South Yorkshire Times, November 27 1965
No loneliness at Conisbrough’s Community Centre
A place where people need not feel lonely; that was how County Coun. R. Egan, chairman of the County Public Health Committee, saw Conisbrough’s Community Centre, which he formally opened on Monday.
The centre has been converted by Conisbrough Urban Council at a cost of over £5,000. County Coun. Egan spoke of the ‘fellowship and comradeship’ typifying mining areas, where the loneliness of the big city was unheard of. He said, ‘Whatever advances are made, there is still the need for the feeling of belonging. Nowhere is the community spirit stronger than in mining areas such as this.’
He praised the progress being made in old people’s welfare in the Conisbrough district, and saluted the people who were serving some 7,000 meals a year to local old folk. He paid tribute to the warden schemes covering 66 local units, and to the proposals to extend the warden service to people in private or rented property. He added, ‘The example you have set is indeed worthy of emulation. May this spirit remain with you as the venture grows.’
Referring to the County Coun. Egan said the credit for much of the programme rested with the former County Welfare Officer, Mr. F. B. Armstrong, who was present, and who retired a few weeks ago. He also spoke of his respect for County Ald. J. Prendergats, chairman of Conisbrough Urban Council and chairman of the County Mental Health Committee.
Councillor Egan (right) with officials and guests