Robert Neary

Mayor of Farnworth: 1954-55 (Labour)

Born: Kearsley 22 March 1908

Died: Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, Lancashire 19 October 1991

Engineering fitter. Buying clerk at De Havilland Propellers, Gladstone Road, Farnworth.

Represented North West Ward from 1946. Alderman, elected 1960.

Magistrate 1955.

Made Honorary Alderman of Bolton.

Chairman of the Divisional Education Executive, the Governors of Highfield County Junior School and Cherry Tree Primary Schools. Governor of George Tomlinson School and Worsley Technical College.

President of Highfield School Parents Association for 22 years.

Member of the organizing committee of Farnworth and District Boy's Club and instrumental in the acquisition of premises at Lark Hill.

Official of the Farnworth Amateur Operatic Society.

One of his major contributions was the development of the playing fields at Harper Green. He always had a personal interest in sport and knew there was a need for a central, all-purpose playing area. He realised the potential of the open space at Harper Green and his personal persistence led to him obtaining the support of the National Playing Fields Association as well as grants from the Butlin Holiday Campers Fund. HRH Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the pavilion and running track on 5 July 1963.