Whitworth has bestowed the Honorary Townsman title on twelve individuals since 1980.
The recipients have all been nominated for the award for their services to the Whitworth community. A Role of Honour can be found on display in the Council Chambers in the Whitworth Town Council offices at the Civic Hall (The Ashcroft).
The twelve Honorary Townsmen of Whitworth are:
- 1980 - Herr Oskar Bohm
- 1982 - Dr John Tierney
- 1985 - Mr Frank Walker
- 1995 - Mr Vincent Clegg
- 1995 - Mr Fred Lord
- 1996 - Mr Jack Wilkinson
- 1999 - Mr Terry Bolton
- 2008 - Mr James Grogan
- 2012 - Mr Tom Aldred
- 2019 - Mrs Anita Farrow
- 2024 - Mr Ronald Alan Neal
- 2024 - Mr Arnold Ashworth BME
Newest Honorary Townsman
At a meeting of Whitworth Town Council on 19 December 2024, the Town Council voted to bestow the title of Honorary Townsman of Whitworth on Arnold Ashworth BEM. The nomination was made by Councillor Janet Whitehead, who explained “Arnold has dedicated over half his life to fundraising in Whitworth, raising over £700,000 to support lifesaving cancer research.” Councillor Whitehead added that Arnold had been a founding member of Whitworth Amateur Dramatics and also a captain of Lobden Golf Club and that she cannot think of anyone that is more deserving for their services to the town.
Arnold and invited guests from across the many organisations that he has had links with over the last 60years, including Whitworth Amateur Dramatics and Lobden Golf Club as well as Whitworth’s Cancer Research Committee, held a celebratory event at The Ashcroft on Friday 11th April 2025. This event was attended by the Mayors of Rossendale and Whitworth, as well as fellow Honorary Townsmen, Councillors Tom Aldred and Alan Neal. It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of Arnold who, in the words of Councillor Janet Whitehead, is “a man whose life reminds us all of the power of perseverance, love, and community spirit”.
Pictured from left to right are: Cllr Janet Whitehead, Cllr Gareth Baron – Mayor of Whitworth at the time of the award, Arnold Ashworth and Cllr Judith Driver - Mayor of Rossendale at the time of the award.
