Chronicle chief reporter Jack Tolson takes a look back at what was making the news this month in 1993.
FIRMS GAIN ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
THURNSCOE businesses got the Royal seal of approval this week after a visit from the Princess Royal.
The newly-wed Princess, wearing a long, dark tan military-style coat, red and brown patterned scarf and black suede boots, toured the Thurnscoe Managed Workshops on her trip to the area on Tuesday.
During her visit the Princess saw owners of many small businesses housed in the complex, which incorporates ten offices and 12 workshops.
She was greeted by workshop manager Tim Hayselden, the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnsley, Coun Ken and Mrs Betty Young and was presented with a bouquet from the civic couple’s granddaughter, six-year-old Donna Louise.
Tim, who said the the Royal visit was a recognition of the hard work which has been put into the Barnsley Council, government and British Coal Enterprises supported projected, said he was overwhelmed by the degree of business knowledge Her Royal Highness had.
The Princess’s visit ended on a high note when she laughed with the Mayor of Barnsley as he recounted stories about the former Hickleton Colliery.
Said the Mayor: “She was interested to know about the pit so I told her and in the process made her laugh.”
ONE MAIDEN WHO’S BOWLED OVER BY CRICKET
ALTHOUGH it’s the close season for cricket, Yorkshire Cricket League’s only lady umpire, Colleen Morley, isn’t stumped for something to do.
During the winter months Colleen, a supply teacher of Park Road, Barnsley, has started coaching youngsters at the nets.
“Cricket is a smashing game and I am trying to pass my enthusiasm on to today’s youngsters who have aspirations in the sport,” she said.
Although not quite as famous as Barnsley’s ‘other’ celebrity umpire Dickie Bird, Colleen is quite a celebrity in her own right - just by the mere fact that she is a woman AND an umpire.
And no, she hasn’t a hat quite like Dickie’s famous white hats.
“I can’t find one that fits comfortably and, if I went onto the field wondering if my hat was going to blow off my head, it would distract my concentration,” added Colleen.
DAVE LETS HIS MOUSTACHE GO FOR A GOOD CAUSE
DAVE Biffin had a close shave at Dodworth Central Working Men’s Club - to raise money for charity.
His ‘Seth Armstrong’ moustache, which he has had for some years, was publicly shaved off - by a member of the bar staff, no less - for sponsorship for Summerwell Hotel, Wombwell.
His sponsorship raised £170 and a collection at a presentation gathering raised a further £38.
A cheque was presented by steward Mr Stuart Ward, and received by Joanne Whiteley, aged 16, who attends Summerwell Hotel and whose father Mr Alan Whiteley is treasurer of Friends of Summerwell.