Tankard is Back as Talisman Memorial (picture)

June 1967

South Yorkshire Times, June 3, 1967.

Tankard is Back as Talisman Memorial

Mr Jim Bates was very popular in Conisbrough. On his 80th birthday in 1961, he was presented with a tankard by the customers of the Talisman Inn in recognition of his friendship, of the helping hand he often extended to those in need, and of his services to the Inn’s dominoes team.

Since his death on May 21, his son has handed back the tankard to the Inn and it is to be placed permanently on the bar with a plaque to his memory.

The licensee, Mr George Bailey, told the “South Yorkshire Times” this week, “Jim had plenty of trophies for dominoes and was a keen pigeon man, but his proudest possession was the tankard which was always on the bar here. When he died, it was handed to his son and daughter-in-law, but the lads decided they would like it to stand on the bars so they can never forget him. We shall add a plaque stating that it was the property of Mr Jim Bates, a tap room regular, who died May 21.”

At Conisbrough

Mr Bates, a widower, lived with his son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs William and Annie Bates, at 18, Poplar Grove, Conisbrough, after he moved from Braithwell Street, Denaby, eight years ago.

Mrs Bates said “Jim was always very popular. He was a pigeon fancier, he followed the Ellershaw youth club boxers, and was very keen on dominoes.

“Many old-timers will remember him as one of Denaby United’s first scouts after they moved to Tickhill square.”

Mr Bates was also a frequent visitor to the York hotel, Edlington, whose licensee is Mr George Bailey son, David . Mr Bailey used to take him over twice a week to discuss pigeons, with the men there. He was a native of Staffordshire, but moved to Denaby in 1913.

Talisman customers collected £6 for a wreath for the funeral.