Sheffield Independent – Monday 13 January 1930
Mr. Chambers’ Death.
Loss To Cadeby and Denaby
It would be hard to find one more keenly interested in mines and mine workers than .Mr. W. H. Chambers, whose death at Retford, late Friday night, was reported in the later editions of the “Sheffield Independent” on Saturday.
Mr. Chambers received his early training at Tinsley Park Colliery, where his grandfather and his father had been manager in turn. After a short period at Woolley Colliery, near Barnsley, joined his uncle at Denaby.
Housing the Workers.
The part he played to modernise this colliery, so that even today it is in the front rank of the country’s colliery enterprises, is one the epics of the mining industry, coupled as it has been with the development the famous Cadeby colliery on the banks the Don.
Mr. Chambers version made Denaby. It, may true that, judged modern standards, the houses that were then erected may invite criticism by the lack facilities that modern sanitation makes it now possible provide, but there was nothing that could to improve the amenities of the workpeople that he failed to do. Cricket and football grounds, open-air swimming baths, reading rooms and churches—-all these things wore provided through the munificence of the colliery company, and the tradition Mr. Chambers set in these matters is still loyally followed by his successors.
Cadeby Disaster Recalled
He knew the dangers of the mine, and himself had personal experience them. At the time the Cadeby disaster in 1912 he happened be away from home, but his nephew, Douglas Chambers, was one of the first rescuers down after the explosion, and was killed in the second explosion.
At the time of the explosion, it will remembered the King and Queen visited district and extended their sympathy with the bereaved families —a kindly thought when the village was in mourning.
At Mr. Chambers’ funeral, which will take place to-morrow, it is hoped that as many members the St. John Ambulance Brigade, both ambulance and nursing divisions in outlying districts, as possible will attend.
These members the corps are asked to meet at the general offices of the Denaby and Cadeby Colliery, Conisborough at 1.15 p.m.
Fitting Tribute. Pulpit References to Mr. Chambers.
Pulpit references to the late Mr. W. H. Chambers, lor many years managing director of the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries, were made last night, at Denaby and Conisborough Parish Churches.
In the unavoidable absence of the Rev. S. Powley, through the death of his father, Mr. P. Singleton, preaching said that Mr. Chambers “grew in wisdom and in favour with God and man.” for over half century. Mr. Chambers had been in the district and had been in touch with every sphere of life. He was connected with the old St. Chad’s Church, and at the large hall before the present church was built. For years he was a churchwarden and chorister. He did everything possible for the uplifting of the people for whom he lived and worked.
Outside the church was memorial to him, said Mr. Singleton. He was responsible for the starting of the ambulance movement, and he must have been used by the hand of God in bringing forward the great work that part of the county.
“King Of Denaby.”
The Rev. H. Lee, who for some rears was the vicar Denaby, preached at Conisborough Parish Church, and said that Mr. Chambers used to be called the “King of Denaby.” He was a man of great purpose and personality. He came into the district many years ago when the colliery was about on its last legs, and re-organised the whole business to become a paying concern.
When he had finished at his work he did not sit by the fireside, but gave up his time ambulance work and in other directions. His whole time was dedicated to the welfare of the people.
Adjutant Sach also made reference to the death of Mr Chambers at the Salvation Army Citadel, Denaby, which Mr. Chambers opened year ago, and of which he was a generous supporter