South Yorkshire Times April 14, 1951
21st Birthday Presents Destroyed in Denaby Fire
A bedroom fire destroyed or spoilt about £90 worth of birthday presents and furniture and clothing worth another £100 at 97, Annerley Street, Denaby, on Sunday. The fire was caused by burning soot setting light to paper pasted over an unused fireplace in the bedroom.
The occupier, Mr. Albert Ford, managed to put the fire out before the Conisbrough and Mexborough Brigades arrived.
Back from his usual Sunday walk earlier, Mr. Ford heard knocking. He thought at first that it was neighbours, until he saw a scorch mark on the sitting room ceiling. The knocking was the sound of a four feet long linen chest falling to pieces as it burnt above him.
Helped by neighbours he put the fire out, but not until it had done, much damage. Floorboards and three gas pipes had been burnt—and Mrs. Ford, cooking downstairs, had been putting pennies into the gas, wondering why she could get no pressure!
The chest, containing several blankets and clothes and many presents given to Miss Beryl Ford on her 21st birthday three weeks ago, was completely destroyed. Walls, paper and doors, bed and wardrobe were all badly scorched, and the bed split. A fur coat inside the wardrobe was damaged, but a suit was unharmed.
Mr. and Mrs. Ford were not insured against fire.