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1940 Carnival
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Rushden Echo & Argus, 31st May 1940, transcribed by Gill Hollis
Six Girls Chosen For Carnival Blondes and brunettes were chosen at an Empire Day dance as the six girls who will represent the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force as Service “Queens” and attendants at Rushden’s United Services Carnival on June 29. The dance was held at the Windmill Hall, and about 500 made merry to the tunes of the Paramount Players, of Bedford (led by Reg Millman) who were paying their first visit to Rushden. Ably compared by Geoff Knight, popular dance secretary of the Rushden Query Motor Club, which was responsible for the organisation of the dance, the entertainment soon got into its full stride, entrants’ names being taken in the meantime. Shortly before midnight an area in the centre of the hall was roped off and entrants walked, to the accompaniment of boisterous cheers, half the length of the hall and then mounted a stage decorated with Union Jacks. On the stage were several expert judges, as well as a representative of each of the Services. Each of them, armed with a silver pencil and a notepad, jotted down points as each girl passed, noting especially the candidate’s poise, complexion and general manner. Finalists Cheered It was not long before the original 22 had been reduced to ten, and these girls then had to pass in front of the judges again before it was finally announced that the six finalists were: Miss Evelyn Whitby, aged 20, of 79 Midland-road, employed in the office of Messrs. P.X., Ltd. Miss Joan Wallis (17), of “Woodcroft” Bedford-road, employed in the office of Messrs. John White, Ltd. Miss Margaret Dilley (16), of Pratt-road, employed in the office of the C.W.S. Miss Marie Perkins (17), of 11 East-grove, employed in the office of Messrs. P.X., Ltd. Miss Gwen Shellard (17), of 2 Hall-avenue, employed in the works of Messrs. Bignells, Ltd. Miss Elinor Short (16), 96 Wellingborough-road, who is also employed in a factory. Loud cheers greeted the announcement of the result, and each of the girls was then presented with a red, white and blue rosette by Rushden’s “Queen” for 1939-40, Miss Peggy Marriott. Queen Peggy’s Thanks After a few words had been spoken by Councillor J. Allen, J.P., Chairman of Rushden Urban Council, Miss Marriott thanked those present for the support they had given her during her year of office. The difficult work of judging the entrants was carried out by Miss Marjorie Summerville, of the Northampton Repertory Company, Miss Katherine Smith, also of the Northampton Repertory Company, Miss Blackett of the Elizabeth Arden School of Beauty, Northampton, Mr. Eric Ager, the well-known Northampton photographer, Mrs. Ager, and representatives of each of the Forces. A flag day will decide which of the six finalists will wear the specially designed frocks, tunics and hats expressing the characteristics of the three Services. Three of the girls will serve as attendants. A good deal of the organisation of the dance rested on the shoulders of Mr. S. Hawkes, president of the Query Club, and he was assisted by Messrs. Roe, Perkins, Cox, Letts, Lilly, Gell, Harrod, Parker, Keller, Taylor, Paragreen, George and others. Ladies of the British Legion were responsible for catering. |
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The Rushden Echo and Argus, 21st June, 1940, transcribed by Gill Hollis
“Queens” Will Wear Their Dresses - Still Some Useful Work for Them to Do One ray which pierced the clouds last week-end was the effort of the six pretty Rushden girls who competed on Saturday for places of honour at the town’s United Services Carnival (since cancelled). Selected at a dance a few weeks ago, they sold Union Jacks on Saturday for the privilege – offered to those who raised the most money – of holding the three carnival titles – Queens of the Navy, Army and Air Force. Each candidate had her own selling staff, and in a day’s hard work the willing public was relieved of £211 7s. 10d. It was an amazing total and a record one, comparing with £169 raised by the similar effort last year and £174 5s. 7d. in 1938. Gwen Shellard, aged 17, of 5 Hall-avenue, an employee of Messrs. Bignells, topped the list of sales and became Navy Queen. Margaret Dilley, aged 16, of Pratt-road, employed in the C.W.S. office, was next on the list and became representative of the Army. Joan Wallis, aged 17, of “Woodside,” Bedford-road, working in the office of Messrs. John White, Ltd., took third place as Queen of the Air Force. She has been a maid of honour to Rushden’s Carnival Queen (Miss Peggy Marriott) during the last twelve months. The other girls, Marie Perkins, Evelyn Whitby and Elinor Short, ranked as attendants to the queens. Chairman’s Thanks Scores of collecting boxes were emptied at the National Provincial Bank, and the money was counted by Mr. A. H. Whitton (manager) and clerks from the various banks. Soon after eight o’clock Mr. J. Allen, J.P., Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, announced the result to a crowd from the steps of the B.W.T.A. Hall. The girls stood on either side of him, and Mr. Allen shook hands with the winners after announcing their names. The separate totals were not disclosed. “I think it is a magnificent result,” said Mr. Allen, “and we are deeply grateful to all those who contributed. It is the highest yet in Rushden for a Carnival Queen collection, and I should like to congratulate these ladies and their helpers.” Mr. Allen also thanked the Query Motor Club committee for organising the event in the interests of the local charities. Miss Peggy Marriott, Carnival Queen for 1939-40, presented her three successors with rosettes of navy blue, red and Air Force blue respectively, adding her own congratulations and good wishes. Although the carnival has been cancelled it is announced that the girls will receive their specially designed costumes and help to brighten these dark days by appearing at a number of public functions. |
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The Rushden Echo and Argus, 5th July, 1940, transcribed by Gill Hollis
Over £800 for Carnival Fund To a large audience at the Ritz Cinema on Sunday evening, where a concert was held in aid of the United Services Carnival Fund, Mr. Sidney Hawkes announced some remarkable figures from which it was evident that although the intended carnival was not held last Saturday a large sum had been raised for the Serving Men’s Parcels Fund and the town’s principal health services. To compensate for the cancellation of the fete a house-to-house collection was made on Saturday, and Mr. Hawkes announced that £212 was raised by this means. Other approximate receipts were :- Prize draw £100, manufacturers list £121, flag day (Saturday) £89, “Risdene Tatler” £40, Legion whist drive £4, Rotary Club scrap iron collection £51, seven-a-side football contest £22, United Services Queens’ flag day £211. The total of these efforts is £850. The news was received with enthusiasm, and Mr. Hawkes added “We are due for a very good result, despite the disadvantages we have been working under.” Councillor J. Allen, J.P. (Chairman of the Urban Council), offered the town’s congratulations and thanks to the organisers who had put such splendid work into the various efforts. It was unfortunate, he said, that they could not carry out their carnival programme, but everything else had gone off most successfully. He particularly thanked the Query Motor Club, the Service Queens and the Deputy Queens, who by a splendid effort had raised over £200. Badges for Queens Arranged by Mr. Leslie Miller of the Serving Men’s Parcels Fund Committee, the concert was made the occasion for the formal introduction of the Service Queens and their deputies. The girls, who had been assisting the programme sellers, took the stage in a graceful group, and were accompanied by the ex-Carnival Queen (Peggy Marriott) and two of her attendants Miss Gwen Shellard (Navy Queen) Miss Margaret Dilley (Army Queen) and Miss Joan Wallis (Air Force Queen), who wore long frocks with headdresses in the form of Service emblems. Their deputies, also beautifully attired, were the Misses Marie Perkins, Elinor Short and Evelyn Whitby. Mr. Hawkes introduced the ladies and Miss Dorothy Holbrook, leading artiste of the concert, presented them with their badges of office, Miss Marriott assisting. A profusion of bouquets and other gifts was then presented, and there were presents also for Mr. E. Bennett, hon. secretary of the Parcels Fund and Mr. Leslie Miller. The Navy Queen thanked all who had supported the cause. Music and Comedy The concert was a gay and meritorious light entertainment by Dorothy Holbrook and her Harmony Band with the support of Johnny Kavanagh (comedian), and Walker and Ray (comedy duo). Members of the band co-operated in the clever sketches which were a feature of the opening half, and also supplied a smart accompanying orchestra. Johnny Kavanagh’s “Girl Guide” act was extremely comical, and Walker’s fish-and-chip mimicry was rather a hit. After the interval the band, now in full uniform, gave a continuous programme of syncopated music and showed great enthusiasm by its versatility and the general brilliance of its playing. These smart girls would hold their own in any company. Many of them “doubled” on a variety of instruments, and several – the players of trumpets, saxophones and violins – had opportunities to display a high degree of virtuosity. Miss Holbrook, an untiring leader, kept them vigorously astir, bringing some to the microphone and encouraging the element of humour. One of her chief assistants was Ivy Gunn, whose talents as a comedienne were on a par with her skill on various instruments. Little Maxine Harrison, aged 15, a Lancashire lass who was working in a mill until three weeks ago, was a most popular songster, and Doreen Dene, the deep-toned crooner had all the points that crooners need. It was unfortunate, however, that the microphone made harsh interruptions. Rushden Composer The medley of overtures, the medley of hunting and drinking songs, and the “No, No, Nanette” selection were rousing examples of developed cacophony. A most unusual and popular feature was the simultaneous playing of seven pianofortes by Miss Holbrook and six of her girls, who included “Look on the Bright Side,” an attractive new song by Mr. Charles Sanders, of Rushden. Mr. Sanders kindly gave 200 copies of his song for sale on behalf of the Carnival Fund. Mr. George Delamare was the able stage manager. |
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| The Rushden Echo & Argus, 2nd August, 1940, transcribed by Gill Hollis Parcels Fund Gets £400 Several Good Causes Take Share of Rushden’s Carnival £1,000 Optimism Rewarded Large grants to war charities were agreed to at the winding-up meeting of Rushden’s £1,000 United Services Carnival effort, held at the Council Buildings on Monday. Councillor J. Allen, J.P. (Urban Council chairman) presided, supported by Councillor T. W. Cox (vice-chairman) and the two carnival secretaries, Mr. W. A. E. Sherwood and Mr. G. W. Marriott. Recommendations for the allocation of the various grants were made at a meeting of the general and finance committee a week previously, and these were presented by Mr. Sherwood. It was recommended that £400 should be devoted to the Serving Men’s Parcels Fund, £175 to the Children’s Boot and Clothing Fund, £100 to the Clubs’ Fund for the Blind and Crippled Children, £100 to the Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital, £75 to the After-Care Committee, £50 to the Nursing Association and £2 2s. to the National Children’s Home and Orphanage. Any remaining balance would be given to the Parcels Fund. The meeting showed cordial approval, and the grants were adopted without comment. Eventful Period The chairman said he was sure they were delighted with the success which attended the effort. Since the last meeting things of a very momentous character had occurred which might have damped their spirits sufficiently to cause them to abandon all enthusiasm. They had not been pessimistic, however, and had carried on in spite of great difficulties. Now they could assure themselves that the situation had changed very remarkably for the better, and instead of meeting in a defeatist atmosphere they were in an atmosphere in which they felt they had every chance of victory. Mr. Allen concluded by thanking all the committees, the secretaries and treasurer, and all who had helped towards success. It had been no mean achievement to raise over £1,000 to be allocated between the various charities. Mr. A. H. Whitton (treasurer) presented the balance-sheet, which showed that the receipts amounted to £1,107 8s. 2d., expenditure being only £100 9s. 6d., thus leaving a balance of £1,006 18s. 8d. Donations were the largest item, these being £245 7s. 6d., and the Queen’s Flag Day collection brought in £211 7s. 10d. Another major item was the house-to-house collection, which realised £218 7sk. 5d. Officers Thanked It was explained by Mr. Whitton that the balance-sheet was not final, and there would be one or two minor alterations. The meeting resolved that the final statement should be published in the Press. It was decided to send a letter of thanks to Mr. Geoff Knight, now serving in the R.A.F., whose help had been invaluable. Mr. H. Smith (Y.M.C.A.) thanked the secretaries, Councillor E. A. Sugars seconding. The treasurer, Mr. Allen and Mr. Sidney Hawkes were also thanked. At the conclusion of the business the chairman said that in order to avoid calling another town’s meeting he intended to bring forward the subject of a Citizens’ Advice Bureau. This had been suggested to him by the National Council of Civil Service, who had offered to send a speaker to Rushden to explain the formation of a bureau. After a short discussion it was decided to take no steps in the matter until one of the National Council’s speakers had visited the town. |
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