Building

The original building was completed in the year 1854 at the cost of £2,540. In addition, £1,920 was spent on the furnishings and £154 in architect’s fees, etc. bringing the total to £4,614. This sum was contributed voluntarily by four hundred subscribers.

 

Parish

The original parish extended along what we know as Cross Street/Washway Road to the west, the River Mersey to the north, Timperley to the south and Northenden to the east. Although this area was much larger than the present Parish the population was only in the region of 2,000, in contrast to today’s population of 19,600 (1991 Census). Northenden Road was but a country lane, St Anne's surrounded by cornfields and the Revd. J.J. Cort a familiar figure on his little black pony.

 

Churchwardens

A list of Churchwardens.

Vicar's Warden

  • 1856 - 1859 Mr William King
  • 1859 - 1861 Mr John King
  • 1861 - 1864 Mr John Medcalf
  • 1864 - 1865 Mr George Vernon Ryder
  • 1865 - 1867 Mr William Butterfield
  • 1867 - 1870 Mr Robert Bristow Lee
  • 1870 - 1873 Mr Thomas Clegg
  • 1873 - 1876 Mr John Henry Waltham
  • 1876 - 1882 Mr John Campbell
  • 1882 - 1885 Mr William Mills
  • 1885 - 1889 Mr William Armstrong
  • 1889 - 1890 Mr Frederick Robert Fox
  • 1890 - 1892 Mr Joseph Makinson
  • 1892 - 1893 Mr W Stelfox
  • 1893 - 1895 Mr G Howe
  • 1895 - 1903 Mr WS Coppock
  • 1903 - 1906 Mr James McDonald
  • 1906 - 1908 Mr Victor Edward Heathcote-Hacker
  • 1908 - 1909 Mr Norman Smith
  • 1909 - 1912 Mr John Crosby
  • 1912 - 1914 Mr Jack Harcourt Willson
  • 1914 - 1916 Mr Fleetwood Smith Churchill
  • 1916 - 1919 Mr Herbert Benson
  • 1919 - 1925 Mr AB Turner
  • 1925 - 1932 Mr Jack Harcourt Willson
  • 1932 - 1952 Dr H Heathcote
  • 1952 - 1965 Mr Frank C Tyrell
  • 1965 - 1968 Mr Ernest Critchley
  • 1968 - 1970 Mr George Shand

Renters' Warden

  • 1856 - 1858 Mr Thos. Leigh Williams
  • 1858 - 1860 Mr Alfred Watkin
  • 1860 - 1861 Mr Roger Croom
  • 1861 - 1862 Mr Sykes
  • 1862 - 1863 Mr Robert Bristow Lee
  • 1863 - 1864 Mr John King
  • 1864 - 1866 Mr JJ Occleston
  • 1866 - 1867 Mr JW Yates
  • 1867 - 1870 Mr Thomas Clegg
  • 1870 - 1873 Mr John Coulson
  • 1873 - 1875 Mr T Kirkley
  • 1875 - 1876 Mr J Bocock
  • 1876 - 1877 Mr WH Boddington
  • 1877 - 1879 Mr Richard Oldham
  • 1879 - 1882 Mr Mark W Thompstone
  • 1882 - 1885 Mr William Armstrong
  • 1885 - 1886 Mr Frederick Robert Fox
  • 1886 - 1889 Mr Charles H Wadsworth
  • 1889 - 1890 Mr Joseph Makinson

Peoples Warden

  • 1890 - 1892 Mr W Stelfox

Renters' Warden

  • 1892 - 1893 Mr G Howe
  • 1893 - 1895 Mr WS Coppock
  • 1895 - 1899 Mr RJ Hudlestone
  • 1899 - 1901 Mr Bancroft Bayley
  • 1901 - 1903 Mr James McDonald
  • 1903 - 1905 Dr Adolph Renshaw
  • 1905 - 1906 Mr Victor Edward Heathcote-Hacker
  • 1906 - 1908 Mr Wm Smith
  • 1908 - 1909 Mr John Crosby
  • 1909 - 1912 Mr Jack Harcourt Willson
  • 1912 - 1914 Mr Fleetwood Smith Churchill
  • 1914 - 1916 Mr Herbert Benson
  • 1916 - 1919 Mr James Taylor
  • 1919 - 1924 Mr Jack Harcourt Willson
  • 1924 - 1925 Mr N Repton
  • 1925 - 1932 Mr Fleetwood Smith Churchill
  • 1932 - 1936 Mr CE Wright
  • 1936 - 1937 Mr FH Goodwin
  • 1937 - 1948 Dr JL Hankey
  • 1948 - 1951 Cllr Frank Henry Highley, JP
  • 1951 - 1955 Ald. Frank Henry Highley, JP
  • 1955 - 1970 Mr Edward W Pountain

Churchwardens

  • 1970 - 1972 Mr Francis (Frank) Seddon Laughton
  • 1970 - 1974 Mr George Shand
  • 1972 - 1977 Ald. Francis (Frank) Seddon Laughton
  • 1974 - 1986 Mr Peter Lomax
  • 1977 - 1978 Mr W Eric Cotton
  • 1978 - 1980 Mr Gordon Drabble
  • 1980 - 1987 Mr Stanley Taylor
  • 1986 - 1992 Mrs Moira Alice Garnett
  • 1987 - 1991 Mr Malcolm McDonald
  • 1991 - 1998 Mr William C Cowsill
  • 1992 - 1993 Mr Brian Harper
  • 1993 - 1999 Mr David Andrew Bernard Thomas
  • 1998 - 2004 Mr Peter Parnacott
  • 1999 - 2006 Mrs Mavis McKie
  • 2004 - 2010 Mr Anthony Kershaw
  • 2006 - 2012 Mrs Hazel Ward
  • 2010 - 2015 Mr Jeremy Hinds
  • 2012 - 2014 Mr Harry Hugill
  • 2014 - date Ms Kerrie Hickman
  • 2015 - 2017 Mr Anthony Kershaw
  • 2017 - date Mrs Pauline Stacey

 

Mr. Joseph Makinson (d. 1914)

The son of John Makinson, solicitor, of Manchester. He was educated at Huddersfield College and Owens College, Manchester (now Manchester University), and went up to Clare College, Cambridge in 1856, where he gained a 2nd Class Mathematical Honours Degree. He played for the University in all three years of his attendance, playing at Lord’s against Oxford three times, making 140 runs in his six innings, with a top score of 64, and also taking 21 wickets, including 7 for 38 and 3 for 65 in 1857.

He was called to the Bar at Lincolns Inn in 1864 and practised for some time on the Northern Circuit. He officiated as Deputy-Coroner for Manchester from 1866, until he was appointed, in 1878, Stipendiary Magistrate of Salford. He continued in that position until his retirement on 4th March 1911, on a pension of £600 per annum.

Just under 5feet 7inches tall and weighing just over 10 stone, he was an attacking middle-order right-handed batsman, a right-hand medium pace round-arm bowler, and a good fielder.

On 7th May 1857, playing for the Undergraduates of Cambridge against Cambridgeshire, he scored 126 and the following year for the Undergraduates against the Gentlemen of Cambridgeshire he scored 136. On the 21st June, 1860 he scored 104 for the “Twenty of the Manchester Broughton Club” against England, whose bowlers included J Jackson, E Willsher, T Hayward and G. Tarrant.

In 1859, he was presented with a gold watch and chain with the following inscription – “Presented to Jos. Makinson, by his fellow members of the Broughton Club, as a mark of their pride in him as a cricketer, and their affection for him as a friend”. In his later years he would produce this watch and display the inscription with great pride.

Richard Daft (one of the very early players for Nottingham) related the time in 1858 when Makinson was staying in Leicestershire, and was taken by his host to play for the Twenty-Two of Eastwell against the All England Eleven.

George Parr (England Captain 1864) objected, saying that the Twenty-Two could have any man from his Eleven, and Makinson could play for the All England Eleven. Eastwell took Diver and Makinson was enrolled into the Eleven but rain spoiled the match, and Makinson made very few runs – Diver scored 60.

On 11th and 12th July, 1864 with his great friend John Walker (who was responsible for establishing Southgate Cricket Club), he played for the Surrey Club against a South Wales side, which included a 15-year-old WG Grace, and scored 86 and 36 not out. During his time at Lincolns Inn he also played in matches for the Southgate Club.

In 1865 he played for Lancashire in their first first-class match, against Middlesex at Old Trafford, when he scored 45 and 0.

In 1871 he played for the Gentlemen of Lancashire against Cambridge University and scored 64 and 65.

He continued to play club cricket for Broughton until the end of the 1870s, and in 1877 scored 104 not out against The United South of England Eleven.

Although giving up play after his appointment as Stipendiary Magistrate, he maintained his interest in the game to the end, and was for some time the Chairman of the Lancashire County Cricket Club. He remained a member of the Broughton Club and also the Sale Club, until his death.

In 1881 he and his family were living at 204, Great Clowes Street, Broughton-in-Salford. They then moved to Sale, to one of two houses newly built in Charlton Drive.

He died at his home, Roundthorne, Broomfield Avenue, Sale, Cheshire and was buried at the cemetery of St. John’s Church, Higher Broughton, Salford.

His elder brother Charles Makinson (born 1831), went to Australia in 1857 and practiced law there. He played two first-class matches for Victoria 1861-2. He returned to England in 1864, and died suddenly whilst visiting his aunt at Rugeley, Staffordshire on 12th June, 1895.

 

Mr. James McDonald (died 1922)


22 May 1909, at the Opening of the St. Anne's Bowling Club

Sale and Stretford Guardian - 20th October, 1922
Loss to Sale Death of Mr. J. M’Donald

We regret to record the death, which occurred at his residence, Marsholgate, Sale, on Friday afternoon, at the age of 63, of Mr. James M’Donald, JP. He had been in indifferent health for about the last 12 months.

By the death of Mr. M’Donald, Sale loses one who did much valuable work in (sic) behalf of the district, whose interests he had very sincerely at heart. He was the son of the late Mr. Peter M’Donald, and had lived in Sale from infancy. At the age of 23 he was admitted as a solicitor, and had since been in practice at Manchester, where he had become one of the best known and valued of the solicitors in the city. For a period he was president of the Manchester Law Society.

A staunch Conservative in politics, Mr. M’Donald many years ago acted as Conservative agent for the Sale polling district, and to the last he had a keen interest in the affairs of his party. In later years he was prominently identified with the work of local government. He was returned to Sale District Council unopposed for the South Ward in 1905, and he retained the seat until 1920, when he retired. Mr. M’Donald for some years was chairman of the Finance Committee, was chairman of the Council for a term (1916 – 18), and was chairman of the Public Offices Committee responsible for the building of the Town Hall, the foundation stone of which he placed in position on May 9th, 1914. One of the most important matters on which he was engaged in later years and in relation to which he gave valuable service, was as chairman and member of the conference of local authorities, which had consideration of the North Cheshire water question.

The late Mr. M’Donald succeeded Alderman John Morley as County Councillor for Sale, but at the last election, when incapacitated by illness, he was unsuccessful. He served on various of the most important committees associated with the county council. During his period as a county councillor he was placed on the commission of the peace of Cheshire. For several years he served on the Sale District Education Committee, and the Sale Education Foundation, of which he was a trustee.

Mr. M’Donald was an ardent churchman and had a lifelong association with St. Anne’s Church, Sale, by the congregation of which he was held in the highest esteem. He filled the offices of churchwarden in the time of the former Vicar, the late Rev. JP Cort, and he had held other positions in connection with the Church. The interests of St. Anne’s always had in him a warm and undeviating supporter.

During the late War, Mr. M’Donald for a time was honorary secretary of the War Relief Committee, and when Mr. Wingate Saul retired from the chairmanship of the local military tribunal Mr. M’Donald was appointed his successor. He also served on the local War Pennies Committee. No one worked more whole-heartedly in support of the patriotic cause. He was greatly assisted in his public labours by his wife, to whom the support of the public in general would be extended in the hour of her bereavement.

The Funeral

There was a large and representative attendance at his funeral, which took place at Brooklands cemetery. The officiating clergy were Rev. NV Scorer (Vicar of St. Anne’s, Sale) and the Rev. J. Chapman (Vicar of St. Paul’s, Sale).

Previous to the interment a service was held at St. Anne’s Church, Sale, Mr. JH Stratton, Mus. Bach., the organist played “Lead kindly light” and at the close, Chopin’s “Marche Funebre”. The coffin was met at the main entrance by Mr. J. Harcourt Willson (warden) and Mr. H. Howarth (sidesman), bearing their staves of office.

The public mourners were: First carriage: Mrs. M’Donald, Dr. Knight (nephew), Mrs. Carpenter (sister-in-law), Mr. Tom Mitchell (brother-in-law); Second carriage: Mr. Tom Mitchell (niece), Mr. Gordon Rowe, Miss. Hartley; Third carriage: Mr. Russell Cort, Dr. Ashes, Mr. Edward E Smith; Fourth carriage: Mr. AE Allen (the late Mr. M’Donald’s Clerk), and Nurse Rooney. The private motors of Sir Harry Kilvert and Mr. E Entwistle followed.

Amongst public bodies and institutions represented were …

There were floral tributes from … the Vicar, Church Officers and Church Council St. Anne’s Sale, St Anne’s Brotherhood Bowling Club, … Mrs. Cort and family …

 

Mr. Fleetwood Smith Churchill (died 1943)

Sale Guardian – 17th September 1943
Former Sale Urban Council Chairman
Death of Mr. FS Churchill

“One of Sale’s most prominent public men for a very long period after the last war, Mr. Fleetwood Smith Churchill, of Riversdale, Broad Road, Sale, died on Monday in his 83rd year. 

A native of Manchester, Mr. Churchill had lived in Sale for 45 years. He entered public affairs at the end of 1917, when he was elected to the Urban Council, and served for 10 years as a Councillor, on all its committees in turn. He was appointed Council chairman for 3 years from 1922 to 1924. At the same time, he was also a member of the Board of Guardians and, after their abolition, the Guardians Committee, for a number of years. He succeeded the Rev. JP Cort as chairman of the Board, and was also an Overseer of the Poor. Mr. Churchill also served on the Sale Education Sub-Committee, and for 20 years up to the time of his death, was chairman of the Altrincham and District Local Employment Committee.

Warden of Two Churches

An unusual position which Mr. Churchill held for many years in the church life of Sale was the churchwardenship of both St. Anne’s and St. Martin’s Churches. He was a more regular attendee at St. Anne’s, his parish church, and was superintendent of its Sunday school for some 20 years, a manager of its schools, a sidesman and a trustee until a short time ago.

At the same time, he held the position from 1919 until 1941 of churchwarden of St. Mary’s Church, appointed every year by right of the township of Sale. Hw was also chairman of the Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey Lay Mission, a branch of the Manchester City Mission.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday), a service at St. Anne’s being followed by interment in St. Mary’s Churchyard”.

Sale Guardian - 24th October 1943
Sale Civic and Church Tribute

“Civic and church representatives paid tribute to the late Mr. FS Churchill, of Riversdale, Broad Road, Sale, at the funeral which took place last week.

At St Anne’s Church Mr. Churchill had held the office of vicar’s and people’s warden and sidesman, honorary treasurer for 15 years, Sunday school superintendent from 1917 to 1932, and a trustee up to the time of his death.

In addition to his 10-year’s service on Sale Urban Council, he was a member of Sale Education Sub-Committee from 1917 to 1922, Sale Education Foundation, and a manager of St. Anne’s, Worthington Road and Springfields Schools. He was elevated to Bucklow Board of Guardians in 1917, and was from 1922 to 1926, and an Overseer at Sale from 1922 until the Guardians organisation was superseded. He then continued as a member of the Public Assistance Committee, and was chairman of the Relief Committee one year.

Employment Committee

In addition to his wardenship at St. Mary’s Church appointed by Sale Vestry, for 22 years he was also a member of the Daeumer Charity Trust. He was the first honorary secretary of the Sale Nursing Association in 1918-19. He had been a member and chairman of the Altrincham Employment Committee since 1939.

A manufacturer’s agent in business, he was a member of Manchester Chamber of Commerce from 1903 to 1911, and a fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute from 1918 to 1938.

A service at St. Anne’s Church, of which Mr. Churchill had been a churchwarden and trustee, was conducted by Rev. SB Warburton, with Mr. JH Stratton at the organ, and interment followed in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Ashton-on-Mersey, where Mr. Churchill was also a churchwarden for 22 years.

The mourners included: Miss. DF Churchill (daughter); Mr. and Mrs. CD Houston (nephew and niece); Mr. and Mrs. PE Johnson (son-in-law and daughter); Miss. Churchill (sister); Miss. JMF Churchill and Miss. BF Churchill (daughters); Miss. Houston (sister-in-law) …”.

 

Mr. John Crosby (died 1945)

Sale Guardian - 2nd November 1945
Funeral Tribute to Mr. John Crosby

“Tribute was paid by representatives of Sale Borough Council, Sale Hospital, Sale Grammar Schools, Sale Literary Society, Sale Almshouses Trust, St Anne’s Church Sale, and Manchester City Mission and by many friends and business acquaintances to the late Mr. John Crosby, of Sale, at his funeral which took place on Thursday last week.

A service was conducted at St. Anne’s Church by Rev. SB Warburton, prior to the interment at Sale Cemetery.

The chief mourners were … Others present included … Floral tributes were sent by …”.

 

Alderman Jack Harcourt Willson (died 1946)

Sale Guardian – 19th April 1929
Sale Council
Personalities in Rhyme
Fifteen Good Men and True



Then follows Harcourt Wilson, who is fond of life outdoors,
Who once came to a meeting, with his dog, in his plus fours,
He is Chairman of the Hospital, party leader and churchwarden,
And represents the North Ward with Messrs. Slate and Gordon.

Sale and Stretford Guardian – 18th April, 1935
Last Council Chairman
Mr. J. Harcourt Willson elected
To hold office for only six months


Mr. J. Harcourt Willson was elected the last chairman of the Sale Urban Council at the annual meeting …

In thanking the Council for the election, Mr. Harcourt Willson spoke briefly of the rapid growth of Sale in the last 100 years, from a small village of some 2,000 inhabitants to a desirable residential district with a population of 32,000.

The election of Mr. Harcourt Willson was proposed by Mr. GF Gordon, who said he had been a very assiduous worker, and well deserved the honour.

Mr. JW Slate seconded, and said although Mr. Willson would not have the privilege of continuing in the chair for a full 12 months, it would be for the last six months of the Urban Council’s existence.

The election was made unanimously.

Century of Progress

In expressing thanks, after assuming the chain of office, Mr. Harcourt Wilson said the period was an important one in the history of Sale. Sale had been a wonderful place in the last century. Both the district and the population had grown tremendously. One hundred years ago the population was 2,078; In 50 years it had grown to 10,825; and now the estimated population was 32,000 - 16 times larger in a century. The rateable value of the district in 1881, continued Mr. Willson, who was £77,000. By 1921 it had increased to £186,000, and now it was the large figure of £241,000.

Sale and Stretford Guardian - 21st May, 1935
Silver Jubilee Medals
For Recipients in Sale


Four prominent men in Sale’s civic life have been the recipients of Silver Jubilee Medals, commemorating the Silver Jubilee of their Majesties the King and Queen, in recognition of the notable service to the district.

They are Mr. J. Harcourt Willson, chairman of the Urban Council …

Mr. Harcourt Willson is the last Urban Council chairman before the raising of the district to borough status, and he has taken an outstanding part in public affairs for many years past. Resident in Sale for more than 30 years, he has been a member of the Council for the past eight years, and is its representative on the Cheshire Urban District Councils’ Association. While an ex-officio member of all committees during his term of office, Mr. Willson is chairman of the Housing Committee and vice chairman of the Cemetery Committee.

Formerly a member of the old Guardians’ Committee, he also served on the Public Assistance Committee for about three years, in dealing with transitional benefit. He is also on the Bucklow Area Assessment Committee, and the local Pensions Committee, and also represents the Council as a manager of the St. Anne’s School.

Outside his Council work, Mr. Willson has been associated with St. Anne’s Church for many years, formerly been a churchwarden and still being on the Church Council. He has been actively connected with the Sale and Brooklands War Memorial Hospital since its opening in 1921, and for some years past has been chairman of the management committee.

Sale and Stretford Guardian - 8th November, 1935
Sale’s First Borough Council
North Ward


*J. Harcourt Willson (Con.) 523 [Elected, third]

16 November 1936
J. Harcourt Willson (Con.) 651 [Elected, first]

Sale Guardian - 10th September 1943
Sale’s Next Mayor
Alderman Willson Nominated


“… in their choice, which the “Guardian” understands was unanimous, the members of the Council have followed their custom in conferring the honour in order of seniority on the Council. Alderman Willson was first elected to Sale Urban Council for North Ward in April 1927, and has since served without a break …

… For many years, also, he was a church warden at St. Anne’s Church, where he has also held a number of offices and is still a manager of the Church day schools. 

...  Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute …”.

Sale Guardian - 19th November 1943
Sale Civic Service
Parade at St. Anne’s Church


“St. Anne’s Church, where the Mayor of Sale (Ald. J Harcourt Willson) has been for many years a prominent member and officer, was the scene of the civic service, with which he begun his year of office on Sunday morning …”.

Sale Guardian - 12th November 1943
Sale and Street Ceremonies

“ … Sale elected Alderman Jack Harcourt Willson, “father” of the Council, as its eighth Mayor, and Alderman John Paley Parrish was appointed Deputy Mayor …”. Sale Guardian - 8th April 1944

Day of Prayer in Sale
Mayor of St. Anne’s Service


“To mark the national day of prayer the Mayor of Sale (Alderman JH Willson) attended morning service at St. Anne’s Church, Sale, on Sunday …”.

Sale and Stretford Guardian - 7th June 1946
Sale ex-Mayor and Hospital Chairman
Death of Mr. JH Willson


“Mayor of Sale in 1943 – 44 and Alderman of the Borough Council until last November, Mr. Jack Harcourt Willson died at his home, Elmhurst, Church Road, Sale in the early hours of Saturday, at the age of 84. He was taken ill on Tuesday last week.

A native of Eccles, Mr. Willson had lived in Sale for 47 years. In business he was formerly on the staff of Atlas Assurance for 40 years, retiring in December 1926, as the life superintendent of the company in Manchester. He had also been the honorary secretary of the Insurance Institute of Manchester from 1912 to 1915.

Mr. Willson’s civic career began after his retirement, when he was elected to the Urban Council for North Ward in 1927. He became the last chairman of the Council from May to November 1935 and was elevated to the aldermanic bench of the Borough Council in 1938. He was chairman for a three-year term of the Library Committee, and for a much longer period, right up to his retirement from Council affairs, represented the Council on the National Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Mayor at 82

When Alderman Willson was appointed Mayor in November 1943 at the age of 82, many of his colleagues feared that he might not prove equal to his year of office, but he carried out his duties assiduously and seemed even more active at the end than the beginning.

Mr. Willson was even better known in Sale for his work for Sale War Memorial Hospital, right from its inception in 1920. He was its first treasurer for two years and then became vice-chairman, and succeeded the late Mr. William Hughes as chairman of the Board of Management in 1929. Apart from his chairmanship, Mr. Willson collected a large number of subscriptions and donations from prominent local townspeople every year, and in his civic affairs never lost an opportunity of furthering the hospital and its needs. During his mayoralty, he raised more than £700 for the hospital’s extension fund.

Freeman 50 years

Ever since he had resided in Sale, Mr. Willson had been associated with St. Anne’s Church. For a number of years he was churchwarden and also represented the Borough Council on the Church School Board of Managers. He was also an honorary life member of Sale Rotary Club, a member of Sale Golf Club. For 50 years he had been a Freemason in the Humphrey Chetham Lodge, of which he was the oldest past-master, having held the chair in 1906. He had also held Offices in the East Lancashire province as PPAGDC.

Amongst a number of associations in Manchester, Mr. Willson was president of the Pedestrian Club, a member of the Field Naturalists Society, the Geographical Society, the Arts Club.

A widower since 1917, Mr. Willson leaves two daughters, and one son, who is now in business in Calcutta.

Last of the Friends

Tribute was paid to Mr. Willson as the last of three friends of St. Anne’s Church – along with the late Mr. FS Churchill and Mr. John Crosby – who rendered great service in the church and in public life, by the Vicar, the Rev. SB Warburton, at the funeral on Wednesday, when a large gathering of mourners included representatives of Sale Borough Council, Sale Hospital, St. Anne’s Church and Schools …

The Chief Mourners were: Miss. Dallas Willson (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Thorburn (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. Edwin Willson (brother), Mr. Perry Brookshaw (cousin), Mr. Derek Ramsdale (nephew), Mr. and Mrs. George Thorburn, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Thorburn and Miss. Dodd.

Civic Tribute

Amongst others present were …

Floral Tributes

Floral tributes were sent by … Dallas and Elaine; Jack, Gwyn, Shirley and Peter; Aubrey, Martin and Rosemary; Nell, George, Eric and Marion; George Roscoe; Derek Ramsdale; Mrs. Chris Thompson and family; Percy Brookshaw and Dolly; …

… Humphrey Chetham Chapter 645; Humphrey Chetham Lodge 645 …”.

 

Councillor/Alderman Mr. Frank Henry Highley, JP

Sale and Stretford Guardian - 12th July 1946
New Magistrates

"... Mr. Frank Henry Highley, Lyndhurst, Priory Road, Sale ...".

Sale Pioneer - 31st August 1946
Two New Sale Magistrates Sworn In

“… Councillor Highley, a member of the Borough Council for 10 years, and one of its most assiduous members, spending a great amount of his time on Council business both in Sale and on outside bodies, has been very active in youth welfare and is on the governing body of several local schools and youth organisations, and chairman of the newly-founded Sale branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association. He is also president of the Sale Amateur Operatic Society and is connected with various charitable organisations and committees. He is also a sidesman of St. Anne’s Church, Sale …”.

Sale Guardian – 9th February 1951
Ex-Mayor is new Aldermen

Councillor FH Highley was elected to the aldermanic bench at Sale Borough Council meeting on Tuesday to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Aldermen H. Towned.

Mayor of Sale last year, Councillor Highley was first elected to the Council for St. Anne’s Ward in December, 1935. He was due to stand for re-election at the next Council elections in May.

Mr. F. S. Laughton of Rosedene, Clarendon Road, sale, has been accepted by the St. Anne’s Ward Conservative Committee as perspective candidate for the Ward in view of Aldermen Highley’s elevation …

Mr. Laughton is in Altrincham General Hospital. He was recently elected chairman of St Anne’s Ward Committee.

Sale Guardian – 25th July 1952
Lord Lieutenant Opens Home

Lying on an occasional table in the freshly-decorated lounge of the High Lea Old Folk’s Home in Broad Road, Sale is a green leather-bound gilt- titled book. It tells the story of the foundation of the home …

For Mrs. FH Highley the story, which began in 1949 when she was Mayoress of Sale, had reached its climax …

After the Rev. SB Warburton, vicar of St. Anne’s Church, had said a prayer of dedication, the Mayor thanked Lord Leverhulme …

Sale Guardian – 12th December 1952
Television Set Gift to Old Folks’ Hostel

… Mrs. Fortune hands the television license to Alderman Highley …[Photograph]

The 15 residents of High Lee House Hostel for old people in Broad Road, Sale …

The Guardian – 25th June 1954
Ex-Mayor Dies Suddenly - Alderman FH Highley

After collapsing at the annual bowls match in Worthington Park, Sale, between members of Sale Borough Council and Sale Veterans’ Bowls Club on Wednesday night, Alderman Frank Henry Highley, of Lyndhurst, Priory Road, Sale, later died at his home at the age of 63.

Alderman Highley was Mayor of Sale in 1949-1950 and deputy Mayor last year. Proprietor of a boot-making and leather goods business in Northenden Road, Sale, he joined Sale Borough Council as a representative for St. Anne’s Ward in 1935 and was elected an Alderman in 1951.

He was chairman of Sale and Lymm Divisional Education Executive, Sale Juvenile Court magistrates and the Council’s Finance Committee. He was associated with many other committees concerned with local government administration and had an interest in many cultural, charitable, social and welfare organisations in Sale.

He leaves the widow and two sons.

The service held at St. Anne’s Church, Sale, on Monday, will be followed by interment Brooklands Cemetery.

The Guardian – 2nd July 1954
Hundreds Pay Last Tributes to Alderman FH Highley
Colleagues Line Church Pathway


Many hundreds of representatives from every walk of life in Sale and district attended the funeral on Monday of Ald. Frank Henry Highley, Mayor of Sale in 1949-50, whose sudden death at the age of 63 was reported in last week’s “Guardian”.

Headed by the Mayors of Sale (Cllr. T Baxter) and Altrincham (Cllr. T. Baxter), former colleagues of Alderman Highley on Sale Borough Council, officials and workmen lined the pathways into St. Anne’s Church, Sale, for the funeral cortege. The Rev. SB Warburton officiated.

The church was filled to capacity with representatives of the many committees and organisations of which Alderman Highley was a member and the people with whom he had come into contact during his business and social life. After the service 30 children from St. Anne’s School lined the pathway.

Interment took place at Brooklands Cemetery.

Alderman Highley came to Sale in 1912 from Warrington.

He first took an active interest in local government work in 1935 when he was elected to Sale Borough Council as a representative for St. Anne’s Ward. In 1951 he was made on alderman.

Re-elected Chairman

This year, as chairman of the Finance and Rating Committee, he presented his first budget to the Council, and last month he was re-elected chairman of the Committee. During his service he has been a member of most of the council’s standing committees.

Proprietor of a bookmaking and leather goods business in Northenden Road, Sale, he was a member of the Manchester and Salford Master Bookmakers’’ and Repairers’ Association.

One of Alderman Highley’s main interests was education, and he succeeded another tireless worker for his cause, the late Alderman GF Gordon, as chairman of the Sale and Lymm Divisional Education Executive, after being vice chairman for the previous two years.

Interest in young and old

In 1946 he became a magistrate and took a particular interest in juvenile delinquency. He was subsequently made chairman of Sale Juvenile Court Magistrates and a member of Sale Probation Sub-committee and a licensing justice.

Alderman Highley made a great name for himself among the old folk of the town - another of his chief interests being the welfare and housing of the elderly. During his Mayoralty he sponsored the old folk’s hostel in Broad Road, Sale, known as High Lee House - taking its name from Alderman and Mrs. Highley, and Mrs. Ernest Lee, another enthusiastic worker who helped in the setting up of the home.

A devout churchgoer, Alderman Highley has been a member of St. Anne’s Church for many years, and before his appointment as peoples’ warden in 1947 was a sidesman.

He also had an active social life, and was associated with various local organizations. He was a Freemason for 33 years, being a Member and Past Master of Richmond Lodge 1011, Past Provincial Grand Officer of East Lancashire, Provincial Grand Officer of the Chapter in Cheshire, and an Excellent Companion of the Sale Priory Lodge Chapter. He was president of the Sale Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, Sale Amateur Swimming Club and Sale and District Boy Scouts’ Association, vice president of Sale Horticultural and Allotment Society, and a member of Sale Rotary Club and Sale Conservative Association.

Chief mourners will Mrs. Highley, Mr. and Mrs. F. Highley, Mr. and Mrs. T. Highley (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. G Harrison, Mr. A Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tonge (brothers-in-law and sisters), Mr. G Lloyd, Mr. A. Tonge (nephews), Mrs. A Walden (sister-in-law), Mr. G Lloyd, Mrs. F. Dutton (nieces), Mr. L Highley (cousin) …

The Guardian - 9th July 1954
Council tribute to late Alderman Highley

Tribute to the late Alderman FH Highley was paid at the monthly meeting of Sale Borough Council on Tuesday when members stood in memory of their former colleague.

The Mayor (Cllr. L Bethell), Councillor Mrs. WM Phillips and Alderman TF Hampson referred to his many sterling qualities, and other tributes were paid by Mr. B. Finch (Town Clark) for the Corporation officials and Alderman RP Bannister.

Other appreciations of Alderman Highley were made at Sale Juvenile Court on Thursday last week by Mrs. C Mapp (chairman) and Chief Inspector A Davies, for the police.

At the meeting of Sale Junior Borough Council on Friday, members stood in silence, and tribute was paid by the Junior Mayor (Junior Alderman RM Greaves).

The Guardian - 16th July 1954
A dual tribute

More tributes to the late Alderman FH Highley (chairman), and the late Mr. WF Ashby (divisional education officer), who died within nine days of one another, were paid at the monthly meeting of Sale and Lymm Divisional Education Executive on Monday.

The Guardian - 22nd October 1954
High Lee House to be Enlarged

As a memorial to the late Alderman FH Highley, the High Lee House hostel for elderly people is to be enlarged …  

 

Francis Seddon Laughton

Sale Guardian - 23rd November, 1951
Councillor Fined

Francis Seddon Laughton, 72, Clarendon Road, a member of Sale Borough Council, was fined £1 at Sale Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to leaving a motor car without lights in Northenden Road, Sale.

 

The Guardian - 24th June 1955
Will qualify as magistrates

The following will qualify as county magistrates at Knutsford Adjourned Quarters Sessions, starting on Monday, July 11th …

Francis Seddon Laughton (Sale) …

Manchester Guardian – 7th March 1958
Tories choose candidates for county elections
Two not to seek re-election


… The new candidates are both former members of Sale Borough Council … Mr. FS Laughton, 72 Clarendon Road, Sale, [will contest] No. 3 Division …