Mexborough and Swinton May 12, 1939

Mr. J. Rance

Hemingfield Veteran’s Fine Record

Nine children whose ages range from 35 to 56 will attend the funeral at Jump and Hemingfield Cemetery today (Friday) of Mr. Joseph Rance, (78), of Tingle Bridge Road, Hemingfield, who died on Tuesday. Mr. Rance is survived by his wife who is 76.

They have had six sons and three daughters and all survived. Eight of the nine are marred and seven of the eight will have their wives or husbands present. One of the daughters, Mrs. Stewart, is the widow of Mr. George Stewart who built Wombwell Hippodrome and Wombwell Empire Theatre.

After Mr. Stewart’s death and until recently she retained and controlled the Empire Theatre with the assistance of her two brothers, Mr. Herbert and Mr. Charles Rance.

Mr. Rance was born at Stevenage, but came to this district as a young man. He was employed for a long time at Wombwell Main Colliery and also for time was on the staff of the Wombwell U.D.C., but an accident ended his working career many years ago. The couple have lived in the same cottage at Tingle Bridge for 35 years.

Mr. Rance was a pleasant personality and most agreeable conversationalist. He had a word for everybody and was much honoured and esteemed in the village of Hemingfield. His interests were centred in his home and garden but he was often seen in Wombwell. He was a keen co-operator and one e of the earliest Members of the Barnsley Society.