South Yorkshire Times February 2, 1946

Retirement after 53 years Service at Colliery

Mr Phares Benton of 29 Pope Avenue Conanby, retired for work at the Cadeby Main Colliery on Wednesday after completing 53 years service, the hall was working life (except for war service) with the Denaby and Cadeby Main Collieries Ltd.

Mr Benton started work at Denaby colliery in January 1893 as a daughter, but three years later he was sent to the Cadeby Main where he has been employed for the past 50 years, the last 33 years as a deputy. Mr Benton is performed practically every job in the mine, and has also worked under every agent, manager and under manager since Cadeby was sunk.

Mr Benton was in the South African war and saw service in Bechuanaland, and all the Queen Victoria Medal for that campaign. Also served from 1914 to 18 the Great War and saw service in Mesopotamia with the St John ambulance Corps.

Mr Benton, who is married and has two sons and one daughter, is very proud of his greenhouse, and in his retirement hopes to make this is hobby during his spare time.