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From papers kindly loaned by Clive Wood, article by Kay Collins
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Friends of Rushden Heritage Centre
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The Heritage Centre was opened, in a room above the Council Offices in Newton Road,
by Councillor Ted Sampson (Chairman of East Northants Council) in October 1995.
It had been announced in a news letter:-
Welcome to East Northamptonshire District Council's Heritage News
which details special exhibitions, events and other information
to help you to plan your heritage trip to our facilities.
The Rushden Heritage Centre is a new venture by the Council and its purpose is to bring to Rushden a balanced and original cultural events programme which covers local, national and even internationally important subjects in all dimensions in addition to providing an essential forum for local societies to mount particular exhibitions on their own specialist interests. Heritage means more than history, and exhibitions already in the planning stage will cover natural history, the importance of our rivers and many other aspects which make up British and local traditions.
We hope that you and your family will be able to find the time to both visit our exciting new facilities and to spare the time to be able to join our new "Heritage Friends Association". We have included details of the Heritage Friends Association in this news booklet and we look forward to welcoming you as inaugural members.
Our opening edition of Heritage News available in September will detail the launch of a new aspect in the provision of local leisure and recreational services by East Northamptonshire District Council. In the meantime, enjoy the advance information contained in the preview and please do not hesitate to make contact with us to tell us what you want to see and your views on exhibitions.
Throughout the planning stages we have received the support, enthusiasm and best wishes of many societies and individuals, which has not only given us the will to succeed, but through their continued commitment and optimism has provided much goodwill from the community.
Ted Sampson
Chairman of East Northamptonshire District Council
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The Heritage Room was accessed by the new staircase at the back of the new glass atrium, constructed jointly by the County Council and East Northants Council to join the Council offices and the Carnegie Library during a refurbishment. The exhibitions were for 7-8 weeks at a time with a week or two closure whilst a new show was staged.
Lace was the subject for the first exhibition. It had been a cottage industry in the town before the rise of the shoe trade in the late 19th century.
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Clive Wood and Marilyn Willis on opening day
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Visitors looking at one of the showcases
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This was followed by an exhibition about Smith and Grace of Thrapston, one of the world's largest manufacturers of specialist cast iron components, and known widely as the 'screw boss pulley company'. The business declined in the late 20th century, and following a fire it finally closed down in 1995.
In March 1996 the subject was The story of H E Bates - The War Years. Summer 1996 saw an exhibition on the development of the submarine. Over 200 photographs sourced from the State Naval Archives of Russia, Japan, Turkey, Sweden, United States, Spain, France, Germany and Britain, all dating between 1888 and 1907 and not having been previously published.
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Shoe display case
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Alongside this Eric Fowell put together an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of Vic Childs, a local amateur photographer.The shoetrade was covered with exhibits on the major shoemaking companies that had helped to create the town that was flourishing between the two World Wars. A replica of a shomaker's 'shop was recreated on the landing outside the main exhibition area.
The 45th anniversary of the Korean War 1950-53 was commemorated in 1998.
After being closed for 8 months due to changes in staff at the Council, February 1999 saw another popular exhibition of photographs of the Co-op Shops which had all closed.
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Miniature chamber pots on display
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Also in 1999 was "The People's Show" when personal collections were on show, such as Victorian jelly moulds and minature chamber pots.
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"Everything but the Squeal" was an insight into the history of the pig and pig keeping.
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Another piece of artwork created by Clive
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"Music Makers - the Story of Rushden Bands and Choirs" exhibition was opened in February 2000, with the main contributors being Eric Fowell of Rushden and District History Society, and Clive Wood of The Amenities Society. On May 3rd 2000 Rushden & District Photographic Society arranged an exhibition of photographs of their late member Terry Chapman ARPS, DPAGB, ESFIAP, Hon PAGB. In June 2000 "Our Schools, Past and Present" were the subject, and brought many people flocking to see if they could spot themselves in the photographs.
| In 2000 the Tapestries worked by the Amenities Society members for their Millennium Project were put on display in the Heritage Centre.
In 2006/7 the tapestries were displayed in Rushden Museum, but they are now on permanent display in Rushden Hall.
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Amenities Society members - work in progress
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From August to October 2000 Rushden's Old Shops was the theme, and from 13th January 2001 to 10th March and exhibition called Musical Magic explored musicals through the ages and their influences on local theatre. On Friday 8th June the Friends of the Heritage Centre gathered for a preview of "The People's Church" exhibition focussing on the centenary celebrations of the Baptist Church in Park Road, and the great fire in John Cave's shoe factory in High Street in 1901. At this preview Friends were signing up for duty as stewards of the centre on Saturdays, the library staff keeping an eye on the room during the week.
In 2001 from October to December an exhibition of Robert Marriott Ltd was the theme.
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This mural drawn by Clive Wood, from a cartoon was requested by the
Photographic Society as a back drop for their displays.
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The Marriott's Exhibition 2000
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| Evening Telegraph, 10th April 2002, transcribed by Kay Collins |
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Rushden mayor Clive Wood takes a break during the painting of the mural
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Picture perfect by councillor
FINISHING touches have been applied to a mural in time for the official opening of a Royal Occasions exhibition today.
The mural, by Rushden mayor Clive Wood, in the Rushden Heritage Centre, depicts one of the coronation arches that spanned the A6 in 1953 and also includes other references to royalty.
It is just one feature of the exhibition compiled by the Friends of the Heritage Centre, Irthlingborough St Peter's Historical Society and Higham Chichele Society. Other exhibits include photographs, artefacts and a carnival costume display.
Cllr Wood will perform the opening, at 6.30pm. He said: "As I am coming towards my tenure as Rushden mayor I asked if I could perform the opening.”
Eric Fowell and John Martin, of Friends of the Heritage Centre, collected the photographs. Mr Fowell said: "They start with scenes of the Queen's Coronation in 1953 and show events and coronation carnivals through the following decades."
As a tribute to the Queen Mother, Jack and Mabel Leach have decorated a special cabinet.
The exhibition will be open to the public from tomorrow. Opening times are from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and from 9am to 5pm weekdays and admission is free.
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In 2003 a "Sport" was the theme and on the 8th of February sports personalities were invited to come and see the exhibition and to be interviewed. The results have been typed up and are presented here:
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