Rushden Research Group: Friendly Societies Council

Rushden, Higham Ferrers and District
Friendly Societies Council

The Rushden Echo 2nd July 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

The New War Loan
Insurance Cards
A meeting of the Rushden, Higham Ferrers and District Friendly Societies Council was held in the Institute Hall, Rushden, on Saturday night. Bro. O. Thompson presided, supported by Bro. C. Giles (secretary), and the Executive

Reports
Bro. Giles presented reports of the last committee and joint meetings in Rushden, and also read a report of the Federation meeting at Leicester, at which Bro. Thompson and he were present. It was a very successful meeting.

The Chairman commented on the report and, referring to group meetings, said he thought that the Rushden meetings had been the most successful of all.

Insurance Cards
After a discussion it was decided that circulars be printed and issued to the employers in Rushden and Higham, requesting them to issue all insurance cards for half-year ending June 28 on or before July 3.

Church Parade
In discussing the probability of holding a church parade, the Chairman thought the present time was not appropriate. It was decided to postpone the parade till a later period in the year.

War Loan
Bro. Clark suggested that a special meeting be called to consider the War Loan. He thought the Loan should be taken up seriously by the Friendly Societies. The money had to be raised, and if not raised by voluntary loans, then compulsory methods would have to be used.

After an interesting discussion it was decided that letters be sent to secretaries in the district preparing them for discussion on the War Loan at the next joint meeting.

Bro. G. W. Coles moved that a joint meeting be held in September. Bro. Joyce seconded and it was carried.

It was unanimously decided that the Council should visit Wollaston for the next meeting.

Rushden Echo, 31st October 1919, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Permanent Roll of Honour, bearing the names of 222 members of the Rushden Branch of the National Deposit Friendly Society who have served in the Forces, 30 of whom have made the great sacrifice, was unveiled on Saturday at the B.W.T.A. Hall by Mr. Sharman, chairman of the Northampton District of the Society, and a member of the General Committee. The ceremony was preceded by a tea, to which about 100 sat down. The roll is mounted in three divisions with fluted pillars and arches. The framing was done by the secretary (Mr. A. Hazeldine) and the engraving by Miss Baker. It will be hung in the Congregational School-room, which is used by the branch for club meetings. After tea, Mr. W. Holley, presiding, welcomed the visitors, and said the branch started with 12 members. Now they had nearly 700 members.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 6th May 1932, transcribed by Kay Collins

Mr G W Coles concludes Year of Office
President of Midland Federation of Friendly Societies
At the annual meeting of the Midland Federation of Friendly Society Councils at Cambridge on Saturday, Mr G W Coles, J.P., of Rushden, secretary of the Court Alexandria of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and District Treasurer of the A.O.F., concluded his year of office as president of the Federation.

He was succeeded by Bro. F W Reeve, of Kettering, who was installed for the coming year owing to the death of the treasurer, Bro. F Dresner, of Bedford.

With the meeting on Saturday the Federation celebrated its coming-of-age and the Mayor of Cambridge invested Bro. Coles with the first chain of office, purchased by voluntary subscription amongst the Societies affiliated to the Federation. The meeting was held in the Guildhall and the delegates assembled represented more than 2,000,000 members of the Friendly Society movement. Bro. G W Coles was elected president of the Federation at the annual meeting held at Northampton last year.

Roll of Honour