Rushden Echo & Argus, 3rd May 1935, transcribed by Kay Collins
Jubilee Runners at Rushden
One O’Clock in the Morning – Brigade Runners in Unique Rushden Ceremony
In the dark and early hours of Wednesday morning boys of the Rushden District Boys’ Brigade Companies assembled at Ward’s Corner, Rushden, waiting to receive the Jubilee Message which was being carried by brigade relay teams to the King. The message left John o’ Groats on April 16, and was one of five carried over different routes.
Mr Arthur Allebone, J.P., C.C., Chairman of the Rushden Urban District Council, and a large number of people had gathered to welcome members of the Irchester Company, who brought the message to Rushden on behalf of the Wellingborough Battalion.
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The message arrives at 1a.m.
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The runners arrived at 1.15a.m., and the message was received by Mr. Allebone, who welcomed the Irchester boys and extended good wishes to the Rushden boys on their journey to Bedford.
Their Message
Mr. Allebone then read a copy of the message, addressed to His Majesty, and signed by the Brigade President.
On the occasion of Your Majesty’s Silver Jubilee I have the honour to convey to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty the Queen the Loyal Homage and Heartfelt Congratulations......
The stillness of the night was broken when the Chairman of the Council called for three cheers for the King, which were rousingly given
Into The Darkness
At approximately 1.15 the crowd dispersed and the frst party of the boys, carrying the silver baton, disappeared into the darkness of the night on the first lap of their journey to Bedford.
On the last two laps of the journey, the boys had to run through the rain. This, however, did not dampen their enthusiasm, and they reached Bedford at 4.15. Except for a good soaking the boys were none the worse for their experience, and after they had changed into dry clothes, which had been brought along by car in readiness, they were conveyed back to Rushden.
The message was taken over by the Bedford members of the Boys Battalion.
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