Rushden Research Group: Amenities Society 2000

From their booklet of "Millennium Tapestries", 2000

The Amenities Society
Millennium Project 2000
Part 2 - 1940-1990

The tapestry panels are now hanging inside Rushden Hall. "Hearts & Soles" is grateful to Clive Wood and the Amenities Society
for their permission to reproduce the booklet explaining the whole project, together with the original artwork.

The citizens of Rushden were given the opportunity to sponsor the items in the panels by writing a note or dedication to each.

The Original Artwork by Clive Wood.

These pictures were hanging in Rushden Museum (Copied courtesy of Clive Wood & The Museum)
but are now on permanent display in Rushden Hall in the pannelled room.

1	1939-45 MEDALS. We both served in the R.A.F. during the war and visit relatives in Rushden. We now live in Canada.	Betty & John Gething
2	R.A.F. - AIRCREW. I served as a R.A.F. pilot during the war, flying Lancaster bombers.	Paul Tarry
3	ROYAL NAVY. My choice of the Royal Navy was prompted by my wartime service, being trained for Combined Operations and serving aboard tank landing craft in the Normandy Landings, 6th June 1944.	G. D. Allen
4	ARMY - SOLDIER. Father served 1914-18. Brother served 1939-45.1 served 1947-60.	David Youngs
5	FIRST WORLD WAR TANK - SPENCER PARK. I served with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in Germany during the war.	John Tarry
6	IRON RAILINGS. Before the Second World War many terraced houses had ornamental iron railings. However, when they were collected as scrap metal for the war effort, it was discovered that the railings were cast iron and of little use. This was a great pity as the town had lost some beautiful street furniture.
7	ALFRED STREET SCHOOL BOMBED 3 OCTOBER 1940. I was a pupil at the school when the bomb dropped.	Megan Graham (nee Biseker)
8	NEW GAS WORKS. Our sponsorship of the gas works is in recognition of all those men, including our grandfather, Cyril Tunn, who ensured that gas was available to the community pre and post the Second World War period.	Pat Clayton & family
9	BIRCHS BUS. My sister Marjorie was a 'clippie' on route 203 to London, this being her war effort.	Arnold Patenall
10	PX LORRY. The firm was established in 1896 and first came to Rushden in 1913. Upon leaving school in 1940 I was employed as pupil assistant at PX Ltd. Head Office.	Michael Witts
11	JOHN WHITE SPITFIRE. This was purchased with £5000 collected in 1941, from Mr. White, the Directors and workers of the firm, as part of the war effort. Wartime memories.	Geoffrey & Joan Hopkins
12	USAF LIGHTNING. For 1st Lt William P. O'Connell, 385th Fighter Group, 364th Squadron, the American pilot killed in the crash of his P38 'Lightning', near the Bedford Road, Rushden, on the 28 April 1944.	William Donald
13	WOMEN'S LAND ARMY. I served three happy years (1942-45) in the W.L.A. at Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire. We still meet once a year with ex-land girls from Canada, America and U.K.	Joy Case
14	HOME GUARD. Jack was a cycle messenger in the Local Defence Volunteers, later becoming a Despatch Rider in the Home Guard before joining the Fleet Air Arm.	Jack & Mabel Leach
15	USAF PERSONNEL. With happy memories of a long friendship with U.S. Service Personnel.	Eileen & John Smith
	USAF PERSONNEL. In memory of George Davis, 1914-1999, an American serviceman with the 8th USAF, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who came to England on the Queen Elizabeth liner in 1942. When camped in the grounds of Milton Ernest Hall he visited Bedford and Rushden to see friends. He changed my life when we met during the war and we married in 1944.	Olive Davis, Saxon Burg, Pa, U.S.A.
16	EVACUEE. Rushden accommodated 2000 children when they were evacuated from Lexden School in Colchester and schools from Walthamstow and Tottenham. I was evacuated to Bedford from Woodford, London during the war and when I married George in 1944 both my pageboy and bridesmaid, cousins of my 'billet' guardians, came from Rushden. I left for the U.S.A. in 1946 but we still keep in touch and I visit Rushden when I come to England.	Olive Davis, Saxonburg, Pa. U.S.A.
17	POTATO PICKING BY SCHOOL CHILDREN. I knew people who did this at the time.	Mrs. L. Brown
18	KNITTING FOR THE TROOPS. It was every woman's duty to knit warm garments for the troops, often husbands and sons, at the front. Old garments were unravelled to knit into new - the ultimate recycling process. The yarns available in the 1990s would amaze these industrious ladies.	Vivien Chettle
19	RATION BOOK & IDENTITY CARD. In memory of my mother, Mrs. Rhoda Atkey, who moved to Rushden and then issued these in the Salvation Army Hall in the 1940s. She was also a life member of the Amenities Society.	Mrs. J. King-Underwood
20	MUNITIONS WORKERS. These were mainly women but some were men, exempt by age from uniformed military service, who were employed in manufacturing for the war effort. A number of factories were requisitioned for use, including Walter Sargent's in Glassbrook Road which was used by Dubillier Condensers who made parts for radios in submarines.

1	KOREAN WAR MEDALS. In memory of my husband, Mr. Richard Worley, who served in Korea.	Mrs. T. Webster
2	PARK ROAD BAPTIST (50th ANNIVERSARY). In memory of my wife who was Treasurer of the Wives' Fellowship for 23 years at Park Road Baptist Church.	Charles H. Rayner
3	INDEPENDENT WESLEYAN. The church was the source of many happy memories. We met and were married there.	Ann & Robert Heath
4	ST. PETER'S CHURCH. This is where we were christened and married.	Mrs. May Parkinson
5	PARK ROAD METHODIST. I chose this because of my family's connections with the building over the 95 years of its existence through marriages, baptisms, funerals and preaching. My great-grandfather, Thomas Watson, was instrumental in the construction of the building and was Secretary of the Building Committee.	Greville Watson
6	ST. MARY'S (BELLS RE-HUNG). In memory of my father, Bill Smith, and the original team of bell ringers who rang the bells after the dedication by the Bishop of Peterborough. As Head Choir Boy I lead the procession back from the bell tower that day.	Graham Evan Smith
7	QUEEN ELIZABETH II CORONATION. Memories of decorating the streets and watching the Coronation on a big television with a small screen.	John Yorke
8	FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN. To go to London's Festival attractions by Birch's bus after all the wartime restrictions was great, as Eric and I were courting then.	Jean Fowell
9	END OF NATIONAL SERVICE. The last decade of National Service when young men of 18 years were called up for two years' military service.
10	TENNYSON ROAD SCHOOL FOR BOYS. On 1 September 1954 I began a 23 year association with Rushden Boys' School; 4 years as a pupil and 19 years as a teacher before it was amalgamated with the Chichele School in 1991.	Geoff Wiggins
11	MORRIS MINOR. Our first car.	Barbara Evelyn
12	LAST PASSENGER TRAIN - RUSHDEN AND HIGHAM FERRERS LINE. Despite working in premises which bordered the railway track, I did not notice the cessation of the service in 1959 for several days, which shows how one can become accustomed to noise to the point of not noticing it.	Doreen Warren
13	ST. CECILIA SINGERS (PAGEANT). They gave a memorable performance of 'Greensleeves' in the Festival of Britain Pageant in Rushden Hall Park. Chairman of the Society from 1999 for three years.	Mrs. Marian Knott
14	NORTH END GIRLS' SCHOOL. In 1957, when I started at the school, it was a split-site school. We travelled between the main school in the former Intermediate School buildings and the new block at the end of Spencer Road.	Barbara Wiggins
15	BOYS' BRIGADE. Many happy hours spent as an officer with the 4th Rushden Boys' Brigade.	Margaret Griggs

1	BOY SCOUT. Reminiscent of my eldest grandson in new Scout uniform long trousers and beret.	Mrs. Marian Knott
2	GIRL GUIDE. An organization where we were able to mature in an atmosphere of enjoyment and learn values that have served us as adults.	Janis Dobbs (nee Walker) & Karen Abington (nee Walker)
3	YOUNG MAN ON A SCOOTER. George Salt, Professional Road Racer and private owner of motor cycles, riding Norton's 1949-1960. The firm traded in Market Harborough 1959-1978 and also in Rushden 1962-1972.	Mr. & Mrs. G. T. Salt
4	YOUNG LADY IN A MINI-SKIRT. Memories!	Sharron Smart (nee Liggins)
5	DOUG AND KEN JOYCE. Ken and Doug Joyce were the greatest wrestlers the U.K has produced, and yes, they were also father and uncle!	The Joyce Family
6	YOUTH ON A SPACE HOPPER. Whilst working for John Orme Ltd, the very popular Bouncing Kangaroo was designed and moulded here in Rushden. I was fortunate to demonstrate this toy both here and in America.	Rod Walker
7	CARAVAN WORKS. The Dobbs family spent many happy holidays in our caravan on the East Coast, opening at Easter and closing at the end of September. The caravan was manufactured at Nene Valley Caravans, Wellingborough Road, Rushden.	Vera M. Dobbs
8	THE MINI CAR. Our courting car in the early 1960's.	David & Karon Rice
9	SUCCOTH CHAPEL - HIGH STREET. Known as "Bottom Meeting," it was a separation from the Baptists at "Top Meeting". The Chapel was built in 1805, enlarged as late as 1893 and then demolished in 1969.
10	ST. PETER, APOSTLE, ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. I have had 36 years of friendship and fellowship at the church.	Kathleen Walsh
	ST. PETER, APOSTLE, ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. I lived opposite the Catholic Church for 20 years so I had no excuse for being late for Mass!	Marjorie Homer
11	MANOR FARM. It was built in 1606 and has been the home of the Willmott family since 1907. It was a working farm until 1988 with Mr. George Willmott and his wife Doreen in residence.	Mrs. D. Willmott
12	FINE FARE, HIGH STREET. The first supermarket in Rushden, built on the site of the Waverley Hotel, a Temperance establishment built in 1880 together with a Public Hall, the venue for many local meetings and activities.	Ann Window (nee Page)
13	WAVERLEY TEMPERANCE HOTEL. This is better known as the Coffee Tavern. In October 1958, we, like many other people, held our wedding reception here.	Mr. D. & Mrs. J. King-Underwood
14	THE SKEW BRIDGE DRY SKI SLOPE. Mr. John Wills of Ferrersand sold the sand and gravel business but retained sufficient land to establish the first private Dry Ski Slope in the country. It opened in 1964 and was visited by Raymond Baxter for his television programme. Within two years a ski lift was installed along with a weekend Swiss ski instructor.	John Wills
15	SCOUTS' FIREWORK DISPLAY. Chosen in memory of all past and present leaders who have helped with the scouts and the display.	G. & T. Clarke
16	BEATLE BOOTS. Beatle boots were special to me because the advent of the group and their footwear ensured that my Company, Borough Shoes, had a full order book throughout the early 1960's.	Arnold Maddams
17	MEDICAL CENTRE. One of the first Medical Centres in Northamptonshire, planned in 1968 and opened in 1970. Originally it accommodated the three medical practices serving the needs of Rushden.	Dr. D. W. Smith

1	ARTHUR MILLS' FAIRGROUND ORGAN. The 'Gavioli' Fairground Organ, built in 1902 and purchased by Mr. Arthur Mills of the Express Dry Cleaning Works in Rushden, was used to raise money for local charities. 'Whilst looking to the Future Let Us Not Forget The Glories Of The Past'.	Mr. & Mrs. D. Richards
2	MR. & MRS. DEE (EVENING TELEGRAPH & PINK-UN). My mum and dad, Mr. & Mrs. Dee, sold the football paper 'The Pink-un' outside the Rose and Crown for many years.	Mrs. Wilby
3	ST. JOHN AMBULANCE CADET BAND. I was in the St. John Ambulance for 32 years and was one of the Cadet Officers for 14 years.	John Harley
4	BARRY PRIME - OLYMPIC COMPETITOR. Barry Prime started swimming at the age of 10, later representing the Boys' School and Rushden Swimming Club. He was Rushden's first Olympic representative competing in the Individual Medley in Munich 1972. Barry is now coaching at The Institute of Sport in Australia.	Mum (Mrs. Whittington)
5	TECHNICIAN 'HUNTERS WALK'. I remember the A.T.V. series 'Hunters Walk', which was created by Ted Willis, being filmed in 1973. It featured the old Rushden Police Station.	Janet Presland
6	JIMMY GUINNE - BLACKSMITH. The blacksmith shop was a reminder of time when life was more leisurely. Jim Guinee, a well known character of Rushden, was the proprietor of the last blacksmith shop in Rushden. A. E. Ginns and Son. Children would gather, enjoying the sight and sound of Jim shoeing the horses.	Mr. Guinee
7	'AIR ADA' (ST. JOHN AMBULANCE APPEAL). Our mother, Doris Staff, was in the Rushden St. John Nursing Division for over 50 years.	Tina & Graham Staff
8	THE WHITE HOUSE. The home of P. W. Wills, my mother's cousin, who was always referred to as 'Uncle Percy'.	Cliff Morris
9	THE RITZ CINEMA. As a schoolboy at Alfred Street School, I watched The Ritz being built daily from my classroom window with great excitement!	Don & June Wills
10	EAST NORTHANTS DISTRICT COUNCIL. This was formed in 1973 with the amalgamation of six smaller authorities including Rushden Urban District Council. I was leader of the E.N.D.C. for 14 years and Chairman from 1986-1987.	Allen Goulsbra
11	RUSHDEN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mrs. Audrey Perkins, M.B.E., married to Clifford George Perkins, served on the Rushden Urban District Council from 1955 until 1973. She was Chairman of East Northants District Council 1973-75 and a member of Northamptonshire County Council. She retired in 1987.	Judy Perkins
12	RUSHDEN HALL RESTORATION. We just love the place - and our house is built on Sartoris ground!	John & Ivy Gould
13	SOUTH END SCHOOL. Head Teacher 1966-1982.	Mrs. Pat Catlin
	SOUTH END SCHOOL. I attended South End School in the 1940's and have fond memories of many happy days spent in the Old School. Two of my children, Richard and Elizabeth, and three of my step-children, Sarah, Rachel and Tim, also attended the school as infants in the 60's and early 70's.	John Burton
14	JOHN ORME TRAFFIC CONES. I was a member of the team for designing and manufacturing the first plastic road cones.	Rod Walker
15	DAVID SEABROOK MEDAL - (CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING). Being the son of a Market Gardener and the owner of a High Street Greengrocer Shop, I was proud to represent England and Great Britain at Clay Pigeon Shooting and win an Olympic Bronze Medal.	David Seabrook
16	THE QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE. The residents of our road, Whitefriars, held a 'Street Party' in the playing field at the rear of our house. We took part in the fancy dress competition.	John & Clare Yorke
17	BENJAMIN LADDS', SHOE MANUFACTURER, MOOR ROAD. The factory was closed in 1972 and destroyed by fire in the eighties. Mr. Ladds, house next to the factory was called 'Bournville', and is now the site of Heather Court.
18	PLATFORM SHOE. This fashion hoot was manufactured locally in large numbers but, like all fashion wear, only for a short time. The thick style soles and heels were heavy and clumsy, as well as unusual. They are very much the fashion with the teenage girls again in 2000.

1	JOHN WHITE - NEWTON ROAD. We both worked here for many years and our Auntie was among the first people employed by Mr. White in his original factory.	Reuben & Freda Shepherd
2	ALMS HOUSES. We chose the alms houses in Wellingborough Road because they are among the oldest buildings left in the town and a reminder of 'old' Rushden.	Pamela & John Brierley
3	WOMEN'S ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE. Mrs. Audrey Perkins M.B.E. revived the W.R.V.S. in 1954 serving as District and Deputy County Organiser until 1981. 'Not why you can't but how you can' was a well known saying of hers.	Judy Perkins
4	RUSHDEN ROTARY CLUB 50th ANNIVERSARY. Jim Osborne was President of the Rotary Club during its 50th Anniversary Year - 1985.	Mr. & Mrs. J. Osborne
5	SALVATION ARMY LADY. Dedicated to my parents, Lesie and Helen Cox, who have been life long Salvationists.	Geoff Cox
6	WORKSHOPS - EBENEZER TERRACE. Passing this terrace of houses on my way to the school bus at the 'Lightstrung' I used to be fascinated by the name (Why 'Ebenezer'?) and by the cottages themselves (What were they like inside? -I shall never know now!).	Megan M. Laughton
7	EIGHT HOUSES - BEDFORD ROAD. To commemorate the long association of our family with Rushden.	Gyles Smart
8	FULL GOSPEL CHURCH. This was established in 1933 at a rally held in the Windmill Club. The church met for a few weeks at the British Womens' Temperance Hall and then in Cleavers Chambers until their new church was built in 1937. The church moved again, this time to the old South End School in 2000.
9	TARRY'S SHOE FACTORY. R.Tarry & Co. was founded in 1927 by Ralph Tarry who was later joined by his sons, Paul and John. His daughter, Joy, embroidered the 1940 panel.	Joy Youngs
10	BUGBY'S FISH SHOP. John helped out at Jim's shop after school between the ages of 12 and 16 and at Christmas for many years afterwards.	John & Marion Billings
11	THE WHEATSHEAF PUBLIC HOUSE. As licensee, The Wheatsheaf has been a large part of our life for over 10 years.	Eric & David Corp
12	DIANE ELLIOTT - HIGH JUMPER. Diane C. Davies (nee Elliott) was bom 7 May 1961 and was English Schools Champion 1976/1977. She joined Leicester Corinthian Athletic Club and represented Great Britain & Northern Ireland in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, finishing 9th and 8th respectively. Diane also took part in three Commonwealth Games and four European Indoor Championships. She gained 5th place in the World Indoor Championships and is the U.K. Record Holder at 1m 95cm 1982, winning the Bislett Games. She won over 50 caps for Great Britain and Northern Ireland overall and is still the current holder in 2000.	'Mother'
13	BOWLS LADY. I am a member of Rushden Town Bowling Club (Ladies). I was Captain in 1996, President in 1998 and am now President of N.C.W.B.A. in 2000.	Mrs. Janet Holloway
14	PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES' WEDDING. Any memories of the Prince and Princess of Wales' Wedding are of nursing my two week old grandson who thankfully slept through the service.	Marjorie Homer
15	ST. PETER'S MOTHERS' UNION BANNER. The replacement Banner was worked by Mrs. Kathie Allen, Mrs. Phyllis Cox and Mrs. Joan Ward.	Mrs. Suzanne Willmer
16	MARRIOTT BUILDERS. Robert Marriott started his building firm in 1890 and became a major employer of craftsmen in brick, stone and wood, being specialists in restoration new build. The firm celebrated their Centenary with two major contracts, the City Church in Milton Keynes and the Northampton Guildhall. Marriotts established the 'Build Fast' logo in the 1960's which was seen at one time on a fleet of ninety commercial vehicles.	R. Murphy
	MARRIOT BUILDERS. For a time, between the First and Second World Wars, both my father, a carpenter, joiner and cabinet maker and grandfather, a bricklayer, worked for this firm. Eventually they moved on to other firms and after the Second World War my father ran his own business.	Joy Clayson
17	SCHOOLBOYS' CRICKET TEAM. I chose the cricketer because I am following in the footsteps of my father and both grandfathers by enjoying the game.	Christopher Abington (Abingtons Menswear)

1	RUSHDEN RUGBY CLUB. I was a playing member for 23 years. My parents, Charlie and Alice Jones, were involved as Groundsmen, providing teas and washing shirts.	David Jones
2	LLOYDS BANK. A grand Edwardian building erected by the County and Capital Bank in 1891 at the time of one of the large building expansions of Rushden. Lloyds Bank took over in 1918.	Mrs.J. Poole
3	NEWTON ROAD SCHOOL BELL TOWER. To commemorate the school's service to the local community and in memory of all the children educated there. Among these were my mother, Alice Georgina Clayson (nee Murdin), myself and many other relatives. Little did I realise at the time, that I was to spend all my working life 'on the other side of the desk' in Bedford.	Joy Clayson
4	STRONG AND FISHER. I was employed at this company for 20 years.	Anita Pinnock
5	LION TERRACE. This is said to have been built with the winnings of a race horse called Lion. One of the original residents is believed to be William Saby Knight, one of the early shoe manufacturers and my grandfather.	Margaret Shelton
6	CHAPMAN'S BOX FACTORY. In memory of a dear mum, Ivy May Smith, a beloved Aunt, Phyllis Brawn who worked for 57 years at Chapmans and their friends, Bessie, Hilda, Brenda, Bar and many others.	Paul & Rachel Drage.
7	SANDERS AND SANDERS, SHOEMAKERS IN SPENCER ROAD. The firm was established in 1873 in the High Street and moved to their present factory in 1907. Traditional quality footwear is still being produced in a family-run business.
8	A. SARGENT AND SONS LTD. SHOE FACTORY IN PORTLAND ROAD. I enjoyed working in the Closing Room of this long established family business for 18 years.	Mrs. J. Muscutt
9	SPLASH POOL. An excellent amenity for Rushden.	Gordon Rixon.
10	PEMBERTON CENTRE. Originally Rushden's Sports Centre, it was founded by East Northants District Council and the County Council, and used by the public and the adjacent boys' school. It was taken over by East Northants District Council, expanded and re-vamped and then opened in 1997 as the Pemberton Centre.
11	NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK, 43 High Street. A splendid late Victorian building designed by M. H. Holding, architect for the Northamptonshire Union Bank, and for many years to the present day has been the local branch of the National Westminster Bank.
12	ATHLETIC CLUB AND INSTITUTE. 'The Ath' as the name implies was originally formed as a cycling club. It eventually moved to the present premises in Newton Road and has been a popular place for Rushden people ever since.
13	OSBORNE'S SHOP. This sports and toy shop was established in 1955 at 118 High Street.	Jim & Pam Osborne
14	PETER CRISP LTD, IRONMONGERS AND GUNSMITHS. It is a family business that started with the purchase of Fairey Brothers, Agricultural Engineers, in 1959. In the year 2000 it advertised as a store of '15 Departments' with shop fronts in Church Parade and Church Street. It is one of the largest stores of its kind in the County, holding in excess of 50,000 different lines of stock and is now run by Mrs. Julia Roberts, (nee Crisp) daughter of the founder.
15	P. W. WILLS. Started by Mr. Percy and Mrs. Helen Wills in 1922 the ladies fashion shop was moved to the present premises in 1933. In 1975-1976 it was enlarged and refurbished and then completely renovated in 1990. Now a store of many departments, it retails men's and childrens' wear, kitchen ware, linens, shoes and ladies fashions. It is now run by the founders' grandchildren and Mrs. Jean Wills.
16	ALFRED SARGENT AND SONS LTD. A pair of shoes is depicted, manufactured in 2000 by the firm which still bears the name of the founder. The factory was established in John Street in 1899 and moved to Portland Road in 1915 into a purpose-built single storey building with all the latest technology. The firm is still run as a family business producing traditional Goodyear Welted Footwear.	Paul Sargent
17	BOXING BOOT. Manufactured by R. Bishop for many participants of the sport, including Champions, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno.	Richard & Wendy Bishop
18	PICTURE OF THE JOHN WHITE SPITFIRE. Painted by Keith Hill, the Rushden artist, with work in many locations, both here and abroad and Official Artist to the U.S. 8th Airforce Memorial Museum Foundation.
19	MILK BOTTLES. Both the old and new patterns were delivered by Abbott and Son, dairymen in Queen Street.
20	HOCKEY PLAYER. One of the members from the Rushden Hockey Club.
21	CLOCK TOWER. This forms part of David Hamblin's new car show room and garage in St. Davids Way. Hamblins was once a familiar name with Bingo Halls, Estate Agents and a Private Bank.

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