Arnold Ashworth BEM becomes an Honorary Townsman of Whitworth
17th of April, 2025
At the 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.
The first Honorary Townsman of Whitworth was Herr Oskar Böhm from Kandel, Whitworth’s twin German town, who received the award in 1980; the most recent recipient was Councillor Alan Neal, who was also honoured in 2024 for his dedication to Whitworth, representing the town as a councillor on Whitworth Town Council over 37 years. Arnold is only the twelfth recipient of the award, who have all been nominated for the award for their services to the Whitworth community. A Roll of Honour can be found on display in the Council Chambers in the Whitworth Town Council offices at Whitworth Civic Hall (The Ashcroft).
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. 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 are Arnold with Councillor Janet Whitehead, Councillor Gareth Baron, Mayor of Whitworth and Councillor Judith Driver, Mayor of Rossendale.