The New Postmaster of Rushden

Mr. Sidney Field, who has been a clerk in the Northampton Post Office for sixteen years, has been promoted to the office of postmaster at Rushden, vacant through the retirement, in August last, of Mr. Charles Hewitt. Mr. Field, who is a native of Bedford, and went to Northampton at an early age, won a scholarship from Kettering-road Board Schools to Northampton Grammar School. Leaving the Grammar School at Christmas 1885, Mr. Field entered the Northampton Post Office, and in May, 1886, was appointed a sorting clerk and telegraphist, and has ably occupied these positions ever since. He leaves Northampton Post Office on Saturday next, and takes up his duties at Rushden on Monday. The postmastership of Rushden has never before been held by a man holding a civil service appointment. The work at the Rushden Office has been going up by leaps and bounds, and new offices are about to be erected to cope with the ever-increasing work. Mr. Field is exceedingly well known in Northampton. He is a keen cricketer, and has on various occasions done good work as a member of the Northamptonshire eleven, while in Northampton League cricket he has been one of the most useful members of the Clarence team.

Pending the appointment of a permanent postmaster, Mr. W. A. Jones, of Leamington Spa, was temporarily appointed, and has carried out the duties in a zealous and courteous manner. Mr. Jones returns to Leamington on Wednesday to resume his duties at that town.

Rushden Argus, 17th April 1903, transcribed by Greville Watson

NEW POST OFFICE—On Wednesday morning the postal officials took possession of the handsome new premises, erected by Messrs. Cave and Sons, at the corner of College-street and the High-street. Under the directions of the Postmaster, Mr. S. Field, the apparatus of the office had been transferred from the old quarters higher up the street, and the business proceeded without intermission. The new building promises to add greatly to the convenience of the public and of the officials, being commodious and well arranged. The large room at the corner, for the transaction of public business, is entered by swing doors with plate glass panels, and similar doors lead off to other parts of the premises. These comprise the Postmaster'€™s office, telegraph operators'€™ room, large sorting room fitted with counters and shelves, and a messengers'€™ waiting room, with yard and conveniences at the rear for hand carts and other apparatus. The walls are glazed in white, and the fittings are of a substantial character, with oak doors and frames. The upper floors form the residence of the Postmaster.