Helpers call for more volunteers
More volunteers are needed to cope with the increasing workload of Rushden's welfare rights group.

Recently published government figures show there is an estimated £1,000m in unclaimed benefits nationally. The Rushden group was set up over five years ago to help with advice and form-filling.

Our picture shows two of the volunteers outside the offices, Mrs Gina Farrow (left) and Mrs Jill Dutton.

The office is at the corner of Rectory Road and Portland Road, Rushden, and is open from 9.30am to 1pm on Tuesdays and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursdays.

One of the volunteers, Mrs Wendy Pipe, who joined the group about a year ago said: "It is very rewarding work and we deal with a vast range of problems. We would welcome more volunteers — and in particular someone with accountancy experience who could spare a couple of hours once a month or so."

"The main criteria is to be able to communicate with other people. No-one is dropped in at the deep end and there are special training sessions for newcomers."

Although the work is voluntary there is reimbursement for travelling expenses. Anyone who would like to help should call in during office hours.

From here to fraternity
TONY Smith visits a unique new exhibition at Rushden Heritage Centre
What did Sir William Churchill, Rudyard Kipling and Sir Alexander Fleming have in common with Peter Sellers, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Captain Scott of the Antarctic?

They were all Freemasons. But if you thought Grand Lodges and Ancient Orders were all shrouded in secrecy, then the latest exhibition at Rushden Heritage Centre may surprise you.

Fraternal Societies Past and Present, running until September 29, puts the world of Oddfellows, Free Gardeners, Buffaloes and Rechabites on public display for the first time. The show also looks at more modern-day local fundraising groups such as the Lions, Rotary and Round Table.

Early last century there were 17 friendly societies in Rushden and three in Higham Ferrers, mostly male orientated and meeting monthly. They ranged from the Ancient Order of Foresters and Independent Order of Oddfellows to the Men's Provident Club and the Impregnable Ten Shillings Club.

In those days - decades before the NHS - most of these were sickness clubs, helping fellow townsfolk unable to afford medical treatment. This was reflected in the names of such societies as the Friend-in-Need Club, the Help-in-Hand Club and the Good Intent Mutual Aid Society.

These voluntary associations, legalised in Britain since 1783, were well supported, often marching proudly with their banners and in all their regalia for various church parades in Rushden.

In the 1920s, such processions were accompanied by a brass band and civic dignitaries as well as the police, ambulance and fire brigades. One of the most prominent groups was the Free Gardeners Friendly Society, formed in the north of England in 1820.

The society's Myrtle Lodge in Rushden first met in the church rooms in Coffee Tavern Road, but moved to Portland Road in 1935. Rushden Friendly Society met at the Waverley Hotel, the Oddfellows at the Wheatsheaf and the Good Intent at the Waggon and Horses.

Not many of the old groups survive locally, but the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes still has four Lodges in Rushden and others at nearby Higham Ferrers, Raunds, Wellingborough and Irchester.

Freemasons form the largest secular fraternal group in the UK, going back in this area more than 200 years. There are 84 lodges in the Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire province, with an average of 50 members in each. There are five in Rushden alone - Risdene, Pemberton, Higham, Sulgrave and Sartoris.

Pemberton Lodge funded and built its Masonic Hall in Wellingborough Road in 1930, financed by the issue of 2,000 bonds at £1 each. Nationally, Freemasons raise thousands of pounds each year for hospices, research into cancer and heart disease and lifeboats.

The exhibition, which features old photos, posters, pennants and ceremonial sashes, was put together for the Friends of the Heritage Centre by Jack and Mabel Leach of Rushden. The original idea came from Mr Leach, a member of Risdene Lodge for the past 20 years. He said: "Many people think Freemasonry is some kind of secret society, but in recent years lodges have been opening up more and our constitution is freely available to the public. Members come from all walks of life. We do not discriminate on race or creed, the only qualificaion for entry is that all members should believe in a Supreme Being.