Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 13th, 1932
Lucky and Rich
We congratulate the town and council of Swinton on the valuable gift, the second from the same family, of a commodious house and grounds dedicated to the public service.
Strictly speaking neither was a gift, for the Council have been required to pay something both for Highfield House, the residence of the late Mr. F. L. Harrop, and now for Rock House, the residence of the late Mr. E. T. Harrop. So much the better for what costs nothing is valued accordingly. But both properties have been made over to the town on terms which constitute a benefaction, for Swinton is too poor to have acquired either of them at their market value.
Mr. F. L. Harrop, who was for many years Clerk to the Council, turned over Highfield for use as a town hall and recreation centre in his lifetime. Rock House has been presented by his daughter who inherited it from their uncle Mr. E. Harrop. Rock House will make just such a maternity and child welfare centre as the town has been wanting and its pleasant lawns will supply the deficiencies of the Highfield grounds, being more suited to the convenience of the aged and infirm wo will enjoy its peace and beauty.
Both centres, dedicated to the public, form a fitting memorial to a family whose talents and benevolence have always taken that direction. Swinton’s good fortune may well be envied by neighbouring towns, particularly Mexborough, which has no hope of being similarly blessed, being strangely devoid of houses of size and elegance, and unfortunately of citizens with the will or the means to benefit and adorn the town.