January 1910

East Northants General election candidates:  Channing (Liberal) who has held the seat since 1885 was re-elected with 8,679 votes – a majority of 1,877.

Advert:-  A strong gale was the cause of an accident to A.Gamp of Rushden.  Two ribs were broken as well as other injuries, necessitating him going to Wareing’s Umbrella Manufacturer Gold Street, Northampton to recover!

February 1910

A high class musical concert at Rushden in which the “finest contralto yet heard” took part:-  “Miss Esther Munson whose power of expression is admirable; her articulation and phrasing nothing short of perfect.”

Mr E.Horrel claimed damages from cake and seed merchants for alleged breach of contract, saying a mixture of sulphate of lime and sawdust was in the cattle food instead of “shudes”.  It was mixed with beans and given to cattle, two of which had since died.

A Skating Rink Carnival at Rushden was enhanced by the rink being tastefully decorated for the occasion by coloured festoons. With a flood of skaters the scene was quite brilliant.  Hearty congratulations to the management:- Messrs G and H.Miller and A.Wright.

March 1910

The Medical Officer reported 9 cases of infectious disease since the last meeting:-  6 diphtheria, 2 Scarlet Fever and 1 Erysipelas.

Rushden veteran musician Mr W.Skinner (74), founder of the town’s Temperance Band and campaigner for Rushden Choral Group, conducted a performance of the Messiah.  He began his musical career in Raunds with a singing class charging 1½d a lesson.

April 1910

Rushden Education Committee report the attendance for two weeks ending 15th April averaged 94.2% (V.Satisfactory).  All schools had been thoroughly disinfected with cyllin under the direction of the sanitary inspector.

Mr Powell of Rushden was among the crowd of 200—300 who met to witness Mr G.White at Roade enter the second stage of his Airship flight.  “We all peered down the field to catch a glimpse of the flying machine but saw nothing.  Then a tremendous buzz made us all realise that it was above us – like a huge bird in the sky.”

May 1910

The proclamation of King George V took place at Rushden in the presence of an immense gathering from a platform erected at the west gate of the church.  Between 8–10,000 persons were present, the largest crowd, maybe, ever seen in Rushden, was “very orderly”.  The funeral of Edward VII on Friday 20th May was proclaimed as a national day of mourning.

A united memorial service was held for the late king.  Drapings of purple and black upon the pulpit screen, lectern and altar were relieved by floral decorations of white lilac and purple iris and arum lilies – everything suggestive of peace, a fitting tribute to one termed The Peacemaker.

June 1910

Quarterly Meeting of East Northants Butcher’s Assoc. held in the Queen Victoria Hotel reported a balance in hand of £67.5s.4d.  Increased cost of cattle discussed and it was decided the retail price must be increased.  If it continued at the present price it was unfair to the butchers and must mean disaster.

Rushden Gas Company began work laying gas mains from Rushden to Wymington.

July 1910

In Rushden district there were 17 claims for O.A. pensions before the local Committee in the last Quarter.  All claims were allowed, 13 being granted the full amount 5 shillings per week, 2 for 4 shillings and the remaining two for 3 shillings.

At an open air meeting outside the Post Office, Rushden Temperance Society came up with the resolution urging the government to include in their immediate legislature programme a measure for entirely prohibiting or still further restricting the Sunday sale of intoxicating liquor whether in public houses or clubs.

August 1910

A Rushden correspondent suggested Clubs could recoup losses by letting each member have his first six pints each night at the old price and beyond that charge a ½d a pint more to meet the extra duty.  A similar plan could be used for minerals.  Another correspondent pointed out this would not work because a club member could use his affiliated card to have his extra pints at another club without paying the increase.  “As for his notion of drinking that number of bottles of spruce – it would burst him!”

Rev A.Kitchen opposed plans to set back the church wall.  As consecrated ground in his freehold it therefore could not be used for public purposes.  It would need an act of Parliament to make it possible.  He maintained the church and its surroundings formed one of the beauty spots in the town.

September 1910

A Corporal and Patrol Leader of Bedford Scouts 2nd Troop passed through Rushden on a trek to Scotland.  Scoutmaster Preston of Rushden accommodated them with “soap and water for the outer man and refreshment for the inner.”

The RUDC surveyor was instructed to prepare a plan for Church Parade widening ready to submit it to the County Surveyor.

Advert.  Shop Assistants’ Union Meeting are preparing their Winter Season’s programme which will include a “Robin breakfast for children at Christmas.”

Top Meeting Sunday School centenary, with Guest Speaker Carey Bonner, President of the Sunday School Union, had an ambitious programme arranged, which proved to be highly successful.  Folk travelling from far and near were told how the meeting began in 1810 in the Chapel keeper’s cottage.

October 1910

There was a tragic accident when a man of 53 was trampled to death by a three year old horse which was possibly frightened by the noise of a motor cycle.

The RUDC considered a suggestion for the erection of a bandstand.  B.Sanders and C.Cross stated that Rushden had excellent bands and choirs.  The site considered most suitable was the Council field if funds could be supplied voluntarily.  It was agreed unanimously.

November 1910

Rev D.Pugh looked forward and back in a lecture at Wellingborough Road Mission.  100 years ago there were 227 houses with a population of 818.  This low number must reflect death caused by a fever epidemic at the time of the census.  100 years hence housing would be improved with central heating and all cleaning done with a vacuum cleaner.  There would be centres for family cooking.  Elevators would replace stairs.  Football would be dead since we would use our minds more in our recreation!  Colour photography and cinematograph will have a great educational influence.

December 1910

A Scottish boot firm, Patterson of Glasgow, were closing down since a finer class of boot was now needed.  English workers with the necessary expertise did not stay long enough so the firm was finding difficulty in getting employees suitable for the work.  There was a distinct possibility they would move to Rushden.

Newton Road school Breaking‑up Concert was a spirited performance with carols, pianoforte solo and recitation.

At Alfred Street school, Mr John Claridge JP CC presented Harold Whitby with a silver bar to hold the silver medal gained for 5 years’perfect attendance, since he has now completed six years’ unbroken attendance.  Fred Bateman was presented with a bronze medal for 4 years and Jack King a gilt medal for 3 years.