Mexborough and Swinton Times January 13, 1939
“Exits And Entrances”
Book By Mr. E. S. Roberts
Reference To Wombwell
A book which will certainly interest many friends and many to whom the author is known, a great number of whom reside in the Wombwell area, is “Exits and Entrances” (J. W.Northend Ltd., 3s. 6d.), by Eric S. Roberts.
Mr. Roberts for some time held an executive position at Wombwell Main Colliery. He is a brother of Sir Samuel Roberts, Bart., chairman of Newton, Chambers and Co., Ltd., and is also related to Canon J. St. Leger Blakeney, Rector of Wombwell.
Mr. Roberts has for several years now been in London engaged in social work.
In his foreword the author writes: “I have taken upon myself the task of recording events in my life that I feel many friends, relations, and a large number of people whom I do not know, but who know me, may like to read.” ;
His book is written in a pleasantly intimate style. , and while it is largely concerned with personal ‘reactions to personal things, there are also many interesting recollections of historic events. The funeral of King George V., the abdication of King Edward VIII., and the Coronation of King George VI., are all described by one who has had every opportunity available to an external observer close to the heart of events, to note these memorable happenings.
Mr. Roberts has some eloquent passages on the difficulties which beset the stage and film small-part actor. He himself, greatly interested in stage and film work, tells of trying experiences when he sought a regular association, with stage and screen. Of these chapters perhaps the most interesting (apart from an entertaining section about the early days of the Sheffield Repertory Company), describes how the author rehearsed a small part in Barrie’s “The Boy David.” He was then working alongside the famous actress, Elizabeth Bergner, but did not take part’ in the actual production as this was postponed in the first place owing to the star’s illness, and Mr. Roberts himself subsequently became ill and did not re-join the company when rehearsals were resumed.
A reference to Wombwell appears in a chapter describing Mr. Roberts’ departure from his Sheffield home. He writes: “I went over to my good friends at Wombwell for the last time. It was all very sad and most trying. I had kindness showered on to me. I shall never forget the day I received the handsome wireless set from the staff at Wombwell, and the kind things said or when the Board of Management gave me an electric clock.”