WEEK 42

Crossland Street

William Herbert Chambers, born circa 1863 in Swinton, is the husband of Bertha Walker, my first cousin, four times removed.

William was an engine driver at the Piccadilly pumping station in Swinton. I remember walking around this building in 1991, although at the time, I believed it to be a former chapel. It was built in 1912 and had a storage capacity of 60,000 gallons of water. It was demolished circa 2000 and a mini housing estate built in its place.

Below is William’s obituary.

Kew Court (site of Piccadilly pumping station)

MEXBOROUGH & SWINTON TIMES.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1929.

CHAMBERS. – The death occurred very suddenly last Friday of Mr. William Herbert Chambers, Crossland Street, Swinton, aged 65, after a long illness.

Mr. Chambers has lived all his life in Swinton, and was thorough and consistent in all his undertakings, earning the highest regard from innumerable friends. His association with the Parish Church was one of long and earnest work, serving on the original parish council and as a sidesman for many years. He was employed as an engine driver, but for many years he has worked at the Piccadilly pumping station.

William & Bertha’s grave

The funeral on Tuesday at the Parish Church was conducted by the Vicar, and the large gathering was evidence of the great respect held for, and the regret felt at the passing away, of Mr. Chambers. Mourners were: Widow, Mr. and Mrs. Oates (Retford), Mr. and Mrs. H. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Limb, Mrs. Roseveare, Mrs. H. Pinder, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Beech, Mr. and Mrs. E. Royston, Mr. and Mrs. Addy, Mrs. H. Walker, Mrs. Yates, Mrs. Dixon, Miss Harding, Miss E. Turner. Mr and Mrs. Hurst, Mr. and Mrs. Brunt, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Simmonds. Bearers were co-workers in past years at the Parish Church. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. C. T. Butterfield.