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Rushden Echo & Argus, 4th February, 1944, transcribed by Gill Hollis
Temps. Support Hall Park Protest
Rushden Band Looking to The Future
Rushden Temperance Band has joined in the protest against the lack of control over children at the Hall Park concerts.
Mr. E. B. Smith, speaking at the band’s annual meeting on Wednesday evening, said the misbehaviour of children round the bandstand was a very sore point among bandsmen to-day.
Coun. W. E. Capon, who presided, said it was a very difficult question for the Urban Council, who had discussed it once or twice.
The secretary (Mr. W. Seamarks) and others referred to the note by “Mister Cobbler” in last week’s “Echo and Argus,” and Mr. Smith said the band should give this their backing.
When Mr. Capon suggested a letter to the Council, Mr. Smith observed; “It will be put on the shelf, won’t it?”
“No, it will come before the committee,” replied Mr. Capon.
Several members then recalled that the band approached the Council some time ago.
14 On Service
In his annual report the secretary said the band had done its best to meet every request to assist in parades and on other occasions. The park concert dates were all fulfilled and the band appreciated the response of the public.
Fourteen of the best bandsmen were serving in the war, but those left at home were working loyally and were trying to prepare for when the others came back. Five boys had joined recently and it was “a good tonic” to find 18 bandsmen taking part in the Christmas round, some old members having returned to help.
Mr. Seamarks thanked those who served the band as collectors.
The balance sheet showed an income of £155, including nearly £50 from the Hall engagements, and £39 10s. from subscriptions. The balance of assets over liabilities was £653, the assets including 367 War Savings Certificates, land valued at £110, and a bank balance of £96 18s.
The Nest Egg
Mr. F. H. Abbott, financial secretary, said the profit on the year was £48. The band was making a bit of money now and had a good nest-egg, but they would be glad of it after the war, because the uniforms would then need replacing and some of the instruments were deteriorating.
Mr. Capon remarked that more than half the bandsmen were serving in the Forces and not one had lost his life. It was very difficult in these days for those left at home to do all they would like to do, but music was a great incentive and many put it first among their activities. The name of Rushden Temperance Band had been one to conjure with, and they all looked forward to the time when it would again have national prominence.
The members stood in silent tribute to Mr. F. Hawkes, Mr. A. Wilmott (vice-presidents) and Mr. A. Betson (hon. member), who had passed away during the year.
Young Recruits
It was agreed to make quarterly gifts of 5s. to the Service members during the coming year, and to foster the training of boys by having some instruments put in order for their use. Mr. T. Young (conductor) said he had just received applications from a few more boys but was not yet in the fortunate position of the works band which recently received 500 applications for membership.
Mr. Capon, thanked for his great and practical interest in the band, was re-elected president and in turn spoke appreciatively of Mr. Young, who again became conductor. The vice-presidents were re-appointed with the addition of Mr. S. Hawkes, and other appointments were: Secretary, Mr. Seamarks; financial secretary, Mr. Abbott; librarian, Mr. Trevor Smith; collectors, Messrs. A. Adams and Blundell; County Band Association representative, Mr. E. B. Smith; auditors, Messrs. J. L. Clipson, and H. A. Buttling.
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