South Yorkshire Times January 26, 1957

Wardle the Idol
Wombwell girl writes from South Africa

(photo from Wikipedia)

Thoughts of a homecoming to a Wombwell girl in South Africa are through inclusion in the MCC team now touring that country of cricket idol Johnny Wardle.

Since Johnny has served his country well in the cricket field it has brought great pleasure to Mrs Norman Murray (34), wife of Mr Jim Murray, of Vandenberg Park, Transvaal, and daughter of Mrs Violet Crowther, 11, Rose Grove, Wombwell and the late Mr Harry Vernon Crowther.

Johnny’s parents, Mr and Mrs John Henry Wardle, live at 14 Cliffe Road, Brampton. In a letter sent this week, Mrs Murray says she read with interest all the articles referring to Johnny. She has always followed his career with great pride and enthusiasm.

She says, “The people of South Africa have really taken a fancy to him, and they always expect a laugh whenever he is on the field. I might add that he doesn’t let them down. He has been awarded the title of “Sportsman of the week” by a sports programme on the commercial radio.

I’m very proud that a fellow countrymen can be taken so much to heart by so many people.”

Mrs Murray also expressed the hope that Wombwell Cricket Lovers society would have great success in their efforts for Johnny’s benefit. Mrs Murray enclosed many cuttings from South African newspapers regarding Johnny. One amusing cartoon shows a president of a woman’s meeting saying, “All those in favour of inviting Mr Wardle of England to address our knitting club on ‘spinning’ please show!”

Mr Jack Sokell, has sent to Mrs Murray details about Johnny’s career, and also a copy of the society’s magazine, “Twelfth man”.

Mr and Mrs Murray went out to South Africa nearly 10 years ago, Mr Murray getting work as an electrical engineer. He is at present employed building a shaft for a gold mine in the desert. They came back to this country three years ago intending to settle in Scotland – Mr Murray’s home – but after troubles decided to go out again. They intend to come back for good and will set sail on Monday, July 22, docking at Southampton a fortnight later.

The couple met when both were servicing with the forces – Norma with the W.A.A.F., and Mr Murray with the Royal Air Force. There one son, Eric (12), who was flown from South Africa in October last year to stay with his grandparents at Coatbridge, Scotland.

Mrs Murray has a brother and sister living in Wombwell. The family are keenly looking forward to seeing her again. Although they have not decided definitely where to set up home in this country, Mrs Murray has hinted that “it might be in Yorkshire.”