Mexborough and Swinton Times, April 22nd, 1932

Mr. W. Popplewell was born at Swinton 54 years ago.

He commenced work at the age of 13 for Hattersley Bros. stove grate manufactures, and worked there until he was 23, when he commenced evangelistic work. Throughout his life he has been an ardent worker the primitive Church and has been on the preachers’ plan for 37 years.

In 1900 he went to Herefordshire on evangelical work and returned to Wath after five years preaching there. He built up the church at Twitchen, on the border of England and Wales, a church started by the founders of Primitive methodism. Since then, he has been connected with the Gore Hill Church of which he is the oldest member.

In 1919 his 25 years’ service was recognised by the presentation of a diploma of honour. He has represented the Sheffield district on two occasions at the annual conference of the Church. He was married in 1907, at Wath Primitive Church.

He has been a member of the Urban Council nine years and its chaplain for eight years. He has never missed a meeting since at his instigation preliminary prayers were introduced at the monthly meetings. He has served on the Electricity Board, Hospital Board and House and Finance Committee, the Education Committee and Highways Committee, and has been chairman of the Burial Board, the Rating and valuation Committee, and is at present chairman of the Allotments Committee.

He represents the Council at the Court of Referees, on the Employment Committee, and on the Montagu Hospital Management Committee.

His hobby is gardening and his garden is a blaze of colour