Mexborough and Swinton Times May 17, 1895
Sunday Afternoon through Denaby & Conisborough
On Sunday I took a journey of 8 miles from Mexborough to Stainton – not for pleasure, but to discharge a duty which was certainly a pleasure. The weather was not hot; but as I was on Shanks’s pony, it was all the more appreciable on that account. I might be allowed to mention perhaps what a decided improvement has been affected, just before reaching the boundary of Denaby.
I refer to the newly made roadway via Doncaster Road, to what is known as the low-end of Mexborough. The thoroughfare is a good width and arrangement for vehicle traffic is admirable.
Entering Denaby Main, I found not only was there peace at the colliery, but also in the mining village. I don’t know whether it is one effect of the influence being exerted by the Church and by the Methodists, but the streets were certainly quiet, and the general aspect was what one might well wish to see on the Day of Rest, without being considered too rigid a Sabbatarian.
The Rev J Gair used to speak about the drunkenness here on the Sunday and of the crowd of youngsters fetching grog for their parents. Councillor Cliff has also spoken to like effect. I saw none of it. Perhaps my visit was not the most favourable time for it. It was shortly before tea, not before dinner when I strolled along. Mr GA Nixon, the popular organist at the Denaby Church, was just leaving, and a small crowd of afternoon worshippers – or choristers, which I hope is the same thing. The Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist services had then being concluded some time.
The primitive chapel I see is in course of erection, several rows of bricks been laid down in readiness for the foundation stone laying last Tuesday.
Considering the number of cases from Conisborough at the Doncaster Police Court every Saturday one might expect confusion on Sunday as well as every other weekend in this historic village. Not so however. A few cyclists passed quietly to and fro, as well as some passengers in traps, but there was no disorder. A crowded congregation was dispersing from the Board schools where the Primitives are been holding a successful anniversary, attended also by many Mexborough Methodists.
The walk in the direction of Edlington, with the lofty and prettily situated village of Clifton on the right was very enjoyable. Nature looking very beautiful, notwithstanding the recent gusty blasts from the North, and the feathered tribe were warbling joyous choruses in the trees and hedges.
The shades of night were falling as I entered Stainton.