The Rushden Echo and Argus, 28th June 1957, transcribed by Jim Hollis
Town to have fete, but there are doubts
A town’s meeting attended by over forty representatives of organisations, at the council buildings on Friday, decided that Rushden should have its own annual town fete, but there was some opposition to the idea and doubts expressed as to the support that would be forthcoming.
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Mrs. W. M. Lean
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The meeting had been called by Mr. E. E. Newell, during his term as chairman of the Urban Council, at the request of the Senior Citizens’ Goodwill Committee, and Friday’s meeting was presided over by his successor, Mrs. W. M. Lean.
She told the meeting the feeling of the council was that none of the members or the officers should be expected to accept office on a fete committee, unless he or she was prepared to do so as an individual.
A proposal that an annual town fete should be held was moved by Mrs. G. E. Bazeley (Senior Citizens’ Goodwill Committee), and seconded by Mr. J. F. Hall (Y.M.C.A.).
Supporting the proposal, Mr. W. J. A. Peck, chairman of the Senior Citizens’ Goodwill Committee, said that his committee felt the fete would not only be of benefit to local charities but would also add to the town’s amenities.
He said that the services rendered to the old people of the town by his committee cost money, and that they would have been in “dire straits” without the donation from last year’s fete.
Not ‘Fete-Minded’
In reply to Mrs. H. Dickens (Central Townswomen’s Guild), who suggested that Rushden people were not “fete-minded,” Mr. Peck said that was not because they would not be, but because they had not had the opportunity.
Mrs. Dickens said she did not think the town would support a fete every year, and suggested that one every three years, with other money raising efforts between, would be more likely to succeed.
Mr. D. Green (Working Men’s Club) stressed the importance of obtaining the factories’ support, and Mr. G. Johnson (Operatic Society) suggested that, although it was too late for a fete this year, something could be held this summer to raise funds towards next year’s fete.
The voting in favour of Mrs. Bazeley’s proposal was 31-4, with several abstentions. It was decided to appoint a small temporary committee to undertake the preliminary arrangements.
The committee appointed was: Mr. Peck, Mr. J. Kirk (Manufacturers’ Association, if available), Mr. Palmer, Mr. Green and Mrs. C. G. Perkins W.V.S.
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