South Yorkshire Times, July 21st 1933
Market Superintendent Retires
Mr. Richard Grainger, who for thirty years has been market superintendent, and for fifteen years chief officer of the Mexboro’ fire brigade, retires in September. Mr. Grainger, who is 68 years old, is at native of Loscoe Grange, Derbyshire, but has lived almost all his life in and around Mexboro’.
At the age of eight he was brought by his parents to Denaby and a year later started work at Kilners’ Glassworks, Conisboro’. He used to work one day and go to school the next. When 16 he came into Mexboro’—to defunct glassworks on Bull Green, at the Denaby end of Church Street. Some of the buildings are now used by Mr. C. T. Cramp, the flour merchant. Three year later Mr. Grainger went to Denaby Main Colliery as a filler, but after eight years took over his mother’s grocery business in Denaby.
Thirty years ago he was appointed to his present position with Mexboro’ Urban Council. Of those who made the appointment only two are left, Mr. J. E. Cliff and Mr. G. F. Carter (surveyor). When Mr. Grainger became market superintendent the market was held on Saturdays only and was a quarter of its present size. The open market was fenced off and the land belonged to the Montagu family. In one of the cellars of the Market Hall the town fire engine, a manual, was “housed.” Mr. Grainger’s position has thrown him in close contact with numerous charitable organisations who have the loan of the Council Chamber and to these he has given practical support. He is next to the oldest member of the fire brigade. Since the present engine was purchased, and largely through Mr. Grainger’s enthusiasm, the brigade has made vast improvement in efficiency.
A “sideline” of Mr. Grainger’s has been the tuition of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides for fire badges. Hundreds have passed through his hands. For forty years Mr. Grainger was a prominent member of the United Methodist Church in Doncaster Road. a trustee, secretary, treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday School. Throughout his life gardening has been his hobby and he means to enjoy this to the full during his retirement. Mr. Grainger retired last month, with medal and bar after serving years as a special constable. He is an old member of the Ambulance Brigade, and is called on almost daily to render first aid.