It was decided that we make one effort in aid of the Unemployed during the winter. Mrs. F. Knight had attended two meetings on the Social Service Committee and she was authorised to promise our help.

Mrs. Linnitt proposed that Miss Stapleton be asked to arrange a Social (proceeds for Unemployed Fund).  Members to give refreshments. This was carried unanimously, the date to be left to the “Y” to decide.

The sum of £2/7/0d was received from Miss Stapleton as a result of the social and it was decided that £1 be added to it for the refreshments from the Branch Funds and the £3/7/0d be sent to Rev. Leaton for the Social Service Fund.

It was decided to send letters to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and Wing Commander James M.P. asking them not to support or grant facilities for the passing of the Hotel and Restaurant Bill.

It was stated that the lino on the platform needed repairing and also new tablecloths were urgently needed. Mrs. Gutteridge was asked to procure new tablecloths but it was thought that the lino could be left until later.

The matter of re-decorating the Hall was mentioned and it was agreed to ask Mr. Gutteridge to convene a meeting of the Associate Members and send their report of the necessary repairs to our next committee meeting. The question of raising funds was discussed and the secretary was asked to see Miss Stapleton requesting the “Y” Branch to make an effort during the summer to run a Tennis Tournament towards what will be considerable additional expense.

The tenders for painting and repairs were received from Mr. Bull and Mr. Caswell, and it was agreed to accept Mr. Caswell’s for interior and exterior decorations for £35/0/6d; with the cost of fixing an electric light outside to be an extra. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks to Mr. Gutteridge and his committee for their help and to ask them to supervise the work. Mr. Caswell to be asked to commence work on October 3^rd.

A special meeting was called to meet the Gentlemen’s Committee in order to go into several details in connection with repairs.

Mr. Gutteridge explained that owing to dampness it had been necessary to remove one of the steps at the front entrance and to have the path asphalted.

He also explained that it would be better not to have the pictures re-hung for a time, in order to let the paint get thoroughly dry.

The question of new lino and the small tables was raised and it was decided to get an estimate for new lino and carpet for the platform from Mr. Caswell. Mrs. J. Cunnington was asked to see her brother Mr. Whiteman in respect to recovering the tables.

It was agreed that Mr. F. Caswell should cover the platform with new lino and also provide new carpet for the stairs. Mr. Whiteman to be asked to recover the small tables with brown cloth and the table on the platform to be repaired by him.

After some discussion it was decided to re-hang the pictures. Mrs. Tailby proposed that a white picture rail be fixed below the white beams along 3 sides of the Hall and to miss the large windows. It was decided to return the picture that had been offered by Mr. Bettles as it was not thought suitable to hang with the photographs.

The Committee for hanging pictures was then appointed as follows : Mrs. Brough, Mrs. Hall, Miss F. Denton with Mr Bettles to assist.

The purchase of a gas ring, the cost being 4/5d was approved; it was decided to buy a kettle and saucepan. Mrs. Wrighton and Mrs. J. Cunnington were asked to purchase same.

Mrs. J. Cunnington paid sympathetic reference to the passing of Mrs. C. White, one of our old and valued members. It was stated that members had attended the funeral and flowers had been sent, also a letter of sympathy to the Rev. F. White.

It was agreed to join with Higham Ferrers, and Irthlingborough in arranging a Garden Fete in aid of the County Union Funds and the following ladies were appointed to meet others from Higham and Irthlingborough to make the arrangements:- Mrs. Wrighton, Mrs. E. Knight, Mrs. J. Cunnington, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. E. Linnitt and Miss F. Denton.

It was agreed that we provide tea for 100 at the Group Garden Party to be held at Hazelwood (home of Mr. G. Groom) on July 24^th. Mrs. Wrighton was asked to be convenor of the tea committee and members of the committee promised provisions and money towards the cost. It was decided to lend tables, chairs, crockery etc. and to arrange for Mr. Townsend to do the carting. The speaker at the tea-tables to be Rev. Travers Stoney and Higham to be responsible for competition, concerts etc. and Ithlingborough to arrange a stall. Rushden “Y”s had promised to provide ices.

A committee tea was held at the close of the meeting when a presentation of a Poole Pottery Bowl was made to Mrs. Brough on behalf of the committee, by Mrs. Tailby. Mrs. Tailby expressed thanks to Mrs. Brough for her help and interest during her 2½ years as our President and said how sorry we were that she was moving to Wellingborough and wished her every happiness in her new sphere. Mrs. Brough thanked all and said how happy she had been to help during her time in Rushden.

Miss Hall having kindly promised to give an Elocutionary Recital on Jan 3^rd the following arrangements were made:- Soloist Mrs. Patterson or Mrs. Wildman. President Mrs. J. Stoney. Accompanist Mrs. Craker. It was stated that the tea would be provided but the committee with the addition of Mrs. R. Cunnington and Mrs. Craker promised to help with the cutting up and serving. It was decided to have 150 programmes at 1/- including tea.

 It was agreed the tea should be at 6 o’clock on January 17^th and the concert to commence at 7pm. Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Perkins to provide tea for 80 and to have 200 programmes distributed.

Mr. Gutteridge to be asked to have some new Electric Bulbs fitted as there had been some complaints about the lighting of the Hall. Also that the windows should be made to open easily.

It was stated that the electrician had intimated that new flex was needed in the Hall and it was agreed that it should be fixed.

In connection with the demand for longer hours in Liquor shops, the County Union Committee suggested that we combine with the Free Church council and other organisations to fight it and if necessary to consult a lawyer. This was agreed to.

Annual Meeting. The Secretary’s report was read by Miss F. Denton, good meetings had been held and although new members had been enrolled the numbers had dropped to 138 owing to death and removals from the town.

The Treasurer’s report by Mrs. Blunsom showed a profit in hand of £2/11/2.

Mrs. Walker’s report of the Women’s Fellowship showed that good work was being done and the membership was 75.

Mrs. Young gave the Financial Statement of the Women’s Fellowship which showed that £28/2/0d had been paid in the Savings Club, £19/12/0d in the Holiday fund and £12/15/9d in the Clothing Club. £3/0/3d had been made by teas and they had a profit in hand of £1/3/6d.

The “Y” report read by Miss G. Jaques gave a good result of the help the girls had given to different organisations by their concert, the sum of over £18 being raised. They had 12 new members.

The election of officers resulted in the following

President – Miss Scott

Vice (acting) Mrs. Tailby, Mrs. J. Cunnington, Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Perkins.

Vice Presidents – Re-elected with the addition of Mrs. Norman, Miss Clipson and Mrs. Bridgment.

Secretaries - Miss F. Denton and Mrs. Hall.

Treasurer - Mrs. Blunsom.

Hall secretary – Mrs. Gutteridge

Women’s Fellowship Officers Re-elected.

“Y” Branch – Miss Stapleton.

“Y” Branch Secretary -  Miss Verge.

Auditors – Mr. A. Wright and Mr. F. S. Knight.

Pianist – Mrs. Craker.

Committee re-elected with Mrs. North and Mrs Smith.

Representative on After Care Committee - Mrs. Walker.

Representatives on Band of Hope – Mrs. Cox

Representatives on Hospital – Mrs. J. Cunnington, Mrs. E. Linnitt and Mrs. F. Knight.

Tea committee – re-elected.

Pianists for Thursday meeting – Mrs. Baines and Mrs Tomlinson.

The secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Dallas and Mr. James, candidates for the General Election asking for their views on the “Drink question, Re-armament and the Private Manufacture of Armaments.”

It was decided to write to Mrs. M. McMain asking her to give a demonstration on making non-alcoholic drinks either on Tuesday Dec 3^rd or 10^th. It was agreed to have 400 leaflets printed and to invite members of the Adult School, Co-operative Guild and Infant Welfare. Mrs. Gutteridge was asked to provide tea and refreshments.

It was agreed to invite the County Union to hold their Annual Garden Party in Rushden this year. The gardens suggested being either Mrs. Clark’s or Mr. Horrells.

It was decided to hold a Garden Meeting either on June 11^th or 18^th and to ask Mr. Capon for the use of the Commonwealth Sports Grounds. Mrs. Brough to be asked to give an address and either Mrs. Capon or Mrs. Head to preside. Grounds to be opened at 3 o’clock, tea at 3.45 and the meeting after tea. The Tea committee to provide tea at 6d. It was decided to purchase 6 new tea towels and some tea bags.

The County Union Garden Party to be at Mrs. Clark’s on July 2^nd. In case the weather should be wet it was agreed to ask for the use of the Mission Hall.

It was agreed to hire crockery etc. from the Co-operative Society for the County Garden Party and it was decided to ask the various branches to arrange for the ladies to pour tea.

It was agreed to ask Miss Hobbs to arrange a Health and Beauty Display during the evening.

A communication having been received from Head Quarters urging us to sent to our M.P., urging him to press the Government to uphold our obligations as League of Nations Members and to refuse to surrender to Italian aggression. Mr. Bough kindly wrote a letter which was signed by all present.

A letter was read from Mrs. Cottingham and also Mrs. Seamer thanking the Rushden Branch for the help given at the County Union Rally on July 2^nd The sum received from Rushden was £5/3/3 and 5/- from the “Y”s for ices. Total £5/8/3. Also Rushden paid £1/4/0 for the expenses.

It was decided to send a bottle of eau-de-cologne to Mrs. Craker. Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Young were asked to visit Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sinfield with a gift of 2/6d.

The welcoming of new members was discussed and it was agreed to try and arrange a tea for committee and new members on a Saturday during October. Mrs. Bettles , Mrs. Gutteridge and Mrs. Newell were asked to provide tea for 36 and it was left to the secretaries to try and fix a suitable date.

It was decided that a letter be sent to the Rev. & Mrs. Travers Stoney, thanking them for all their help and expressing our regret at their leaving Rushden. Also a letter of congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Beattie of Northampton at their becoming Mayor and Mayoress for the Coronation year 1937.

It was decided to ask Mr. Bettles if the Rushden Temperance Society were making a presentation to the Rev & Mrs. Travers Stoney on their leaving the town and if they were doing so could we join with them. It was agreed that we should make a small gift of a book if the Temperance Society were not doing anything in the matter.

The proceeds of the jumble sale were £3/18/9d.

An application for the use of some chairs was received from the Council Buildings and it was decided to lend as many as are required.

It was agreed to pay 3/- to the caretaker for extra work on the Sundays the Choral Society had the Hall.

It was decided to arrange a meeting to celebrate Mrs. Tailby’s birthday either on April 20^th or 22^nd. 200 cards to be printed and the committee to be responsible for the tea and birthday cake.

The birthday tea and meeting was fixed for April 20^th and Mrs. Brough had promised to be the speaker. Invitation cards to be sent to all members and also to the members of the Women’s Fellowship. It was decided to make a presentation to Mrs. Tailby and Miss Scott and Miss F. Denton were asked to get a flowering plant. (Dr. Moffat’s translation of the New Testament was presented instead of plant.)

It was agreed to ask Mr. Capon for the use of the Commonwealth Sports Ground for a tea and meeting on June 3^rd, failing that June 10^th. Mrs. Gutteridge, Mrs. Bettles and Mrs. Newell were asked to provide tea for 80 at 6d.

Mrs. Tailby presented a linen table cloth to the branch and it was decided to thank her for it.

Mrs. Newell mentioned the need for more members to read the White Ribbon magazine and it was suggested that she become the magazine secretary and try and get subscribers.

The bill of £1/3/9d for decorations for the Coronation was considered satisfactory and it was agreed to pay it.

Mrs. Wildman, Mrs. Dennis Knight and Miss L. Knight agreed to help the Stanwick Branch with the Chinese Laundry.

A letter was received from Mrs. McMain asking if a week-end school could be arranged in Rushden in October.

The question of hospitality was discussed and several of those present said they will be willing to help.

A letter from Mrs. Frost was received resigning from the post of caretaker. Regret was expressed and Mrs. Frost was thanked for her services. It was decided to see Mrs. Tew and ask her if it would be possible for her to undertake the duties, failing her to advertise.

The result of the advertisement for a new caretaker was that Mrs. Norman had been appointed by the special committee.

The arrangements for the week-end school were then made. The Saturday afternoon meeting to commence at 3o’clock. Miss Scott was asked to extend a welcome to the visitors, .Mrs. Pulvermaker to give the address. The question of attending a place of worship on Sunday morning was left over until the arrival of Mrs. Seaman and Mrs. Pulvermaker.

The Sunday afternoon meeting to be at 2.15pm and invitations had been sent out to all senior classes at the various churches.

It was agreed to ask Miss D. Cunnington to sing and Mrs. R.C. Cunnington to accompany her, also Mrs. Jacques to recite. Mrs. Gutteridge, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. F. Knight and Miss Scott kindly offered hospitality.

It was decided to book up Mr. Haggard for a lantern lecture on Wednesday evening Jan 19^th and that the annual New Year’s Social should be on Jan 13^th.

It was decided to try and start a Children’s Department and also the Little White Ribboners. Miss W. Page and Miss Paine were suggested for the children from 7-14 and Mrs. C. Noble and Mrs. Newell for the Little White Ribboners. It was agreed to send to Headquarters for literature. It was decided to order 2 dozen copies of “White Ribbon” each month.

A letter was read from Headquarters asking for a special effort to be made by each branch before March, either by a Self Denial Week or individual effort. It was decided that each member of the committee should get as many 3d pieces as possible for which small bags were provided.

A discussion arose re- the heating of the Hall and it was decided to purchase a thermometer so that the heat of the room is registered.

It was decided to send to the Clerk of Justices requesting that the Licensing Magistrates should not increase but lessen the hours for the sale of drink. Mrs. Bettles was asked to send a similar resolution and get signatures from gentlemen.

The sum of 28/- was raised by the 3d collection for headquarters.

How best to establish the “Little White Ribbon Department” was discussed and it was suggested that representatives from the various churches in the town should hand names to Mrs. Newell. Mrs. Bates for the Methodists, Mrs. Tuckey for the Independent Wesleyan, Mrs. Newell for the Baptists, Miss Scott for the Church, Mrs. Spencer for the Mission, Mrs. Giles for the Salvation Army.