Todwick People
Information about distinguished residents of Todwick.
Mary Gregory, 3 August 1920 – 20 December 2011: An appreciation
Todwick people will be very sad to learn that Mary Gregory died on Tuesday, 20 December 2011. Her full name was Mary Grace Gregory Gregory (her mother gave her the extra Gregory name thinking to retain the family name should Mary marry).
Mary lived in Todwick for nearly half a century before moving to a Rotherham Care Home in 2007.
She was educated in London and then the family moved to Bristol in 1931.
Professionally Mary was a qualified Librarian, firstly working in Bristol Public Libraries 1938 until 1943 when she became a wireless mechanic in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). After this she worked in Northamptonshire Public Libraries before taking up a post in Sheffield City Libraries working in both the Central Library and in the branch libraries. Qualifying as a professional librarian, Mary gained her Associateship of the Library Association in 1943 and became a Fellow of the Library Association in 1949. Mary was also a part time lecturer specialising in Cataloguing Studies, she became Tutor Librarian at Richmond College — working there from January 1966 – August 1982 when she retired.
In 1973 Mary gained the University of London External Law degree – got it faster than any other external student. She served as a Sheffield Bench Justice of the Peace (JP) from 1972–1990, and reluctantly had to come off the Bench in 1990 when she was 70 years old.
Mary was a member of the National Association of Local Government Officers (NALGO) and was a member of the National Executive Council from 1956–1965. She became President of the Sheffield Branch of NALGO from 1972–1974 – being the first woman President of the Branch.
Todwick village was a special place for Mary and she was a member of the Todwick Parish Council (TPC) from 1979–2007 having completed 28 years of loyal and devoted service to the village. She was TPC Chairman 1983–1986 and Vice Chairman 1991–1995.
In addition, Mary was the originator and Editor of The Informer from October 1982–2007 keeping Todwick people informed on council and other matters.
The installation of the Village Map at the Village Hall was due to Mary’s efforts just as she left Todwick.
Mary was invited to be the official opener in 2000 of the Millennium Gates and Garden at the entrance to the Todwick Recreation Ground.
It was Mary who instigated the purchase of the children’s playground near the Church in 1986.
She was a tireless worker for Todwick Church in many roles, including being a Member from 1973, Secretary of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) 1973–1981, she became the first woman to be a Todwick Church Warden 1981–1983, member of the Sheffield Deanery Synod from 1977, Secretary 1979–1987. Mary wrote the script for the lovely brochure published in 2003 about the Church entitled St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Todwick: An architectural gem.
Mary’s interest in people also extended to her being involved in the Rotherham General Hospital Radio Nightingale Classic Choices weekly programme from 1983–1998 as a presenter. She was a Member of the Radio Nightingale Executive Committee 1984–1989, acting also in various roles such as Station Master, Secretary and Chairman.
She enjoyed walking her dogs Brecke and Terry over a number of years around the village.
Other interests included travelling around the world with her long-time friend Doreen Noble visiting Russia, Norway, Finland, Canada, much of Europe and Britain.
John Barry Mosley
A seat in memory of Councillor John Mosley who died on 9 August 2005 was made on Saturday, 21 June 2008 at Todwick Village Hall at 2.00 p.m. The bench has a small inscription and is positioned near to the front corner of the Village Hall.
Revd. David Bliss, formerly Todwick Rector from 1993–2008, dedicated the seat that was given by John’s widow and family in memory of his interest and dedication towards the wellbeing of the residents of Todwick, and the contribution he made towards providing better facilities in the village for the benefit of the Community.
The following is from Todwick News, March 1988 and shows John’s interest in Todwick even at that time.
John Mosley is not only Chairman of the Parish Council but Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, Vice Chairman of the Recreation Committee, a Member of the Youth Club Committee, a Member of the Todwick Parent Teachers’ Association and a Governor of Todwick School.
His family came to live in the Village in 1969, and John has always played a very active life in Village affairs. For the first five years he helped to run and played for Todwick Football Club. He use to help grand old Mr. Raymond Barber with his council duties repairing fences etc. He started attending Council Meetings in 1980, was elected to the Council in 1982 and elected Chairman in 1987.
Hard work has always been to the fore in John’s life, even having three jobs between the age of five and thirteen.
In 1964 John married his childhood sweetheart Sandra, the girl next door. They have two children, Gaynor who lives and works in London, and Fraser 19 who lives at home.
John served his apprenticeship as an electrical engineer in Sheffield and since the age of 21 has had his own business in Staniforth Road, Sheffield.
John hopes to spend the rest of his life in Todwick and his wish is that people in the Village should be involved as much as they are able in Village life, and so share the workload around.
We thank John for his service to our Community and extend to him and his family every good wish for the future.