THE threat of losing one of Rushden's most historic buildings prompted the formation of a special action group — and laid the foundation stone for one of the town's most successful organisations. Rushden Hall Preservation Society won its fight to save the building, which dates back to the fourteenth century, and might have been disbanded on achieving the aim.

But instead members decided to broaden the scope of the group and the town's Amenities Society was formed 21 years ago. Since then it has blossomed and now has 115 members on the books.

Arthur George, who was instrumental in forming original group and is now a life vice-president,said: "The hall had fallen into a state of disrepair and it was suggested at the time that the oldest part of the hall should be demolished to save money.

"It would have meant losing one of our finest buildings and we felt we must do what we could to save it."

Backed by a 700-name petition, the group swung into action, lobbying councillors and attending every meeting to discuss the issue.

When a suggestion was put forward to demolish oldest part of the building, which was in most need of repair and retain just a frontage, Mr George, a professional photographer, used his skills reduce a composite picture to show the effect. The picture spoke more than a thousand words and when the final vote on the future of the hall was taken, the conservationists won the day.

An historian from Country Life wrote at the time: "From the aesthetic standpoint no other decision was possible. To demolish the hall would have destroyed not only a historic building but also a traditional partnership.

Northamptonshire is rich in great houses. It has many larger and greater than Rushden Hall - Apethorpe, Burleigh and Kirby to mention only a few.

But these are secluded places, not like Rushden Hall, set amid factories and housing estates. Without the hall and its park Rushden has nothing to show of its past, for there is no other comparable traditional building in the town.

"Together these will now make a daily impact on the lives of most of its people for it is a gracious building in a beautiful setting."

Saved ..... Clive Wood and Arthur George look down from a window of Rushden Hall

Clive Wood, the group's president and a former chairman of East Northants council, said: "The hall contained some fine old wood panelling and this was restored by the society, which also provided chandeliers, and reinforced glass to protect the heraldic glass in the windows."

Now the hall is the society's home. Monthly meetings are held there throughout the winter and autumn and recently the group celebrated its 21st anniversary in the setting it has worked to preserve.

But the group is not content to rest on its laurels. It is hoping that at some stage in the future it will be possible for the town to have its own museum, and is busy collecting items which will be exhibited.

Among them are items from Rushden's industrial past, particularly old shoe-making equipment, and even the former town crier's bell.

Members would still welcome items, but have emphasised that they should be small, as storage is a problem at present.

The group is now committed to the improvement of amenities in the town in general and has formed an effective lobby on a variety of issues — from pressing to get flooding problems resolved in the centre of Rushden to protesting about suggestions that the third London Airport should be sited at nearby Thurleigh.

The group is keen to see the heart of the town looking its best — particularly the High Street. Although modern business methods have meant substantial alterations at ground level of many of the shop fronts, in many cases the first floor facades have remained and give the street its unique country town appearance.

The group has drawn up pictures of how colour co-ordinated paintwork could improve the general outlook, and plan to present them to East Northants council for the authority’s comments.