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Rushden & District History Society
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President Eric Fowell
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16th April 2021 To All Members I am writing this letter as this is the 30th Anniversary of the Society. The past 12 months have been so difficult having to cope with this horrible Corona virus, but at long last it would seem that we will soon be able to recommence our monthly meetings once again! At least we have been able to publish the Society's quarterly journal 'The Risdene Echo' thanks to Greville Watson and our excellent printer. I am sure that you will agree with me that we have seen many new contributors with some very interesting items, and so well illustrated. In 2003 I published booklet about 'The Pageant of Rushden' which was held in 1951, the year of the Festival of Britain Exhibition held on London's South Bank. I am sure that many of you will remember that all of the profit from the sale of these booklets was donated to The Rushden After-Care Committee. I still have enough copies left of the original publication to be able to give a copy to every member of the Society to commemorate our 30th Anniversary. Just think, 10 meetings a year for 29 years (without the problem last 12 months) would mean 290 meetings with 290 speakers giving excellent presentations. We have a superb hard working Committee and each meeting would attract between 80 and 120 members enjoying good friendship and facilitating at least one marriage!! It's all history now - not forgetting our ET 'Down Your Way' correspondent John Garley. I have so many memories of our meetings, but on 19th July 1991 we met in the Hall of South End Infants School in Wymington Road for a talk about the second John Cave factory fire when every Committee Member took part in the presentation!! It began with the late John Wagstaffe and Greville Watson standing in the passage shouting "Fire! Fire!' and then playing a recording of St Mary's Church bells ringing to call the Fire Brigade out! This was a major - major fire which completely altered the Town's High Street, College Street and Alfred Street. Truly a night to remember! Regards President, Rushden & District History Society |
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