Mexborough and Swinton Times, April 22nd, 1932

Mr. Reginald Thomas Preston, who is the first to wear the new chain of office presented to the Wombwell Council by Mr Jos. Hall, was born at Rotherham 45 years ago.

For 20 years he lived at Hoyland Conon and for a similar period at Jump, the district he represents on the local authority. His present address is Preston Avenue a road on the Jump and Hemingfield housing estate named after him.

He started work at Wharncliffe Silkstone at the age of thirteen, on the surface. For a period he was employed at Cortonwood, Mitchell Main and Elsecar Main, before he moved to Rockinton Colliery, where he has been pick sharpener for six years.

He was elected to the Wombwell Urban Council twelve years go, beating Mr. A. E Allott. Three years later he was elected by a large majority in a three-cornered fight, and at the next election had a “walk-over”. His period of office expires next March. He has taken a deep and intelligent interest in the work and missed few meetings. He has done notably good work as chairman of the Baths Committee and in the development of the parks and recreation grounds. He has always been intensely loyal to Jump.

He is a member of the Wesleyan Reform connection, whose conference – appropriately – is to be held at Wombwell this year. He has attended the Jump Wesleyan Reform Church for sixteen years and has been a local preacher. He is a member of the executive of the Free Church Council at Hoyland. He is a former president of the Rockingham Colliery permanent Relief Fund.

Mrs. Preston has been a great help to her husband in his public work and will make an efficient “mayoress.”