Horwich’s Local Hero
Peter Schofield, that well known man about Horwich is known to many of us as the Secretary of both Lawrence Allied Council and Viscount Leverhulme Allied Council.
He is also a talented Crown Green Bowler.
Peter Schofield as we know him
On Friday 26th May 2023 Peter and his wife Kath were invited to attend the Horwich Town Council Civic Awards Presentation Evening which was held at the Horwich RMI Club.
 
Horwich RMI Club was originally built to serve the 4,000 employees at the now closed railway workshops and foundries at what was lovingly called “Horwich Loco”.
The Mayor of Horwich Councillor, David Grant making the presentation to Peter Schofield,
During the evening the Mayor of Horwich Councillor David Grant presented Peter with the:
'HORWICH CIVIC AWARD 2023 '
Presenting Peter with his award the Mayor made the following comments:
Peter Schofield has been awarded a Civic Medal in recognition of his contribution to Horwich RMI Harriers and Horwich RMI.
At the heart of Horwich, the locomotive works provided employment for the majority of the men of Horwich until its demise in 1983. In May 1924 a group of enthusiasts formed the Railway Athletic Association on the railway works. They were known as the Horwich Railway Mechanic Institute, or simply the RMI.
Horwich Civic Award 2023
Peter was a maintenance electrician in the motor shop and joined Horwich RMI Harriers in 1955. As a keen and talented runner, Pete competed in many events including the Pike Race and many others. During his 66 years, Pete has always worn the Horwich RMI Harriers vest with pride.
In 1978 he joined the Bob Graham Club which meant running over 42 mountains, all over 2000ft in 24 hours, a total of 72 miles. In 1981 he ran and touched every lake, water and mere in the Lake District in a time of 42 hours, 38 minutes and 50 seconds, only the 2nd person to do it.
In 1982 Pete helped organise the “Horwich 10”. He went to every shop and business in Horwich for donations of prizes and got 150. The race started and finished at Rivington & Blackrod High School with 2 laps of Horwich and a lap of the field. This race attracted over 200 runners including internationals.
 
In 1983, the Loco Works was facing closure and Pete organized a run to Downing Street in London. He got together a team of 10 runners who ran a relay and completed the 208 miles in just 16 hours. Once at Downing Street, Pete met Roger Stott, the local MP, and was invited inside No 10 to present a petition signed by thousands, against the closure of the works. It was intended the petition and a signed copy of Anyon Kay's “About Horwich” be presented to the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, but a meeting of the War Cabinet about the Falklands War meant Mrs. Thatcher could not be present to receive the petition so it was handed over to her secretary. This resulted in a 12 month stay of execution but no longer.
Pete continued to represent Horwich RMI Harriers and took over as Secretary and in 1974 a celebration of 50 years was held at the Greenwood Hotel, the 60-year celebration was held at Rivington Barn.
Peter wearing his civic medal (Well Done !!)
Pete met and became good friends with Ron Hill when they competed against each other. Ron Hill was an outstanding athlete, an Olympian and world record holder. The Pike Race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to covid and sadly Ron Hill passed away in May 2021. Pete had the idea to rename the 2021 race 'The Ron Hill Memorial Rivington Pike Fell Race' to take place in September 2021. Ron's widow May was delighted to fire the starting pistol to start the race which was completed by 211 runners including veterans who had competed with Ron in previous Pike Races. Pete and Stewart Westhead also wrote and produced a commemorative program for the event.
 
Pete and his wife, Kath, are Life Members of Horwich RMI Harriers, he is also Life President of Horwich RMI. In 2015, Pete got involved with a charity providing aid to Romania, which saw him driving to small villages close to the Ukraine border.
 
Peter Schofield has and continues to be an inspiration and good friend to many.
 
As if he hasn’t enough to do Peter is organising three oncoming events:
A Lancashire Night.
A night of Indian Cuisine
A  Chinese New Year Banquet in 2024, watch out for details.
 
Report from our Sports and Culture Correspondent, photos from the man himself.