The clinic was developed through the enthusiasm and vision of local residents. Before the National Health Service was set up, a group of trustees planned to build a hospital but were encouraged by the government to develop an outpatients clinic instead.

Local leather manufacturer Oliver Claridge offered them his home in The Hayway for £1,500 and money came from the Rushden Contributory Fund. This was a fund into which all shoe workers contributed 2d (0.8p) a week so they could pay the doctor's bills in pre-NHS days. At that time it would have cost ten shillings and sixpence (just over 50p but a small fortune to a 1940s shoeworker) to see a consultant at Northampton General.

When the clinic was first opened, in memory of Rushden men who were killed in the Second World War, it offered outpatient services in gynaecology, ear, nose and throat, physiotherapy and opthalmology.

Now 27 consultants in all specialties come to about 1,000 patients are seen each month."

Sister Marian Pinnell, who has worked at the clinic since 1968, said: "When I started here there were about 1,200 appointments a year. Now 27 consultants in all specialties come to clinics and about 1,000 patients are seen each month."

Sister Pinnell is contacting local organisation supported the hospital inviting them to take stands in the fete: "These organisations have been wonderful to us over the years. Whenever we have wanted equipment come up trumps with the money. Now we would like them to have a stall at the fete so they can raise some themselves."

If you were one of the original patients of the clinic 50 years ago Sister Pinnell would be pleased to hear from you.

• Rob Stewart, son of staff nurse Audrey Stewart, and Claire Trice are running in the Great Northern Run on October 22 to raise funds for the Rushden Memorial Clinic and Talbot Butler ward at Northampton General Hospital. To sponsor them, call into the clinic or contact them by telephone.