Rushden Research Group: Scouts - Bonfire Nights 1967-1971

Peter Head, 2009

Bonfire Nights 1967 - 1971

1967

From 1st Higham Ferrers Cubs:

Bonfire Night at Wellingborough, Higham Pack joined with the 9th Wellingborough in the church Paddock adjoining the church in Knox Road.

The experience here, when the cubs who had brought fireworks to let off, were invited to come forward under the rope, led Peter Head, the Cub Scout Leader, to suggest to the District Cub Leaders that next year Rushden should stage their own event.

Little did he realise that this would run as an annual event for many years - to 2008 and still going strong.

1968

Firework Display at St Mary's rectory in Rectory Road Rushden

This was to become our first of many.

The fireworks cost £33.0s.0d.

Admissions: 3/- Adult & 1/6d Child.

Profit £28.5s.10d

Attendance estimated at 500-600 cubs, leaders and parents.

The fireworks were bought from Jim Osborne's Sports & Toys shop, stored in an upstairsroom of Dennis Paragreen's workshop at the rear of the Railway Inn (Now Starbucks car park).

They were set up on the lawn of the St Mary's Church Rectory in Rectory Road Rushden with the attending people in the adjoining paddock area to the south of the lawn. The team for this consisted of Dennis Paragreen, Geoff Mackness, Robert (Bob) Marriott and Marshall Waller.

Wednesday 5th November 1969

2nd Giant Bonfire and Fireworks Display

Cost of larger display £54 (£60 Less 10%).

Admission: 3/- adults & 1/6d children.

Profit £86.2s.0d

Approx 1,300 attended.

With the success of the first event last year it was decided that a larger area and display was needed and an approach was made to Rushden Town Council who granted the use of the paddock, behind the swings in the Hall Park Guides & Rangers assisted. The Fire Brigade's offer to join us was declined.

Mr Dennis Paragreen again arranged the display with a team of assistants including Geoff Mackness.

A "Guy" competition was included, Judged by Mrs Marriott wife of the Council Chairman and Mrs Cowdry wife of the Council Clerk.

St John Ambulance provided the First Aid cover and continues (2008)

Wood & material for the fire was collected from various firms and locations.

Thursday 5th November 1970

3rd Giant Bonfire and Fireworks Display

Cost of Fireworks £130.0s.0d
Admission: 3/- adults & 1/6d children.
Profit £181

Over 2,500 attended.

With the further success of our second year and the attendance we were granted permission to move into the main area of the Park, keeping close to the trees bordering the paddock area. The turf had to be stripped for the area of the bonfire. The cutting was contracted out and we stripped and rolled the turf, stacking this near the boundary and replacing it after the fire.

Denis Paragreen was again in charge of Fireworks.

Pluvius insurance arranged for the first time at a premium off £17.0s.0d.

The fire was built on the preceding Saturday, with approx 12 lorries of material, to approximately 15 feet high and unfortunately vandals decided to set it alight on the Sunday. Five or six youngsters were reported as having been seen near the bonfire. Fortunately with the tremendous support of local firms and people another was built in time for the official day.

Rushden Round Table assisted us on the gates. (And have continued to do so each year up to 2008)

Friday 5th November 1971

4th Giant Bonfire & Fireworks Display

From this year onwards the fireworks have been bought from Rev Ron Lancaster, Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd.

Peter Head in the Evening Telegraph asked people not to collect any more material for the bonfire as it was already going to be quite big enough.

Charges: Adults 15p, Child 10p.

Hot Dogs 6p, Soup 3p & Squash2p.

Expenses: Pluvius Insurance £17.00, Fireworks £120.00 Printing Frank Eady Press £17.20
2,000 plastic cups bought £17.34

Takings: Refreshments £112.50 & Gates £275.95 Ticket Sales £97

Donations: Higham's Marquee.

St John Ambulance & Fire Service £5.00 each.

Profit £260

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