Tom Greenough Hirst
Tom Greenough Hirst ( -1939), director of Sutcliffe, Speakman and Co
1939 Obituary [1]
TOM GREENOUGH HIRST. Mr. Tom Greenough Hirst died suddenly at his home on October 23, 1939, after more than fifty years of engineering activity. He will be remembered particularly for his geniality, his happy nature, and his unfailing good humour.
A member of a prominent Leigh family, he began his business career with his uncle, Alderman Richard Greenough, at the Anchor Brass Works, Leigh. Here, as he has confessed, he "learnt much and spoiled more," but he eventually took control of the business with much success and general satisfaction to his numerous clients.
During the war of 1914 he took a lively interest in the production of brass billets at the Cyclops Foundry, Leigh, of which he was a director; the output reached a maximum of 350 tons weekly, the whole of which was used in the manufacture of shell parts for war munitions.
After the war the Anchor Brass Works was acquired by Sutcliffe, Speakman & Co., Ltd., and Mr. Hirst became a director of the Company, retaining this office until his death.
He did not seek public honours, but made many friends on the golf links and in other social circles. He was a member of the Rotary Club, the Lilford Lodge of Freemasons, and an enthusiastic gardener. Memories of his pleasing personality will be cherished for many years.
Mr. Hirst was an original member of this Institute and a regular attendant at the Institutes' gatherings, especially at the Autumn meetings, where he joined freely in the various social activities.