Co-operative Celebration 1902

25 years at Rushden

With a view to celebrating the twenty-fifth year of the society’s existence, the committee of the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society arranged for special gatherings.  The date first chosen was Thursday last, but as the morning proved wet and altogether unsuitable for outdoor proceedings, the greater part of the programme was postponed till Monday of this week, a well-attended tea for adults, held in the Old Baptist schoolroom, being the only part carried through.  On Monday afternoon a procession was formed near the Stores in Wellingborough-road, mainly composed of children, for whom a special tea and sports had been prepared.  First came a number of children in costume, prizes being offered for the best “get-up.”  Then followed a number of the Society’s vans and wagons, gaily bedecked, and carrying a number of the younger children.  A large number of other children carrying flags and streamers of various kinds also joined in, being marshalled by the officials and members of the Society.  The Rifle Band also took part in the procession, which marched by way of Wellingborough-road, Station-road, High-street, and High-street South to Mr. C. E. Bayes’ field on the Wymington-road.  The first prize for “get-up” was adjudged to Master Woods, attired as “ Kitchener ”, whilst the second went to Master Reggie Andrews, who rode a bicycle in a frame representing the house “Co-oper”.  Nearly 15,000 [sic] children took part, and on arriving in the field partook of tea, a special mug, commemorative of the event, being given to each child.  The Rifle Band played for dancing, and in addition to the programme of sports carried through, swings, Punch and Judy show, and other amusements were provided.  In addition to the children a large number of others entered the field during the evening.

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