Natives of Riseley

  Reading the Sunday newspapers nowadays gives one the impression that the matrimonial ship must pass always over troublous seas!  It is good, therefore, to note the celebration of their golden wedding by an old and much-respected Rushden couple.  Fifty years seems a long time to go back, but to Mr. and Mrs. B. Farrar, of Crabb-street, Rushden, we are sure that their 50 years of married life have been a most happy period in their career.  We wish them every health, prosperity, and continued happiness.

  When our representative called on Wednesday, the day on which Mr. and Mrs. Farrar celebrated the happy event, he found Mrs. Farrar was just clearing the festive board round which had gathered many relatives and old friends.

  Married at Riseley Parish Church by the Vicar, the Rev. Mr. Blick, the couple have lived in Rushden for the last 43 years, and so can claim to know something of the town.  Formerly Miss Rowney, Mrs. Farrar was given away at her marriage by her father, the late Mr. Samuel Rowney, and the best man on that auspicious occasion was her youngest brother, Mr. W. Rowney.

  Mrs. Farrar before her marriage was a member of Riseley Church Choir for eight years, and for many years was a teacher in the Sunday school.

  Both Mr. and Mrs. Farrar are natives of Riseley, where their families were very well known.  Each is an old-age pensioner.  When our representative asked the respective ages (rather a rude question, it seems!) Mrs. Farrar, with a smile, said, “I’d rather nobody knew my age.”

  “Well,” said Mr. Farrar, from his armchair by the fire, “if the wife won’t tell you, then I will.  We’re each 73.”

  “Yes,” interjected Mrs. Farrar, “and still good for some more work yet.”  Which remark it is hoped will not have to be substantiated too far by Mrs. Farrar at so advanced an age.

  Mr. Farrar has worked for Rushden Gas Company for 26 years, but he is now enjoying a well-earned retirement.  Previous to working for the Gas Company Mr. Farrar was horsekeeper to Mr. Roades, of Rushden.  One of Mrs. Farrar’s proudest claims is the fact that she has been for 21 years a member of the Rushden Division of the St. John Nursing Brigade, where she is hailed as one of their most energetic workers.  In July of this year, at the general inspection at Northampton, Mrs. Farrar received her long-service medal, of which she is justly proud.

  At the starting of the Rushden Adult Schools, 25 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Farrar played an important part, but they have never held any important office because they do not like a deal of “limelight.”

  At the celebration on Wednesday, besides many old friends and relatives, there were present three visitors from America, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hodson and their daughter.  There are two sons, Mr. Bert Farrar and Mr. Jack Farrar, who are both in Canada, and two daughters, Mrs. Britchford, of Rushden, and Mrs. B. Franklin.  Thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (the latter being in America) are also living.  Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have received many numerous and costly presents.

  Mr. and Mrs. Farrar still enjoy good health, and we are sure that the residents of Rushden will wish us to offer the best congratulations to them on completing “50 not out.”