The success of Saturday’s effort may be attributed to the enthusiasm with which practically every individual member of the community put their shoulders to the wheel, and the result was one of the most attractive and elaborate carnivals that has ever been held in the town, and, what is still more important, the raising of a large sum of money which will materially assist towards the alleviation of the suffering of those who have given blood and sinew in the country’s cause.

On Saturday the town was early astir, and preparation for one of the most notable events of the day—the carnival procession—was productive of much excitement, fun, and good humour. A blaze of bunting and flags marked the route the procession would take, and it was a happy notion of the proprietors of business promises on the line of route to place their windows, “for a consideration” at the disposal of spectators, the proceeds going to the Red Cross funds, as by this means the finances received quite a fillip. The clerk of the weather, also, repenting of his recent vagaries, proved in genial mood, and provided the promoters of the function with “A perfect day,” but in variation of the theme of that popular song, the “hearts that are kind and true” were in evidence both at the beginning and the end of the perfect day, as was demonstrated by the remarkable energy with which everyone worked in the cause of philanthropy.

Special mention should be made of the valued work of Councillor John Spencer, J.P., to whose initiative Saturday’s function was due, and ardent praise must also be given to Mrs Walter Robinson and Mr H O Miller, the general secretaries and to Mr C W Horrell, (chairman of the Rushden and District Boot and Shoe Manufacturers’ Association, all of whom readily placed their business acumen and abilities as organisers at the disposal of the General Committee. By Mr Horrell’s appeal to various manufacturers in the town over £1,000 had been raised up to Saturday last. Thanks are also due to Mr F Sharwood, secretary of the carnival, to Mr T F B Newberry, and to the various clubs in the district for the organisation of a fine programme of sports and side shows.

The General Committee comprised:- Messrs J Spencer (chairman), C W Horrell, H H Hobbs, G Selwood, T F B Newberry, A H Sartoris, T Wilmott, G Miller, W B Sanders, A Haddon, J Garley, W W Rial, A T Chambers, F J Sharwood, and F Corby, Mesdames A H Sartoris (president of the Red Cross Association), D G Greenfield, Woodward, J T Colson, R Marriott, A T Nicholls, L Perkins, and Miss F Corby, with the general secretaries—Mrs Walter Robinson and Mr H O Miller.

The Grand Carnival Procession – A Mile-and–a Half Long
Finest Spectacle Ever Seen at Rushden
Many Remarkable Representations

An important event in the day’s proceedings was the great carnival procession. This function was organised by a committee representing the boot and allied trades, with Mr c W Horrell as chairman, Mr w B Sanders as treasurer, and Mr F J Sharwood as hon. Secretary. The other members of the committee were Messrs G Selwood, H Brawn, J Hyde, S A Pallett, F Sarggent, W Robinson, L Tysoe, C Clark, B Coe, F Skeeles, H Ingle, W W Chamberlain, W Evans, D Nicholson, F Eaton, A Cox, F Hawkes, F Corby, W G Wilmott, W W Smith, A Cave, J Knight, R Marriott, J Bugby, A J Potton, J Clark, G R Turner, and F Selwood. In addition to their handsome subscription of over £1,000, the boot manufacturers found the whole of the prizes for the carnival. The hudging took place at Higham Ferrers, and after the adjudicators had finished their work, there was a grand march past on the Market-square at Higham Ferrers, and then came the procession—a mile-and-a-half-long, and taking about 25 minutes to pass a given point—through High-street, Higham Ferrers, and on to Rushden, through High-street, and thence past the church to the grounds of Rushden Hall.

Heading the procession came Inspector Osborn and the police, with mounted marshals, and then in order, the following:-