MARGARET Richardson, who left Barnsley 53 years ago and now lives in Northumberland, was delighted to read in the Chronicle group’s “Memories of Barnsley” magazine about former Barnsley police officer, Bill Harber.

It reminded her of when she was a child and attending Holy Rood School. To reach school she had to walk from her home in Greenwood Terrace, off Gawber Road, and take a route via Townend.

“There was always a policeman on duty who we called “Bobby” Wensley and he was wonderful with the children. Even the naughtiest kids would behave themselves when he was guiding us across the road. I have never forgotton him.”

Margaret, who was born in 1923, asked if anyone remembered him.

Well, we have gone one better and have managed to track down Bobby Wensley’s two sons, Frank and Alan Wensley.

Frank Wensley, 86, who also served in the Barnsley Borough Police Force, said his father, Henry (Harry) Wensley, was one of five brothers who all served with different police forces.

Harry, who also answered to “Peter” during his days on the beat, retired from th force on health grounds shortly before the start of the 1939-1945 war, having notched up 22 years of service.

He then undertook a variety of jobs, including one as a doorman at the St George’s Hall on dance nights and another as night-watchman at a local shirt factory.

But, it was for his service as an RSPCA employee, serving under Inspector Tillot, for which he will be remembered by younger readers.

With the RSPCA premises being almost next door to the police station, it ensured he kept in touch with both former colleagues and new arrivals.

Frank is delighted that Margaret remembers his father almost 35 years after his death and more than 70 years after he used to help her safely across the road.

Alan Wensley, aged 82, was able to produce photographs of his father in his full police uniform. On one of them he is walking down Market Hill.