Mexborough & Swinton Times, April 26, 1941

Mr. A. R. Martin Takes Over Darfield Appointment

Mr Arthur Ratcliffe Martin, of Newlyn, Adwick Road, Mexborough, who commenced his duties as headmaster of the new Foulstone Modern School, Darfield, on Monday, has done a great deal of valuable work in Mexborough as headmaster of Adwick Road Modern School, through his interest in the Montagu Hospital, Library Committees and other local and district organisations.

A native of Smalley, Derby, he was educated at Heanor Secondary School, later going to St. Luke’s University College, Exeter. On completing his training, Mr. Martin took an appointment as an assistant teacher at Gisburn Road School, Barnoldswick, where he stayed for about three years. He was then appointed headmaster of Grewelthorpe School, Ripon, a post he occupied for six years. The Great War intervened and Mr. Martin served for about two years in the Royal Garrison Artillery, returning to – Grewelthorpe in 1918, until he was appointed headmaster of Kilnhurst Council School in 1919. After being there for six years he became head of Adwick Road Modern School, a position he held until his recent appointment to Darfield.

A member of the Montagu Hospital Management Board for about 20 years, Mr. Martin was first appointed as a representative of the Teachers’ Diamond Jubilee Cot Committee, soon after he took up his appointment at Kilnhurst. He has been vice-chairman of the Board for the past five years, is secretary of the House Committee and also a trustee and life Governor. Dr. J. A. R. Lee and Mr. Martin inaugurated the Mexborough Children’s Convalescent Home Fund, which sent between 80 and 100 poor Mexborough children to the seaside prior to the war, and also sent ailing children to a convalescent home at Scarborough to help them recuperate. On Mr. Lee’s death Mr. Martin was appointed president of the Fund, which ceased to function at the commencement of the war. It is hoped to recommence the fund’s activities after the war.

Chairman of Mexborough Library Committee twice and a member for many years, Mr. Martin had much to do with its reorganisation and modernisation. Mr. Martin will continue to reside in Mexborough, where he will maintain his contacts with those organisations to which he has already rendered such good service.