Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 24 May 1941

Civic Sunday

Informal Reception at Wath

Tribute was paid to Colin. P. B. Nicholson. J.P., who has commenced his third term of office as Chairman of Wath Council, at an informal reception at the Town Hall, prior to the Civic Sunday parade and service in which a detachment of soldiers took part.

Coun. D. Morton, who presided at the reception, said that Coun. Nicholson was a well-known public man who had taken and given a lot of knocks. He was, however, one of the public men who had got things done, and the speaker had no doubt as to his efficiency as chairman.

Coun. Nicholson said it was the third time he had had the privilege of the chairmanship, and it was six years since he was last elected. Since that time there had been a great many changes, the greatest being since the beginning of the war. He welcomed all those present including Army and Home Guard officers. He hoped that by next year the war would have been completed and that they would all be able to get back to their peace time occupations.

Coun. H. Cutts, vice-chairman, offered congratulations and mentioned Mr. Nicholson’s interest in the welfare of youth, and said he knew the new chairman would do everything in his power to further the aims of youth.

Mr. A. J. Thompson said the responsibilities on the Council were great, and he hoped they would realise the responsibilities on their shoulders, not only now but in the future.

Colonel M. C. Martyn. DS.O. M.C.. said that the new chairman and he had not seen eye to eye sometimes because they were both in public office, but despite the fact that some time ago they were at opposite sides of the table he had high regard for Coun. Nicholson’s abilities, placing service before self, and he thought no one had devoted so much of his life to Wath district as Coun. Nicholson had.

Couns. H. Beevers and O. Varney also spoke.

Detachments of Police, Special Constables, Home Guard, First Aid Parties, Women’s A.R.P., W.V.S.. and the regular Army paraded to church where a service was conducted by the Rev. E. V. Evans, Vicar of Wath.