South Yorkshire Times September 2, 1950

Obituary

Mr. William Gascoigne

Swinton Pioneer of Y.W.E.A.

One of the founder-members of the Yorkshire Winding Enginemen’s Association, Mr. William Gascoigne, of 19, Slade Road, Swinton, died on Saturday. He was 69.

Mr. Gascoigne was one of a small group of winders who met at a Mexborough hotel in 1918 and decided to break away from the other craft unions which were claiming to represent them. This was the beginning of the Yorkshire Winding Enginemen’s Association.

Born in Temperance Street, Swinton, Mr. Gascoigne was a prominent figure in the public life of the town prior to the last war.

For over 10 years he represented the Park Ward as a Labour member of Swinton Urban Council, and was chairman of the Council in 1935.

For over 53 years prior to his retirement in 1945, he was employed as a safety engineman at Kilnhurst Colliery. He was a former treasurer of the Thrybergh Hall N.U.M. branch, and was a member of Swinton Working Men’s Club.

He is survived by a widow and three daughters.

The interment took place at Swinton churchyard on Tuesday, the Rev. N. Hill officiating.