Mexborough and Swinton Times October 11 1947

Organist for 30 Years
Denaby Presentation to Mr. E. Dabbs

There was a large attendance at the Church Hall on Monday evening at a presentation made to Mr Ernest Dabbs in recognition of his 30 years’ service as organist and choirmaster at the Parish Church.

Mr Dabbs relinquished his duties owing to extra work confronting him in his new post with the National Coal Board.

Mrs E. Wathey (who had done much to organise the presentation fund) presented the gift, a portable typewriter.

The Vicar, the Ven. M Clarke, presided and mentioned that they had with them the Rector of Easington, near Saltburn, the Rev. W. J. W. Tunnicliffe, and Mrs Tunnicliffe, and on behalf of the people of Denaby Main (who still affectionately recalled Mr Tunnicliffe’s services here when curate during the incumbency of the late Rev. S. F. Hawkes), he extended to them a very hearty welcome.

The Vicar continued: “The fact that we had so many people in church on Sunday evening to hear Mr Tunnicliffe preach at our harvest service was a great tribute to him, and it was a wonderful link in the life of the church that after so many years his work here, especially at the east end of the village, was remembered by so many.”

With regard to Mr Dabbs, the Vicar said he was glad to have the privilege of presiding because they were going to acknowledge the faithful service which he had given over a period of 30 years as organist and choirmaster, too. The standard of music had been maintained at a high level and they were all extremely sorry that Mr Dabbs felt it necessary to resign.

Mr J. P. Engledow (Vicar’s Warden) said he was glad Mrs Wathey had been asked to make the presentation because she had worked so hard in the organisation of the fund. Mr Dabbs’ service had been of the best quality and done for love of the church.

Mrs Wathey said: “Mr Dabbs is one of our own and we are very sorry he is relinquishing duties he has faithfully fulfilled for over 30 years. We have watched him grow up and we have followed his career with genuine interest.                We shall continue to do so and hope he will have a long and happy life.”

Mr Dabbs said he had given much thought to the position before he decided to tender his resignation. It had been a great wrench because he had always been so wrapped up in his church work at Denaby Main and he had loved his duties.

He appealed for the good relationship which had always existed with the choir to continue and for support and every help to be given to Mr Percy Webb, his successor. He also appealed to the young people to be active members of the church. He thanked Mrs Wathey and all the subscribers.

The Rev. W. J. W. Tunnicliffe thanks the                church members for their kindness and welcome to himself and Mrs Tunnicliffe, and Mrs Tunnieliffe said it had been a great pleasure to come to Denaby Main and witness their pleasure at the visit of her husband.

The evening programme consisted of dancing and games, for which Mr S. Lote was M.C. and music was supplied by a radiogram lent by Mr and Mrs F. Wheatley.