Co-operative Fete at Rushden – A Great Assembly

Yesterday the annual fete and gala in connection with the Rushden Co-operative Society was held in the Fosse football ground, the weather being all that could possibly be desired. A magnificent programme of attractions had been arranged and no less than 5000 people paid for admission.

Teh arrangements for the day were in the hands of the Educational Committee (secretary Mr. W. H. Marriott) assisted by other committees, comprising the following:-

Tea committee:- Mesdames Webb, Harlow, Miss Maxted, Messrs. C. Tew, I Haigh, H. Addison, H. Baynes, A. Shelton, C. Wrighton, Adams, W. Inglesby, G. Coles, J. Drage, J. Wright, W. Hobbs, E. French, F. W. Elsdon, W. J. Cure, C. J. Giles, with Mr. T. E. Wigginton as secretary.

Sports:- Messrs. W. Taylor, S. Croot, J. Hilton, F. Hedge, T. Norman, J. Hornsby, W. Clark, G. W. Button, and W. Welch, with Mr. W. Jeacock as secretary.

Two bands were in attendance, the Rushden Rifle Prize Band, conducted by Mr. H. Houldsworth, and the Co-operative orchestral Band, conducted by Mr. F. S. Knight, and played selections during the afternoon and in the evening for dancing. The former band headed a monster procession of children which started from the National Schools at two o’clock. About 1,100 children took part in the procession, Messrs. W. H. Marriott and W. J. Cure being the marshals. On reaching the field the youngsters had an excellent tea provided for them, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Delegates were present from neighbouring societies and rendered assistance at the sports as judges, etc.

Entertainments and amusements were provided throughout the day by cap[able variety artistes, and there was also a Punch and Judy show and other attractions. Balloons were sent up, and at dusk an exceptionally good cinematograph entertainment was given by the Walturdaw Electric Bioscope Co. A large tea tent was provided in the field under the management of Mr. Barnes and the tea committee.

The Sports results

were as follow:-

80 yards, boys under 10: 1 Harry Clark, 2 Eric Smith, 3 Percy Jeeves, 4 C Allen.

100 yards, boys over 10: 1 Willie Hind, 2 Harry Fletton, 3 Percy Hart, 4 Wm Bryant.

60 yards, girls under 10: 1 Ethel Dickson, 2 Elsie Bridgement, 3 Winnie Thurlby, 4 May Brice.

80 yards, girls over 10 and under 14: 1 Cissie Jaques, 2 Doris Bailey, 3 Elsie Robins, 4 Elsie Neal.

Girls skipping, over 10: Hilda Warren, 2 Ada Sale, 3 Florrie Wiggins, 4 Eva Baker.

Boys’ Sack Race, over 10 and under 14, 100 yards: 1 Joe Perkins, 2 Tom Harris, 3 Will Rawlins.

120 yards, men over 50: 1 W Hanger.

120 yards, men under 50: 1 H Garley, 2 W Clark, 3 H S Dickson.

80 yards, ladies: 1 Mrs Dickerson, 2 Mrs Ingram, 3 Mrs Cave, 4 Mrs Baker.