Mexborough and Swinton Times May 20, 1938
Swinton Motor Cyclist Dies
Fatal Wobble
Accident at Parkgate
Collision with Lorry
A verdict of “Accidental Death” was recorded by the Rotherham Borough Coroner (Mr W.J.Bradford), who sat with a jury at an inquest at Rotherham on Tuesday, on Clarence Withington (27), single, of 184, White Lee Road, Swinton, who died at Rotherham Hospital on Sunday afternoon from injuries sustained when his motorcycle which he was riding at Rotherham Road, Parkgate, on Friday week, collided with a motor lorry owned by Clara Duke, 317, Canklow Road, Rotherham, and driven by Herbert stones, motor driver salesman, of 45 Atlas Street, Brinsworth, Rotherham.
Taken to Hospital
The Coroner said it appeared that at about 11 p.m. on Friday, May 13, Withington was riding a solo motorcycle along Rotherham Road, Parkgate, in the direction of Rawmarsh. On reaching Rotherham Road bridge his machine collided with a motorcycle lorry which was going in the direction of Rotherham. Withington sustained severe head injuries and he was taken to Rotherham Hospital, where he died on May 15th.
Dr. G. A. Baker, house surgeon at Rotherham hospital, said Withington was admitted to hospital suffering from concussion and laceration of the skull. He died on May 15th, death being due to toxemia.
George Taylor, colliery shot firer, of 29. Whitelea Road. Swinton, said he was a friend of Withington’s family. Withington had given up his work as a grocer’s assistant to look after his father, who was not well.
Watchman’s Story.
John Houghton, Corporation watcnman, of 9, Ratcliffe Street, Rotherham, said at about 11 p.m. on Friday week, he was standing outside his watchman’s box on the Parkgate side of Rotherham Road Bridge, Parkgate. He saw a motor lorry coming from the direction of Rawmarsh, travelling at about 15 miles an hour on the proper side of the road. When it was about ten yards past him he heard a crash. Witness went across the road and saw that the motor lorry had gone on to the footpath on the wrong side of the road. A motor cycle was lying on the road and the rider was lying on the footpath,
Herbert Stones, the driver of the motor-lorry, said when he passed the watchman’s box he saw a motor cyclist about 50 yards away. The cyclist appeared to wobble, and he then came on and struck the offside front wheel of the lorry. Upon the impact the lorry swerved on to the footpath.
The funeral took place at St. Margaret’s, Swinton, on Tuesday, the Vicar, the Rev: T. G. Rogers, officiating. The mourners included: Mrs. J. Withington (father), Mrs. Nuttall, Miss Jessie Bradley, Mrs. Frith, Mrs. Denniff, Miss Florence Vera Frith, Mrs. Usher, Mrs. Harvey, Miss D. Ellams and Mt. G. ,Taylor. The bearers were Messrs. H. Berrisford, J. Paskell, W. Paskell, J. Downs, 0. Myers, F. Morris, W. Dunston, H. Tasker, A. Paskelland G. Utley,
Floral tributes were from Father; Jessie; Pals; Neighbours; Dora and Henry; Mrs. Reynolds; Doris and George;Mrs. Myers; Madge and Mabel; and Aunt, Uncle and family at Dore. The funeral arrangments were carried out by Mr. Alfred Bull, “Clarence House,” Swinton. Tel, Mex. 248.