an off licence.

Thomas held the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Certificate for bravery in helping to save lives in 1904, when a number of lads drowned falling through the ice on a pond.

Thomas had been ill for two months before his death at the age of 70 which occurred on New Years Day 1949. The funeral service was held at St Peter’s Church and was conducted Reverend C B Crawshaw. Thomas was buried at Leigh Cemetery.

Thomas had a wife, four sons and three daughters.

Written by Evelyn Walls

References

Biographical cuttings – Thomas Haseldine – Leigh Local Studies