Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 16 November 1912
A Popular Cricketer.
Tributes to Mr. Percy Bury.
Loss to Denaby Main
A pleasant little gathering of Denaby Main officials and deputies, and members of the Denaby and Cadeby Cricket Club, took place at the Denaby Main Hotel on Wednesday evening, the object being to make presentations to Mr. Percy Bury, one of the colliery surveyors, and a very well-known member of the club, on the occasion of his leaving the district.
Mr. Bury, who is cousin of the late manager of the Cadeby Colliery, has been a popular figure in Denaby for about twelve years. He is contemplating leaving this country for South America early next year, and is decision to do so has occasioned great regret among his many friends.
Mr. W. H. Smith, manager of Denaby Main, who presided, said he had known Mr. Bury long enough to appreciate what he had been to Denaby, and the great respect in which he was held. It was a pity to see him leaving them, but at the same time, they must wish him the best of luck, and trust that he would not forget Denaby. (Hear, hear).
Mr John Soar, under-manager of the Denaby Main colliery, on behalf of the officials and deputies of that colliery, presented to Mr. Bury a handsome gold albert, as a token of their esteem. Mr. Soar said he had known Mr. Bury ever since he came to Denaby, and had found him a sportsman who knew how to take a defeat as well as a victory. Everybody would regret his going sway, for he had been sociable and amiable with all who knew him. (Hear, hear).
Mr George Mills, on behalf of the deputies, supported the remarks of Mr Soar, and said that he trusted their loss would be Mr. Bury’s gain. As a gentleman and a sportsman, Mr. Bury would be much missed. They would have to try to get someone in his place. They never allowed Denaby to stand, but some gaps took more filling then others. (Hear, hear.)
Mr Cyrus Schofield who also supported, said that while Mr. Bury had been with them he had raised the standard of sport in the neighbourhood fully 100 per cent.
Mr. Bury, returning thanks, said he felt in a most uncomfortable position. They had it on excellent authority that it was “more blessed to glee then to receive,” and he had never felt the truth of that more keenly than he did at that moment. (Laughter). He appreciated the spirit in which the present was made, and he accepted it in the same spirit. He had met with nothing but kindness in Denaby sines he came to the place. They had really looked over a lot of his failings, and for that be was grateful. He had tried to like everybody in the place, and he thought he had succeeded. He thanked them very sincerely.
Mr. Robinson, on behalf of the members of the Denaby and Cadeby C.C. and a few friends, presented to Mr. Bury and said he had never met a more sociable, hail-fellow-well-met type of man than Mr. Bury. Mr. Bury had dew a good deal for Denaby cricket, and had always played the game, putting his side before himself. He had been in several “death or glory” positions, when runs were wanted badly, and had generally contrived to get them. Hs deeply, regretted Mr. Bury’s approaching departure, and wished they could prevail upon him to stay. But if Mr. Bury must go it only remained for them to wish him all the success he deserved, and he had that wish from everybody in Denaby Main. (Applause).
Mr. H. S. Witty, manager of Cadeby Main, thanked them for the opportunity of being there that evening to add his tribute to the worth of Mr. Percy Bury. Mr. Bury had his greatest respect, and he thanked Mr. Bury personally for his great friendliness towards him. He trusted that Mr. Bury would take away some happy recollections of Denaby Main.
Mr. G. L. Robinson, who also supported, said Mr. Bury was the largest-hearted cricketer he had ever met in the field.
Mr. A. W. Morris and Mr. H. E. Elliott added their tributes to the excellence of Mr. Bury’s character, and the happiness of their association with him; and Mr. J. Hewitt also spoke.
Mr. BURY again replied suitably and during the evening come excellent songs were rendered, the following gentlemen contributing to the harmony of the proceedings: Mr. H.S. Witty Mr. T. Allen, Mr. W. Mellor, Mr J. Hewitt, Mr. A. Robinson, Mr. W. Goodwin, and Mr. J. Bucknell