During the year we have held 11 committee meetings with an average of 14 members. I was interested and amused the other day to see a definition of a committee as follows :- A committee is a collection of people who make minutes and waste hours.

Letters of Resolution and protest have been sent to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and Wing Commander James in connection with the Hotel and Restaurants Bill. In connection with the latter 300 signatures were sent to the member for the Wellingborough Division.

During the year we have continued our posters on the hoardings. We know this is good propaganda work as we often have criticism about them and they certainly speak plainly and truthfully to people who perhaps have no sympathy for Temperance teaching.

As you all know the brewers all over the County have been trying to get an extension for Drinking Hours. This has been fought at the Wellingborough Sessions and no extension has been granted. We are very grateful to our Rector, Rev. C.J. Keeler, Mrs. Brough and also the other gentlemen who opposed it and were successful.

Although the summer of 1935 was almost a record for drought, the day fixed for our Garden Party at Mrs. Groome’s on June 20^th was wet and so we had to alter the arrangements and come to the hall.

During the year letters have been sent to our members in respect to “the extension of hours” bill, and during the “Rush” election in November questions respecting “Drink, Re-armament and Private Manufacture of Arms” were sent to the Divisional Candidates.

We had hoped to have the County Union Garden Party at Mrs. J. Clark’s on July 2^nd but owing to a deluge of rain we were obliged to alter our arrangements and hold the tea in the Mission Hall. In spite of the weather a large number of people came and the proceedings were quite successful. Our tea committee excelled themselves and the concerts given by the girls from the Alfred Street and Newton Road schools were much appreciated. The sum of £26/2/3d was raised for C.U. funds.

Miss Scott kindly gave a gift of 600 leaflets on “Beer is best left alone” which have been distributed to members.

 Our membership is now 150, a slight increase on last year, although we have lost 2 members by removal from the town and one member by death.

In July a garden tea was held at “The Laurels” by kind permission of Mrs. C.W. Horrell. After tea Miss Winifred Cunnington gave a very interesting talk on the “Life and Work of Josephine Butler”. Everyone was very impressed by the sincere and loving work done by the Moral Welfare Association. Although the weather was stormy, we had plenty of shelter for tea and a very happy afternoon was spent.

Also in September the officers of our branch attended the “One Day School” held at Wellingborough. This was conducted by Mrs. Bertram White of London. Although this day was so overshadowed by the pending crisis, we felt it had been well worth while. Mrs. Bertram White giving us helpful advice as to how a Branch should be run and whatever happened nationally her slogan for Temperance workers was “Carry On”

During the year 12 monthly Temperance posters have been placarded on the hoardings about the town. We feel this is good propaganda work. We purchased and displayed a reply poster to the brewers “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree”. This was at Mrs. Tailby’s suggestion.

During the year a “Little White Ribbon” Dept and a Children’s Dept has been formed which although in their early stages now, we hope to report fuller another year.

In leaving the old year we are faced with the future and we know that Temperance work was never more needed than at the present time. If we cannot convert the old let us strive to protect our young people and lead them in paths of Temperance. Great things can be accomplished if we make a firm stand and keep true to our motto – “For God and Home and Every Land.”

In May we had a successful afternoon in the grounds of the Commonwealth, kindly lent to us by W. Capon. There was a large number present and the reports of the National Council Meetings were given by the delegates. Two adult members were enrolled and eight “Little White Ribboners.” Thirty signatures were taken that afternoon for the Women’s Peace Petition.

The Harvest Festival was arranged for September 14^th. Unfortunately, owing to the outbreak of war, this had to be postponed as the Hall was used for evacuees who were being billeted in the town.

The Thursday afternoon fellowship meeting is doing splendid work as also are the “Y” girls who I know have continued their meetings under adverse conditions owing to the shortage of fuel and the “black out” but who are valiantly carrying on and we are pleased to hear they are increasing in membership and we wish them every success.

I should especially mention the death of Mrs. Hornsby, who was one of the 13 members who first started this B.W.T.A. Branch, 48 years ago. We remember her loyal services. Also Mrs. Craker, who for a great many years was our efficient pianist.

In October Miss Scott presented 1100 pledge cards, for distribution among the young people billeted in the town and in July we sent 200 signatures for the “Women’s Peace Petition” to Head Quarters.

We hope and pray that the “war cloud” will have lifted before we present another Annual Report.

 Our membership is 150 the same as last year although we have gained 11 new members during the year, we have lost 7 by death and 4 by removals from the town.

In October the County Meetings were held in Rushden but owing to our B.W.T.A. Hall being commandeered by the Northants Education Authorities, we held the meetings in the High Street Church. It was at this time we found it very difficult to provide our usual teas and had to apply for a Catering Licence to enable the tea committee to get tea, butter and sugar. This was granted and we have been able to carry on with the social side of our work.

On November 19^th we held a Birthday Tea, when Mrs. Smith of Raunds, our County President, was the speaker and we also had some elocutionary items. This was a memorable date, as that night the B.W.T.A. Hall had to be used to house many who through enemy action were rendered homeless. Our members gave service all through the night with food and comforts to the injured people.

Owing to the war several changes have had to be made in the working of the Branch meetings. On October 8^th our Hall was taken over by Northampton Education Authorities, as  school for evacuee children. This meant we had to find other premises where we could hold our meetings. The minister and trustees of the High Street Church very kindly granted us the use of their schoolroom where we now hold our own meetings. Our Women’s Fellowship have joined with other Churches meetings for the time being as the Hall is not available on Thursday afternoons. Our “Y” group is carrying on under difficulties but are helping with war work in various ways and keeping up their membership.

Our other activities have been many and varied. In July, six of our members distributed leaflets in Manton Road, York Road, Little Street and Manning Lane for the Rushden Council for the collection of salvage. Several of our members have promised to act as helpers at the B.W.T.A. Hall in cases of air raids under the direction of Northamptonshire County Council. Many have helped too with the Canteen at the Y.M.C.A. for soldiers. The war has brought many avenues for our help which is always willingly given.

We sent £1/16/0 to Head Quarters towards the purchase of a mobile canteen for work amongst H.M. Forces.

In closing this report I should like to thank all who have helped to make the work possible in spite of war conditions. The tea committee especially have had many difficulties but they have always managed to give us very good and enjoyable teas.

Another year’s work has been surveyed and it’s good to refresh our memory with the efforts which have been put forth. It has not been a normal year by any means and we do not know what the coming year holds for us, but although we are meeting in the midst of war, if we all do what we can to strengthen the cause of Temperance, great things can be accomplished.

In November we went back to our own hall.

During the year we sent a letter of protest against the government allowing “wet canteens” for women and girls in the Forces.[Wet canteens sold snacks and alcohol]

Our hall is a “Rest Centre” and several of our members have provided help there in case of air raids, under the direction of the Northamptonshire County Council. Many, too, have helped with the Canteen for Soldiers and Airmen. Our representatives on the “After Care”, “The Hospital Week Committee”, “The County Band of Hope Union” and the “Red Cross Work Party” are all active workers in these organisations.

Mrs. Norman, who in spite of coupons and other difficulties, has made her little stall of home made goods month by month and handed in her little bit to swell our funds deserves a very big “Thank You”.

We hope and pray that the “war cloud” will have lifted and peace have been proclaimed before we present another Annual Report.

 We have added 5 new members to our branch thereby bringing the membership to 155.

After our committee meeting on Nov 3^rd we entertained the “Little White Ribboners” and their mothers to tea. Mrs. Wright of Stanwick (one of the county Presidents of the L.W.R. dept) welcomed the guests and read the Dedication Service.

24^th November was a red letter day in the annual of the Rushden B.W.T.A. as we then held our Jubilee Celebrations. Reminiscences were read from old and past members of the branch meeting namely, Mesdames Tailby, Sanders, Smith of Northampton, Sargent, Vorley, Orrell and Brough and Miss Scott. Mrs. Flood accompanied by Mrs. Palmer sang solos and Mrs. Norman gave recitations. Tea followed and an enjoyable time was spent by the goodly number who attended.

We still continue our posters, which we feel brings our work to the notice of the general public.

Our hall is a “rest centre” and several of our members have promised to help there, in case of raids, under the direction of the Northamptonshire County Council.

Our representatives on the “After Care”, the Hospital Week Committee, the County Band of Hope and the Red Cross Work Party are all willing and active workers in their organisations.

In closing the report I should like to thank all who in spite of difficulties have helped and made our work possible. Mrs. Palmer, our pianist who so ably accompanies both our singing and our soloists at the piano, also Mrs. Cunnington who so readily officiates at the piano in the absence of Mrs. Palmer. Mrs. Norman, who, in spite of coupons and other difficulties has had her little stall of home made goods and handed in her little bit to swell our funds deserves an extra big “thank you.”

The tea committee who have surmounted all difficulties and provided us with tea month by month certainly merit a large amount of praise and we are indeed grateful to them.

This has not by any means been a normal year but I hope this general survey of the year’s work will strengthen our resolve to keep true to our motto “For God and Home and Every Land “ and with God’s help to do all we can for the cause of temperance.

We also hope and pray that before we present another annual report all war clouds will have dispersed and peace and goodwill reign over the world.

We have lost two of our members by death and added three new members making the membership 156.

On June 29^th we were favoured with very nice weather and through the kindness of Mrs. Robinson enjoyed a tea held in her garden.

We did not hold a meeting in August so our next effort was a Harvest Gift Service on Sept 7^th. At this service Mrs. Sidey, who has spent some years as a missionary in India, was the speaker. She spoke on the uses of Harvest Produce and also about the temperance work in India. Mrs. Geo. Bayes was the efficient soloist. As the last four years, instead of the usual gifts of fruit and vegetables, each member had a Gift Envelope” to be handed in at the Gift Service. Tea followed and altogether the service was very successful. The proceeds amounted to over £7.

We did not hold a meeting in December but arrangements were made for Jan 11^th 1944 when Mrs. Blunsom gave a recital of her own poems. Mrs. Blunsom made this recital doubly interesting as in addition to reciting the poems, she told us a little about each one and why she wrote them, revealing the fact that most of them were thought out on Monday – washing day. Unfortunately Jan 11^th turned out to be a very wet day thereby keeping many members and friends away, but those who braved the elements were well paid for their bravery.

On January 31^st the town generally and the Temperance cause particularly suffered a great loss in the passing of Mrs. J. Tailby. She was the founder of the Rushden branch of the B.W.T.A. and maintained a great interest in our work to the end of her long and successful life. A letter of sympathy was sent to her relatives and members of the committee attended the funeral service at the Park Road Baptist Church.

Another year of work has ended and we know not what lies in front of us, but we do know that Temperance work is more needed now than ever before especially amongst our young people, so let us ask God’s help and guidance to enable us to be true to our motto “For God and Home and Every Land” and to help the Temperance cause whenever we have an opportunity.

We have lost three of our members by death and gained four new ones, making the membership 157.

Arrangements were made for an afternoon meeting to be held on April 18^th when Miss Smith of Raunds gave an interesting talk on “Her Experiences in Occupied France” and Mrs. Miles accompanied by Mrs. A. Miles (both of Raunds) rendered much appreciated solos. A new member was enrolled.

On June 13^th we entertained the “Little White Ribboners” and their mothers, also grandmothers who were B.W.T.A. members to tea. This was to have been held in the Rectory Garden but the weather was unfavourable and we had to hold it in the Hall.

On July 11^th we hoped to have a Garden Tea in the Rectory Garden. Again the weather was unkind to us and we had to have the meeting in the hall. Also in July several of our members attended the County Rally at Raunds which owing to the inclement weather was held in the Wesleyan Schoolrooms instead of in Mrs. Miles garden.

On February 9^th our hall was used as a crèche to enable mothers to attend the service in St. Mary’s Church in connection with the “World Women’s Day of Prayer.”

Unfortunately our “Y” branch and Children’s Dept are defunct but we are glad to know that the “Little White Ribboners” Dept is flourishing.

The Temperance cause has suffered a great loss through the deaths of Mr. Gutteridge (late Hall Steward) and Mr. Amos Wright one of our auditors. Mr. Hall has kindly consented to be an auditor in Mr. Wright’s stead.

The tea committee, who have nobly surmounted their increasing difficulties and managed in spite of rationing troubles to provide us month by month not only with a tea but a nice tea, have certainly earned our gratitude and we give them an extra big “Thank You.”

Before presenting this 54^th annual Report of our branch, I would like to sound a “Thanksgiving note” and thank God for the cessation of hostilities and to express a fervent hope that soon it will be World Peace.

On May 8^th we gave a party to the “Little White Ribboners”, their mothers and grandmothers belonging to the B.W.T.A. This was a real gala time as it was V.E.Day, so not many attended, but those that did were welcomed by Miss Clipson and after the tea went into the Rectory Garden. Mrs. Wright of Stanwick could not be present as the buses were not running.

On July 17^th we held a Garden Tea in the Commonwealth Sports Ground. This tea and a “Bring and Buy” Stall (in the charge of Mrs. Blunsom and Mrs. R. Cunnington) was a special effort to raise money towards our target of £10 for the Reorganisation Fund. A goodly number attended and we realised over £5. The rest we had from branch funds.

On Sept 25^th we held our Harvest Festival and reverted back to pre-war custom and had a real Harvest Festival with gifts of fruit and vegetables. Friends rallied round us well and we had a real good show of garden produce and made £8 / 3/ 0d. We were favoured with our first visit of Rev. F. Jacques of the Wellingborough Road Mission Church who gave us a very good address.

Another year of work has ended. We are thankful for the cessation of war but we have a big enemy to fight and that is “Intemperance”, so we must buckle on our armour and be true to our motto “For God and Home and Every Land” and put in a word for “Temperance” whenever we can.

We have gained 5 new members and lost 3 by death, thus making the membership 157.

For May 28^th we had arranged to hold a Garden Tea and Bring and Buy Stall in the Commonwealth Sports Ground (by kind permission  of Mr. Capon) but unfortunately the weather was not kind to us and we had to hold it in the hall instead. However a good company gathered and an enjoyable time was spent. We made £4/6/6 for the “Hall Renovation Fund.”

On Oct 28^th the 3^rd Rushden Girls’ Life Brigade paid us a visit and gave us an evening concert. The first part consisted of miscellaneous items and very pleasing items by the cadets. After an interval when tea and cakes were served by members of the B.W.T.A. committee a one act play entitled “Mrs. Grundy comes to Tea” was given by the older members of the brigade. Miss I. Clipson presided and also voiced our thanks to all who helped to give us such a really enjoyable evening. The proceeds which amounted to £7 were for the Hall Renovation fund.

On Jan 7^th the young people of the Park Road Wesleyan Methodist Church gave us a concert consisting of miscellaneous items and a one act play entitled “The Lustre Jug”. The members of the B.W.T.A. committee served tea and cakes. Unfortunately the weather was very bad and not many attended but those that braved the weather had an enjoyable time. Mrs. Espin was responsible for the concert and our very best thanks were given her for her trouble. The proceeds were again for the renovation fund.

The register has been slightly revised and the membership stands at 112. We commenced the year’s activities with a Social Hour on April 22^nd. Games and Competitions arranged by Mesdames Tuckey, Cunnington, Haseldine and Whiteman were enjoyed and small prizes were given. Miss Clipson officiated at the piano. Mrs. Cunnington welcomed two old members, Mrs. Wills and Mrs. Harbour and presented each with a new laid egg for the next morning’s breakfast. A faith tea followed and mystery parcels were sold for our funds. Altogether a very enjoyable time was spent by those present.

We did not hold a meeting in June as on the 24^th of that month the County Garden Rally was held here in the Commonwealth Sports Ground. We were favoured with glorious weather and had a real good rally. Miss Clipson welcomed the visitors to Rushden. Mrs. Seaman (County President) presided and Mrs. Lewin of Kettering opened the rally. Mrs. Wills one of our oldest members presented a bouquet of roses to Mrs. Lewin.

Mrs. Norman had a little stall of her homemade goods and gave the proceeds to the funds and there was also a bring and buy stall. It was a very pleasant and successful rally.

On July 15^th by kind invitation of Mrs. Robinson we held a “Faith Tea” in her garden. Gifts of fruit, cake etc were sold by auction for our funds. Again we were favoured with nice weather and this gathering proved a huge success financially as well as socially and we are very grateful to Mrs. Robinson for her kindness.

On Oct 21^st Mr. Capon visited us and spoke of the work of the “United Nations Association.”

Another year of work has ended. Temperance is still a very powerful enemy that we must fight especially among our young folk so may I appeal to all our members to rally round us and help to fight this enemy. We know that God is on our side and God and one makes a crowd so if every British Woman buckles on her armour and is true to our motto “For God and Home and Every Land” much can be accomplished to improve our Temperance Cause.

The membership is 111. On June 15^th we held a parents and “Little White Ribboners” tea in the Commonwealth Sports Ground (by kind permission of Mr. Capon) We also had a Bring and Buy stall. We were favoured with glorious weather and a good company were present and a pleasant and successful time was spent. We celebrated our Harvest Festival Service on Aug 31^st. Rev. Murray paid us his first visit and gave a very interesting address. The Ellis Twins Joan and Jean accompanied by Mrs. Turner gave appropriate duets.

Membership stands at 111. We commenced one year’s work on May 3^rd with an “At Home” and a Gift Stall, the proceeds of which realised £7. This meeting was the first held after the redecoration of the hall. During the year we have had the exterior of our hall painted and repairs done, the cost of the whole being £140-14-0d Towards this sum £55-3-4d has been raised during the 2 years.

We regret to record the passing of our Branch Secretary Mrs. North on August 15^th; we miss her kindly help very much. Also Mrs. Flood our Hall Secretary died suddenly in January and we record their loyal service and sincere sympathy to their relatives.

Our last meeting was held on Tuesday Feb 7^th when a large number of our L.W.R. and their mothers enjoyed a good tea with games etc. following. We are fortunate in having Mrs. Pashler as our L.W.R. superintendent and we grateful to Miss Drage for the help she gave on the piano.

There was no meeting arranged for December as the Post Master booked the room for two weeks for Xmas post. For this we received £30 for the two weeks bookings.

I would like to thank all who have helped in any way this year to keep this temperance cause working and pray God will help us to work harder in the future. There is so much to be done when we look round and see so many of our young people shunning the temperance cause.

Miss Denton gave her report which showed a defect of £46-18-8. Thanks were given to our treasurer for her work during the year. Mrs. Pashler of the L.W.R. gave a report and we were pleased to hear that we had won an award of a picture for best all round work for the year having 116 “Little White Ribboners” on the books and eight new members.

 In September we held a Bazaar and Harvest Festival. This was a new venture for us as we had such a deficit and we felt something must be done to clear it off. We are pleased to report that we raised on that day 17^th September £52-4-0. I would like to thank all who in any way helped to make this effort such a success. Miss Clipson for her valued help and Miss F. Cox for her gifts and help. I am sure all those who were present enjoyed Miss Waite’s dancing children in the evening. No meeting for December as the hall was booked by G.P.O. for a fortnight for Xmas mail.