Harold Greenwood Holland - The Mayors of Bolton Directory

On leaving school in 1913 he joined the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company as a telegraphist, working for 36 years until his death.

Served in the First World War as a Sergeant Instructor in musketry and bayonet fighting with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was one of five brothers to serve in the War. His father was James Greenwood Holland, Colour Sergeant Instructor with the Territorial Army in Farnworth.

Became involved with trade union affairs after the General Strike of 1926. He was appointed Secretary of the Number 3 Manchester Branch of the Railway Clerks Association following the strike. He was Secretary to the Farnworth and District Trades Council until 1945.

Stood unsuccessfully for the Farnworth South East Ward in 1933 but was elected in 1937, representing North West Ward.

Elected an Alderman in 1945.

Chairman of the Local Government Employment Committee and Vice Chairman of the Farnworth and Walkden Disablement Advisory Committee.

Member and former Chairman of Farnworth Cricket and Bowling Club.

Known as a formidable debater and his abilities were never so much in evidence as when he presided over the memorable public meeting held to decide the issue of Sunday cinemas in Farnworth. He succeeded in keeping acrimony down to a minimum.

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