Conisbrough’s “Peter Pan” Grandfather

September 1949

South Yorkshire Times September 3, 1949

Conisbrough’s “Peter Dan” Grandfather

When seven years old John Milner of Scunthorpe came to stay with his aunt, Mrs G Wilson, at “Willow Vale,” Low Road, Conisbrough for a holiday last week, he thought he would be amusing himself all day, but soon found that to replace his pals at home he had a grand comrades in his grandfather Mr H Giddens.

Although not quite in his prime at 82, Mr Giddens is a fountain of information regarding fishing lines, bows and arrows, making dens and all the usual pastimes in which small boys indulge.

For his part John keeps his grandfather well plied with questions, his final ambition is to become a policeman, and he has plans in hand for “building the top of Conisbrough Castle back!”

He is a Wolf Cub and keen on all kinds of outdoor life, and his aunt’s picturesque garden at “Willow Vale” complete with small stream and hanging willows and secret corners he is John’s idea of how a garden should be.

The oldest member of Mexborough’s “Darby and Joan club” Mr Giddens will attend a party on Wednesday at the club in honour of his 83rd birthday.

Former president of the club, Mr Giddens is a well-known local figure often three sites and gives a “turn” at local old folks functions.