South Yorkshire Times, May 6 1950
Long Service at Denaby Factory Recognised
Long service with the British Westfalite factory at Denaby of Imperial Chemical industries, was recognised at a gathering of employees in the canteen on Tuesday, when illuminated certificates were presented to seven workers with over 30 years’ service at the factory.
Mr. W. Thomson. staff manager for the Nobel Division of I.C.I. presenting the certificates, explained that the periods of service of the recipients had been completed at different times since the commencement of the war, but owing to printing difficulties it had not been possible to obtain the certificates en bloc. It had, therefore, been decided to present the certificates at one joint event.
Recipients were Miss E, Thomson and Miss M. Stanley, and Messrs. T. Tayles, S. Church (on holiday), A. Sutton, C. Smith and T. Haines. Mr. G. Webb, jun., received a certificate on behalf of his father, the late Mr. G. Webb, and it was stated that a certificate had been sent to Mrs. M. Daniels, now living in Ireland, for her husband, the late Mr. M. Daniels.
Chief guest at the function was Mr. Albert Ellis, of 10, Crookhill Road, Conisbrough, who retired in March after 31 years with the firm, six as superintending foreman. Earlier in the day he had been the recipient of a cheque, presented on behalf of the commercial and works departments by Mr. H. R. Burden, works superintendent.
Mr. Ellis started as a labourer at the factory after demobilisation for the Army after the 1914-18 war, in which he attained the rank of sergeant. Keenly interested in sport, he is a former playing member of the Conisbrough Cricket Club.
Tributes to Mr. Ellis’s efficiency as a worker, and popularity as a foreman, were paid by colleagues Mr. J. Cope, who succeeds him as superintending fireman, Mr. G. Watts and Mr. H. White.
Mr. 61-. Davies, works manager, testified to the personal assistance he had received from Mr. Ellis. “have found people most helpful in assisting me to settle down here,” he said, and added that he appreciated the suggestions and information passed on in regard to conditions at the Denaby factory.
Mr. Thomson said Mr. Ellis typified the foreman he liked to see—big and strong. He wished him a long life, good health and good luck. On behalf of the commercial department, Mr. C. W. Harget extended best wishes to Mr. Ellis for his future happiness.
Mr. Ellis said he had had always tried to be fair, and he had made some very good friends. If you gave a man a fair chance, he said, he usually made the best of it. Wishing Mr. Cope the best of luck in his new post, he concluded: “If I had 30 years more to work I would have no hesitation in signing up with I.C.I.”
Mr. C. Smith spoke on behalf of the recipients of the certificates.
Entertainment was provided by three employees, Mrs. A. E. McGrath, Mr. G. Machon and Mr J. Dudhill.