Following the resignations of Mr. John Claridge J.P.C.C. and Mr. J.T. Colson, the joint hon. Secretaries of the Rushden Hospital Week Committee, which were handed in at the monthly meeting held on Friday, the following resolution has been drafted by the president (Rev. C.J. Keeler) and vice president (Rev. P. Robson) and will be recorded in the minute book.

“This committee, having received with profound regret, the resignation of it secretaries, Mr. John Claridge nd Mr. J. T. Colson, desires to place on record its warmest appreciation of their long and splendid service on behalf of the committee. For more than 40 years they have worked untiringly to raise funds to provide for and to support the general funds of the Northampton and Bedford Hospitals and the Convalescent Homes at Hunstanton, Hastings and Buxton, thereby earning the lasting gratitude of  large number who have benefited by admission to these institutions. The work of raising funds for these purposes has entailed increasing responsibility year by year, but our secretaries have never failed to maintain Rushden’s contribution at the amount necessary to meet the demands. During their long term of office many thousands of pounds must have been raised in this way. The committee, while feeling bound to accept their resignation, desires to express its sincere hope that both Mr. Claridge and Mr. Colson may long be spared to render it that counsel and help which they, from very long experience, are so qualified to give.”

At the meeting the Rev. C.J. Keeler presided over a large attendance.

Mr. Claridge expressed sincere regret at having to give up the work, which had been to him a labour of love for upwards of 40 years. It was only owing to failing health that he felt compelled to give up the position.

Mr. Colson also voiced feelings of regret. He, too, had been deeply interested in the work from the beginning.

Mr. C.H. Battle (Northampton) spoke very highly of the faithful and efficient work of the two secretaries and conveyed the sincere thanks of the Governors of the Northampton General Hospital.

It was the Rector (Rev. P. Robson) who proposed that the services of the retiring officers should be recorded in the minutes.

A small committee was appointed to interview two or three gentlemen with a view to filling the vacancies.