Set in the centre of one of Northamptonshire’s prettiest towns stands the formidable Green Dragon Hotel. Built about 1690 of local limestone, some of which was probably taken from the ruined castle nearby, this hostelry, beloved of H. E. Bates, has been the central focal point for the Borough for the past four hundred years. Farmers, Felons, Antediluvian Buffaloes and indeed Members of Parliament, have all held sway in the Green Dragon. It is said that until recently, the Town Hall could well be pulled down, most of the council business having been already decided around the gents-only bar. Until about twenty years ago the smoking room was run strictly as a Men's club, the regulars having their own seats, rather like the family pews in a church. It was not until the formation of the Higham Ferrers and Rushden Rugby Club, who used the Dragon as their headquarters, that the occasional wife or girl friend, found their way into the all male sanctuary.

In the early 1950s a Jazz Club was formed at the Green Dragon, the resident band being the J. D. Lantsbery Jazzmen. Recently formed, and having played several sessions at the Nag’s Head, Wollaston, the band was looking for a more central venue, and chose the Green Dragon because of its position on the A6, within easy reach of Kettering in the north and Bedford in the south and with nearby Raunds and Wellingborough, to draw customers from. The response, no doubt this was boosted by the 'trad boom' which was popular at this time, created an interest which surpassed everyone’s expectations.

People, young and old, came from places as far away as Birmingham and London for their regular musical 'shot in the arm' and to savour the atmosphere. Mine host, Mr. Tipler and his wife had to employ extra staff, and every Monday the ancient Borough's Market Place was filled to overflowing with cars. The record attendance was when over three hundred people were packed into the club room, when a popular guest band, The River­side Jazzmen from Cambridge, were playing. This band was extremely popular being well rehearsed and wearing uniforms, a rarity in those days.

The clarinet player with the Riverside Jazzmen, Dave Cooper, was the outstanding musician of the group has now climbed the ladder to musical fame and currently plays with Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. The leader, banjo player Ted Vousden can well be proud of this little band and of its contribution made to British Jazz. As well as the Cambridge band, many others, both professional and semi-pro. have appeared at the Green Dragon.The resident band used to swap sessions with a London band, The Cardinal Jazzmen, travelling to play at the 'Moist Hoist' club in Ealing, whilst the London band played at Higham.

Micky Ashman, one time bassist with Humphrey Lyttleton, brought his six piece band on one occasion John Cox came with his Afro-Cubans, complete with conga drums and flutes. This band received a very good reception, despite the audience being more used to the Dixie­land music usually played. Sad to say the Green Dragon no longer has Jazz sessions. The Borough Council of the day enforced the clubs music licence and curtailed attendance to eighty persons, and although a fire escape was installed no argument could get this ruling rescinded. Ironically lack of atmosphere and an unsuccessful band have caused the closure of many jazz clubs over the years it is strange that with the right environment and a good musical policy a club should have to close because it is too successful.