Tribute paid to former Liberal councillor, 81

TONY Adler: the fomer Liberal councillor who was “dedicated to Oldham” has died at the age of 81.

WELL-KNOWN former councillor Anthony (Tony) Adler has died at the age of 81.

The retired solicitor also served as an Oldham Liberal councillor during the 1960s and 1970s. He was first elected for Mumps ward in 1966, aged 31, and again in 1969. He stood down in 1972 claiming he could do more good for local people as a voluntary worker than as a councillor.

In 1969 Mr Adler, whose family home was in Werneth Hall Road, famously held his ward seat at the local elections by a single vote. He was appointed chairman of Oldham Liberal Party in 1968. He was also Oldham Council’s first-ever chairman for community relations.

In 1981 Mr Adler became chairman of Oldham Amateurs, at the time the town’s senior amateur theatre company after being involved with the group for 28 years. He later became a regional representative for the National Operatic and Dramatic Assocation, the main body for amateur theatre and musicals.

Mr Adler was also Oldham’s District Health Authority chairman for over six years — ending in March, 1986. He died on November 15 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

He was the son of the late Dr Samuel Adler and the late Mrs Amelia Adler and brother to the late Mrs Joan Silverson and Miss Peggy Adler.

Richard Knowles said: “He was the Liberal’s chairman when I came to Oldham in 1972. I knew him very well and I’m very sad to hear he has passed away. He was a very genuine sort of guy, very community-minded and generous with his time.”

A celebration of Mr Adler’s life is to be arranged in the New Year.