Janette's Journey at Sid Bailey

Janette's life is a tapestry woven with threads of love, learning, and laughter, beginning on William Street in Wath. Her parents, Emma and John (known as Jack), shaped her early years. Jack's fascinating journey from the Royal Lifeguards in London to becoming a miner in Wath added layers to Janette's childhood.

Janette's academic journey took her from Wath Victorian School to a scholarship at Mexborough Grammar School, where she crossed paths with the renowned poet laureate Ted Hughes. Ted's charm left an impression on Janette and her schoolmates, creating a vivid memory of a handsome fellow student.

Post-grammar school, Janette found herself working at Boots library in Barnsley, serving local doctors and general practitioners. Among the library's patrons was the Earl of Wharncliffe, known for his coordinated outfits. Janette's recollections reflect a time when local libraries played a central role in community life.

The story of Janette's love life unfolds at the Wath Fair, where a chance meeting with a tall and handsome young man named Bill changed the course of her life. Bill, then 17, and Janette, 15, embarked on a journey of love that led to marriage. They had two daughters, Carol and Susan, and built a life together in Wath.

Bill, who worked for the coal board as the manager at Manvers main, faced the tragic battle with melanoma, passing away at the age of 54. Janette later found love again with Frank Hill, who had lost his wife. The pair married, and Frank, known locally as "Yorkshire's answer to Jim Reeves," brought music and joy into Janette's life.

Janette's part-time jobs included working in a friend's clothes shop, fuelling her passion for fashion. She enjoyed discounts and perks, making her time in the shop even more delightful. The adjacent jewellery shop added a touch of glamour to Janette's life.

Today, Janette is a proud matriarch with four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her family, a testament to the love she shared with Bill and Frank, continues to be a source of joy and connection.

Janette's story at Sid Bailey is a celebration of a life filled with diverse experiences, from academic pursuits to the magic of love found at the fair. It's a journey marked by resilience, love, and an enduring spirit that resonates through the generations of her family.