South Yorkshire Times, September 19, 1942

Octogenarian

Mr. Ben Levi Smith, of 20, Griffin Road , Swinton, a well-known public figure in the town, attains his 80th birthday to-morrow (Saturday). A native of Tinsley, Mr. Smith was taken to Clayworth, near Bawtry, at the age of two years, and eight years later was Put to work on the land. He was 22 when he came to Swinton, worked for several months at Kilnhurst Colliery and then went to Manvers Main, where he worked until his retirement in April, 1032.

Shortly after going to Manvers, Mr. Smith became interested in the Yorkshire Mineworkers’ Association and for nearly ten years was a member of the branch committee.

For nearly 20 years he represented Swinton on the Rotherham Board of Guardians and for over 12 years was chairman of Swinton Hospital 4 Committee. He was a member of the Urban Council for six years. When the Mexborough Trades and Labour Council was formed nearly 35 years ago he was its first chairman.

Mr. Smith is a keen Labour man and has given good service to Swinton Labour Party, having acted in the capacity of chairman, financial secretary and treasurer. For over 26 years Mr. Smith was President of Swinton Nursing Association and was responsible for much of the pioneer work done in connection with the association.

He is a life governor of Mexborough Montagu Hospital, where he has served on the Board of Management for about 30 years. Through his association with the Hospital Sports and Entertainments Committee, of which he was chairman, he became a member of Mexborough F.A. and took a leading part in the life of Swinton Athletic Club.

Mr. Smith Swinton has been a local preacher attached to the Methodist Circuit for over 65 years and still preaches. Before the opening of Mexborough Employment Exchange, Mr. Smith served on the Rotherham Employment Committee and is now the oldest member of the local committee. His main activities at the present time are in connection with the Old Men’s Retreat, of which he ‘ Is chairman. He still enjoys remarkably good health and most days can be found engrossed in a game of dominoes at the Retreat.