Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 June 1939

Imperial Service Medallist

/the death occurred on Friday at his home, 31, Wellington Street, Mexborough Mr John Jolly, whoo had a record of 40 years Post Office service.

He held the Imperial Service Medal for long and distinguished service, and vividly remember the days when he drove a pony and cart delivering the mails to Bolton, Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Hickleton Main. He was 59.

A native of Cambridge, he was educated then commenced work at a brass foundry in Rotherham at the age of 13, but after only two years he went to work on a farm.

He worked there for about four years at the age of 19 joined the outdoor door staff of the Rotherham Post office.

He held that position for about two years old then appointed mail cart driver at Mexborough. His duties consisted of delivering the mail by pony and cart to Bolton, Goldthorpe, Hickleton Main and Thurnscoe.

After 10 years in that capacity see Jolly became a postman on the Aldo staff of the Mexborough. Office, which was then in small chemist shop on Market Street.

He held that position for 19 years, was appointed supervising postman in 1929, a position which held up to retirement last December.

The presentation of the Imperial Service Medal was made to Mr. Jolly by Captain . C. R. Millen, Rotherham district Head Postmaster.

Mr. Jolly took a lively interest in Boy Scout activities and during the last ten years had been chairman of the Parents’ Committee of the Ist Mexborough troop of Scouts. He was instrumental in securing their present headquarters. He was also a member of the local executive committee for Boy Scouts. He was a keen gardener.

He leaves a widow, three sons and one daughter. Two of them are at present civil servants, and his eldest son. Mr. Jack Jolly, is Scoutmaster to the 1st Mexborough troop of Scouts.

The Funeral. The interment took place on Monday at Mexborough Cemetery when members of the Mexborough and Rotherham Post Office staffs were present .