Rushden Research Group: Blue Plaque for Mrs Muxlow

Blue Plaque - Mrs Alice Unwin Muxlow

Rushden & District History Society - Saturday March 21^st 2009

Barabra Jenney before she unveils the plaque

The Mayor, Barbara Jenney said a few words before unveiling the plaque.

Margaret Shelton - Chairman of The Society:-

On behalf of Rushden & District History Society I wish to extend a warm welcome to you all.

The society is indebted to Dr & Mrs Paul Haddon who have kindly allowed us to place this plaque here to commemorate a very special lady in the life of Rushden, Mrs Alice Unwin Muxlow .O.B.E.

A special welcome to Cllr Mrs Barbara Jenney, Town Mayor & her consort Mr David Jenney, Cllr Mrs Sarah Peacock, Chairman Elect of East-Northants Council Cllr Sue Homer - Chairman Rushden Branch , British Legion and also Mr. Harry Graham, Vice-Chairman, Mr Charles Watts - British Legion and representatives of Rushden WRVS.

Tom Muxlow - grandson - said a few words

We are delighted to welcome Dr Tom Muxlow, Mrs Muxlow’s grandson.

Not only is Mrs Muxlow remembered for the many positions that she held not just in and on behalf of the town but for her human qualities; held in respect by all, even the children - I was told that she was regarded as an "auntie". She was regarded as approachable by all, especially on matters relating to child welfare.

Mrs Muxlow was born in Sheffield; after qualifying as a school teacher, she moved to Rushden in the 1920's when her husband became manager of the Midland Bank. She was the first woman elected to Rushden Urban District Council in 1938, becoming chairman in 1946-7 and again in 1955-6, and remaining on the Council until 1964. She was chairman of the Infant Welfare Committee until her death. Also chairman of the woman's section of the British Legion & former member of the Rushden Hospital management committee.

Mrs Muxlow acheived a notable "double" for her sex, by securing election to the County Council.

Members of the WRVS today.
(l-r) Chris Carter, --, Margaret Odell, Edna Wadsworth, Margaret Benning and Mary Hearn.

During the war Mrs Muxlow became an air raid warden and brought the A.R.P rest centre into use for the first time. She was also centre organiser for the W.V.S. with 21 distinct activities and at its peak, a membership of 600; County Salvage Officer; the only woman on the local invasion committee, on the local information committee & Wellingborough area Food Control Committee

Becoming chairman of the county British Legion in 1940, her first meeting as chairman was held in an air raid shelter under a cinema at Northampton.

Her other interests included the Nursing Association, Cottage Hospital Committee, St Mary's Church and golf.

The son of Mr & Mrs Muxlow, Tom, served in West Africa during the War.

Mrs Muxlow died on 16th December 1971 aged 82.

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