{"id":229990,"date":"2025-07-01T18:41:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/229990\/"},"modified":"2025-07-01T18:41:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T18:41:19","slug":"sale-honours-true-champion-with-blue-plaque","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/229990\/","title":{"rendered":"Sale honours ‘true champion’ with blue plaque"},"content":{"rendered":"

– Advertisement –\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

More than a century after she transformed a patch of green into a place of joy and Sale has come together<\/a> to honour one of its heroes: Mary Worthington.<\/p>\n

On a bright Monday morning in Worthington Park, the much-loved green space that proudly bears her name, a blue plaque was unveiled in tribute to the remarkable woman whose generosity and grit helped shape the town.<\/p>\n

Sale celebrates Mary Worthington<\/p>\n

Organised by Trafford Council\u2019s local studies team and attended by Trafford\u2019s Mayor Jane Brophy, children from Worthington Primary School, and the ever-dedicated Friends of Worthington Park (FOWP), the ceremony was a touching celebration of a woman described as a \u201ctrue champion of Sale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMary was a visionary,\u201d said Cllr Brophy, addressing the crowd. \u201cNot just someone who gave money \u2013 though she did that, too \u2013 but someone who rolled up her sleeves and got involved. Worthington by name. Worthy by nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who was Mary Worthington?<\/p>\n

\"\"Mary Worthington<\/p>\n

It was back in 1900 that Mary donated the funds to create what would eventually become Worthington Park. At the time, it was a bold act of civic spirit. By 1950, the park was renamed in her honour, but her legacy goes far beyond flower beds and footpaths.<\/p>\n

After moving into Sale Old Hall in 1871, Mary immersed herself in the town\u2019s welfare. She helped found and served as president of the Sale and District Nursing Association, supported the Girls\u2019 Training Home and High School, and was a key benefactor of Old Hall School \u2013 the very first Council school in Cheshire, later named Worthington Road School.<\/p>\n

When she passed away in 1904, Mary didn\u2019t stop giving. She left her books to Sale Public Free Library, and donated priceless artworks \u2013 including pieces by JMW Turner \u2013 to Manchester City Council and the Whitworth Art Gallery, ensuring culture was accessible for all.<\/p>\n

Does Mary Worthington have any relatives in Manchester?<\/p>\n

\"\"Mary Worthington\u2019s blue plaque <\/p>\n

While no relatives were able to attend the plaque unveiling in person, a heartfelt message was read from Mary\u2019s descendant Michael Worthington, who now lives in Victoria, Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen researching the lives of my great-great-grandparents James and Mary, it became clear how much she cared for the people of Sale and Cressbrook,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo think that 125 years later she is still remembered for her good deeds \u2013 that is very humbling for our family.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plaque, paid for by Friends of Worthington Park, is part of Trafford Council\u2019s mission to celebrate culture, sport and heritage for all. But for those who gathered in the park that morning, from curious schoolchildren to proud local historians, it was something more. A reminder that one person\u2019s kindness can ripple across generations.<\/p>\n

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