South Yorkshire Times November 23, 1957

Grannies For U.S.A.

Wombwell and Mexboro Passengers for “Q.E.”

Wombwell grandmother who has never previously been abroad is planning to visit her daughter and son in America. She is Mrs. Ada Smith (57), wife of Mr. Reginald N. Smith, 33 Melville Street, Wombwell. She expects to sail on the “Queen Elizabeth” from Southampton on March 12th and will dock at New York five days later. After a three months’ holiday she will return on the same ship on June 26th.

Mrs. Smith will be met in New York by her daughter Jean (25) and her husband, Mr. Eric Richbelle, and son Derek (29) and his wife Mabelyn. During her stay Mrs. Smith will be accommodated at Jean’s home at Bronx, New York.

Travelling with Mrs. Smith will be Mrs. Derek Smith’s mother, Mrs Patrick Ironmonger, of 121, Arnold Crescent, Mexborough,

Jean and her husband emigrated to America about four years ago. They spent a three-months’ holiday in this country last Christmas, and their only child was born in Wombwell during their stay. Mr. Richbelle was formerly leader of the Grand Embassy Dance Band at the Astoria Ballroom, Goldthorpe, and later was pianist with Doncaster Co-operative Band.

Mr. Derek Smith and his wife emigrated in May of this year. Both couples have their own homes in the same avenue.

Derek was formerly a conductorl and driver with the Yorkshire Traction Company, and before leaving Wombwell was employed as at shot-firer at Cortonwood Colliery. On his arrival in America he got work with Mr. Richbelle, who is in-business as a combustion engineer.’

Mrs. Smith also has a brother in the States. He is Mr. George Dales, member of a well-known Darfield family who emigrated last year,

Mr. Reginald Smith is employed as a clerk at Darfield Main Colliery. He is president of the ,Wombwell and district branch of the Colliery Clerks’ Union, and a member of the area executive of that organisation:

He also plays in the Amateur Bowls League and is a member of Wombwell British Legion and Station Road Clubs.

He is well known as a “Buff and has brought honour to the Denville (Horse Shoe Hotel) Lodge of the R.A O.B. by being elected as Grand Alderman of Benevolence of England.