South Yorkshire Times, March 6, 1943
Presentation at Denaby
Undermanager’s Long Service Recognised
At the Officials’ Club of the Denaby and Cadeby Collierieson Saturday, a gathering was held of officials from the various groups of the Amalgamated Denaby Collieries which includes Denaby, Cadeby, Maltby, Rossington and Dinnington, to witness a film display and lecture given by Mr. Nelson, director of a firm of machinery specialists, who dealt with the subject “English and American practice on power loading in the mines.” The head officials of all the collieries attended, and thanks were expressed to Mr. Nelson on behalf of all present.
The opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mr. W. Dean who, at the end of last year, resigned from the position of undermanager of the Barnsley Seam at Denaby Colliery.
Mr. N. Hulley (Agent of Denaby Colliery), presided.
Mr Hulley said he thought it was fitting that they should make the presentation on that occasion because there were many present who had been closely associated with Mr, Dean at the collieries in the group.
He had known Mr.Dean for many years, and he wished to tender his personal thanks for the help nad thought he had always displayed, and he had pleasure in asking Mr. B.H. Pickering, General Manager of Denaby Amalgamated Collieries to present the gift.
Mr Pickering said he had known Mr Dean for about 32 Years and had been closely associated with him for the last ten years. He said he thought they could use the words of Disrali, “The secret of success is consistency of purpose.” He had trod the path of duty fearlessly, had feared no man, had won the admiration of all, and had left a good pit and a safe pit.
“All of us, the workmen included are sorry to lose you. I thank you for your loyal service, and I wish you along and happy retirement.
Mr. Pickering then handed to Mr. Dean a silver salver which was inscribed!: “Presented to William Dean by the Staff and Officials of Denaby Main Colliery on his retirement, December, 1942.”
Replying, Mr. Dean said it was, a pleasure to him to be present, because there were so many there who he had been associated with for many years. He had been in coal mining for 53 years, and the last 32 he had served in an official capacity with the Company between the Cadeby, Maltby and Denaby Collieries. It had perhaps been roughat times, but on the whole they had been happy years, he had no doubt made enemies, because he never given away anything for nothing, but he had also made many friends, and he had pleasant memories of his work.
He was sorry to give up, but his knee affliction had gradually become worse and he realised he had to leave them. He thanked them all for their kindness and for all their good wishes.