Denaby’s Pensions Example To British Industry

December 1937

Sheffield Independent – Thursday 30 December 1937

Denaby’s Pensions Example To British Industry

Commendation of the Miners’ Pensions Scheme, first inaugurated at the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries as a result of an idea expressed the chairman of the company, Major J. Leslie, was expressed at the annual treat given to the pensioners in the Denaby Welfare Hall last night.

It was the first scheme its kind in the country, said Mr. Tom Williams, M.P. Since then, other collieries in the neighbourhood and in various parts the country had followed the lead, and the scheme had spread into other industries. As pioneers, they at Denaby and Cadeby could feel proud having set the scheme in motion, and it might well lead future a universal pensions scheme in industry.

Huge Pay-Out

Mr. B. H. Pickering, agent of the collieries, and chairman of the Denaby and Cadeby Mutual Help Fund, presided, and explained that since its inception in 1925 the fund had paid out a total of £55,062. There were 37 recipients in the first year, and now the number was 275. Eighteen pensionersh joined the fund during the year, and 23 had died.

During last year, the amount paid out was £7.005 and the weekly disbursements were £135 10s. In addition, 1,168 loads of coal had been provided during the year, bringing the total to 9,092 since scheme began.

Major Leslie, speaking to the pensioners, expressed pleasure that they were the pioneers of a scheme really worth having.

Mr. L. Hodges, general manager, expressed the hope that they would all present at future annual gatherings.

Becoming The Rule

Mr. Williams said the idea of security in the Autumn of life after the years of working service, was becoming the rule rather than the exception, and the time was not far distant when they would have universal old-age pension scheme well worthy of those who promoted it and testimony to those who started such schemes.

Mr. Tom Hill, chairman of the Welfare Trustees, Mr. B. Gethin, vice-chairman of the committee, and Mr. D Sheldon also spoke, and vote of thanks on behalf of the pensioners was promised by Mr. C. Bashforth, and seconded by Mr. H. Shacklock.

The tea for the pensioners and their wives was provided by the colliery company and the home coal carting committee. A programme of entertainment followed, and the old people received gifts of tobacco, tea and refreshments.

The arrangements were made by the secretary of the fund, Mr. G. Worthington.