Mr Sydney M Ward Memorial Bench

Sydney ‘Syd’ Ward Memorial Bench

South Normanton Parish Council are proud to announce that a new memorial bench has been installed on Carter Lane East near to the corner of Ball Hill. The new bench and memorial plaque are to commemorate the distinguished life and loving memory of late Mr Sydney M Ward ‘Sid Ward’ who sadly passed away in 1996.

The bench and plaque was paid for by Mr Ward’s family, which includes his wife Mrs Dorothy Ward now aged 102, his sons Philip and Peter and his daughter Jill. South Normanton Parish Council organised the bench installation. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, the bench dedication had to be postponed until a later date.

Sydney ‘Syd’ Ward was a well known and successful local businessman. He owned and operated several motor garages and filling stations in various locations on Carter Lane East, South Normanton, starting from around 1956. In 1974, with help and support from the local Bolsover MP, Dennis Skinner, the Ward family business built and opened their new premises on the corner of Ball Hill and Cart Lane East. The new site quickly grew into several successful businesses, employing around 32 local residents. The businesses included S Ward Factors South Normanton Ltd, Commercial Vehicle Hydraulics Ltd, and an Avis Rental Car Office. The buildings also included a lorry and commercial vehicle engine reconditioning workshop, and a busy petrol station that sold over 30,000 litres of fuel per week at its highest level.

Mr Ward also invented and held the patent for an automotive engine cleaner and degreasing machine the ‘Auto-Clean T500’. He was a lifelong ‘Rotarian’ and active member for the local Alfreton Rotary Club and was also awarded the prestigious ‘Philip Harris Fellow Recognition’ for his charitable contributions. Mr Ward was also a member of the Alfreton Masonic Lodge.