1935-1936, William Blackshaw, Mayor of Leigh

William lived with his wife at 43 Bond Street in Leigh.

He was a draper and clothier by trade for over 50 years. and was a well-known figure around Leigh due to the straw hat that he wore in the spring and summer months.

William was first elected to the council in 1924, he was the Labour representative for St. Paul’s ward at the Leigh Town Council, later to be elected an Alderman in 1944. William was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for Leigh in 1930.

William Blackshaw went to Atherton aged 20 years old. He lived in Leigh for over 40 years and was very active in the town being the Chair of the Electricity Committee, Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, Chair of the Education Finance Committee and served on the Food Control Committee, whilst holding many more positions on various other committees.

In 1926 he was appointed as one of Leigh’s representatives on the Lancashire County Council holding office until March 1940 when he retired, that same year he was appointed a Borough Magistrate,

Religion was always the main spring of William and his wife’s life and both were hard workers in their church life. In 1914 he was primarily responsible for the erection of Leigh Spiritualist Temple and became President, always having a cheery word and a smile for everyone. “Be Happy” was his motto referring to it several times in his public speeches, believing that physical fitness was vital to a healthy mind and body. William had witnessed illness and poverty on many occasions during his many visits to working class homes in the course of his work.

William‘s wife, Mrs Blackshaw, was the governor of Leigh Girls Grammar School. She also took a keen interested in Leigh Swimming Club and was a member of the Leigh Guardians Committee.

William was a member of the Education Committee. He was Chair of Leigh Girls Grammar School and of Lowton Education Committee and Vice President of the National Old Age Pensioners Association and Leigh Children’s` Holiday Camp, They both had an interest in the welfare of children and  tried to do good to people less fortunate than themselves.

William died in October 1944 aged 74 years leaving one son and two daughters.

The funeral services took place at the Spiritualist Temple and Leigh Parish Church, followed by internment at Leigh Cemetery.

By Evelyn Walls.

Reference

Biographical cuttings – William Blackshaw, available at Leigh Local Studies