At 73 He Didn’t Want To Retire.

September 1969

South Yorkshire Times, September 6th, 1969.

When a Conisbrough man was made redundant he thought it was no time in life to be idle, and went to work at Denaby Colliery at the age of 62.

When coal beard officials found out his correct age 12 years later they told him he would have to retire, but, Me. John Kelly thought it a bit of a cheek.

Tommorrow (Saturday), Mr. Kelly, now 84, and his wife Kathleen (79), of 22, Taylor Street, Conisbrough, celebrate their Diamond Wedding anniversary, They were married 60 years ago today at Conisbrough Parish Church.

A former glass worker, Mr. Kelly was a miner when he retired at the age of 73 under protest!

“He still wanted to keep on working,” explained his son Mr. Tom Kelly.

Mr. Kelly, senior, now spends most of his time walking, and when he reads he doesn’t need the glasses he once used for 30 years.

“It’s remarkable, but he can read without them now,” said Mr. Kelly, Junior.

A Trades union member for 60 years, Mr. Kelly sen. began work at 13. His wife is one of a family of 16, and the Kelly children, grandchildren and great grandchildren  number 37. That is five married children, 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

When Mr. and Mrs. Kelly celebrate at the Fox Inn, Conisbrough, tomorrow they will be joined by over 50 relatives.