South Yorkshire Times June 21, 1958
Old Folk’s Centre
Opening Ceremony a Red Letter Day for Kilnhurst
Saturday was a red letter day for Kilnhurst, and many people in the village turned out for the official opening of an Old People’s Centre, which C.I.S.W.O. have converted from a working men’s club.
100 Guests
Mr. J. A. Hall, C,B,E J P Divisional Welfare Officer of CISWO opened the centre and entered the building leading other colliery officials and civic dignitaries.
Mr. J, Broadbent, Chairman of the Centre Management Committee, presided and welcomed about 100 guests,
Mr. Broadbent said, “You have I think, the finest centre for old people there is in Yorkshire to-day and we would like to thank C.I.S.W.O. for what they have done.”
Coun. Newsam, chairman of Swinton Urban Council temporarily abandoned his County Council by-election to be present.
He said he had looked forward to the opening of an old people’s centre in Swinton for some time and he knew Kilnhurst people would be proud that they had such a centre. “I hope you will appreciate what has been done and give your thanks to C.I.S.W.O. which is organised by friends who work in the coal mines of this country.”
Helpers Needed
Mr. J. Howett, Asst. Area N.C.B. General Manager, said he hoped the old people would use the hall to the best advantage and appealed to the public for helpers to keep the centre going. “The old people are to come here to enjoy themselves and we want a few of the younger people to help to run the centre.
Mr. Hall emphasised that the centre was not only for retired miners and their wives, but for every aged person in the village and district. Kilnhurst’s was the fourth such centre opened that month.
“When you are Young, you endeavour to the best of your ability to prepare for old age, and the people I am talking to know that no matter how ambitious you have been to provide for the needs of old age you find you have provided more for your children than for your old age.
Mr. Hall said C.I.S.W.0 had provided Kilnhurst with a welfare ground and excellent recreational facilities.
A vote of thanks to C.I.S.W.O. and Mr. Hall was proposed by N.U.M. branch delegate. Mr. Georg Dowlins, who expressed thanks to the Area Welfare Committee.
He particularly thanked Mr. Hail and Mr. R. Watson. Area Welfare Officer. “You can rely on Kilnhurst people in keeping this place as it should be kept. The people who knew this hall in the old days as a working men’s club, will marvel at the transformation for which we must thank the contractors and the workmen.” he said.
This vote was seconded by Colliery Manager, Mr. E. Besore. who wished the centre many years
Cost Half Allocation-
Colin_ J. Randerson said. “My heart has been in this place since it started and people know that Swinton Council attempted to buy the building a few years ago to make it into a community centre. but the price was £7000 and we I were not able to Pay
“C .I.S.W.0 have converted this building, an effort which taken practically 50 per cent of the allocation for one year.'”-
The buildiing has been divided into a large room, a smaller quiet room and a well equipped kitchen. A television set, a gift from the Colliery workmen, is fitted in one corner and there is a piano. Formica-topped tables are provided for serving refreshments.
The quiet room is furnished with easy chairs placed round a very attractive fire-place.
The outside of the building Is painted in bright yellow and white, with a large sign in blue and white informing everyone that Kilnhurst has a very comfortable centre for its old people.
Mr J. A. Hall, C.B.E., J.P., turns the key in the lock officially to open Kilnhurst’s new old folk’s centre on Saturday.
