1946 mayor of Mitcham

clip of Merton Memories photo reference Mit_People_38-1 copyright London Borough of Merton

From the South Warder, issued by the South Mitcham Residents Association handbook, volume 1, no. 1, November 1947:

Alderman George Cole was born in London well within the sounds of Bow Bells. He says he is a Cockney and proud of it.

He came to Mitcham to work in 1912, then living away from the district, but moved his home to the area in 1922 in order to be near his business, producing chemicals and fertilisers, etc. Those who have had the pleasure of hearing Alderman Cole lecture on these subjects will realise that he is an authority.

Alderman Cole was a founder member of the S.M.R A. when
the Association used to meet in the old Zion Chapel in Western Road.

He was elected to the Council in 1925 and elevated to the Aldermanic Bench in 1944, during this period was also a member of the Surrey County Council for six years.

In 1946, the Council elected him Mayor of the Borough. During
his year of office he was very active, visiting practically every event
held in the district, invariably ending his remarks with a humorous
story, the teling of which he is a past master.

Unique in the annals of Mitcham history is the record made by
Mrs. Cole, who was Mayoress to her husband in 1946 and to Alderman
Mrs. Watson in 1947, thus being Mayoress to two consecutive Mayors
of widely different political views.

During his spare moments Alderman Cole may be seen trundling the “woods” on the bowling green, and he is also an active supporter of the Darby and Joan Club.

Also on Merton Memories Photos is a photo of Mrs Cole at the
1939 Bowling Club dinner