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| Article by Don Wills, presented by Karon Rice |
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Rushden School of Motoring
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| In 1957 Don and June Wills bought the old Palace Cinema, which had been standing empty for over two years. They had the building converted into garage premises, by David Swindall (a good friend) who was a Builder.
This was converted to accommodate their Radio Controlled Taxis and enabled them to start the "Rushden School of Motoring", right in the centre of the town. Don became an instructor straight away, using a Triumph Mayflower as the first car.
This was later changed to two Standard Eights; which unlike the Mayflower they were able to have dual controls fitted.
Trade increased very quickly and Don engaged two more employees, George Valentine and Frank West. The three of them were tested by the R.A.C. and became registered instructors.
In 1963 Ellen Inwood joined the school as a receptionist. Later she was also trained to be an Instructor. She became qualified by the R.A.C. and was one of the few lady instructors registered. Don was then able to step aside as an instructor and spend more time on building up the main business of used car sales, with the help of wife June, later being appointed as a Fiat Main Dealer. Graham Inwood, husband of Ellen, then joined the the staff and trained as an additional driving instructor, also becoming R.A.C. registered. The Business continued to expand and in 1986 Don and June retired. The driving school was then offered to Graham and Ellen Inwood (who had been employed by Don and June for over 20 years). The driving School business is still operated by Ellen and Graham Inwood with their daughter Linda; who later joined them as an instructor. Rushden School of Motoring celebrated their 50th anniversary in year 2007, with a dinner party hosted by Ellen and Graham. Many friends and instructors were included in the event. This included Don and June Wills who started the business in year 1957. The radio controlled Taxi service was discontinued, due to pressure of work, when Don and June became Main Fiat Dealers in 1963. The main premises have now been converted into a block of flats, suitably named "Palace Court" Flats, Alfred Street, Rushden. |
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