John Thomas Allen - The Mayors of Bolton Directory

Worked at John Smith, Leverbank Bleachworks. By 1935 he had worked there 50 years and was presented with a long service certificate by the Bleachers Association.

He was a founder member of Little Lever Labour Party, the Kearsley meetings of the first active workers taking place in an anteroom of the Co-operative buildings. He served the Party in many offices, including President. 

He was the first Labour member of the Council to be appointed in 1925. At that time the retiring member was John Hayward, a staunch Conservative, but he agreed to stand down if Mr Allen stood in his Ward. He was elected and represented Ladyshore Ward for 9 years until defeated in 1934. The following year he was elected representing West Ward and he continued to do so until his retirement in 1947.

Magistrate, appointed 1931.

He served Little Lever on the Irwell Valley Water Board as well as on many other organizations and committees.

He had a long association with the Co-operative movement in the village and was President of the Society for many years.

Methodist - he was a Trustee of Little Lever Methodist Church, a member of the choir for 56 years and a Sunday School teacher for 30 years. He was Chairman of the Senior School Managers for 17 years.

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