Philip Smith

Mayor of Farnworth: 1962-63 (Labour)

Born: c. 1899

Died: Fairhaven, Ringley Road, Whitefield, Lancashire 9 August 1964

Owner of furniture shop on the corner of Peel Street and Market Street, Farnworth. Had business interests in Farnworth for more than 40 years.

He was first co-opted onto the Council in 1940 (elections were suspended during the War) as a Liberal and was Chairman of the Housing Committee. He lost his seat in the first post-War election.

He also fought as a Liberal candidate for the Clayton Division of Manchester in the 1945 General Election but was unsuccessful.

In 1954 he became a member of the Labour Party and was elected to Farnworth Council, representing South East Ward until his death.

He was proud of the fact that he was the first member of the Jewish faith to be Mayor although he was not the first Jewish First Citizen of Farnworth. That distinction belonged to Samuel Taylor, Chairman of the UDC 1936-1938.

In his inauguration speech he said that as a member of the Jewish faith he was a great believer in the democracy. "I appeal to all who value the system of democracy to take a greater interest in national and local government affairs. In the world there are people who would sacrifice a great deal to live in a country such as ours where freedom and democracy prevail and it is up to all of us to combat the great dangers of indifference".

He was also concerned about the problem of loneliness among the aged and welcomed suggestions whereby something practical could be done to help solve this problem.

County Councillor 1964, representing the Eastern Division of Farnworth.

Governor of Bolton School (Boys Division) and the Bolton and District Spastic Children's School.

He played a big part in the organization of Farnworth's first Drama Festival in 1945. He was the first Chairman of the Drama Festival Committee and donated two cups for competition. He also presented a cup to Farnworth Swimming Club to foster schools competitive swimming.

Member of Farnworth and District Rotary Club.