World's Fair, October 26 - November 1, 2001, by David Springthorpe

The official opening ceremony of Rushden Feast, which was initiated last year, was continued this time and was improved by the presence of a stronger local representation. The Mayor of Rushden, Clive Wood, was joined by the Chairman of East Northants District Council, Albert Campbell and his wife Shirley and Councillor Tony Helsdown. Representing the showpeople were John Bugg for the lessees John Thurston and Son Ltd., former Eastern Counties Section Chairman Arthur Morrison, Willie Thurston and Frank Sedgwick Snr, the longest serving tenant at Rushden Feast.

In his speech from the platform of Albert Botton's Gallopers, the mayor observed that the rides seemed to get more daring each year and that was one of the reasons he was pleased to see a set of Gallopers here for the first time in many years, which gave him the chance to try a ride. He thanked John Bugg for assembling such a fine fair at Spencer Park and wished the showpeople a happy and successful stay in Rushden.

After the Reverend Quentin Chandler, vicar of St. Peters had blessed the fair the civic party took the first ride on the Gallopers. Next was a visit to Charles Drakeley's 1902 vintage Helter Skelter where the mayor, a signwriter by trade, took a keen interest in the artwork. The party took rides on the Runaway Train and Roller Ghoster before enjoying a game at Tommy Keyes' Kentucky Derby, which was on a first visit to Rushden. Afterwards a reception was held at Tony Helsdown's house just across the road from the park.

The fair was well advertised on posters and in the local press, highlighting a special cut-price evening on Thursday that was very well supported by the local public. At other times business was described as moderate.

Opening dates were September 21 to 29 inclusive and there were the inevitable rainy days that the local people seem to expect during Feast Week.

Again John Bugg had brought new attractions to the town and these included the Gallopers and Helter Skelter; Phillip Phillips' 'Indiana Jones' Runaway Train; Gary Saunders' 'Hi-Impact' ride; and Thomas Henry Botton's Big Wheel.

Several sections of the Guild were represented here and the fire station end of the park was 'Northern Territory', being occupied by John Stokes' nicely decorated Roller Ghoster, 'Hollywood' Fun House and trampolines.

Also here were John Bugg and Son's 'Impact Zone' Dodgems and 'Shockwave' Miami; Willie Thurston's Waltzer; Theodore J. Whyatt's Tip Top; Stanley T. Whyatt's Invader; Jonathan Gray's Simulator; Scott Barker's 'Crazy Boot' Fun House; Joseph Gray's 'China Town' mirror maze; Richard Hart Jnr's 'Big Boot' Fun House; Robert Thurston's 'Midnight Express' Superbob; and Thomas Henry Botton's mirror maze.

There was also plenty of variety for the children. Inflatables were by John Bugg,

William Thurston and Henry Botton. Patrick Thurston was a newcomer here with his trampolines and Santa Fe train ride and also for the youngsters were Arthur Morrison's toy set; Frank Sedgwick's vintage cars; Theodore Whyatt's mini-Wheel; John Bugg's Jumpin Jack, another newcomer; Richard Hart Jnr's jeeps and kopters; Scott Barker's stunt bikes; Norman Fendick's cups and saucers; Brian Harvey's mini-Chair-o-planes; Willie Thurston's toy set and aeroplanes; Albert Barker's Sky Diver; David Stock's train ride; Stanley Whyatt's Dreamy Dragons; Amy Thurston's mini-Chair-o-planes; Henry Parrish's aeroplanes; and Phillip Phillips' Big Buggies.

In support was a good selection of stalls and games helping Rushden to maintain its status as Northamptonshire's premier Feast.