Mexborough and Swinton Times October 7, 1938

Golden Wedding – Mr and Mrs WH Hill

All their 45 descendants attended the Golden Wedding celebrations on Saturday of Mr and Mrs W H Hill, of 16, Victoria St, Mexborough, each of whom has lived in the town for over 60 years.

Mr William Henry Hill, who looks remarkably fit for his 71 years, is a native of Billingsley, but after having living for two years at Snape Hill, Darfield, he was brought by his father to live with his grandparents at the Sportsman Inn in Ardwick Road, Mexborough.

Mr Hill was then three years old, and he has lived in Mexborough ever since.

He started work at the glasshouse at the age of 12, and after 30 years service there, he became caretaker of the Adwick Road School, retiring 12 months ago on reaching the age limit. In his day Mr Hill was an accomplished footballer, and played centre half in the Mexborough Town team which included such celebrities as Cocky Bennett, Billy Crossley and Jack, Ted and Arthur Whitehouse

Mrs Ann Hill’s father was Mr Thomas Bates, 18, who for many years and the business in Swinton Road. She was married at the age of 19, the Reverend H Ellershaw officiating at the ceremony which took place at the Parish Church on October 1, 1888.

Having lived in Mexborough since she was a few months old, Mrs. Hill can tell an interesting story of the changes that have taken place here during her life time. She can clearly remember the time when Mexborough had three glass bottle works, two boat yards, a pottery and a foundry: none of these remain.

In view of the large number of guests, which included their seven surviving children, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren the celebration tea had to be held in the St. Aidan’s Church Hall.

An interesting point is that two of the great-grandchildren are older than one of the grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Hill’s eldest son, John was killed in action at Ypres, while serving with the York and Lancaster Regiment, and another, Rowland, was killed at Cadeby Main in  January, 1927.