Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 27th, 1932

Anniversary Sunday

Mr. Alfred Brown, of Snape Hill, has been present at every anniversary service for the last seventy years. He remembers being taken as a child by his parents to the anniversary at the old Wesleyan Chapel in School Street, now the Conservative Club. In those days his father, Paul Brown conducted the singing. As Alfred grew, he showed an aptitude for music. Besides interesting himself in singing he learned the violin and became a good player and teacher. He got together singing classes, and finally conducted the anniversary singing, not only at Darfield but at Billingley and the surrounding district.

Mrs. Brown, who is 72, is also a regular attender at the anniversary. She is a Darfield “native” a daughter of Charles Longden. Mr. and Mrs. Brown’s family of five sons and five daughters are all members of the Wesleyan Chapel, and most of them are musical.

At the Wesleyan anniversary a fortnight ago, Mr. Harry Brown, their eldest son, who resides at Scarborough, came over as he does year by year to lead the band. The hymn tune “Tividale,” which was sung, was composed by him. He has attended the last 45 Darfield anniversaries. The youngest son, Herbert Stanley, was also a violinist in the band. Until he left Darfield recently, he was a member of the choir. Miss E. Brown, another daughter who was on the platform, has taken part in over thirty anniversaries and Mrs. Greaves, a daughter, who resides in Doncaster, came over from Grimsby to make at least her fortieth attendance. Another son, Mr. Wilfred Brown, who was also on the platform, is superintendent of the primary department, and will shortly be preparing his scholars for the infants’ anniversary which is conducted by hin,

Year by year the family hold a reunion at their parents’ home in Snape Hill, on “Anniversary Sunday” which for them is the day of the year.