Our annual Party in The Park this year appropriately takes on a 1940's theme to compliment the commemoration of 60 years since the end of World War II. It seemed a fitting tribute to all those who contributed to the war effort whether overseas or back home here in Rushden.

Many families in Rushden paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost loved ones, and they are remembered by name in this programme.

My sincere thanks go out to all those who served their country through H.M. Forces, uniformed groups, those who kept the food supplies going, those who kept the wheels of industry turning, and those who kept the spirits lifted.

I hope as Mayor that I have the opportunity to meet many of you over this weekend to say "Thank You" personally, and I look forward to hearing about your encounters from this era. There is, of course, a warm welcome to everyone, and I feel sure you will have a very enjoyable visit to this very special event.

Cllr. Sue Homer Mayor of Rushden

11.00am - 5.00pm  CRAFT FAIR (in Craft Marquee)

Handmade goods for sale by local craftsmen

1.00pm   Official welcome by the Mayor

ARENA

1.15pm    Parade of Military Vehicles

1.45pm    P.A.V.C.C. Field Gun Display Team

Junior Cadet Version of the Royal Tournament Gun Run

2.45pm    British Legion Majorettes

3.30pm    P.A.V.C.C. Field Gun Display Team

Junior Cadet Version of the Royal Tournament Gun Run

4.00pm    Tug-of-War Display

Leics/Nths/Rutland Army Cadet Corps (Rushden Detachment)

SOUND STAGE (IN WALLED GARDEN)

1.30pm    Newton Road School

2.00pm    Rushden Town B and

3.00pm    Whitefriars Junior School

3.15pm    Denfield Park Junior School

3.30pm    Alfred Street Junior School

4.00pm    Rushden Town Band

5.00pm - 7.00pm    ENS A Concert & Sing-a-long by 'Rushden Amateur Theatrical Society' and the 'Spitfires" 40's Entertainment Group including naughty 40's fashion show. Period Allied Uniform or civilian dress encouraged. Bring your own picnic and join in the 'street party' atmosphere.

The Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team was formed in 1977 after the amalgamation of a number of independent teams. The Team was located in the RA Barracks, Woolwich as part of the RA Display Troop. In 1995 the Team disbanded and sport parachuting within the Royal Artillery was continued under the control of 7^th Parachute Regiment RHA. A display capability was maintained, with parachutists being taken from all Regiments within the Royal Artillery. Although only part time, the Team still carried out a great number of displays playing a major role in Recruiting and KAPE (Keeping the Army in the Public Eye) for the Royal Artillery. In May 1999 the Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team returned to Woolwich, with Team Leader Sgt Tony Goodman taking up a full time post. All other Team members continue with their Regimental Duties, which can take them any where in the world, whilst remaining committed to the team and spending a great deal of time carrying out displays and training. Although open to any soldier within the Royal Artillery, parachutists are not permitted to carry out displays until they have at least 200 parachute jumps, and have completed a series of qualifing descents. These must be observed by an instructor and must be carried out annually for all display parachutists. During  the  winter months  team members  will  maintain their currency  by attending an intensive training camp in preparation for the forthcoming season of Displays at County Fairs and Town Shows around the country. These training camps allow the selection of new team members, and the requalifcation of current members. They   also allow non parachutists from throughout the Royal Artillery to be trained in order to provide team members for the future.

H. E. BATES (Born 16^th May 1905)

The year 2005 celebrates another occasion, the centenary of the birth of Rushden's most famous son, the author Herbert Ernest Bates. As a boy he attended Newton Road School and then Kettering Grammar School, and, as a young man, worked in a leather warehouse and later as a reporter for the local newspaper. Surrounded by shoe factories, red brick houses, small family businesses and Non-conformity chapels, it had to be these early experiences that enabled him to write so graphically about Rushden and its people, not least in his autobiography 'The Vanished World'.

Organising Committee

Cllr. Janet Pinnock (Chairman), Cllr. Marian Pinnell, Cllr. Clive Wood, Cllr. Susan Homer, Cllr. Barbara Jenney, Cllr. Ron Pinnock,
Cllr. Richard Lewis, Cllr. Gill Mercer, Keith Hill, Bill Betts, Arthur Hollomon, Tracey Walton.