1947-1949, Joseph Parr, Mayor of Leigh

1947-1949, Joseph Parr, Mayor of Leigh

Joseph was born in Westleigh in 1891, and on leaving school he took various jobs including a scavenger in a mill for a time, but he then turned his attention to teaching and was fortunate in securing a position at Plank Lane Methodist Schools starting as assistant master. He worked his way up to becoming headmaster and held this position for 28 years retiring in 1933.

He started as a councillor representative of Etherstone Ward, becoming mayor in 1947 to 1949.

Made alderman in 1955, Joseph was Chair of the finance committee, and served on the education committee. He was a council representative on the Governing Body of Liverpool University and was on the Leigh and district planning committee, as well as the Leigh and Atherton Joint Sewerage Board.

Joseph was a trustee of the Bradshaw and Hilton charities for many years. He also spent time as a Sunday School teacher at Plank Lane and as a local Methodist preacher.

He died in 1959 aged 68 whilst visiting his daughter in Louth, Lincolnshire.

References

Biographical cuttings – Joseph Parr, Mayor of Leigh