Richard Ralphson
Mayor of Farnworth: 1945-46 (Labour)
Born: Farnworth 4 May 1898
Died: Farnworth 24 April 1985
Better known as Dick Ralphson.
He began working life as a half-timer at Thomas Barnes & Sons Number 4 Mill Queen Street Farnworth. He also worked at Wallwork & Sussum's Mill, Gladstone Road, Farnworth.
He played football for All Saints.
He served in the First World War losing his right eye on active service in France.
He was a coal miner for 31 years working at Ladyshore and Brackley Collieries, Little Hulton, leaving in 1962. He sustained an injury at work resulting in a fractured ankle and a slight limp
During the Second World War he became a member of the Farnworth Company of the Home Guard from 1940.
He was a member of the Divisional Labour Party Executive from 1935 and Secretary of the Labour Group. He was also local Labour Party Secretary for 20 years.
He was awarded the Labour Party Regional Merit Award, one of only six awarded annually, and the Labour Party Long Service Award.
Councillor and Alderman for 13 years.
National Executive member of the National Union of Mineworkers.
He was Trustee, Secretary and Auditor, Little Lever Miners Branch and later President.
He lived in Highfield Road, Farnworth.
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