South Yorkshire Times, February 24, 1951

“Killing” £30,000 Rumours

Swinton Loco Driver Has £270 Pools Win

The postman’s knock at the door of Mr. William Barker, “Dennisdene,” Fitzwilliam Street, Swinton, on Wednesday, killed many rumours which had been circulating around Swinton over the week-end to the effect that Mr. Barker had won £30,000 on a football pool. On opening the envelope, Mrs. Katie Barker took out a cheque for £270 10s.

Mr. Barker could not check his coupon correctly on Saturday because he did not get an evening paper. But on Sunday he received a telegram from the pools firm telling him that he had got a correct line on their treble chance pool.

Interviewed by a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter on Wednesday, Mrs. Barker said she was naturally very pleased, but she had one regret, and that was that her locomotive driver-husband had not had a shilling on the pool instead of threepence. If he had had a shilling ‘ on the pool, he would have won £1,090

Mrs. Barker said:: “It’s a nice pick-up and I am very satisfied. I would have been satisfied if it had only been £10. I wish a lot more people could have these pick-ups to set them up.”

Although this is his first big win, Mr. Barker has had numerous small wins in the past, the biggest being £16. Asked if he was goirig to continue sending in the coupons, Mrs. Barker said definitely he was. “In fact,” she said, “he says he is going to win the £30,000 this week- end!’

Mrs. Barker says that her husband had promised to give them all a “good holiday.”

Telepathy Note: On Tuesday night, the six members of the Barker family each had a bet about who would be nearest to the correct amount. Mr. Barker again showed his accuracy in forecasting with a total of £275. Eldest son Gordon was well out of the running with a forecast of £1,250.