Rushden Echo, Friday 13 April 1900, transcribed by Nicky Bates
WEDDING OF MR JOHN CLARIDGE
In a very quiet manner the marriage of Mr John Claridge, C.C., to Miss Naomi Cox, both of Rushden, took place on Tuesday at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. The bridegroom is not only one of the most popular but also one of the worthiest residents of Rushden, and for many years has taken a keen interest in every movement for the betterment of the town. As is well-known he is one of the leading temperance stalwarts of the district, and in the capacity of the hon. secretary to the Rushden Temperance Society has done an immense amount of useful work. As a member of the Rushden Urban Council Mr Claridge has been strenuous in his efforts to promote the best interests of the town, and on the retirement of Mr WH Wilkins from the chair, Mr Claridge was heartily voted to that position of honour – a post which he filled with conspicuous success. He is one of the representatives of Rushden on the Northamptonshire County Council. Mr Claridge is deeply interested in the staple trade of the town, being one of the leading boot and shoe manufacturers. The bride, too, is well known and highly respected in the town. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Vicar of St Paul’s, Bedford. Mr Charles Claridge, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The bride, who was accompanied by her sister, Mrs Clayton, was prettily attired in a dress of pale grey silk, and wore a hat trimmed with white plumes. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Claridge left Bedford for Brighton. The event has caused great interest in the town. Rushden is fortunate in having among her sons men of the stamp of Mr Claridge, and the townspeople will heartily wish him and his bride long life and happiness.
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Bedford and County Record Tuesday 17 April 1900
WEDDING OF MR JOHN CLARIDGE
The marriage of Mr John Claridge, C.C., to Miss Naomi Cox, both of Rushden, took place on Tuesday at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. The bridegroom is a popular resident of Rushden, and for many years has taken a keen interest in every movement for the betterment of the town. He is one of the leading temperance stalwarts of the district, and in the capacity of the hon. secretary to the Rushden Temperance Society has done much useful work. As a member of the Rushden Urban Council Mr Claridge has been strenuous in his efforts to promote the best interests of the town, and on the retirement of Mr WH Wilkins from the chair, Mr Claridge was heartily voted to that position of honour – a post which he filled with conspicuous success. He is one of the representatives of Rushden on the Northamptonshire County Council. Mr Claridge is deeply interested in the staple trade of the town, being one of the leading boot and shoe manufacturers. The bride, too, is well known and highly respected in the town. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Vicar of St Paul’s, Bedford. Mr Charles Claridge, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Claridge left Bedford for Brighton. The event has caused great interest in Rushden, and the townspeople heartily wish him and his bride long life and happiness.
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Rushden Echo Friday 15 June 1900
Presentation to Mr John Claridge
At the Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday the chairman (Mr F Knight), on behalf of the members and officers, presented Mr J Claridge with a handsome aneroid barometer, with a plate on it, bearing the following inscription:
“Presented to Mr John Claridge, C.C., on the occasion of his marriage, by the
members and officers of the Rushden Urban District Council. April, 1900”
In making the presentation, Mr Knight said it gave him great pleasure. They as members and officers of the Council were fully aware of the valuable assistance Mr Claridge had given to the town he served, and all who know him were aware of the deep interest he took in the progress and welfare of Rushden. They all wished that both Mr and Mrs Claridge might have a long and happy life together.
Mr Claridge thanked the Council and officers very heartily and said the Chairman’s words were much too kind. He was, however, always pleased to do anything he could to further the interests of the town morally and materially. He thanked them all very much for what had been said and done, and for the good feeling underlying the present. He had always found their meetings very agreeable and enjoyable, and he hoped they would continue to be so. Perhaps he had set a bad example in being so long before entering the married state, but he did not know whether it would act as an incentive to others to do likewise or not. In any case he hoped that the young people of the town would take an interest in the town even before they were married. He had had many presents, and congratulations from all sorts and conditions of people. If he had known that he would be so flattered, he might have been induced to take the step earlier. (Laughter). Words failed him to sufficiently thank the members and officers of the Council for the handsome present and also the kind feelings which prompted the gift. Therefore he hoped they would excuse him saying more.
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Rushden Echo, 14th September 1900
Presentations to Messrs. J & C Claridge
The employees at Messrs. Claridge’s factory have signalized the weddings of the heads of the firm—Mr. John and Mr. Charles Claridge—by presenting each gentleman with a handsome clock, striking the hours and half-hours. One was inscribed—“Presented to Mr. John Claridge by the employees of the firm, on the occasion of his marriage. April 1900.” The clock given to Mr. C. Claridge was similarly inscribed, with the name and date, of course altered.
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Rushden Echo, 14th September 1900
Wedding Festivities at Rushden - Messrs. Claridge’s Employees
The factory of Messrs. W. Claridge and Sons was closed on Wednesday afternoon last and the employees were invited to the Town Football Ground to celebrate the marriages of Mr. John and Mr. Charles Claridge. The latter was married on that day, and the former, it will be remembered, was married in April. This opportunity was taken of celebrating both marriages together. Various games were indulged in, the weather being all that could be desired, though possibly those who took an active part in the shop football match—Upper Room versus Lower Room—may have felt that it was rather hot for such violent exercise. The game was well contested, however, and good form was shown on both sides. The result was a victory for the Upper Room by 2 goals to nil. The Temperance Band played selections. Lemonade, fruit, and other light refreshments were provided. The visitors numbered about 200, and all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
In the evening the employees were all invited with their wives and sweethearts, to a meat tea in the Public-hall. Over 250 sat down to the bountiful spread. Tea over, Mr. W. S. Hartwell proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. J. and Mr. C. Claridge and said there was no need to say much in their praise. They had the sincere goodwill of all their employees. (Cheers)
Mr. Clarke seconded the motion, which was carried with enthusiasm, and Mr. J. Claridge suitably replied.
Tables were then cleared for a concert and dance, which was much enjoyed.
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