Accompanying the gift was the following letter from Mr. Walter Howes, the hon, secretary of the choir: “Dear Mr. Skinner, The members of the Rushden Adult School Male Prize Choir would be pleased if you would accept the photograph of the choir. We are proud of the position we hold today and we feel that it is entirely due to the great effort and sacrifice you so kindly give to the choir, and feel sure you will feel that your valuable assistance has not been wasted, but rather that it will be of great benefit, not only to the members of the choir, but also to the credit of Rushden. Again thanking you for past services, and trusting to your interest and kind advice for the future, I remain, yours respectfully, W. Howes, secretary.”

Presentation—At a meeting of the Adult School Male Choir on Tuesday Mr F Linnitt, who is leaving the town, was presented with a copy of the latest edition of Sankey’s Hymns, with music, with the best wishes of the choir, of which he had been a member from its commencement.

Outing—The Adult School Male Choir had a very pleasant outing on Saturday, when they drove to Carlton. They went by way of Sharnbrook and Harrold, singing selections in each place. Carlton was reached about 5p.m., and tea, provided by Mrs. Leaberry, was greatly enjoyed. The return journey was by way of Podington and Wymington, Rushden being reached about 10p.m.

Open-Air Concert—In the Council Field, on Sunday afternoon, the Rushden Adult School Male Choir and String Band gave an enjoyable concert before a large audience. The choir, under the conductorship of Mr. T. T. Clarke, gave in excellent style the part songs, Hymn before action, In absence, Sweet doth blush, Martyrs of the arena, The traveller’s farewell, and The destruction of Gaza. The Band, conducted by Mr. F. S. Knight, with Mr. J. W. Randall as leader, played very pleasingly the selection Zethus, Diadem, The heavens are telling, and Distant greeting. A collection was taken for the choir fund.

THE FIRST ANNUAL DINNER and social of the Rushden Adult School Male Choir was held in the Public Hall on Wednesday evening last. Dinner was provided at 7.30 p.m. by Miss Wyldes and staff, of the Waverley Hotel, and about 70 sat down to a first-class spread. Mr. T. H. Bond, president of the choir, made a brief speech, welcoming the visitors and complimenting the caterers on the excellence of the repast. After dinner various games were indulged in, and the entire company had a rollicking time. Songs were given by Mr. Bert Sanders, Mr. A. A. Colbourne, Mr. Max Stringer, and Mr. H. Ginns. Mr. Harry Neal, with his subtle humour, caused great amusement, and Mr. H. Ginns also created laughter with his humorous songs. The company broke up at about 11.30 after an extremely pleasant and enjoyable evening.

SUCCESS
On Saturday the Men's Adult School Male Choir journeyed to Northampton, and took part in the Mid-Northants Musical Competitions, taking second prize, under the conductorship of Mr. Bert Sanders. The piece was "Love's folly," the choir getting 93 marks out of 100.

Presentation—A pleasing presentation took place on Saturday in the grounds of Mr. J. Claridge’s residence, when Mr. Bert Sanders was made the recipient of a handsome oak-framed photo of the Adult School Choir. Mr. T. H. Bond, the retiring president of the school made the presentation on behalf of the choir. Speaking of Mr. Sanders’ valuable services as conductor, and mentioning that the success of the choir was largely due to the great pains Mr. Sanders took over their training. The photo was inscribed “Presented to Mr. B. Sanders by the Rushden Adult School Choir, June 1914.”

The Rushden Adult School Male Prize Choir under the conductorship of Mr. Bert Sanders, will take part to-morrow (Saturday) in the great open contest for male choirs at Coalville, Leicestershire.

A presentation of a handsome gold watch was made to Mr. Bert Sanders by the members of the Rushden Adult School Male Choir at their weekly practice on Monday. Handing the gift to Mr. Sanders, Mr. H. Durham, one of the longest serving members, expressed the gratitude of the choir for the efficient and untiring services given as conductor by Mr. Sanders for eight years. Mr. Sanders, in thanking the members, assured them that the work had been a pleasure. He was also indebted to the choir for the splendid manner in which they turned up so enthusiastically for practices.

Rushden Echo, 26^th August 1921

The Angelus Quartette and a Rushden Adult School Quartette competed yesterday.

Noted Male Choir—Under the Oundle news, the “Peterborough Advertiser” of Friday last makes the following glowing tribute to the Rushden Adult School Male Choir and Rushden vocalists: “On Saturday evening at the Victoria Hall, the Rushden Adult School Male Choir made, we believe, their first appearance in Oundle, in aid of the funds of the Oundle Congregational Church, and it must be said their singing was really wonderful, the blending and harmonisation being perfect, as they had no accompaniment, and it was a real musical treat. There were two lady vocalists, Miss Berrill and Miss Stringer, who were deservedly encored for their beautiful singing. Mr R Knight expressed indebtedness to the choir. Mr F Ingram, the conductor, said they were delighted to come, and were only too willing to help in any good cause. Mr G Rippiner arranged for the choir to come, and many thanks are due to him.”

Tribute to Rushden Choir—Mr. F. Ingram, conductor of the Rushden Men’s Adult School Choir, has received the following letter from a friend at March, Cambridgeshire: "Dear Mr. Ingram, We can never forget hearing your choir at Wisbech recently, and we want you to come to March. There has never been any male voice choir in March yet, and I want an Adult School choir to be first! I am confident we shall have grand memories to cherish of your visit. There is great scope for the Adult School movement here, but we are sadly handicapped by having no place of our own."

Presentation—At the Adult School Male Voice Choir practice on Monday a gift of a watch was made by Mr H Durham (president), on behalf of the choir, to Mr Bert Wills, the pianist and deputy conductor, who is leaving the town for London. Several members expressed their appreciation of Mr Wills’s valuable services and wished him success in his new sphere. Mr Wills, in response, wished continued success to the choir.