Mexborough & Swinton Times July 5, 1935
For Gallantry.
The Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal has been awarded to William Langford (21), an unemployed miner, of 73, Maltby Street, Denaby Main, for a gallant attempt to save Frederick Linersidge (22), of South Wilton Terrace, Doncaster, and Ernest Robinson (25), of 123, Warmsworth Road, Doncaster, when their boat capsized on the River Don near the weir at Sprotborough on April 22nd. Langford jumped from his cycle, divided into the water while others looked on, and swam towards them. He was exhausted when he reached the capsized boat. The men both sank, however, and he was unable to rescue them.
Dangerous Cycling.
A Denaby youth (aged 16), was fined 10s. at Doncaster on Tuesday for riding a bicycle to the public danger on June 10th. It was stated that a police officer saw defendant cycle round the Coronation Park and down Castle Hill and almost run into people walking down Castle Hill. He also passed a car on the wrong side. When spoken to he said the brakes were out of order and that he was testing them for a friend, but when the officer tested the brakes he found them in order.
The Chairman told the defendant that such riders were a nuisance on the road. The boys’ father who was summoned to appear, asked why he should have been brought there. He said the lad was old enough to look after himself and he did not see why he should be put to the expense of coming to court. It was explained that the magistrates were legally compelled to require his attendance.
Retirement.
After 25 years’ service in the East Riding Constabulary, Police-constable William Edward Woolfenden, who has been stationed at Denaby for the past seven years, retired yesterday. A native of Rochdale, P.c. Woolfenden was first sent to Slaithwaite, and during his 11½ years there he served two years in France with the R.F.A. and was awarded the Military Medal. Leaving Slaithwaite he went to Selby, where he stayed 6½ years, and was then transferred to Denaby. At Selby he was secretary of the Divisional Sports Section for four years, and on transference to the Doncaster Division held a similar position for three years. He was coach of the Huddersfield Divisional tug-of-war team of 1919-20, which was only once defeated.
Although Mr. Woolfenden is severing his connection with the police force, his family will not lose touch with the constabulary, for Mr. Woolfenden’s only son joined the Force last January, and was posted to the same station on which his father first served. Mr. Woolfenden is to live at Warmsworth