Mexborough and Swinton Times June 3, 1938

Mr M.L.Nokes Appointed Chairman of Doncaster Bench

Doncaster West Riding magistrates have accorded a great honour to Mr Mark L Noakes, Thurnscoe, by appointing him as their chairman in succession to the late Mr G.E.Cooke – Yarborough, and they congratulated him before the business of the court was dealt with on Saturday.

Colonel W St Andrew Warde- Aldham, of Hooton Pagnell Hall, offering congratulations on behalf of all in court, said the magistrates decision would give great satisfaction, chiefly because it would give Mr Nokes full scope for the great social interest he had a heart.

Members of the Cooke Yarborough family and occupied the position of chairman of the bench for 37 out of the last 40 years. During the last century a great tradition and been built in the court, and he (Colonel Ward Oldham) was quite sure that all the business there – solicitors, staff, probation officers and Press, one combining loyalty to the new leader and would do their best to help him to maintain the tradition.

Mr Nokes, replying, said he had been trying to do his duty on the Bench for the last 30 years, but he had to follow one the finest men were was sat on the Bench. Mr Cooke Yarborough knew the law as he (Mr Nokes) never would know it, but he had tried to do his best and would continue to do so. He would try to prove that the confidence placed in him was not misplaced. No man could do more. He would have a good Cerk behind him, and good magistrates, and he knew the solicitors would not take advantage of him. The police and reporters, he hoped, would help in the same way that they had done for the past 30 years.

He also acknowledges the help he had received from Superintendent T Gordon, and concluded “You can be all satisfied I will try to do my best to the end of my term.”