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Dr Leslie Millward 1910-1982

Dr Leslie Millward was born at Belper, near Derby. He trained as a doctor in Liverpool, and then worked for a year in various hospitals, followed by two years of practice in Radcliffe before moving to New Mills. He took over the practice at Redgate at the foot of St Marys Road, from Dr Pemberton in 1938.

Dr Millward was shocked by the condition of the older housing in the central part of the town. It has long since been demolished, but at the time Dr Millward considered it to be a major cause of the high mortality from diseases such as diphtheria and tuberculosis.

He succeeded in getting elected to New Mills Urban District Council in 1946, as an independent, and served continuously until 1972. He was twice chairman, in 1950-51 and in 1958-59. He always maintained his interest in housing, serving as chairman of the health and housing committee for 12 years.

Dr Millward served the town in other ways too. He became a magistrate, was a member of both the Cricket and Golf Clubs. In 1965 he was a founder member of the Civic Amenities Society, and will forever be remembered for his part in the restoration of the Torrs. He retired in July 1975 after 38 years and the town hall was packed to capacity when he was honoured for his service to the community.

After retirement, he maintained his interest in local affairs and his enjoyment in gardening. He died suddenly on the 13th of August 1982, aged 72, and, at his request, his cremated remains were placed in a niche in the rock face of the Torrs. It was decided that a memorial to recognise Dr Leslie Millward’s service to the town would be fitting. Following a suggestion from his wife Margery it was decided to build a new footbridge across the River Sett. Opened in 1984 it is a fitting memorial to a man who gave so much of both his professional and personal time to the people of New Mills.