| AdminHistory | William Beighton was a Sheffield city councillor who was active in local politics and community life, playing a key role in promoting numerous public works, notably the Chapeltown public swimming baths.
In 1986 he received an Award of Merit for 46 years' service to the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU). He joined the union in 1933 when employed by Newton Chambers & Co as an apprentice engineer and served as branch office money steward for 35 years and branch secretary for 11 years. He also served as shop steward with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) for 27 years and was NUM Birdwell branch president for 7 years until his retirement in 1976. He worked for the National Coal Board as a maintenance engineer from 1950 until his retirement and so held dual union membership.
For 14 years he served on Wortley Rural District Council which he chaired from 1972 - 1973. He was also a member of Ecclesfield Parish Council for 29 years, from 1951, becoming its longest serving member, acting as chairman for 17 years. Upon his retirement he became only the third person to receive the Freedom of the Parish.
From 1946 - 1971 he was also treasurer of Wortley District Labour Party and treasurer of the Chapeltown Trades Council. He also served on school governing bodies for 39 years.
His records reveal a commitment to campaigning for social justice and an egalitarian society. |
| Description | High Green Labour Party minute book (signed), 1950 - 1959, includes income/expenditure accounts (audited) 1949 - 1958 (X110/1)
Scrapbooks of newspaper cuttings, compiled by Mr Beighton, interspersed with his personal comments, reflections and poems, 1943 - 1992 (X110/2)
Miscellaneous printed pamphlets and correspondence, 1945 - 1988 (X110/3) |