1965-1966, Albert Shepherd, Mayor of Leigh

1965-1966, Albert Shepherd, Mayor of Leigh

Leigh’s indoor market and the installation of a central oxygen supply at Leigh Infirmary were the two flagship schemes that marked Albert Shepherd’s year in office as mayor of Leigh.

As vice-chairman of the Baths and Markets Committee, Albert had been one of the driving forces behind the new market development, which was expected to be completed during his time as mayor. And his choice of the “Oxygen on tap” scheme as his chosen charity gave a major boost to Leigh Infirmary’s efforts to improve its facilities.

Albert pledged to work with the Friends of Leigh Hospitals to bring about the fulfilment of the scheme designed to bring Leigh Infirmary considerably more up-to-date by the provision of the central oxygen supply unit.

“The cost, £1,230, is quite a tidy sum, ‘the newly-elected mayor told his fellow councillors, “but not out of reach of what I know to be one of the most thoughtful communities. I know from past experience that the people of Leigh will support this worthy cause.”

Born in Plank Lane in 1914, Albert Shepherd was the eldest of a family of five and attended the old St Andrew’s Mission school. On leaving school, he started work at Pennington Mill, but as the mills were doing badly at that time, he did not stay long, moving to Bickershaw Colliery, where he entered the building department as an apprentice bricklayer. He attended evening classes at Leigh Technical College, passing all his examinations with honours and winning several prizes in the process.

He was a staunch and active trade unionist and served on the committee of the Lancashire Tradesmen’s Association for many years. After moving to Parsonage Colliery, he served as assistant branch secretary of the association from 1946-1955 when he was elected secretary and served for many years as a member of the executive.

He joined the council in 1952 as a representative of St Paul’s Ward and was a member of various committees and deputy leader of the Labour group. For several years he was president of the St Paul’s Ward Association.

Married at St Peter’s Church, Leigh, in 1952, he and his wife had a daughter, Dorothy.

Albert Shepherd, who lived in Milnes Street, Leigh, died in Wigan Infirmary in November, 2000 at the age of 86. His funeral was held at Christ Church, Pennington, and he was buried in Leigh Cemetery.

Written by Gordon Sharrock

References

Biographical cuttings – Albert Shepherd, available at Leigh Local Studies.