Mexborough and Swinton Times December 14, 1928

Bolton Railway Ganger’s Retirement

At the Angel Hotel, Bolton on Dearne, last Friday, a presentation was made by the staff of the Swinton and Knottingley joint railway Mr Tom Kane, chief Ganger on that section, who has just retired after nearly 50 years in the railway service. His colleagues presented to him a smoking cabinet and to Mrs. Cave an umbrella. Owing to a family bereavement Mrs Cave was unable to attend.

Inspector Evans presided, and the presentation was made by Mr. G. H. Harman, station-master at Bolton-on-Dearne.

Inspector Evans said he had known Mr Cave for many years, and regretted that he had reached the age ,of retirement, for he had always been a thoroughly sound and reliable official.

There was a very good attendance, particularly of the platelayers of the section, who displayed great enthusiasm. The health of Mr. and Mts. Cave was received with musical honours.

Mr Cave is a native of Calicot, Rutland and is 67 years of age. He began working at the age of seven, and entered the railway service at Mexborough in October 1879, when the Swinton and Knottingley line was opened. He was transferred soon afterwards to Moorthorpe and settled at Bolton in 1880.

He was made head Ganger of the section 35 years ago, and was in charge of the laying of the Hickleton Main sidings in 1893, when the colliery was sunk, the widening of the Midland line between Wath and Darfield, and the dismantling of the old station at Swinton and the building of the new one.

The concert, which was organised by Mr W.H. Moore, was a very enjoyable affair, the program being provided by Mrs F Ellis, E Hazelden, E Lee, F Rowlands, Stenworth, Fred Crookes, M Rafferty and J Firth.

At the close of a thoroughly and detaining evening, Mr F Matthews proposed a vote of thanks to the host and hostess, and this was seconded by Mr T Hudson.