Mexborough and Swinton Times December 13, 1929

A prominent figure is shortly to be removed from the public life of the Dearne Valley by the departure from the district of Mr. John Belshaw, a member of the Wombwell Urban District Council.

Mr. Belshaw is at present licensee of the New Station inn, Station Road, Wombwell, and is about to take over the licence of the Surrey Hotel, Sheffield.

Although a comparatively young man Belshaw has had wide experience of administrative work and local government. Formerly an official of the Darfield Main branch of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association, he was first elected a member of Wombwell Urban District Council in 1917, since when he has represented the South-east Ward. He was chairman of the Council in 1926 and 1927 and at various times has served as chairman of the more important committees.

At one time he represented the Wombwell, U.D.C. on the Dearne Valley Water Board and has been an active member of the Dearne District Railway Joint Committee since the scheme was put into operation.