Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 February 1894
Notes from Conisbrough
The weather cleared up last Sunday afternoon ‘ for the members of the various friendly societies to march to church. There was a good muster, but on an occasion like Hospital Sunday I think every member, as far as possible, should consider it his defy to attend that service.
The result d the collections at all the services must have given every satisfaction. I have heard it stated that a few year ago it took the church all its time to raise £5, and even then very often it had to be made up by some willing friends. Last year the collection amounted to £10 and this year I am pleased to say that the amount exceeded anything that has been collected in church before for the Doncaster Infirmary, viz., £12 7s. 7d
The Vicar addressed the members, and wore a scarf across his shoulders. I believe the rev. gentleman wore the scarf of the Order of the Druids. The Vicar is a member of all the lodges, but it would not do for him to wear alt the badges at one time. I noticed also that several members of the choir belonged to the club. I should have liked to have been allowed to have viewed the congregation from the pulpit. It must h.ve been a very pretty sight it see the rows of men wearing their scarfs and the blending of the various colours. The preacher alone has this advantage.
I must confess I should not like to get up in the pulpit and preach, or even be asked to give an address, especially after each an eloquent sermon as the Vicar gave to his brethren last Sunday afternoon. It was an excellent address, and one which should have filled the minds of his hearers with many thoughts about their future lives. The service was very bright and was joined in by all present. The band played the hymns well and kept both time and tune. The choir rendered their. part of the service exceedingly well. I should think every member must have been present.
I see from handbills which were distributed throughout the church that the Vicar is hiring a special service for men every Sunday afternoon, and also that there is to be a special preacher each Sunday._
Our School Board seems to have a good deal of trouble in securing regular attendance on the part of the children who, according to the Act of Parliament, should be in their bye laws every time the school opens for instruction, unless prevented by illness or other reasonable cease. As one passes through the streets it is deplorable to witness the number of children who are simply idling about, neither running errands nor indeed doing anything at all but play. Were we to step into the school, I have no doubt that that these same children would be mentioned as the very identical ones who are backward in their work, and who are least likely to bring credit to the efforts of the teachers.
I am glad to see the Board are determined to play a strong hand in the matter. The State has taken upon itself to freely educate, or nearly so, every child whose parents desire it, and in this matter the Board in the authority who are sleeted to see that the work is done. It is an unpleasant matter to have to appeal to the law’s strength to enforce the attendance of any child.
Parents would do well to relieve the Board of each an undesirable duty by sending their boys and girls regularly to school.
I understand that every time a child is absent the loss to the school is almost a penny and that this peony has to be made up from the rates. I might go farther, and show that parents who neglect to send their children to be educated regularly are not dealing fairly by them. The struggle of life becomes keener and keener as years pass away, and it behoves every parent to give his child all the weapons he possibly can to contend with hopes of success in the struggle.
The Young Men’s Association is keeping up its numbers well. On Tuesday week Mr. Hoyle delivered a very Interesting and instructive lecture on Alcohol and its physiological effects when introduced into the human system.” The attendance was good, and the various points were eagerly followed.
The Station Inn now under the control of Mr. John Lowe, late of Mexborough, who for sometime has acted as traveller to our local brewery. Mr. Lowe is no novice at the work, he having for number of years kept the George and Dragon at Mexborough there can be no doubt bat that the house will be well conducted under his management.
Mr. Senescall, the late landlord, has retired and he is now residing at a suburb of Sheffield. Another gentleman, who retired sometime ago, will. I understand, shortly take up his residence amongst us again. Evidently he prefers the salubrious air of Conisboro’ to the ozone laden breezes which blow off the German Ocean.
Salubrious air I I hear someone say. Certainly, Conisboro’ in its time was considered for some complaints equal to Matlock, and medical men often referred cases here.
The Pleasant Sunday Afternoon movement has caught on—to use a worldly expression—here. This is principally owing to the fact that the management has been placed in the hands of ladies and gentlemen who will make things go well. There is, however, not a great attendance of those for whom this movement was originally commenced, and the promoters would earnestly welcome those who are not wont to attend a plane of worship.