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.

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.

Northamptonshire Leaders, Social & Political, by Ernest Gaskill

It is one of the characteristics of our leading men that when once they set their hands to the plough, in a public capacity, there is no looking back.  A typical example of successful commercial life, combined with devotion to public duty is to be found in Councillor John Claridge, eldest son of the late Mr. William Claridge, of Rushden, Northamptonshire, the founder of the well-known firm of William Claridge, boot and shoe manufacturers, one of the oldest in the town of Rushden.

Mr. Claridge's first entry into public life was as a member of the Rushden School Board, some twenty-six years since, a position he held fifteen years.  The possessor of very decided views on the education question he has the advantage of being able to support them with much valuable knowledge, and takes a great interest in the education of the young.  Prior to the present Education Act coming into operation, he was, for many years, a manager of the National Schools, and is now member of the Local Education Committee, and also of the District Sub-Committees of Rushden and Higham Ferrers.  On Rushden becoming an urban authority, in 1891, Mr. Claridge was elected one of the first members of the Local Board, and has retained heading the poll, on the local governing body of the town ever since.  He also a member of the Higham Ferrers and Rushden Water Board and a Director of the Rushden and Higham Ferrers District Gas Company.  Mr. Claridge was chairman of the Urban Council in 1897, in 1898, and again in 1905. The first-named years were memorable, owing to the Jubilee celebrations and the Northamptonshire Agricultural Society's first visit to Rushden; and the local success of both were due in no small to Mr. Claridge’s exertions.  It was through Mr. Claridge that Mr Carnegie made his promise of £2,500 for the erection of a Free Library in Rushden, and it it was greatly by his efforts that a site commending itself to the whole town has been secured. When an additional member for the County Council was given to Rushden in 1898, Mr. Claridge was elected for the Southern Electoral Division of the town, and has held that position up to the present time. Mr. Claridge was placed on the Commission of the Peace for the County in 1904, an honour well deserved.

It is difficult within the limits of such space as is available to do full justice to Mr. Claridge's many excellent qualities and excellent record.  Suffice it to say that he takes a deep interest in the material, spiritual, and moral welfare of the community, and no committee or institution of his native town having in view any of these objects is considered complete without him. Warm-hearted, genial and shrewd, he is absolutely thorough in all he undertakes, and by his firmness and courtesy, combined with a ready tact and a hearty manner has won friends innumerable.

Rushden Echo, 18^th July 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

Scholastic—Miss Hilda Claridge, daughter of Mrs John Claridge, has passed with first-class honours, the final examination of the Liverpool Physical Training College.