South Yorkshire Times February 21, 1948

Pantomime Went On
As Conisbrough Pit Victim Would Have Wished

Methodism in the Conisbrough area suffered a severe blow on Monday by the death of Mr. John William Randall (46), 6, The Crescent, Conanby who was fatally injured by a fall of roof at Denaby Main Colliery where he was employed as a stone contractor.

Mr Randall’s final duty for Conisbrough New Methodist Church was to act as business manager for the church Sunday school’s pantomime, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ in Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Conisbrough, this week.         The pantomime opened a little over 24 hours after Mr. Randall’s death, with his only daughter, 11-years-old Joan, in one of the principal parts..

WIDOW’S WISH.              

Mr. V. J. Peck, church secretary, told a ‘South Yorkshire Times reporter yesterday “we consulted Mrs Randall as to whether we should continue with the pantomime and she replied that it would have been Mr. Randall’s wish that we should do so. The pantomime has been held on Tuesday and Wednesday, and is being given again to-night, (Thursday)  and Saturday.

“We have not made any reference to Mr. Randall’s passing as we do not wish to distress his daughter, but something will, no doubt be said on Saturday evening.”

Mr, Randall was trustee of New Hill Methodist Church, Sunday School superintendent and secretary and choirmaster and had been a. local preacher for many years in Mexborough Methodist Circuit.

Mr Randall was also connected with the St. John Ambulance Brigade and was a member of Denaby Choral Society.