South Yorkshire Times, July 21st 1933

“Happier Than Ever”

After 50 Years of Married Life

West Melton Couple

Mr. And Mrs. E. Drew

“We are happier now than ever we have been.” So say Mr. and Mrs. Edward Drew, 42, York Street, West Melton, after fifty years of married life. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Monday. Mr. Drew is 71 and Mrs. Drew 70.

Both enjoy excellent health, take a keen interest in current events, and take their full share in social activities. When a “Times” reporter called, Mr. and Mrs. Drew were just off to see “Tom Mix.” Mr. Drew said “Tom” was his favourite film star. They both love the pictures.

Lamenting the passing of the silent films, Mr. Drew said, “They gave you a grand show in those days.”

Mr. Drew was born at Tipton, Staffordshire. He started work in the pit at the age of 13, and when he retired 13 years ago had worked over 43 years in the mine, in England and America. He came to Wath as a young man of 24, and obtained employment at Manvers Main. He subsequently worked at Mitchell Main and Wath Main. Some eight years of the latter part of his working life were spent on the L.N.E.R. “Hump” at Wath. Nine years of Mr. Drew’s life have been spent in Illinois, America. He went to “better himself,” but was pleased to get home again.

He met his wife in Staffordshire, not more than a mile away from his home. They have had thirteen children, eight of whom are living. Asked if he would like to retire to Staffordshire, Mr. Drew gave en emphatic “No.” “We are as comfortable as the days are long here.” he said. “We are surrounded by our children, and are very happy together—happier than we were fifty years ago. “I should like to go back to Tipton, just once, to see where my mother lies.” Mr. Drew takes a keen interest in local affairs, and national affairs. “I don’t know how long I have been reading the ‘Times’,” he said, “it is one of the first papers I recall coming into our house. I wouldn’t be without it. I am a terror once I get hold of it. No one else gets a chance to see it. I always recommend it to everyone.”

Mr. Drew said he could remember when Wath was just a little village. He remarked: “If Wath of today was like it was when I came here, I should still be working or the roads. But it was a pretty little place in those days.” he added. Mr. Drew is an old cricketer and an old member of the Foresters.