Rushden's hunt for amateur talent opened on Thursday night, when the acts were adjudicated before a packed enthusiastic audience at the Windmill Hall.

There will be another big batch of talent to review next week, and this week's winners will join next week's winners in a final contest to decide which turns shall appear at the Rushden Health Services Fete on July 16th.

Adjudicators for the preliminary rounds are Mr. Herberte Jordan, musical director of the Wellingborough Operatic Society. Mr. Harry Gascoyne, of Wellingborough, and Miss Hylda Gates, joint producer of the Rushden Players.

Acts selected for the final were:—

There were four ties, the turns being paired, in the order given, on the first, second, third and fourth markings.

Rushden's five girls who are competing for the Carnival Queen title attended and were introduced from the stage by Leonard Trolley, of Finedon, an amusing and pliable compere.

Mr. Don Bugby was stage manager, and Mr. P. R. Cobb the official accompanist; Messrs. H. Hales and F. Curtis junior managed  the auditorium; Miss Nora Ball and Mr. Geoffrey Knight shepherded the competitors.

Note: If you can help with any photographs of the Talent Contests or the Rushden Players, please contact us.