Obituary: Tribute to Allan Ashworth

The family of Allan Ashworth have paid tribute to him after he died on Wednesday 10 September.

Allan, who died at the age of 91, was born in 1923 and was the only child of Clifford and Amy (Dolly) Ashworth and lived on Haslam Street, Spotland as a child. Allan then attended Spotland Community Primary School.

After school, Allan joined the RAF in 1941 and was stationed in Cyprus and Canada. He left four years later.

Allan married Margaret in 1949 and they spent most of their married life on Spotland Road and later in Shawclough. Their only son David was born in 1952.

Upon leaving the RAF, Allan worked alongside his dad at Nile Street Carrying Company. The company was started by Allan’s dad Clifford and a gentleman named Joe Clegg in the 1920s.

Allan joined the company after the war driving lorries and learning mechanics. Nile Street Carrying Company worked doing demolition in the early days and also made the black mortar used to build Kirkholt and Greave. The company was sold in 1973.

Allan then joined Rochdale Police in the accounts department and worked there until his retirement in 1983.

Allan was a cricket player in his spare time. He was the captain of the Social Union of Churches Cricket Club which was part of the Rochdale and District Cricket League. His captaining skills were described as “exceptionally good” by those who were captained by him.

After playing cricket, Allan became a member of the Todmorden and District Bowling League playing for the Lanctan Veteran’s League. Allan played crown green bowls competitively throughout the summer.

Allan was a staunch Methodist and was heavily involved in the move from Lowerfold Methodist Church at its amalgamation with Hollows Methodist and eventual relocation to its present home at Thrum Hall. Allan had a strong friendship with Rev Keith Thompson of Lowerfold Methodist Church before Keith left and emmigrated to Australia.

Allan was also part of Thrum Hall players and would design scenery and set pieces for local productions. He was also involved in church choirs and men’s groups.

Allan’s cousin, Brian Ashworth said: “Allan was a quiet man, very well respected by all who came across him and also by his family and friends.”

After the death of Margaret in 2010 Allan remained at home until shortly before his 90th birthday. Unfortunately ill health meant that he spent the last 18 months of his life being cared for at Meadow View Residential Home in Castleton before passing away peacefully there after a very brief illness.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday 23 September 2014 at 12.45pm at Thrum Hall Church, Thrum Hall Lane, Shawclough, Rochdale and then at 1.40pm at the Crematorium.