Barbara Olwyn Ronson - The Mayors of Bolton Directory

Horwich: 1996-1997 (Liberal Democrat). Bolton: 2007-08 (Liberal Democrat)

Bolton 16 December 1942

Bolton, 28 October 2018

Pikes Lane School, Bolton; Bolton School (Girls Division); Manchester College of Commerce; Bolton Institute of Higher Education

Born Barbara Olwyn Gettins.

Worked as a librarian and college lecturer until retirement.

First elected to Horwich Town Council in 1987, along with her husband, Robert Ronson.

During her year of office as Mayor of Horwich she worked to improve the lives of the young people of the town, assisting youth clubs and other organizations with practical problems. Among the organizations helped during her year were Vision Aid, the Deaf Children's Society, Fox Street Youth Club and St John Ambulance.

Her Mayoress was her friend, Fran Thomas, whose late husband, Phil, was a former Horwich Councillor.

First female leader of Bolton Council 2004-2006.

First Liberal Democrat Mayor of Bolton.

Honorary Alderman of Bolton Metropolitan Borough, admitted 2011.

Unveiled the statue of Fred Dibnah on Oxford Street on 29 April 2008.

Made Honorary Freeman of Horwich 13 May 2013.

She was the first female Mayor of Bolton to have a male consort - her husband, Councillor Robert Ronson, Mayor of Horwich 1991-92.

A Civic Plaque was unveiled in memory of both Bob and Barbara Ronson on 11 November 2019 by Mayor of Horwich Gordon Stone on behalf of Horwich Town Council. It is located on the side wall of Horwich Civic Hall.