The Rushden Echo & Argus, 6^th August, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis

No Holiday Problem for Rushden People
Big Crowds for Fete Fun

  There has been no August holiday problem at Rushden.  Thousands have forgotten the worries of war by joining freely in a bright round of amusement at Rushden Hall Grounds and other centres, and the town’s second holiday fete is admirably meeting the needs of the stay-at-homes.

  Last year’s holidays-at-home scheme is being repeated on an enlarged scale and is a complete communal effort.  All the money raised will be given to social and wartime funds.

programme

  The fete was heralded on Monday by a procession – a small one as Rushden processions go, but interesting because of the appearance of a strong American Army contingent.  British and American flags were carried on the long route from Spencer Park to the Hall via Wellingborough-road and Station-road.  The Air Raid Wardens and St. John Nursing and Cadet Divisions were the strongest local units, while aa small group of N.F.S. girls took the public fancy for smartness on the march.

  Mr. A. J. Sturgess held his usual place as marshal, and the Town and Temperance Bands were combined.

  Ahead of the parade men of Toc H in comic attire performed amusingly, their paraphernalia including one of the old penny-farthing cycles.  They collected of £17 from the crowds lining the route.

Allied Salute

  Because it was Bank Holiday no charge for admission could be made at the Hall, but pretty young ladies in dainty old-style costume took a heavy collection at the entrances.

  Lady Nunburnholme, C.C., of Arthingworth Manor, was a very popular visitor for the purpose of declaring the fete open.  She was escorted to the special platform by the chief citizen, Coun. A. F. Weale, J.P., and had the support of many well-known residents.  The American troops had a place of honour in front of the platform and gave their salute to the American and British national anthems, the Stars and Stripes, the Union Jack and the British Legion standard figuring impressively in the ceremony.

  Coun. Weale said that when the Ministry of Health asked the Urban Council to arrange a stay-at-home holiday for the people of Rushden a very strong committee was formed to plan a full programme of fun, recreation and sport for the whole week.

Wise People

  The majority of Rushden people had been wise as well as patriotic in accepting the Government’s advice, and he thought that although they could not travel to the sea, the programme which was being placed at their service would be enjoyed.  They must always remember that their actions and thoughts should be concentrated on bringing the day of victory nearer.

  One prop of the Axis had fallen, and none of them wanted to delay the day when the other two props would fall from that evil-minded regime.

  All the proceeds of the fete would go to local charities.  Last year’s fete was remarkably successful, and he believed that this year’s would be equally so.

  Mr. Weale paid a high tribute of appreciation to the American troops who had gallantly come forward to help, and who had promised to provide the whole day’s show on Saturday.

  In his welcome to lady Nunburnholme the Chairman said she was no stranger to a Rushden audience.

Fond of Rushden

  Lady Nunburnholme observed that her work on the County Council brought her to Rushden several times a year.  She often went to the Sanatorium, where she served on the committee with a lot of charming people, but at no time had she looked forward to coming to Rushden more than that day.

  Rushden people had a great week of gaiety before them, and it would be all the greater because everything that was raised would go to charity.  Next time they went to the station they would be able to look the notice “Is your journey really necessary?” straight in the face.

  Those responsible for organising the week of entertainment and giving a great deal of their time to the work deserved congratulations.  It was a superb patriotic effort.

Generous U.S.A.

  Remarking that the Anglo-American Day had caught her eye, Lady Nunburnholme said she had had the good fortune to visit America several times.  She had eaten melons and corn on the cob with fresh butter, but above all these beautiful, succulent things stood out the Americans’ generous, unstinted hospitality.  Now that English people had the opportunity, she hoped they would not fail in their hospitality towards the Americans, whom they welcomed from the bottom of their hearts.

  Wishing the people of Rushden “the best of luck,” Lady Nunburnholme said there was no excuse for anyone failing to have a good day.

  Proposing a comprehensive vote of thanks, Ald C. W. Horrell, J.P., said the County Council was proud of Lady Nunburnholme, who served on the Public Health and Public Assistance Committees and, not least, the Rushden House Sanatorium Sub-Committee.

  Dr. R. W. Davies, Vice-Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, seconded, making special mention of the ladies who had done years of voluntary work in Rushden.

Flowers Presented

  The ceremony ended with the presentation of flowers.  Janice Hawkes handed a bouquet to Lady Nunburnholme and Eileen Hawkes took one to Mrs. Weale, whose husband received a buttonhole from John Allen.

  Among those on the platform were Lady Nunburnholme’s children, Charles and Charmain, Mrs. Weale, Mrs. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. John White, Miss Jacqueline White, Col. F. R. Swoger, U.S.A., Major MacRae, U.S.A., Rev. E. A. Green, Mr. F. J. Sharwood, C.C., Mr. C. G. Faulkner, C.C., Mr. H. C. Allen (fete organiser) and Mrs. Allen, Councillors W. J. Sawford, T. W. Cox, J. Allen, J. Roe, W. E. Capon, J. T. Richardson, J.P., J. George, J. E. Dilks, J. H. J. Paragreen, T. J. Swindall, F. Green, J.P., and A. H. Bailey, Mr. H. Rice (entertainments secretary) and Mr. Tom Sanders (chairman of the Publicity Committee).

Peeress in Stocks

  First flutter after the speechmaking was a procession of victims to the Old English stocks.  Lady Nunburnholme, first arrival in a chair carried on poles by Toc H men, was soon followed by Coun. Weale, Dr. Davies, Mr. White, Lt.-Col. Swoger, the Rev. T. S. Kee, Mr. C. J. Potton and Capt. J. Marshall-Bailey, M.C., M.B.E.  They were all locked up by the ankles while humorous indictments, setting forth a surprising record of misdemeanours, were recited with great relish and effect by Mr. A. J. Sturgess, whose wig and gown gave him undoubted authority.  The crowd confirmed that all were guilty, and cheques or cash were made a condition of release.

  There was another stir when the inquisitor and a confederate, with other interesting captives, were hauled in for punishment and smartly indicted by Capt. Bailey.

  In the evening the Rushden and District Boot Manufacturers’ Association provided a row of victims – Messrs. F J. Sharwood, T. W. Cox, W. E. Capon, T. Sanders, W. B. Sanders, G. W. Marriott, W. M. Horrell and H. B. Selwood – to whom Mr. Sturgess dealt out heavy verbal punishment.

  When these unfortunates were charged collectively with advocating wooden soles, but failing to wear them, the truth was startlingly apparent and caused one of the best laughs of the day.

  The stocks had many other visitors, and the hard-working Toc H men, helped by the American soldiers, took money from them all.

Market and Shows

  Quite a large “Olde English Market” was organised and staffed by the W.V.S.  There were round-abouts and side-shows, including new devices, “Bombing Berlin” and “Fishing for U-boats.”

  Children queued up for rides on ponies lent by Mr. Osborne and Mr. W. Childs.  Sailors, girls and American soldiers caused much fun by their efforts to ride the “penny-farthing” and an ancient tricycle.

  The Town and Temperance Bands played from the bandstand under Mr. T. Young and Mr. M. J. Roberts.  Variety from the stage introduced the Claudine Follies, Betty Norman, The Two Vincents, Les Bullman and others, with Mr. Arnold Pack at the piano.

  Whist drives were managed by Mrs. Davies and Mrs. Whitton.  A treasure hunt was organised by Messrs. Eaton and Co.  Dancing was held in the band enclosure.  There were innumerable prize competitions, the chief one arranged by the Rushden Hospital Fund and the Trades Council.

  Two “mystery men” were at large, and although back-view pictures of them appeared in the printed programme they had a long run before discovery.  They were correctly challenged by Mrs. Arnsby, Mrs. Jones, Miss P. Webb and Master David Clark, each of whom won a golden half-sovereign.  The Mystery Men were Messrs. Alfred Gray and R. R. Lawrence.

Rabbit Show

  In the kitchen garden the Rushden and District Poultry and Rabbit Club put on an excellent show of rabbits in which 102 entries were judged by Mr. H. Phillips, of Long Buckby.  Baby rabbits made the largest class.

  A Wellingborough girl, Miss M. D. Maddock, arrived with three Old English rabbits, all of which won prizes.  The club gave a pedestal hutch containing two rabbits as the prize in a side competition.

  Awards were as follows: Belgian, 1 G. Chapman (Finedon), 2 J. Harvey (Irthlingborough), 3 E. Sturgess (Rushden); English or Dutch adults, 1 H. A. Wells (Rushden) 2 A. J. Hawkins (Wellingborough), 3 G. Smith (Bozeat); English or Dutch youngsters, 1 and 3 Miss D. Maddock (Wellingborough), 2 H. A. Wells; Beverin, 1 G. Robson (Finedon), 2 C. Willgress (Rushden), 3 A. Bailey (Rushden); other adults, 1 A. W. Munslow (Rushden) 2 J. Haigh (Stanwick), 3 G. Walpole (Rushden); other youngsters, 1 E. J. Rappitt (Rushden) 2 C. Willgress, 3 H. C. Morris (Higham Ferrers); utility does, 1 A. Bailey, 2 R. C. Ellson (Ringstead), 3 Myra Woods (Higham Ferrers); utility youngsters, 1 J. H. Beeby (Higham Ferrers), 2 B. Elmore (Rushden), 3 W. Ablett (Rushden); Youngsters under 13 weeks, in pairs, 1 A. Ross (Bozeat), 2 S. E. Brown (Rushden), 3 H. C. Morris; selling class, 1 C. Willgress, 2 H. Hornsby, 3 G. Chapman; best pure bred adult, C. Willgress; best pure bred youngster, C. Willgress; best crossbred adult, A. Bailey; best crossbred youngster, W. Line.

  Mr. H. A. Wells was show manager, Mr. Harry Penness secretary, and Mr. C. Willgress chairman of the committee.  Members of the G.T.C. were gate stewards for the show.

  A tea marquee was managed by the W.V.S., and an outside refreshment counter by members of the Town and County Blind Association Committee and helpers.

  The grounds were crowded, and money was spent freely, making heavy work for Mr. A. H. Whitton (treasurer) and his staff.

Schoolgirl Opens Children’s Day - Pretty Procession and Plenty of Fun

Thelma Whiting opens Children’s Day at the Holiday Fete. Mr. George Denton is on the right, Mr. A. H. Whitton and Ald. C. W. Horrell are on the left.

  Family parties were predominant on Tuesday when Thelma Whiting, a schoolgirl of 14, made the opening speech for Children’s Day with the confidence of a practised public speaker.

  A procession of children led the way to the Hall on a short and picked route from College-street. A boy on a pony rode at the head, and 15 dancers in costume (from Mrs. Olga Stevens’s troupe) followed.  About 120 more children were in fancy dress, and the general body of Rushden schoolchildren followed.  The Town and Temperance Bands played them along, and Mr. W. A. E. Sherwood was the marshal.

  The procession and most of the day’s events at the Hall were organised by two boot firms, John Cave and Sons and G. Selwood and Co.

  Mr. George Denton, managing director of Messrs. B. Denton and Son, presided at the opening, and had the support of a large “platform,” which included all the head teachers of the town.

  “In my opinion,” he said, “these holidays at home are a very good idea.  I don’t think any of us before the war realised how much fun we could get in our own town.  I would like to say ‘Well done, Rushden’ in more terms than one.”

  Thanking the two boot firms, Mr. Denton made particular mention of Coun. W. E. Capon and Mr. F. J. Sharwood, C.C.  Introducing the opener, he explained that her speech would be a combination of what her classmates at the Intermediate School wished her to say.

Children’s Thanks

  The young opener, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hermann Whiting, said it might be thought that the children took everything for granted, but they did really appreciate what was done for them and said “Thank you” to the organisers of the week of pleasure.

  “In this park we have every opportunity to spend an enjoyable stay-at-home holiday, though if this were a pre-war August many of us would have been enjoying ourselves at the seaside or abroad.  We can still enjoy the simple things of life – the trees, the grass and the sunshine.”

  Mrs. Weale, wife of the Council Chairman, presented prizes of savings stamps to the carnival winners.  Lorna Rolfe handed a buttonhole to the chairman, and Miss Whiting received a bouquet from her classmates and a box of home-made chocolates from the committee.

  Led by Mr. O. L. Ash, the children sang “Jerusalem.”  Mr. S. Howitt, who spoke of the opener’s high capabilities, proposed a general vote of thanks.  Miss D. M. Furniss, seconding, declared: “We are satisfied that our children can take a prominent part as young citizens of the town.”  The children endorsed the vote with cheers, and Mr. Capon replied, acknowledging the work put in by the employees of Cave’s and Selwood’s.

Costume Prizes

  Judges of the fancy dress classes were Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Page, Miss Marion Perkins, Mrs. George Denton and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sanders.  They made the following awards:-

  Most original costume (girls): Special, Janice Childs, 1 Janet Lyne, 2 Janice Hawkes, 3 Vera Macdonald. (63 entries).

  Most original costume (boys): 1 Brian Wiggins, 2 Harold Endersby, 3 Harold Nichlson. (32 entries).

  Best pair: 1 Margaret Griffiths and Peggy Tyler, 2 June Truet and June Childs, 3 Brian Mayes and Clifford Waddhams.

  Early in the afternoon some children gave a concert which disclosed some excellent talent.  With Mr. Sherwood as the accompanist, the artistes were Barbara Kimberlee (pianist), Pat Ekins (song), Thelma Ramsden (ballet dance), Sylvia Brace (recitation), Pauline Smith (pianist), Ellis sisters (harmony), Pat Hawkes (song), Belva Smith (song), Margaret Griffiths and Peggy Tyler (song), Tony Bayes (recitation) and Sheila Oliver (song).

  A fine batch of ponies (and a donkey) was available for rides, thanks to the interest of Mr. Norman (Podington), Mrs. Munslow, Mr. Childs and Mr. R. Reynolds (Higham Ferrers).

Fun and Sport

  There were band performances, and a treasure hunt was directed by Tennyson-road School teachers under Miss N. Swann.  Laurante, from Leicester, gave conjuring performances.  Tea was served by the lady employees of Cave’s and Selwood’s, led by Mrs. Sharwood and Mrs. Capon.

 In a sports programme arranged by a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Arthur Robinson, the winners were: skipping (up to 12 years), J. Eagle 1, J. Ellis 2; skipping (12-14 years), Brenda Dilley 1, S. Cooling 2; obstacle, J. Wilkinson 1, J. Rodden 2; high jump, Thelma Clark 1, J. Harrison and Brenda Dilley 2; slow bicycle (boys), G. Butterfield and B. Ward, girls, J. Eagle and Brenda Dilley; stirrup pump, G. Butterfield, Howard and S. Marsden 1, Glenn, Ellis and Partridge 2, J. Ekins, Corby and Jones 3.

  J. Badhams, M. Spalding, G. Butterfield, D. Ager and P. Bland completed in a boxing tourney.  A special prize of £1 has been given by Mr. Herring, of the Peacock Hotel, Wellingborough, and a medal will also be given by Mr. Dale, of Rushden.  Ager and Bland will appear in the final on Saturday.

Flower Show

  Major event for the adults was a garden show organised by the Rushden Allotment Society – the first show that the society has given for more than 30 years.  There were nearly 200 entries, and Mr. A. L. Phillips, of the Moulton Institute of Agriculture, who adjudicated, found the produce equal to any he had seen this year.  Mr. H. G. Toby was the secretary.

  The awards were:-

  Peas, 1 G. Tubbutt, 2 Wymington Allotment Society, 3 F. Clayton; runner beans, 1 E. Martin, 2 G. Tebbutt, 3 E. Ward; beet, 1 E. Ward, 2 Q. Whitworth, 3 G. Tebbutt; cabbages, 1 Wymington Allotment Society, 2 W. J. Dartnell; shorthorn carrots, 1 S. King, 2 H. Rich, 3 Q Whitworth; long carrots, 1 H. Rich, 2 S. King, 3 Wymington Allotment Society; onions, 1 W. Haynes, 2 and 3 R. Rice; pickling shallots, 1 and 3 S. King, 2 Q. Whitworth; large shallots, 1 S. King, 2 Q. Whitworth, 3 W. J. Dartnell; lettuce, 1 E. Ward, 2 and 3 L. Clark; marrows, 1 C. Gulliver, 2 F. Clark, 3 W. J. Dartnell; tomatoes, 1 E. Cave, 2 Mrs. L. Joyce, 3 H. Toby; white kidney potatoes, 1 Q. Whitworth, 2 S. King, 3 H. Rich; white round potatoes, 1 Q. Whitworth, 2 E. Bennett, 3 J. S. Sharp; coloured kidney potatoes, 2 S. King; coloured round potatoes, 2 H. Rich, 3 Wymington Allotment Society; heavyweight potatoes, 1, 2 and 3 F. V. Harris.

  Flowers – Roses, 1, 2 and 3 F. Short; buttonhole roses, 1, 2 and 3 F. Short; cut flowers, 1 and 3 T. Tuckey, 2 J. Smith; cut flowers (children), 1 F. Clark.

  Fruit – Dessert apples, 1 T. Sanders, 2 Mrs. Sugars, 3 W. Haynes; cooking apples, 1 F. Berrill, jnr., 2 J. C. Wright, 3 S. King; heaviest apples, 1 Mr. Pettit, 2 J. C. Wright, 3 J. T. Bates.

  Eggs – Brown, 1 J. T. Bates, 2 K. Johnson; white, 1 G. Stevenson, 2 W. Willgress, 3 H. Rice; tinted, 1 D. R. Hornsby, 2 J. C. Wright.

  As on Monday, valuable service was given in the grounds by the Rushden Ambulance and Nursing Divisions.

Triplets Compete in Baby Show - Many Attractions for “Impregnable” Day

  On Wednesday the fete was organised throughout by Messrs. John White, Ltd., the boot manufacturers.  A baby show, complete with triplets and twins, and an ankle competition judged by an American officer who had an armed escort, were two of the many popular features.

  Ald. H. R. Patenall, C.C., was the opener at Rushden Hall, and the visitors also included the Mayor and Mayoress of Higham Ferrers (Ald. and Mrs. J. W. Barker) and the Deputy Mayor of Higham (Coun. A. C. A. Colton).  Mrs. Patenall accompanied her husband.

  Dr. R. W. Davies, who presided, thanked the Impregnable organisation for its enterprising endeavours.

  Ald. Patenall declared the occasion to be “as good a day’s holiday as we are likely to enjoy until we celebrate that great day of victory to which we are all so confidently looking forward.”  The fete, he said, conserved transport by enabling people to take holidays at home, and added greatly to the vital war effort.

  “From what I have heard and read, those of us who are at home are better off than those who have ‘thought their journey necessary.’  We can sleep in comfort and with an easy conscience; we can eat and drink when we choose, and the programmes arranged in these delightful surroundings provide all the pleasure and recreation that can be reasonably desired.”

  The chairman and opener were thanked by Mr. B. H. Toms and Coun. Colton.

Fine Babies

  The conservatory and portrait room at the Hall were used for the largest baby show held in the town for several years, but the mothers and babies overflowed on to the terrace, where one of the perambulators contained the triplets (two girls and a boy) born nearly nine months ago to Mrs. Ridge, wife of an Irchester railwayman.  Brown and remarkably well-grown, the triplets were much admired.  It was their first appearance in a show.

  Nurse Baker, who had the big task of judging 117 entries, was assisted by Dr. Davies and Dr. A. Dorothy Packard.

  In the presence of a large ring of people outside the house, Mrs. White presented the prizes as follows:-

  Six to 12 months; 1 Pamela Horton, 68, Bedford-road, Rushden, 2 Frank James Holley, Hookham’s Path, Wollaston, 3 Margaret Doreen Roberts, 147, St. Margaret’s-avenue, Rushden.

  Twelve to 24 months; 1 Elizabeth Alexandra Sime, 33, Roberts-street, Rushden; 2 Wm. John Keys, 23, Thrift-street, Higham Ferrers, 3 Michael Charles Church, 52, Bedford-road, Rushden.

  Two to three years; 1 Graham Colin Willey, Police Station, Finedon, 2 Jacqueline Pamela Robinson, 92, Irchester-road, Rushden, 3 Patricia Mary Iliffe, “Park Side,” Hall-avenue, Rushden.

  In the class for twins the prize was divided between the triplets and Elizabeth and Margaret Elliott, of 9, Harrold-road, Bozeat.

Best of All

  Pamela Horton, whose mother was formerly on Messrs. John White’s office staff, won the special prize as the best baby in the show.  Marie Elizabeth Towers, of 18, Spring Gardens, Higham Ferrers, was awarded a prize as the smallest baby.

  Dr. Davies told the crowd that the babies were splendid and that the show had been a great success.

  Children’s sports were managed by a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Barker, and resulted as follows: Girls’ 80 yards handicap, B. Miller 1, J. Eagle 2, J. Smith 3; boys’ 80 yards handicap, D. Wildman 1, J. Badham 2, D. Roberts 3; girls’ egg and spoon race, S. Cook 1, T. Clark 2, M. Smith 3; boys’ sack race, J. Gilbert 1, B. Glenn 2, E. Allebone 3; girls’ skipping race, G. Jackson 1, T. Clark 2, G. Peacock 3; boys’ novelty race, J. Badham 1, P. Mole 2, G. Thompson 3; mixed three legged race, Saint and West 1, Eagle and Glenn 2, Helsown and Smith 3; mixed novelty race, P. Harrington 1, June Smith 2, Jean Makeham 3.

He Was Guarded

  Two armed soldiers accompanied Capt. Raymond W. Stoner, of the U.S. Army, when he judged an ankle competition.  The winners, Miss Clements 1, Mrs. Attley 2, and Mrs. Neville 3, received their prize vouchers from Miss Jacqueline White.

  This contest was promoted by Mrs. M. E. Holman’s committee, which also ran a mock auction, a fortune-telling booth (with Madame Jeanette), guessing competitions, a treasure hunt and a children’s hunt.  A “Victory Lady” walked the grounds, also appearing in High-street, but no one challenged her to secure a prize.

  Some new amusements were introduced among the side-shows, and were staffed by the Impregnable Fire Service and Home Guard members.

  As on Tuesday, two girls of 14, Pamela Jones and Avis Parker, were in charge of a pony cart in which scores of kiddies enjoyed a ride.

  Dancing displays were given by the pupils of Miss Bean Boothaway and a variety show was put on by Billy Bettles (ventriloquist), Joe Keller (accordion), Charles Jones (entertainer), Tom White (concertina) and Mrs. D. Bayes (soprano), with Mr. W. Haynes at the piano.

Choral Music

  A mixed choir organised and conducted by Mr. C. T. M. Francis gave pleasure to a large crowd by singing patriotic and other part-songs, some hymns, and Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus.  Mr. L. Griffin, Mr. D. B. Young and Mr. Walter Smith appeared as soloists and Miss M. Gomm accompanied.

  A Jazz band and some entertainers were supplied by the R.A.O.C.

  Late in the evening Mr. Ernest Elliott, of Market Harborough, presented his well-known marionette show.

  Cold drinks and refreshments were sold during the afternoon and evening.

  To end the day there was a merry dance at the Windmill Hall, with music by the Richardson Players, of Kettering.

  The officers of the committee organising “Impregnable Day” were: Chairman, Mr. H. Rice; hon. Sec., Miss Eva Bryant; hon. treasurer, Miss Hilda Rawlings.

Lady Nunburnholme at the microphone with Dr. and Mrs. Davies on the left and Mr. and Mrs. Weale on the right.	Lady Nunburnholme, Mr. Weale, Dr. Davies and Mr. White, all highly amused, are seen in the stocks.

The Rushden Echo, 13th August, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis Sporting Americans at Rushden Hall Holiday Fete Profit May Touch £2,000   Outstanding in the county as a solution of the holidays-at-home problem, Rushden Holiday Fete was equally successful as a means of helping charities, and it is thought that the net proceeds may touch £2,000.  The closing events at Rushden Hall and other centres are described below.   Many people enjoyed themselves on Thursday week as spectators at a United Services swimming gala, arranged by the Rushden Swimming Club, at the Public Baths.   The winners, decided by points, were: Cardington R.A.F. 23, Civil Defence 15, R.A.F. 13, and N.F.S. 8.   The results were as follows: 50 yards breast stroke, R.A.F. 1, Cardington R.A.F. 2, Civil Defence 3, N.F.S.4; 50 yards back stroke, Cardington R.A.F. 1, R.A.F. 2, C.D. 3, N.F.S. 4; diving competition, Combined R.A.F. 1, C.D. and N.F.S. 2; team race, Cardington R.A.F. v. Rushden and Wilby S.C., R.A.F. winners in 2 mins. 4 secs; team race (six aside), Cardington R.A.F. (3 mins. 51 secs) 1, C.D. (4 mins. 12 secs.) 2; diving competition for swimming club members only, R. Walker; medley team race, Cardington R.A.F. 1, R.A.F. 2, C.D. 3, N.F.S. 4; polo match, Rushden and Wilby S.C. v. Cardington, win for Cardington 4-1.   The evening’s programme also included a swimming display by junior members of the R.S.C. and a diving display by Philip Moore, of the American Forces.   Ex-Inspector Knight was the judge, and Mr. W. Elliott the starter, Mr. D. Okins announcer, and Mr. Arthur Sanders hon. secretary. Children and Dogs   Results in the children’s section of the dog show at Rushden Hall were as follows: Best dog shown by a child over 6 and under 10 years of age, T. Dickens 1, V. Bevington 2, R. Lett 3; best dog shown by child over 10 and under 15, V. Cordner 1, M. Remington 2, R. Batson 3; potato race with dog, for children under 8, V. Bevington 1, J. Townsend 2, G. Penness 3; potato race with dog, children over 8 and under 15, J. Gilbert 1, R. Penness 2, V. Glenn 3; egg and spoon race with dog, under 8, M. Hawkins 1, V. Bevington 2, J. Townsend 3; egg and spoon race, over 8 and under 15, R. Swindall 1, V. Glenn 2, J. Gilbert 3; ladies’ egg and spoon race with dog, for two prizes of 10s. given by Mr. Remington, Mrs. Wood 1, Mrs. Gilbert 2; ladies’ potato race with dog, 10s. prize given by Mr. G. S. North, Mrs. Wood.   A concert and side-shows were the chief attractions at the Hall Grounds last Friday – a comparatively quiet day. American Praise   American troops snatched a few hours off from duty in the English countryside to entertain a large crowd on Saturday, and the visitors’ fine gesture made a deep impression.  Musicians, cowboys, boxers and ball players all contributed.   The Jive Pilots, a capable rhythm band, were ready to open the show when Coun. A. F. Weale, J.P., chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, offered from the platform “a sincere and hearty welcome” to the Americans, and thanked them on behalf of the town.   Major McRae, a popular representative of the U.S. Forces, said he wished officially and personally to congratulate Rushden on the management of the holiday week, the results of which he thought were marvellous.  He admired the English people more and more “for the way they do things,” facing seemingly insurmountable tasks and making them look easy.   “Officially and personally,” the Major added, “I wish to express appreciation of the hospitality you have extended to us from time to time.  Because of that hospitality we are more than glad to be here with you and take part in this enterprise.” Music and Cowboys   Lieut. Edward Fraga, from California, was introduced as the organiser of the day’s events, and he in turn introduced Pte. Keith Jameson as Master of Ceremonies.   The Jive Pilots, whose members were all introduced individually, put on a liberal programme and had excellent soloists in Sergt. Lundy (baritone) and Sergt. Tauradian (violin), with Capt. Osborn as accompanist.  Sergt. Rounke, Sergt. Gill and Pte. Mickey were heard in a hill-billy number.   Several men ran a light-hearted bicycle race on a rough and hilly course, but the crowd picked out the cowboy show as the chief event.  Five “tough guys” entered the ring on horseback, carrying flags, and reappeared on foot, each in turn throwing and tying-up a calf from the range of lively youngsters brought along in a huge army truck.   There was an extra thrill when a calf broke loose and dashed wildly around the ring, hotly pursued by the cowboys, who secured him in a general scramble.   Two softball teams, a dozen boxers and a couple of basketball sides were engaged in a sports programme during the evening.  In the final of a local boxing tournament for boys, P. Bland beat D. Ager. Firemen Compete   Another arena was occupied by N.F.S. teams from the town and district, who ran off three competitive events, Finedon putting up a splendid performance by winning the lot.  The results were:-   Light trailer hydrant pump: 1 Finedon 2 min. 9 2-5th sec., 2 Higham Ferrers 2-23 2-5th, 3 Rushden 2-43.   Light trailer pump, 1 Finedon 55 sec., 2 Rushden 65 sec. A Rushden team of recruits received a special prize for doing the drill as a demonstration in 64 secs.   Large trailer pump, 1 Finedon 52 sec., 2 Raunds No. 2 56 sec., 3 Higham Ferrers 56 2-5th sec.   The officials were: Umpires, Col. Officer Kemp, Coy. Officer Taney, Coy. Officer Timpson; timekeepers, S/L Green and F/M Neville; stewards, S/L Jennings, L/F Hart and F/M Penness.   Professor Stanley’s Punch and Judy show was another attraction in the grounds, and at night the Query Motor Club held a dance at the Windmill Hall, with the Richardson Players engaged. Good Receipts   Mr. A. H. Whitton, hon. treasurer of the fete, stated on Tuesday that he was hoping to show a net figure of £2,000 as the result of last week’s activities.   Receipts already banked totalled £1,639  18s.  1d., but these did not include the Impregnable Day takings and several other amounts.  Mr. Whitton hopes to settle all the accounts within a few days and thus make possible an early distribution of the proceeds.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 13th August, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis The Measure   The forecast has been made that a margin of £2,000 may remain when all the accounts of Rushden Holiday Fete have been settled.  That sum would fall short by about £160 of the profit made by the fete in August, 1942, but it would not be in the least degree less satisfactory.   The first test of a holiday fete must be the amount of enjoyment given to the people of the town, and it is generally agreed that last week’s programme fulfilled that chief objective most admirably.  Those who planned and those who responded are to be congratulated on the happy results they achieved, the only reservation in this tribute being that the arrangements should have been put in hand months before they were, thus giving more time for the working out of new ideas and more chance of securing entertainers.   It is impossible to say how many Rushden people took holidays away from home.  The number was certainly greater than had been anticipated, and 2,000 may not be an excessive estimate.  The available support was a good deal smaller than in 1942, yet the financial result is almost the same.  That is a striking measure of the general success.

The Rushden Echo & Argus, 13th August, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis Despicable Act at Hall - Serious Damage to First Aid Tent (To the Editor, “Echo and Argus”) Sir, After our most happy “Holidays at Home Week” we very much regret to have to bring to notice a most despicable act.  Our Ambulance Tent, which gave shelter to some dozens of minor casualties, several babies, lost children and other needy ones during the week, was on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning deliberately damaged by some ill-intentioned person.  An iron tent peg was pulled out and used as a bayonet and much damage was done.  This is a great loss to us, as the tent has been one of our most valuable assets for some years.   During the week our members have freely given their services on behalf of the community, as they are always ready to do, and we feel very hurt that any inhabitant of Rushden or district should act in such a manner.  May we plead for help in bringing the miscreant to account? WINIFRED M. CLIPSON, S.S.St.J. (Lady Div. Supt.) Sgt. W. M. BURGESS, S.B.St.J. (Acting Div. Supt. S.J.A.B) Rushden

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 3rd September, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis Rushden’s Fete 1943 - Final proceeds will total nearly £1,750 Accounts of the Rushden Holiday Fete were presented at a meeting of the Finance and General Committee on Thursday evening. They showed an income of £2,205 16s. 3d. and an expenditure of £513 4s. 11d., leaving a balance of £1,692 11s. 4d., which will be increased to £1,742 1s. 4d when a rebate of Entertainment Tax has been received. The large receipt items were: Messrs. John White’s Day £400, Old English Market and ladies’ organisations £226, side shows, etc. (gross) £326, donations £180, gates and collection £150, hired amusements £58, teas £77, prize competition £162, flag day £74, Sunday concert £78, rifle range £64, programmes £61, horticultural show £45, Query Club dance £52, British Legion dances and whist drives £35, Toc H (stocks, etc.) £58. Expenditure included £158 on prizes, £95 on printing and advertising, £42 on artistes’ fees and £40 on bands. A list of amounts taken on the side-shows included: Darts £101, roll-a-penny £59, clock £52, skittles £49, U-boat alley £39.

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