South Yorkshire Times August 5, 1967

For The Last Time

Mr and Mrs Lawton who have been licensees of the Union Inn, Mexborough for the past 5 ½ years have moved to become licensees of the Princess Royal Hotel Slinn Street, Crookes

The “Union” closed its doors on Sunday for the last time after having served the Mexborough public for over 100 years. A poster advertising the sale by auction of its fittings marks the end of another phase of old Mexborough.

The closing of the Inn is particularly distressing for 75-years-old Mrs. Clarke Bell of 55, Addison Road, Mexborough, who has been associated with the Union for nearly 60 years. Her father-in-law, Mr. Joss Bell, owned a farm next door, and Mrs. Bell worked behind the bar before her marriage. She also held her wedding reception there in 1911.

She represented all the “regulars” who had contributed towards a leaving present for Mr. and Mrs. Lawton to handing to Mrs. Lawton on Friday (Mr. Lawton was, unfortunately Ill and confined to bed) a sliver table lighter, tea service and decorated dishes. Mrs. Bell said she hoped Mr and Mrs Lawton would spend as many happy hours in their new pub as they had done at the Union Inn.

Mr. and Mrs. Lawton were formerly stewards of Mexborough Social Club and all the L.N.E.R. Club at Swinton.

Mrs. Martha Lawton calls “time” for the last time at the Union Inn, Mexborough.