January 1953

One of the biggest thefts of footwear took place at Rushden when between 170 and 190 pairs were taken from the factories of Knight & Lawrence and John White Footwear.  A van was stolen from Ashford & Campion at Higham Ferrers and was believed to have been used in the raids.

February 1953

Parents of schoolgirls who were “leading American Servicemen into Temptation and opening themselves to grave dangers” were urged by the Rev. A.Stuart-Arnold, Minister of Rushden Park Road Baptist Church, to exercise greater control over their daughters.

March 1953

Only a long term view – that of a complete by‑pass would solve Rushden High Street’s traffic problems – was the opinion of a Brains Trust at the Park Road Baptist Men’s Fellowship meeting.  Members of the Brains Trust were Dr McKendrick, Mr J.H.Rippin, Mr G.Marriott and Mr W.J.A.Peck.

April 1953

When the steeple of Rushden St.Mary’s Church was undergoing restoration work, the height was found to be 164ft and not 192ft as previously thought.

May 1953

After something like half a century the bells of St.Mary’s Church, Rushden, went into full action when peals were rung to test the restoration work.

June 1953

Rushden’s chequered Coronation celebrations came to a great popular climax when, as if to make up for the Coronation Day postponements (due to the weather), the townspeople rallied in an amazing mass to follow the torchbearers through the High Street and enjoyed fireworks and a bonfire in Spencer Park.

July 1953

Human remains were found on land between Spencer Road and Hayway when workmen, excavating on the site of Rushden’s new school for girls, found a small cluster of brown bones about 30ins below the surface.  The find indicated that there were permanent settlements in this neighbourhood during the Roman occupation.

August 1953

A list of players recruited for the new John White Footwear Band showed that a strong nucleus was already assured and promised new lustre to the Brass Band reputation long held in the district.

September 1953

A scheme for an enlarged car park to hold 60 cars on the Co‑operative Society’s land off Rectory Road was adopted by the Rushden Urban District Council, with thanks to the Society.  The land would be rented by the RUDC at £104 per annum for 20 years.

October 1953

One of Higham Ferrers’ many links with the past – the Old Coffee Tavern in Wood Street – was to be demolished.  At a meeting of the Borough Council, permission to demolish was sought by a local firm of contractors representing John White Homes (Memorial) Trust.  The building was in a dangerous condition and could only be restored or converted at an exorbitant cost.

November 1953

If fewer raincoats had been sold in Rushden in 1953 it was probably because 1953 had been one of the driest years since the beginning of the century.  There would have to be another 8ins of rain before the end of the year if the average of 23ins per annum was to be reached.

December 1953