South Yorkshire Times May 5, 1951
7-45 A.M. Boys’ Brigade Tryst
“King’s Messengers” Due at Conisbrough Next Week
Zero hour for three members of Edlington (1st Doncaster) Coy. of the Boys’ Brigade will be 7.45 on the morning of May 8th. With the entire company lined np, outside the Star Hotel, Conisbrough, eyes will scan the road towards Doncaster for three figures.
They will be one of the many teams carrying the Festival of Britain message from the Boys’ Brigade to the King, and will have completed a four miles’ run to hand over to the Edlington trio, who in turn will carry the message on to another team at Poplar Avenue, Thrybergh.
Initiative and hard work have earned Corporal Dennis Chamberlain (16), of Nelson Road, Edlington, the honour of carrying the message, and Privates John Richards and Robert Smith the honour of accompanying him.
These are just three of the 2,190 boys taking part in the “run.” Messages are being carried from as far away as John O’Groats, Northern Ireland and Wales, and the teams are running continuously through the night with the exception of Sundays.
Section Officer L. J. Crane told the “South Yorkshire Times” this week that it was a great honour for the boys and they were looking forward to it.
As the three boys from Doncaster arrive, clad in running gear, they will be greeted with a fanfare of bugles, and Chief Insp. Lewry, of Mexborough W.R. Police, will read a copy of the message which is carried in a silver-bound sheath. It is hoped that the chairman of Conisbrough Urban Council, Coun. J. Oldfleld, and other officials will be present.
“FOOT” NOTE.—A distance of 2,537 miles is being covered by the runners, each team running approximately four miles.