Westhoughton Community Network

Harold Daniels

On Saturday, 4th June [2016] there was a road traffic accident on Chorley Road (A6), Westhoughton, resulting in the death Harold Daniels. Harold was our Chair, and part of the group who got Westhoughton Community Network going back in 2011.

He was very active within the community, and very proud of what we achieved by bringing these groups together… promoting, sharing and doing things together, making Westhoughton a very special place.

A Rotarian, many will have seen him out and about at Christmas as part of the Santa float, often donning his costume (white beard not needed), raising many thousands of pounds over the years to be given out to local charities in March. With his fellow Rotarians, he was involved in organising the annual St. George's Day party for OAPs at Brookfield Hall… He was a Trustee for Senior Solutions, a visiting service for the elderly. He championed the establishment of a local Foodbank network, helping with the collection rota supporting Urban Outreach, in turn supporting the poor and those in need. He was very much part of and passionate about our community.

As Chair of our network meetings he brought his sense of humour, conviviality and some order to the disparate groups that make up the network. Always appreciative of new faces; forever promoting WCN as something to be involved with.

A great friend of the community; it is a big loss - tragic and unexpected. Harold was a real character, and someone who was much-liked and respected by those who knew him.

Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. R.I.P. dear friend.

Update: There have been many, many good wishes and a palpable sense of loss shared by the community - he featured in Bolton News (8/6/16).

Harold's funeral and committal took place on Wednesday, 22nd starting announcement - a charitable fund to be set up in his name.

This was followed by mourners, friends and people whose lives he touched gathering at Brookfield Hall (home of the Rotary Club of Westhoughton) to share a few memories and pay their respects to his family.

'Remembering Harold'

The feeling within the town has been such that there will be a number of initiatives to remember him from both community and Town Council, with a remembrance and celebration of his life taking place at St. Bartholomew's Church on Sunday, 16th October.

Covering his selfless work in the community, the service had contributions from Westhoughton Community Network, Rotary Club, a tribute from Canon Reverend Chris Bracegirdle. There were hymns; readings from the Leader of the Town Council, Cllr. Ryan Battersby and pupils from Westhoughton High School. There were musical performances from St. Bartholomew's Primary School, Alex Ingram and Julie Fisher (Inner Wheel), and Houghton Weaver, Tony Berry, accompanied by his brother Jim. Prayers were led by the Reverend Carolyn Lawrance, Minister of his Church, Melbourne Road Methodist Church in Deane. Harold's family were in attendance, and able to give an update on the 'Harold Daniels Legacy Fund' - a first gift to be made to Brake, a road safety charity, where it is hoped to do some work with local schools on road safety involving quizzes and promotional campaigns.

A lovely service, one of warmth, some humour and wonder at Harold's achievements, attended by many friends and people his life touched. Grubs Tubs present for food donations to acknowledge his involvement in the local Foodbanks Network, collecting food for the needy on behalf of Urban Outreach. (Suggested Items.)

Compiled over the summer by Bob Davies, a book - 'Harold Remembered' - commemorating his life and his work in the community, was completed and made available in November (Remembrance Day), proceeds of which will go towards the 'Harold Daniels Legacy Fund', which in turn will support local community projects and initiatives.

There is a suggested donation of £5, and orders/enquiries can be made through WCN. Copied can now be purchased locally from Rigby & Higginson Pharmacy, 140 Church St, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3SF (01942 813104).

In recognition of his service to the community, Westhoughton Town Council has created the 'Harold Daniels Memorial Trophy' which is to be held on a yearly basis to those who are awarded the Town Council's Civic Medal for long-term good work for the community and town.

Further ahead, there are plans to create a memorial garden at Westhoughton Station as part of the voluntary work being undertaken there - Harold being an enthusiastic supporter of Friends of Westhoughton Station.

It was pleasing to see Harold's daughter, Susan, at the November WCN meeting, where she gave an update on the 'Harold Daniels Legacy Fund', and the family's involvement with road safety charity Brake; she was able to see first hand the result of Harold's efforts, and a community coming together and doing good and diverse work.

The purpose of the 'Harold Daniels Legacy Fund' is to support disadvantaged, underprivileged and disabled people living in Westhoughton and Bolton (Melbourne Road and Willows area), with particular emphasis on the young and old. Proposals with sport, education and alleviating poverty are themes the family wish to focus on. Inspired by both learning about their father's selfless work in the community, and the genuine outpouring of affection felt by those whose lives he touched, they are looking for opportunities to make the fund grow by securing other sources of funding and using the fund to attract matched funding or other grants.

Local groups meeting the criteria are welcome to apply to the fund's Trustees for consideration. Contact can be made through WCN.

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