Fireworks save the day at Victory Celebrations

June 1946

South Yorkshire Times June 8, 1946

Fireworks save the day
At Conisbrough and Denaby.

There was very little doing in Denaby Main during the day and interest seemed at a low ebb. Only here and there could one see flags flying. There was little interest in the decorations, though occasionally one found a street that had made an attempt to brighten up the proceedings.

The main interest have been displayed by the children, who had for the previous few days been cutting down and storing trees, etc for bonfires. Then afternoon came the rain, which certainly dampen the spirits of the would be firelighters. The weather was kind in the evening and what early on seem to be a damper of fires and fireworks, cleared away and it was fine in time for the evening’s display.

The fireworks display on North Cliff Craggs will be something to remember for a long time, the scene was most inspiring and the interest in the event was intensified by the quietness of the day.

Never have the crags held such an assembly. When the fires were lighted the whole of the hillside was lighted up, and revealed that all round the enclosure of the children’s playground (in which the fireworks display was carried out), the crowd was thick and the hillside was well covered. The onlookers were enthralled by the striking display, which lasted about 1 ½ hours. The site for the fireworks was prepared by members of the Council staff on Saturday afternoon, and the fireworks placed in position during the evening and covered with tarpaulin, sheeting, and even cardboard and paper, as a protection against rain. The decision to proceed with the show was taken shortly before the display was due to begin by Councillor D. Sheldon, J. P., Chairman of the Council, and Mr A. W. R. Taylor (surveyor.)

At 10:15 p.m. 15 minutes before the display commenced, a maroon and two rockets were sent up as a preliminary signal. Councillor Sheldon and several members of the Urban Council were present, and it is estimated that 2,000 people watched the entertainment. Car owners and drivers found vantage points in Garden Lane and the Conanby avenues leading to the Crags.

The fireworks were ignited by Mr Taylor and Mr C. Birch, deputy, who had the assistance of Messrs W. Lewis (general for man), D. Heather, A. Atkinson and H Woodward. The display costs 70 guineas, which is being met out of the rates.

The other official victory celebrations organised by the Urban Council consisted of four dances at the Bath’s Hall, Denaby.

A flag was flown from the headstock of Denaby Main Colliery and another from the keep of Conisbrough Castle. There were several large gatherings, an interesting celebrations being that held by residents in Ivanhoe Road at the modern School.