South Yorkshire Times March 10, 1956

Chamber of Trade
Dinner and Dance at Conisbrough

“The small traders are the backbone of the country,” said Mr Ben Bailey proposing the toast of “Conisbrough and Denaby Chamber of Trade” at their annual dinner and dance in the Lord Conyers Hotel last Thursday.

“This Chamber, formed only four years ago, is comparatively new. But has succeeded very well in those years” he said. “The local shopkeepers are vital in an expanding district like Conisbrough and Denaby and as part of the communities they should have a strong association like the Chamber of Trade.”

He added that the small shopkeepers should take part in Chamber of Trade work as well as a large ones. “It gives them a great chance to discuss their difficulties,” he said.

President of the Chamber, Mr. J. Radge, said that the Chamber was in integral part of the community and that members were endeavouring to build up an active and efficient Chamber in the district, “but it must be representative of all traders in the area,” he said, and appealed to all traders present to support the Chamber, not only with subscriptions but with active help.

“The new rating assessments have been one of the most important subjects we have had to deal with and we have endeavoured to give help to our members and support the national Chamber of Trade in their efforts to see that traders are not too badly affected by the increases, and hit by any just demands,” Mr Radge said. “Individual personal attention which small traders can give to shoppers is most important in this area, as it is very easy for people to take a “bus to neighbouring towns and shop there, as many of them do. But if they are persuaded to stay in Conisbrough and Denaby to do their shopping I am sure they would be well satisfied with the service,” he said. “We would do well to organise a special shopping week,” he added.

Responding for the guests, the Chairman of Conisbrough Urban Council, Councillor G. Cheshire, JP., said that the Chamber at the full backing of his Council and that they would be glad to give any advice or help which the Chamber needed.

The dinner and dance was attended by nearly 150 members. Friends and guests. Flowers decorating the room and tables were afterwards taken to the Fullerton hospital.