Mexborough & Swinton Times, June 30, 1939

Social Service Workers Encouraged

Royal Visitor’s Friendly Interest

Biggest Crowds at Mexborough and Hoyland Common

The Duke chats with Mrs Brooks, one of the plotholders on the Darfield Land Settlement scheme

While the emotions stirred by Canada’s loyalty and America’s warm-hearted reception of the King and Queen are still active, the people of many of South Yorkshire’s small towns and villages on Monday had their own rare opportunity to receive a member of the Royal family with memorable demonstrations of affection and deep attachment.

The Duke of Kent, who was beginning a three days’ tour under the auspices of the National Council of Social Services, to see Yorkshire’s social service work in operation, will not forgetYouYesterdayA the spontaneity and ardour with which this part of Yorkshire showed its goodwill; and when in the autumn he leaves England to take up his duties as Governor-General of Australia he will have near and happy memories of the ordinary people of the greatest county.
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On the first day of his tour the Duke covered more than 100 miles in the South Yorkshire area. Owing to poor visibility he landed twenty minutes late at Doncaster Airport, and this disturbed the carefully-planned schedule. After a formal reception by a deputation led by the Mayor of Doncaster, he visited Thorne Unemployed Social Club, Snaith Land Settlement Association group, Bentley Unemployed Club, and Sandal Beat group holding. A luncheon was held at Doncaster Mansion House, and the afternoon route led into the Mexborough district.

Organisations visited were Mexborough Social Service Centre, Hoyland and District Unemployed Social Club. Darfield Group Holding, Hemsworth Garton Unemployed Social Club, Featherstone Social Service Centre, and Darton Group Holding.

Although the tour was informal, large crowds gathered at many points on the route, and flags were liberally flown from shops and public buildings. The biggest assemblies and the warmest greetings were met with at Mexborough and Hoyland Common.