The Denaby Institute

A contemporary refers to this Institute as follows:

Persons traversing the road between Conisborough and Mexborough, will know about equidistant from the two places stands the modern village of Denaby. Before the opening out of the Denaby Main colliery the village was unknown, but with the establishment of the colliery works houses were built, and as the colliery was extended so the residents increased. Now the village comprises its streets and its roads, one or two first-class shops, a large manufactory, a fair sized hotel and habitations for some three or 4000 people.

Until recently, the means for the recreation and amusement were scarce. Lately, however, a change has been made. There is a cricket club and cricket field, and only a few days ago, there was opened the Institute, where paper and books, games, and refreshments can all be had for asking. The Institute just opened is not the first of its kind that has been established at Denaby. There have been before, but these ventures have failed from non-appreciation on the one hand and the want of encouragement on the other. The one just established however, is in hands not unlikely to promote it properly.

The manager at Denaby Main is a guardian of the poor in more ways than one. He is wise enough to know that what is saved in sunshine is ready to be used in storm, and that anything which aids to prepare for a rainy day is a saving for all. So when the Institute was named, Mr Chambers threw into the whole weight of his influence. He was not content by the mere lending of his name, but he helped by example, and became one of the members. His example was effectual. Other officers at Denaby followed his precept, and the management does promise of being the first to succeed with an Institute at Denaby.

It is not a large or fine place, for its outside appearance is rather unpretentious. Two ordinary looking cottages, placed side-by-side (the doors and windows of which would be greatly improved by the use of a little paint) and an applicable looking signboard above the one nearest Mexborough to notify to travellers the use of the premises. Small beginnings, however, sometimes have huge endings and an institution, but little at first, with good management, and perseverance is certain in the ultimate to increase its proportions.

“He is so very puny, such a wee little fellow,” Mrs. Jones exclaimed, as she uncovered for Robinson her precious firstborn. “Never mind its smallness.” Was Mr. Robinson’s rejoinder, “there is plenty of room to grow;” and Robinson was right, for grow the lad did, until in the end he was the giant of the district. So with institutions, well directed and properly managed they are bound to succeed, if not in the outset, at least in the end, the institution at Denaby has many sources of attraction.

There is a well-kept reading room supplied with all the local and some of the provincial newspapers, periodicals etc. There is a nice and cosy small room, a well-furnished library, and an apartment used for games. The managers have aspired to the purchase of a billiard board, but small as is the institution, the board was considered to be inferior to its requirements, and a larger and more pretentious one has already been ordered. Then there is tea and coffee and other refreshments, and a caretaker to furnish them, who seems anxious to add to the prosperity of the establishment, looked at as a whole, there is scarcely a doubt the place will succeed; and with its prosperity the district at large will also advance. Too many institutions will prove not only an economical but a pleasing way of passing leisure time, and while saving in pocket its members are likely to be better in mind. They will thus reap improvement into different way. We wish the institution success and trust that there are many days of prosperity before it.