Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 27 December 1941

Mine Manager 21 Years

Mr. H. Fawcett Retires From Cortonwood

Mr. Harry Fawcett, of College House, Brampton, has retired from the position of manager at Cortonwood Colliery, bringing to an end an exceptionally long period to continuous service as a mine executive. He has held the post for twenty one years.

Born at Hoyland Common, Mr. Fawcett attended Hoyland Common Board School and at thirteen began work at Wharnclitle Silkstone Colliery as a driver. He continued his studies at mining classes at Hoyland Common, and in 1911 was appointed a deputy at Wharncliffe Silkstone.In 1914 he moved to Cortonwood in a similar capacity, and two years later was made overman in the Parkgate seam. Later he transferred as overman to the Swallow Wood seam, and in 1920 was appointed manager of all seams, the post he just vacated. As manager he followed Mr. R. Graham, who was then appointed agent.

The scientific and technical side of mining has always appealed to Mr. Fawcett, and in 1919 he was actually appointed an R.N. Inspector of Mines under the Mines Department after examination. At that time, however, the new appointment at Cortonwood was offered to him, and he accepted it for preference.

Mr. Fawcett has witnessed great changes in mining technique, and under his direction Cortonwood has been kept thoroughly up to date. He has supervised the development of the Silkstone seam and has seen the mechanisation of the Swallow Wood seam. These and Parkgate are still being worked. Mr. Fawcett has maintained close contact with communal life at Cortonwood and Brampton, and has earned the warm esteem of all sections. Approachable and keen to serve on all occasions, he has taken special interest in the development of such amenities as will make life a little less irksome for miners and their families.

He is looked upon as the “father” of the Welfare Centre at Brampton, having served for many years as secretary and trustee. With golf, bowls has been one of his hobbies, and the freedom with which he has associated with the men on the Brampton Welfare greens has won him their goodwill and respect.

Since 1933 Mr. Fawcett has been a member of Rotherham Rural Council and Brampton Parish Council, this year being vice-chairman of the latter authority. He is a member of the Court of Referees and the Military Hardships Committee under the Ministry of Labour at Barnsley, a member of the Old Age Pensions Committee at Wath, and Chairman of Wath Joint Hospital Board. He is also a representative of Rotherham Rural Council on the Voluntary Information Committee for Wentworth Parliamentary Area under the Ministry of Information. He is a member of the Rockingham Lodge of Freemasons.

Mrs. Fawcett has been very active in social and charitable work at Brampton, and as a member of the Brampton Comforts Fund (now associated with the “Old Bramptonlans”), has helped to raise some fl5O for the benefit of local men serving with the Forces. Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett are retiring to St. Anne’s-on-Sea, Mrs. Fawcett being a native of Lancashire. Their departure from Brampton will be greatly regretted.