Higham Ferrers, April 17th, 1768

The Small-Pox having been lately in this Town, and [preventing many] from coming to the Fairs and Markets, ... ... ... ..., it is thought ... ... the Town, that it is now entirely free from it, and very safe for all Persons who may have Occasion to travel or trade in it.

17 January 1874 - Northampton Mercury

Higham Ferrers - Animal Longevity—On Tuesday last a pony, the property of Mr. W. J. Lamb, of this town, was shot at the advanced age of 35 years. It had been in the possession of Mr. Lamb and his father for upwards of 30 years. And was worked up to the time it was shot.

HIGHAM FERRERS - FLOODS—Haymaking had been begun and several large fields were down at the beginning of the week. There were good crops and excellent quality, but the heavy fall of rain on Thursday has caused a flood, which will silt that not cut, and at the time we write (Thursday evening), it is feared will float that in the meadows that is cut. The water is rising fast.

Rent Dinner—The cottage tenants of the Fitzwilliam estate, according to custom, have just had their annual dinner, part at the Queen's Head, and the other part at the White Horse. A good dinner and plenty of beer and tobacco was supplied at each place.

DISTRIBUTION OF CHARITY—On the 2nd inst. the usual sixpenny loaf was given at the church doors to every householder by the Finance Committee of the Corporation. During the last few weeks the Rev. E. Templeman has been giving away Sanders' and Maskell's charity. The charity is left to the vicar und churchwardens to dispense, and formerly used to be given in a small loaf to each family, but is now given in sums of 2s. 6d.each to a number of the deserving poor. The widows' gowns have been disposed of to the following: Mrs. A. Perkins, Mrs. M. Underwood, Mrs. Ward, and Mrs. Wrighton.

The Market—On Monday last the stock market was very poor, as there were only two cows belonging to Mrs Chambers, four sheep from Mr E B Randall, one stranger, and about 30 pigs. The general market still improves, and there was a very keen competition in the dead meat trade.

Higham Ferrers - A Visitor from Barton— Some excitement was caused in the town on Tuesday afternoon by the eccentric proceedings of a stranger, who visited several houses uninvited, went into the churchyard and climbed the trees "to get to the weather cock &c. He was ultimately identified as an individual from Earls Barton, who has been strange in his mind for some time. A conveyance was procured, and P.O. Elliott accompanied him back to Barton.

Sanger’s Circus – This circus visited the town on Wednesday and during the progress of the procession the streets were crowded with people. There were large attendances at the performances.

HIGHAM PICNIC—The Sunday School teachers and collectors under the Blake system of Bible reading, had their annual picnic at the Moors on Saturday. There was a good number present, and all appeared to enjoy the outing.

SPORTING—A match took place in the sports field on Monday morning between two dogs belonging to two well-known members of the sporting fraternity of Higham Ferrers, viz., Mr. H. Blackwell’s Jack and Mr. G. Pywell’s Jenny. The latter received twenty yards start in 120 yards, but was beaten by five yards.

HIGHAM FERRERS - TEA AND DANCE—On Friday, as a wind-up to the feast, a public tea was provided at the Cafe Royal, by Mr. Cox, a good number sitting down. After tea dancing was indulged in, an enjoyable time being spent.

THE MUSHROOM SEASON—As Mr. E. Hancock, of the Coffee Tavern, was out walking on Saturday morning, he gathered a large mushroom, measuring in circumference 29 inches.

BUILDING PROSPECTS—We are informed that the borough has been surveyed during the past few days with a view to selecting suitable building sites, 1st for artisan's cottages, 2nd villas and three factories, and that the whole will shortly be in the market. There are at the present time 22 cottages and one factory in course of erection.

THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER—Mr. O. Middleton has been appointed president, Mr. C. E, Sanders treasurer, and Mr. A. Parker secretary of a large committee for the purpose of making arrangements for Guy Fawkes’ Day.

HIGHAM FERRERS - RABBIT COURSING—The finish of the rabbit coursing took place on Saturday last. The first round and part of the second were run on the 8th, when it had to be adjourned for want of rabbits, and at the meeting on Saturday last, in the second round, Judge's "Jacko'' beat Hawthorn's "Judy," Keewood's "Poppy" had a bye. Third round: Wolley's "Roger" beat Scott's "Pincher," "Jacko" beat "Poppy," Wilmer's "Mischief" had a bye. Final: "Roger" beat "Mischief", "Jacko" beat "Roger".

Measles Epidemic—An epidemic of measles has broken out in the town, and so rapidly has it spread that it has been found imperative to close the Infant School, as the attendance decreased by 60 per cent in three days. We hear most of the cases are of a mild type.

THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION—Our correspondent writes that the statement that Mr. T. Sanders, the member for the Higham Ferrers and Irchester division, will offer himself for re-election, is premature. It is reported that Mr. W. H. Simpson intends to offer himself as a candidate, and it is thought that he will not meet with any opposition.

Rushden Echo, 1^st February 1901, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Dance arranged by Mr. F. Tassell, took place at the Band Club on Tuesday. Mr. Tassell presided at the piano.

The First Pensioner to draw his old age pension at Higham Ferrers on Jan. 1st was Mr John Wilson, who entered the post office as soon as it was opened, at 8a.m. There are about 40 pensioners in the borough.

The Girls’ Temperance Class was held on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance. The programme consisted of songs and recitations by the girls. Mrs Coleman presiding, Miss Rose was the pianist.

A CANNON handicap was terminated on Friday evening last at the Y M C I the winners being: 1 J Webb, 2 E Draper.

CHARITY – Mrs Presland’s Charity was distributed by the Mayor on Tuesday at the Town Hall, 64 widows receiving 22/- each.

CHURCH INSTITUTE – A cribbage match, Married v Single, took place on Tuesday. The single men won both games (single and double hands).

Aeroplane Down. A small biplane came down in a field beyond the railway near Higham Ferrers on Wednesday, about 11.30 am. The pilot, with two passengers, said they had come from Derby. They made a good landing in a wide, level field belonging to Messrs. Payne and Eaton, farmers, and recently cleared of corn. Leaving a local man in charge, the airmen went to the Green Dragon for lunch. The machine (G-EBCB) had a gnome engine of the usual nine cylinder type, made by Allen, of Bedford. The plane soon attracted a crowd. Two local engineers assisted in starting up the engine, and the flight was resumed at 2.15pm.

Rushden Echo, 4^th July 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

Concert—At the Athletic Club on Sunday a concert was held. Mr F Waterfield presided. Numerous monologues were given by Mrs Lynn and songs by Mr Lynn, which were very much appreciated by the large company present.

The Coming-of-Age of Mr James Albert Grant, eldest son of Mr Alfred Grant (haulage contractor) and Mrs Grant, of The Walnut Tree, Higham Ferrers, was celebrated on Sunday when a small but happy company of relatives and friends assembled at Mr and Mrs Grant’s residence. Mr J A Grant received congratulatory messages and some very choice presents.

The Health of Councillor A E Hurst still gives some cause for anxiety, and his doctor ordered him to go away yesterday for a month.

Summoned at Thrapston Petty Sessions on Tuesday for driving a motor lorry without a driving licence at Raunds on February 27^th, Lewis Robinson, of Higham Ferrers, was fined ten shillings.

Evening Telegraph, 10^th May 1935

Illuminations—The Jubilee illuminations in Market Square and Wood-street have remained up during the week, and have transformed these areas into a blaze of light every night. They will remain until tomorrow (Saturday) evening.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 24^th September 1937, transcribed by Kay Collins

Outing—Leamington, Birmingham, and Coventry were visited in the course of a pleasant outing held on Thursday week by the Higham Ferrers Ladies’ Social Committee. Fifty-three ladies took part, occupying two motor coaches and a car.

RECHABITES—About 100 juvenile-members of the "Morning Star" Tent, Rushden, and the "Progress" Tent, Higham Ferrers, were entertained to tea in the Queen-street schoolrooms on February 28. Bro. Barley, juvenile superintendent, was in the chair, and Sister Megan Capon extended a welcome to the District officers (Bros. J. Harris and R. G. Sherwood), and to the Higham Ferrers visitors. After tea the company were entertained by Bro. A. J. George's cinematograph, and Bro. R. Richards (conjuror), and there were addresses by the District officers and others. Sisters M. M. Stapleton, D.D.R., B.Knight and S. J. Shipman formed the ladies committee, and the secretary, Bro. J. H. Shipman, carried out the arrangements.

An Egg to Cackle About
There was a great argument in the chicken run at 25, Newman St., Higham Ferrers, on Friday when Mr. L. C. Crisp went to collect his egg ration. His pullets were cackling round an egg, laid by one of their number, a Rhode Island crossed with a White Sussex. The April hatched pullet had laid a 5¾ oz. egg, measuring 9 inches round from end to end and 7¾ inches round the middle. The pullet laid a normal egg on Monday morning.

NEW COMPANY
Nene Motors, Ltd. (478,938) —Private company. Registered March 1st Capital £5,000 in £1 shares. Objects:— To acquire the business of garage proprietors and motor engineers carried on by Albert E. Kilsby and Thomas F. Attley at Nene Road, Higham Ferrers.

The directors are: Albert E. Kilsby, 58 Park Avenue, Rushden; Thos. F. Attley, 3 Nene Road, Higham Ferrers, and Tom Norton, 87 High Street, Finedon, Northants.

Secretary: Tom Norton. Solicitors: Parkers and Groome, Cleaver's Chambers, Rushden. Registered office: Nene Road, Higham Ferrers.