January 1969

The council were in hot water when the ‘Rushden Echo’ revealed that the town’s only set of traffic lights were illegal.

Health risks were reported in some Rushden homes as a result from previous floods.

February 1969

There was controversy over the council’s decision to restore Rushden Hall despite a jump of £13,000 over the original estimate of £23,000.

The ‘Rushden Echo’ leaked a story that Thurleigh was the site of London’s third airport.

The Mission Band celebrated its 70th birthday.

March 1969

A massive police raid on the West End club had severe consequences later in the year when it was forced to close.

April 1969

In Rushden plans were afoot to give the town a boost.  The idea was born to give it a colour scheme.  Rushden Amenities Society got the wheels moving by enlisting the aid of a colour specialist.  Local traders were not impressed.

May 1969

A Northampton jeweller exhibited £25,000 worth of exotic pieces at a party in Rushden and a heavy police guard made sure that it stayed there.

June 1969

The long awaited publication of the Redhill Commission on the Third London Airport and the prospect of 65,000 jobs was released.  Rushden UDC voted in favour which was greeted with disgust by some people in the town.

July 1969

Two principal St.John Ambulance officers from the Wellingborough Corps were dismissed.

The Higham Ferrers division threatened to resign ‘en bloc’ if they were not re‑instated or a satisfactory reason for their dismissal was given.

August 1969

Three local men, Eric Randall, George Wills and Mick Cooper, won the English Bowls Association Triples Trophy.

September 1969

It was reported that £500,000 would be spent on Rushden’s Boys and Girls Secondary Schools in order that Rushden could be “Comprehensive” by September 1971.

October 1969

The ‘Rushden Echo’ carried a lead story disclosing plans for a nudist camp near Sharnbrook.

November 1969

A brewery strike left many pubs throughout the county short of ale.  One Rushden pub was forced to close its doors.

December 1969

Rushden St.Mary’s church launched an appeal for £4,000 to stop the church floor collapsing.