Mexborough and Swinton Times March 12, 1937

Mr H.B. Hill
Veteran Wombwell Chorister

Mr Harry Bissett Hill, 24, Wright Crescent, Wombwell, was missed from his wonted place in the choir stalls at the Wombwell Parish Church a fortnight ago.

Last Sunday it was learned that he was seriously ill, and at the request of the rector, Canon J. St Leger Blakeney the congregation joined in prayers on his behalf.

On Monday he passed away at the age of 65 at the home of his daughter Mrs Annie Tate. His death severed an unbroken sequence of 58 years’ service in the choir of Darfield and Wombwell Parish churches.

Mr Hill was born at the Rising Inn, Darfield, at a time when his father, the Late Miss Mr Joseph Hill, was landlord. He Joined the Choir at Darfield Parish Church when he was seven years old and remained a chorister without a break, transferring to Wombwell about 25 Years ago when the Rev B.T. Barnes, for many years Vicar of Darfield, became Rector of Wombwell in succession to Canon R.B. Blakeney, now Rector of Southport. Possessed of a good bass voice, he sang in the choir until a fortnight before his death.

Mr Hill took an interest in all phases of parochial work. He will be much missed at church gatherings, but he will have left a record of reliability and punctuality which should inspire others.

In the war Mr Hill served in the Home Defence Corps and did coastal duty at Whitby. Since the war he has been a member of the British Legion.

His working life was spent at local collieries and for many years he worked at Houghton Main, when the old hands will retain pleasant memories of him. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Darfield Cricket Club.

Since retiring from work he has devoted a lot of his time to gardening. Twice married, he leaves two sons and one daughter, all married.

Mr Hill was laid to rest yesterday in the graveyard of the church he had loved and served.