South Yorkshire Times, January 12th, 1934
Mr. Martin Shenton
“For long life and good health, comes to Darfield,” might be the slogan of the municipal authority. Darfield has a record for longevity which would be hard to beat by any township of similar size. During 1933 two persons died over ninety, four well over eighty, and fourteen over seventy. In the past four years we find that thirty-three residents died over seventy, fourteen over eighty and three over ninety.
The Old Folk’s Treat Committee are puzzled to fix the minimum age for the treat. It may have to be as high as seventy and even then it will be expensive. Darfield old folk are notoriously young-looking, and seem to escape senility. Mr. Daniel Hammerton, who died a few months ago at the age of 94, walked up Snape Hill one of the stiffest gradients in the district, a very short time before his death. Mark Marples will be remembered by many who pass the big stone near the Legion Club in School Street for Mark used to sit there for hours. One morning he was missing and news of his death quickly followed. Len Needham, at the age of 84, paid a daily visit to the Lundhill Memorial in Darfield churchyard until a few weeks before his death. He “saw ‘em buried” and never tired of telling the story. John Bouskill, of New Street, who died last year at the age of 88, attended Snape Hill Chapel the Sunday before he died.
What is the elixir that keeps Darfield Old folk young? Martin Stenton, aged 88, whose venerable countenance adorns this column, confesses to feeling “like a lad.” He trots over to Scarboro’ each year, and is hoping to top the century. Martin has had an adventurous life and at least one narrow escape from death. Providentially, he “played” the day Lundhill Colliery exploded.
Mrs. George Carr of Maude Cottages, will be 84 in May, so will Mrs. Tipping of School Street. Mrs. Carr regularly attended the parish church until recently. Mrs. Tipping is still hale and hearty and can tire many younger ones out. Mrs. Holland aged 82, of John Street, amazes the neighbours. She can do anything including her bit over the wash-tub. Mrs. Johnson of Snape Hill, is only 75, but she “runs” up Snape Hill at least half-a-dozen times a day on visits to her daughter. She is as active as a girl, no matter what the weather. Mr. William Hunt, the Co-operative librarian, is still an active gardener although well over 70. Mr. Arthur Goodall, of School Street, who is 74, is actuary of the Darfield branch of the Yorkshire Penny Bank, has been singing in the choir for 57 years and rarely misses a service. Mr. Wm. Jobbling of Edderthorpe, is over 80, as also is Mrs. Walsh, of Church Street, who tends the copper beech trees planted in her garden to commemorate the coronation of George V. Love of the simple life, joy in helping others, living their youth again in their grand-children – these seem to be the ingredients of the elixir that keeps Darfield’s old young.