Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 16, 1937

Hale and Hearty
Mexborough Veterans’ Happy Day Out
Huge Party at Hooton Pagnell

Judging by the sprightly looking “youngsters” (between 60 and 93 years of age) to be seen at the annual treat for the old folk of Mexborough yesterday—the town can lay claim to be as much a health resort as an an industrial centre.

That at any rate was the impression of a “Times” reporter who saw the veterans enjoying themselves at Hooton Pagnell Hall, the beautiful grounds of which, as usual, were thrown open to their guests by Colonel and Mrs. W. St. Andrew Warde-Aldam, who mingled freely with the visitors.

The weather was not very inviting, for there were heavy clouds and cool winds while distant rumbles of thunder indicated that a storm was on the way. The storm broke just after the treat had ended and the old folk were speeding back to Mexborough. The weather, however, failed to mar the fun.

Colonel Warde-Aldam had provided amplified music ,and games which were enjoyed, as usual, under the admirable supervision of two members of his staff, Lieut.-Col. E. B. Wilson. (Estate Agent) and Mr. Edwin Smith. A fleet of some nineteen Yorkshire Traction Company buses took the 600 veterans on a circular tour from Mexborough by way of Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe, Brierley Common, Hemsworth, and South Elmsall to Hooton Pagnell, where all were entertained to tea and given a new sixpence.

The oldest present were Mr. Thomas Henry Bower (93) and Mr. George Lidgett (90). There were 44 over 80 years of age and 180 over 70. The remainder were over 65 or widows over 60. Among the octogenarians were Mr. Smith (87), Mrs. Collingham (86), Mr T. Wood (86), Mrs. Hulley, Mrs. Hornsby, Mrs. Bisby and Mrs. Grant (each 85); and Mrs. Henson, Mr. Stead, Mr. Grant and Mrs. O’Neill (each 83).