Rushden’s Mammoth Carnival - A Day of Days for Sweet Charity’s Sake

Some Novel and Attractive Exhibits. 1. “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” (Newton Road School 1st prize) 2. “The Aerial Post (Miss W. Whiting 1st prize) 3. “Washing Day” (Miss I Cave’s party 2nd prize) 4. Higham Ferrers Hose Cart Team (winners)

As chairman of the Urban District Council, Mr. W. Bazeley, J.P. became chairman of the General Fete Committee and Mr. C.W. Horrell, representing the business men, was appointed vice-chairman. The numerous committees and officials worked with a will, especially the two general secretaries, Mrs. Walter Robinson and Mr. H.O. Miller, and the hon.secretaries of the Carnival Committee, Mr. S.C. Brightwell and Mr. F.J. Sharwood, whose duties entailed an enormous amount of work, carried out to perfection.

The Parade

Procession of Dolls’ Prams This novel feature of the Parade attracted immense interest along the route.

Mr. Horace Brown was the chief marshall, assisted by a large and capable staff.

Three bands – the Temperance, Rifle and Mission – played marches and the column included the Rushden Fire Brigade, with two engines, The Nursing Sisters and St. John’s Ambulance Division, the Higham and Rushden Wesleyan Girls and Boys Brigades, The First Rushden Boy Scouts, The Irthlingborough Wolf Cubs, and the motor ambulance of the Rushden and District Association. Two or three hundred yards to the rear walked “Dilly and Dally” two girl competitors, whose brainwave in lingering behind was alone worth a prize.

The Judges

Early in the afternoon crowds began to pour through the entrance gates to the Hall, and when the judging took place the grounds presented an animated appearance. Those carrying out the extremely difficult task of adjudication were Mrs. Sartoris, Mrs. Brawn, Mrs. Chas. Claridge, Mrs. C. Cross, Mrs. C.W. Horrell, Mrs. R.H.A.

Routledge, Mrs. F.J. Knight, Mrs. A.E. Wright, Mrs. S.C. Brightwell, Mrs. F.D. Brazier, Mrs. F. Corby, Mrs. H. Ingle, Miss E. Hyde, Mrs. T. Patenall, M.B.E., Mrs. Owen Parker, Messrs. C. Claridge, A.H. Sartoris, J.P., F. Knight, J.P. C.W. Horrell, F.D. Brazier, W.H. Brawn, J.S. Mason, J.S. Bailey, H. Ingle and Dr. H.S. Baker.

Lady Robinson handing prizes to the youthful competitors	A group of judges

The Awards

Decorated Dolls Pram by Violet Seckington

Day School Children’s Competitions for Decorated Doll’s Pram (Junior section)

1.Lily Frost and Edna Pallett. 2. Winnie Pratt 3. Doris Knight. Special, Audrey Bridgeford.

Ditto (senior section.) 1.  Margaret Evans 2. Violet Seckington (see right) 3. Edna Hollis.

Scholars under 9 :- 1. Newton Road School (The Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe) 2. Moor Road Infants School. (Ring-a-Ring of Roses) 3. Moor Road Infants (Nursery Rhymes) special Moor Road Infants (King and Queen)

Boys 1. Francis Holmes (Scarecrow) 2. Herbert Thurlow (Poacher) 3. Joseph Ed Bayes (Coster Kid)

Walking Character Groups 1. Finedon Allen Road Club (Jazz Band) 2. (equal) Miss I. Linnitt’s party (Roses) and Miss L. Lawman’s party (Tinker, Tailor Soldier Sailor) special Mrs. H. Dixon’s party (“Aid to Cyclists”)

Individual ladies. 1. W. Whiting (“Aerial Post”) 2. Olive Dennis (Gipsy Baby) 3. S.E. Martin Kettering (Turkish Princess) special Miss Clayson.

Pairs and Small Groups 1. E. Whitworth and L. Dickens (Comic Wedding) 2. Kate Freeman and Flo Smith (Dilly and Dally) 3. G. Twelftree, G. Neal and D. Boddington (Plasterers) special Elsie Knight and Lily Clack (Welsh Girls)

Individual (Gentlemen) 1. Walter Bailey (Coster) 2. W.J. Burton Kettering (Indian chief) 3.Chas. Knight Kettering (Arab sheik) special A.J. Tester Higham Ferrers (1821)

Mounted Characters 1. Mrs. Surridge’s party (Pillow lace makers) 2. Miss I. Cave’s party (Washerwomen)

Decorated Motor Cars 1. Elsie May Vorley Wellingborough (Little Red Riding Hood)

Motor Delivery Vehicles 1. Messrs. F.E. Parsons and Sons Ltd., 2. W.H. Ayres.

Opening Ceremony

At 3.30 the opening ceremony was held, a large crown assembling at a terrace near the Hall. Mr. W. Bazeley presided and the platform included a large number of well-known Red Cross workers from Rushden and elsewhere.

Sir Frederick expressed amazement at the great go-ahead organisation of the fete, commended the objects of the effort to the public and concluded by thanking his cousins Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Sartoris, for throwing open their gardens.