Mexborough & Swinton Times – November 25th 1939
Wombwell Main Traditions
After the Presentations
A Maiden Speech
Miss Hempson opened a delightful little contribution to the speech-making by observing that it was what they might term her “maiden speech” (laughter). It was very fitting that that speech should be made to the men at Wombwell Main with which her future was to be so closely connected. There was much she would like to say but she was so overwhelmed with the warmth of the reception that it was extremely difficult to find the right words with which to express her gratitude. She could only say that she thanked them from her heart for the lovely gift they had made, which she would have ‘the privilege of sharing. It was the most handsome present she had ever seen given anyone. And what she appreciated more was the kindly sentiment which inspired the gift.
Miss Hempson said that from three years ago, when her father began to speak about the people at Wombwell Main, she had always felt an attraction for the place. Smiling, Miss Hempson said, “Even when Mr. Cookson took me down the Parkgate seam and deliberately blackened my face for me it did not lessen my interest in the place” (laughter). “To tell you the truth,” she said, “I was anxious to take some of that dirt home as a souvenir” (laughter). At that time, she said, she never dreamed that one day she would become a “Wombwell Mainer,” if they would allow her to use that expression (applause). She thanked them very deeply for their demonstration of goodwill and affection toward Mr. Peter Roberts and herself. “To-day,” she said, “you have given me a reception the memory of which will never fade from my mind. I shall never forget your acceptance of me as a ‘Wombwell Mainer” (applause).