Edward Gittins

Chairman of Kearsley Urban District Council: 1919-21 (Liberal)

Born: Buckley, Flintshire, Wales c. 1854 

Died:  375 Bolton Road, Kearsley 14 August 1932

Educated: St Matthew's School, Buckley, Flintshire, Wales

His father was killed in the pit when he was 8 years old. In 1872 he came to Kearsley as a colliery worker but later went into business as a Yeast Merchant. He was also an official of the Wesleyan and General Assurance Company.

Represented West Ward for 25 years from 1895 - one of first members of Kearsley UDC. Magistrate 1920.

Member of the Board of Guardians and an Overseer of the Poor for 17 years. Manager of Clifton Council School and a member of the Kearsley Area Education Committee.

Member of the Irwell Bank Band, serving as Secretary and as Bandmaster for over 30 years. He acted as adjudicator at contests throughout the Country and also found time the train the 1st Flintshire Royal Engineers Band, Buckley. He was also Bandmaster of St Stephen's (Kearsley) Band for a while and conductor of the Tyldesley Band.

In his youth he attended St Matthew's Church, Buckley and was confirmed at Haywarden Parish Church. Later he worshipped at Ringley Wesleyan Chapel.

Supporter of Kearsley Cricket Club.

His son Herbert Gittins was killed in action on 2 June 1917 while serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry in northern France.

His brother William Gittins was landlord of the Antelope Hotel on Manchester Road, Kearsley.