A WORSLEY woman who devoted her life to public service has died at the age of 93.

Mrs Aneta Hallam was a JP in Bolton for 23 years.

Mrs Hallam, nee Coulthurst, was born on New Year's Eve 1903. Her father was the station master at Moses Gate station.

She was introduced to voluntary public service by her parents, who were involved in the Boys' Brigade, Boy Scouts, Guild of Help and St John Ambulance Brigade.

After her marriage she moved with her husband, John Hallam, to Walkden. They joined Worsley Labour Party in 1935 and in 1944 were instrumental in setting up the Walkden branch of the Workers' Educational Association, each holding an office - secretary and treasurer - for 25 years. This led to an involvement with the extra-mural studies department of Manchester University and the setting up of Holly Royde College, Didsbury, providing residential courses for mature students who had been deprived of a good education in their younger days.

In 1950 she was appointed a magistrate and served in the Bolton Division at Castle Street for 23 years. She also worked with the Worsley Citizens' Advice Bureau for 43 years.

Widowed in 1974, Mrs Hallam continued her voluntary work, including knitting blankets for St Ann's Hospice in Little Hulton.

Mrs Hallam died in the Royal Bolton Hospital and the funeral service was held at Worsley Road Methodist Church, Walkden, followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium.

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