The annual meeting of the Rushden St John Ambulance and Nursing Divisions was held in the Ambulance Headquarters on Tuesday, Mr J C Gregory (president) being in the chair, supported by Supt. J Marshall Bailey, M.C., Lady Supt. Miss W M Clipson, and other officers and a good attendance of members.

The Chairman spoke of the need for increasing the number of members of the Ambulance Division, and said he hoped that many more would be forthcoming from Rushden before long.

Supt. Bailey presented the report of the Ambulance Division as follows: The membership comprised 19 privates, three corporals, and hon. sergeant, a sergeant, the Divisional Superintendent, one hon. surgeon, and one Brigade reserve. There had been 38 drills held, with an average attendance of 15. Teams were entered for the Millar Cup and Gibb Cup competition, and gave a very creditable account of themselves. Dr Davies conducted the annual re-examination on July 27th, when all members were found to be proficient. During the year 263 cases were attended, and in 84 cases needing transport to the county hospital or elsewhere a member of the Division had been in attendance with the motor-ambulance. Two members had been on duty at all football matches on the Town ground and at various sports, fetes, etc.

The Nursing Division report, given by the Lady Superintendent, gave the strength as follows: One hon. surgeon, the Lady Superintendent, the Ambulance Officer and secretary, 13 medallion Nursing Sisters, seven first-aid members, a total of 26. During the year 45 drills had been held. Five special duties were performed, including fetes, Sunday school treats, garden parties, and concerts. After a course of first-aid lectures by the hon. surgeon (Dr Greenfield) the candidates were examined by Dr Robb. All candidates passed. In March they entered a team for the Pickering Cup competition, and, though the marks gained for work were good, unfortunately owing to a misunderstanding marks were lost on uniform. On July 6th Dr Greenfield kindly conducted the re-examination of members. All candidates passed. In October they had a very welcome presentation of a pair of crutches from the local elementary school teachers. These and other necessary requisites were for loan to anyone who required them. A second course of lectures on first-aid was commenced by Dr Greenfield. During the year the Nursing Sisters had done periods of duty at Northampton General Hospital, Manfield Hospital, and Rushden Sanatorium. The reports received from the matrons of these hospitals were most satisfactory. Many minor accidents and cases had been attended to. On the whole 1926 had been a year opf steady progress. Their grateful thanks were given to their hon. surgeon for his kindness to them as a Division.

The Balance-Sheet

presented by Corp. G Timpson (treasurer), showed on the receipts side: Balance in bank Jan 1st 1926, £29 18s. 11d.; balance in treasurer’s hands, £13 15s. 3½d.; donations etc., £43 0s. 6d.; members’ subscriptions, £2 9s.; proceeds of jumble sale, £8; part payment of medallions, etc., 12s. 9d.; part payment of uniform, £7 17s. 9d.; factory first-aid box payments, £17 7s. 3½d.; sale of books, bandages, etc., 15s.; a total of £123 16s. 6d. On the expenses side were the following items: Stores and equipment, £21 8s. 1d.; lighting, rates, and taxes, £6 12s. 5d.; competition expenses, £1 12s.; church parade expenses 15s.; books and bandages £1 2s. 10d.; printing, stationery, and stamps £3 14s. 6d.; medallions, labels, etc. £2 11s.; donation to motor-ambulance £1 1s.; donation to Corps Fund 10s. 6d.; uniform £25 15s. 3d.; caretaker, etc. £6 2s. 6d.; lecturers’ and examiners’ fees, £4 4s.; fire insurance £1; inspection expenses (Northampton) £3 16s. 8d.; sundries 2s.; repairs to headquarters £1 8s. 4d.; balance in bank, Dec 31st 1926, £25 5s.; cash in treasurer’s hands £18 15s. 5d. There had also been a sum of £5 8s. kindly given by Mr F Wilkins, having been raised by him by collections at his exhibition of rarities.

Mr Gregory said it was clear that the town greatly appreciated the services of the ambulance men and Nursing Sisters by the splendid financial support given. (Hear, hear.)

Presentations were made to Nursing Sisters as follows: Labels, Misses Clipson, Priestley, Shorley, and Brawn; medallions, Mrs Smith, and Misses Sharwood, Lyman, Crouch, Clark, Goodband, Tailby, L Knight, R Knight, A Knight, and Lack; certificates, Mrs Boyce, Mrs Woods, and Misses Adams, Lyman, Crouch, Clark, Pingstone, Sayers, Abrams, Wright, and Elliott.

Mr R Marriott was elected president for the ensuing year. Taking the new office, Mr Marriott said he had considered a scheme of raising additional recruits for the men’s division. It was acknowledged, he said, that the work of ambulance men was service to their fellows. If that fact were impressed on the young men in the factories, he felt sure that a good number of boot operatives would come forward and join. One new member from each factory would be a good addition to the Division, and it would be handy in the case of accident at those factories. (Applause.)

On the initiative of Supt. Bailey, thanks were accorded Mr Gregory for his services in the past year and to Mr Wilkins for his gift. Both gentlemen were added to the list of vice-presidents in acknowledgement.

Mr Gregory entertained the company to refreshments, and a whist drive followed.