This meeting was held at the home of Mrs. J. Cunnington and was attended by 5 members. The chief topic was the whist drive to be held on Dec 9^th at Mrs. Robinson’s house. It was decided to continue this committee meeting at the close of the whist drive, hoping there would be more present to discuss a programme for January. Flowers sold and raffled realised 4/- and with the tea money 10/- was handed in. Mrs. Linnitt gave £1 donation towards wiping out the debt.

This meeting attended by 7 members was held at the home of Mrs. North. Mrs. Blunsom presided and opened with prayer. Miss Denton reported that the proceeds of the whist drive held at Mrs. Robinson’s home in December realised £5/13/0d and that to date the letter of appeal had brought in £27/14/0d. Some letters were still left and several other names were suggested and letters sent to these friends.

Work for January. It was arranged to hold a “Social Hour” on Jan 27th and Mrs. Haseldine and Mrs. Tuckey were appointed to arrange games and competitions. Small prizes to be given. Tea to follow.

This meeting was held at Mrs. Blunsom’s home and 6 members attended. Miss Denton reported that in response to the appeal sent out we had up to date received £39/ 18/11d.

Work for February. It was agreed to give a tea to L.W.R. and mothers, also grandmothers who are B.W.T.A. members. It was suggested that we ask Mrs. Tuckey and her daughter Mrs. Kee to work the L.W.R.’s. The secretary was asked to apply to the Food Office for a permit for this party. Mrs. Wright and Miss Clipson, County L.W.R. superintendents to be asked to speak at the tea tables.

This committee meeting was held after the Annual meeting and was attended by 17 members. Miss L Norman our new president presided.

Work for April. It was hoped that a good number would attend the County Meetings at Stanwick on April 13^th and it was agreed that this meeting would count as our April Branch Meeting.

Miss Denton reported that Mrs. Stapleton would soon be 90 years old and wondered if we could hold a special meeting to celebrate her birthday. Details to be fixed later.

Miss Norman presided and opened with prayer. There were only 7 members present as some who usually attended were in charge of Highfield Baptist Women’s meeting.

Miss Denton reported that she had received some more donations and the Jubilee fund had now almost realised £50. Miss Denton stated that Mrs. Stapleton’s birthday is not until November so the matter of a party was left.

Miss Norman presided and opened with prayer and 10 members attended. Mrs. Hall reported that the notice boards were disgraceful, and Mrs. Haseldine kindly offered to ask Mr. Haseldine to paint them for us. Miss Denton stated that the Jubilee fund had now realised over £50 but unfortunately several large bills had come in, amongst them one from Sanders for fixing the spouting. Mrs. Cunnington drew attention to the loose slates on the roof and she and the secretary promised to see Sanders about repairing the roof.

Work for June. It was arranged to ask Mr. Capon for the loan of the Commonwealth Sports Ground for a garden tea on June 15^th or 29^th the 15^th for preference. Little White Ribboners to be asked to come and a “Bring and Buy” stall to be held. The secretary was asked to write a letter and send it airmail to Mrs. Sidey assuring her of our sympathy with her loss of her mother Mrs. Harris.

Mrs. Cunnington presided and opened with prayer. There were six members present. Mrs. Cunnington reported that the roof had been repaired, also that Mr. Haseldine would paint the notice boards if they were taken off the wall and he could do them at home.

The secretary stated that we could have the Commonwealth Sports Ground on June 15^th as desired and final arrangements for that day were made. It was agreed to apply to the Food Office for a permit to provide tea for 50 Little White Ribboners. It was proposed that we ask Mrs. Norman to help the secretary with the Bring and Buy stall.

Work for July. It was agreed to hold a Jumble Sale in the Hall on July 2^nd to be opened at 6pm admission 2d. Handbills to be printed & distributed to the members and the Hall to be opened at 2pm to receive gifts. Arrangements to be made to collect gifts if so desired.

Mrs. Haseldine presided and opened with prayer. There were 6 members present. It was reported that the Jumble Sale held on July 2^nd was a success and realised £10/12/1d

Harvest Festival. After some discussion it was proposed by Mrs. Cunnington that this be held on August 31^st. Mrs. Hall proposed that Rev. Murray be asked to speak and failing him the minister from the Full Gospel. It was agreed to ask Joan and Jean Ellis to be the soloists and failing them Mrs. George Bayes. It was decided to ask for gifts of money, cake and garden produce. The price of the tea to be 9d instead of 8d.

It was suggested that aluminium sheets be put on the notice boards and Mrs. Haseldine promised to enquire about the cost of same.

Miss Norman presided and opened with prayer. Unfortunately there were only 5 members present. The Harvest Festival had been successful and realised £9/2/6d.

As Mrs. Haseldine has left the town before doing anything about the notice boards Mrs. Flood promised to ask Mr. Flood to look at them and give his opinion as to what would be the best to do.

Work for September. It was agreed to hold a meeting on September 28^th and to ask Mrs. Callis of Wellingborough to speak and Mrs. G. Bayes to be the soloist. After a slight discussion it was decided to have a Faith Tea and to charge 9d for the same.

Mrs. Flood reported that they were now charging 10/- instead of 9/- for the use of the main room and 5/- instead of 3/- for the small room. It was agreed to have new cards printed to this effect. Mrs. Hall proposed that we apply to Higham Market Day committee for a grant to our funds. Mr. Flood to be asked to draft a letter and the president and secretary to sign it.

The meeting was held after the Branch meeting on Sept 28^th and was attended by 9 members. Mrs. Flood reported that Mr. Flood thought the notice boards would be best painted and Mrs. Cunnington promised to see Mr. Hillson and get an estimate for painting the boards.

Work for October. It was agreed to hold a members meeting on Oct 26^th. Various members to be asked to sing, recite or give a reading and Miss Norman to preside. As Mrs. Stapleton’s family are having a party in the B.W.T.A. hall for her 90^th birthday, we agreed to send her flowers instead of having a party. It was agreed to ask the Wesleyan Male choir to give us an evening’s entertainment.

This meeting was held after the general meeting and was attended by 7 members. Mrs. Cunnington said she had seen Mr. Hillson about painting the boards but owing to pressure of work they were not yet done. Miss Norman and Miss Clipson were appointed to procure flowers or a plant for presentation to Mrs Stapleton on her 90^th birthday

Miss Denton reported that there were not enough small tables when the hall was let for Whist Drives but it was felt we could not buy any more at present. It was decided to buy 2 doz. cups. After some discussion it was decided that this year we send a guinea to the County Band of Hope union.

This meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Hall and there were 12 members present. A letter of thanks, for the flowers sent to Mrs. Stapleton on her 90^th birthday, was read; also our secretary Mrs. North, sent thanks for the flowers sent to her while in hospital. Miss Denton reported that 2 doz cups had been purchased and it had been arranged to borrow whist tables from the Y.M.C.A. when required.

Work for January. A letter was read from Mr. A. Bates, secretary of the Methodist Male Choir saying they would be pleased to give us a concert and suggesting Monday Jan 10^th as a suitable date. This was accepted with thanks. It was decided to have 200 tickets and to charge 1/6d including light refreshments for which several members promised to give tea and biscuits. It was decided to have a streamer outside the Hall.

This meeting was held at Miss Clipson’s home and there were fourteen members present. A message of sympathy was sent to Mrs. North and also to Miss F. Denton by Mrs. Hall. A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs. R. Cunnington by Miss Clipson.

The concert given by the Methodist Male Choir was greatly appreciated; the result being £12 which included a donation of £1 from Mr. A. Berrell, a member of Rushden Temperance Society. Re: the General Licensing Session to be held in Wellingborough to be held at Wellingborough on Friday 4^th February. It was decided to ask the Rev. Renison to pay the Hall Licence of five shillings. The Rector and Rev. Renison would be at the Licensing Session to fight the application for a full licence for a public house in Queen Street. A great many signatures had been sent in against the granting of this full licence. Miss Lucas promised to send our resolution against the State Control of the Liquor Traffic to Miss Norman. Miss Norman would obtain the Officers’ signatures and then send it on to our Member of Parliament. Decided that the Hall Renovation should start after 8^th March.

It was reported that the renovation of the hall would start on Monday April 4^th. It was passed that Mrs. Cunnington and Miss F. Denton should choose the colours for the walls and paintwork etc.

Resolution re: Licensing Session. Miss Norman had sent the resolution to Mr. G. Lingren M.P., Sir Stafford Cripps and Mr. Charles Ede and received answers from each of them.

The letting of the hall to “Toc H” for the “Joan” meeting was discussed. Re: opening of the Hall. Suggested date May 3^rd. It was decided that we should call the meeting an “At Home”. Cards of invitation should be sent to friends in the County as well as our usual members. Mrs. A. Miles of Raunds should be asked to give a short talk and to bring soloists from Raunds. Also that members of our own branch be asked to contribute towards the entertainment. We should lend small table cloths and crockery and the whole committee should give the bread, cakes etc for the tea. We should use the small tables. It was decided to have a parcel stall.

The colour scheme was decided upon and that we should not use the main hall for meetings before Easter Monday, so that the room would be quite dry. Miss F. Denton reported that our renovation fund now stood at £29/4/6d.

Miss F Denton reported a balance in hand of the renovation fund at £30/4/6d the estimate was £75/12/9d and actually £73/3/10d. Extra repairs £2/15/6d. The final bill amounted to £75/19/4d. Mr. Sanders for repairs to windows £1/6/2d. Satisfaction was expressed by all the members. It was passed that our caretaker be paid £1 extra for the cleaning up of the hall. It was passed that the hall should not be let for auction sales.

Garden Party to be held at the Commonwealth Sports Ground on Tuesday July 12^th. Mrs. Pashler had received a permit from the Food Office for 50 people, but we were providing for 100 people. It was decided to have bread (6 white and 2 brown) cut up by the Co-op Society and to order block cake and 6 pints of milk from there also. There were offers of cakes, sandwich filling etc from the members. Mrs. Linnell promised to help with the gift stall. The charge for the garden party to be 1/- adults and a collection for the children. Mrs. F. Knight reported her effort, the result of a Whist Drive, towards the Renovation fund £8/10/0 for which she was thanked.

Tribute to Mrs. G. North.

We deeply regret having to record the death of our beloved Secretary on Tuesday August 15^th 1949. Mrs. G. North was a faithful member of our branch and a very willing worker even in times of unrelenting illness and often much pain. We pray that her work may be the means of more workers coming forward to help in the cause of Temperance and the uplift of Humanity.

Miss F. Denton reported a balance in hand of the General Account of £16/2/9d. The profit on the Commonwealth Garden party was £4/9/1d. Renovation fund was £51/3/8d, still owing £26/1/10d. Mrs. Cunnington proposed that the exterior of the Hall should be decorated and should be proceeded with straight away. Miss Denton approved and Mrs. F. Stringer seconded. Mrs. Cunnington promised to interview the decorators. It was passed we should hold a members meeting on October 4^th different members to sing and recite and Miss Clipson to give short talk. It was decided to hold a competition for the best bottle or jar of fruit preserve. Mrs. F. Stringer promised to arrange this and to ask Mrs. Capon to be the judge. This to take place after tea.

The painting of the outside of the Hall was approved and Mrs. J. Cunnington was thanked for attending to the contract etc. Contract for the decoration of the Hall £77/5/6d. Our treasurer reported the sum of £65/12/2d for the renovation fund. Mrs. R. Cunnington had kindly sent us £2. The result of the Harvest Festival £8/11/6d. The Musical afternoon £4. Jumble Sale on November 5^th. It was agreed to have 150 handbills and to charge 2d entrance with a cup of tea.

Mrs. Knight promised to ask Mr. Rowthorne about repairing the Card Tables.

A vote of Sympathy was passed to Mrs. Flood on the sudden passing of Mr. Flood and words of appreciation were voiced by Miss Norman on the great help and work Mr. Flood had done during the time he was Hall Secretary for our Branch. Miss Winton reported that the sum of £4/1/0d was raised by Mrs. Knight’s whist drive. Mrs. Knight reported that Mr. Rowthorne had examined the card tables and that he could repair and recover them for 12/- each. It was agreed to have them done.

The card tables had been repaired and were considered satisfactory. Miss Norman agreed to inquire about the Licence for Music. Mrs. Hall mentioned that Mrs. Vorley would be celebrating her 90^th birthday on Feb 15^th and it was decided to send her some flowers with our best wishes.

Miss Norman reported having the Music Licence renewed, the cost of which was 10/-

Miss Norman reported that we had won the picture for the year’s best work. Miss Denton reported having received a donation of £2 from Miss Scott also the proceeds from the jumble sale was £11/9/4½d Miss Denton reported that £6/12/0d had been paid for the tables which had been recovered, also that our renovation bill was just under forty pounds.

A letter had been received from Mr. A. Sanders re: selling the Hall. Miss F. Denton proposed that we should not sell, Mrs. Pashler seconded and this was carried by all. It was proposed that the Secretary should write to Mr. A. Sanders an answer to the letter. Miss F. Denton thought we had no power to sell the Hall. The Trustees would all have to be consulted as well as Headquarters as we would have to get their consent.

Tribute to the Memory of Mrs. M.A. Cunnington.

The Rushden Branch of the N.B.W.T.A. has suffered a great loss by the sudden death of Mrs. M.A. Cunnington. Her work in the branch will be truly and greatly missed. The officers and members pay tribute and appreciation of her work and loyal devotion to the Temperance Cause. She was an ardent and active worker and will be greatly missed by all. The memory of her work and devotion will long remain with her fellow members and be an inspiration to those left to carry on the work of the Rushden Branch of the N.B.W.T.A.

It was suggested that Mrs. Turner’s Girls Choir should be asked to give us a concert in the evening of 10^th Jan at 7 o’clock, tickets to be 1/6d and light refreshments to be provided.

Miss Denton reported that £23/18/5 was still outstanding on Renovation Bill, also that the result of the Girls’ Choir concert was £5/6/0

A letter was read from Mills and Rockleys Ltd, Bill Posters stating the rise in prices for bill posting which was very high. After some discussion it was proposed by Miss Denton that we discontinue having bills posted by this firm.

Miss Denton reported that she had received from the Higham Branch £2/2/0d also £5/0/0d from one of our members who wished to remain anonymous. It was decided to raise the price of room when let for jumble Sales. This was because the room was used Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, the price now being £1/0/0d

Miss Denton reported the result of the Garden Party held at the Commonwealth Grounds amounted to £3/14/3 also the Harvest festival result was £5/18/9. We are pleased to know that the renovation Fund has been cleared.

It was decided to have list of prices for letting Hall raised, Miss Norman to get 4 printed after seeing Mr. Layram. The Hall has been booked by the Post Office for a fortnight at Xmas for £30.

Miss Denton reported that the Post Master was very satisfied with the Hall and wished to book it again for next Xmas. A letter was read from C.K. Woods stating they were not satisfied with the condition of the room at the Xmas Party. They booked the whole building and then found small room had been relet which made it difficult for them to carry on with the party, also asking if the price charged for room was correct. After a lengthy discussion on this matter it was decided to have a calendar hanging in the Hall so all bookings must be booked on this calendar as well as in the caretaker’s book. The Secretary to see the caretaker and tell him what the committee had decided. Also the price of the room was discussed and Miss Norman was asked to have two cards printed with the new prices. These are as follows: Meeting £1/0/0d. Hall and Small Room £1/10/0d. Afternoon 15/0. Small Room 10/0 with use of crockery. Miss Clipson asked if anything could be done regarding the shortage of jugs as this was very difficult when we had our teas having only one jug to use. Each member present then promised to bring one at our next meeting. Miss Norman was asked to pay Music Licence renewal which was 5/-.

A letter was read from Mr. C. Ray asking for information about meetings of the B.W.T.A etc. so that dates of events could be displayed in the social diary of the Public Library. Miss Denton stated that Mrs. Wills was nearing her 90^th birthday. It was decided to send her a gift and wishes for her birthday. Miss Norman promised to go and see her and take a gift.

Miss Norman reported having been to see Mrs. Wills on her 90^th birthday with gifts of scent and flowers. These gifts were very much appreciated.

It was reported that several complaints had been made about room and caretaker and after some discussion it was decided to have the kitchen decorated. Mrs. Dorrell was asked to see Mr. Hilson about this being done.

Miss Denton reported she had received the bill for Kitchen Repairs etc. which was £49/6/9d after reduction for copper sink etc. the secretary was asked to see Mr. Knight again, whether he would be willing to take over the caretaker duties, as at present the one we had was far from being satisfactory.

It was proposed by Miss Clipson and seconded by Mrs. Pashler that the secretary see Mr. Knight again about being caretaker for us as Mr. Layram would be leaving on May 23^rd.

A jumble sale was arranged to be held on May 8^th at 6o’clock, gifts for same to be received in the afternoon, price for admission 2d.

Miss Denton reported that £17/15/3d was the result of jumble sale held on May 23^rd, also a donation of £5 from Miss Lucas. It was decided to advertise in the evening paper for a caretaker, also the letting of the hall was left with the secretary for the time being.

The stalls were arranged for the Sale of Work as follows

 Sweet stall: Miss Cox and Mrs. F. Knight.

Household stall: Mrs. Pashler and Mrs. Kee.

Sewing stall: Miss Denton, Mrs. Cunnington, Mrs. Whiteman and Mrs. Bates.

6d stall: Misses Clipson

Cake stall: Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Darnell.

Fruit and Vegetable stall: Miss Norman, Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Burfield.

It was suggested that Mrs. Burditt of Northampton be asked to open the sale and Mrs. Ireson to be chairman. The opening was fixed for 3o’clock. It was decided to have a buffet tea at 4pm, the price being 1/6d for tea and entrance to sale. It was suggested that Pat Waite Dancers be asked to entertain in the evening at 5.45pm. Mr. Darnell and Mr. Hall to be doorkeepers.

Mrs. Pashler reported that she had been able to secure the Pat Waite dancing children for the evening concert.

The arrangement for tea was then decided on. It was suggested that we provide for 120, a buffet tea be arranged in the committee room and Miss Clipson to be in charge of the money.

Mrs. Pashler asked if Pat Waite could hire the room for her dancing class. This was agreed to and the price was fixed for 22/6d per week.

Miss F. Clipson presented the Bazaar balance sheet. The proceeds of the Bazaar being £51/1/0d. Miss Clipson was thanked by the committee for her valued help and interest in this effort.

Miss Denton gave a report on Bazaar fund which realised £52/4/0d. A letter was read by the secretary from Miss Sharwood thanking the committee for donation of £1/1/0 for After Care Funds.

Miss Denton reported on finance and we had £3/0/0d in hand. The secretary read a letter from Mrs. Clark’s executors, that £10/0/0 had been left to the B.W.T.A. committee. A letter was also received from Miss W. Clipson asking our branch for a donation to help with the expenses of the recent meeting of the Women’s World Day of Prayer. It was decided to send a gift of £2/2/0

We are very sorry to record the loss of one of our members, this being Mrs. Green, the rector’s wife. She has been a loyal member during her stay in Rushden, having moved to Kent. As an appreciation of her work for our branch the committee gave her a book:  Arthur Mee “On Kent”. Mrs. Green wrote and thanked the committee for this kind thought and gift which she will value very much.

The secretary read a letter from Mrs. J. Clark’s solicitors saying that a cheque for £10 was enclosed for B.W.T.A. The secretary wrote and thanked the family for this most generous gift.

The question of caretaker was discussed and it was felt that it was far from satisfactory as the place was not being cleaned as it should be. Mrs. Norman was approached and asked if she would be willing to take over this and she agreed. We accepted Mrs. Norman and she will commence being caretaker on May 15^th.

Mrs. G. Hall promised to give the branch 6 tea towels. She was thanked by the committee for this gift.

It was decided to have a birthday party as one of our members was reaching the age of 96. So in honour of Mrs. Stapleton we decided to have a birthday tea. Miss Norman to be our speaker and Mrs. Pashler to sing for us. Also it was decided that we send Mrs. Stapleton some flowers. Mrs. Pashler was asked to buy them for us. The secretary was asked to make a birthday cake.

Miss Norman referred to the passing of our County President Mrs. Ireson which means a great loss to our cause She will be greatly missed for all the work which she had so much at heart. Also two of our own members, Mrs. Stapleton and Mrs. Vorley, who had both reached the age of 96 years and were very interested in the temperance cause right to the end of their lives. A legacy of £5 was left by Mrs. Stapleton to continue the good work

The secretary read a letter from Mrs. Sharpe asking for use of the hall for the Rushden Senior Citizens Goodwill Committee who were arranging a Chiropody Service for Old Age Pensioners. It was agreed to make charge of 5/- per session for the time being, then reconsider it later on, when more funds permit paying a little extra.