RUSHDEN'S "best kept secret"— a presentation as a tribute to one of the town's most popular health visitors — very nearly misfired, because the nurse was "out helping someone".

Since Christmas, members of the three mothers' clubs in the town, together with the Rushden Health Clinic playgroup and the Tufty Club (children's road safety), had been making careful plans for a surprise presentation for Miss Audrey Mair who is retiring shortly.

A personal friend, Mrs. L. Haverson, was to meet Miss Mair at her flat and together they would go to a charity evening at Rushden Comprehensive School for boys. But when Mrs. Haverson arrived at the flat, Miss Mair was out ....... and more than 200 young mothers were waiting to pay their tributes to her work at the school.

Finally, Mrs. Haverson managed to track down her friend. "It was just typical of her — she was out helping someone who was ill," she said afterwards. "I managed to talk her into coming" in fact, Miss Mair thought she was to attend a charity coffee evening—until she was greeted by spontaneous applause when she walked into the main hall.

Mrs. Brenda Rowley, of the Rushden Mothers' Social Club, described the event as "Rushden's best kept secret" and spoke of the difficulties in keeping it when Miss Mair was so actively involved with each of the organisations.

Mrs. Helen Thompson outlined the aims of mothers clubs and described the important role Miss Mair had played in establishing clubs in Rushden. Mrs. Thompson spoke of the expansion plans for Rushden and added: "Mothers clubs are progressing to play an important part in the community."

During the evening, Miss Mair was showered with gifts. She received a "teas-maid", a breakfast set, a bouquet. Wedgwood vase, and a toilet bag from the five organisations. Miss Mair thanked the mothers and said that she was grateful for many happy memories of Rushden.

Evening Telegraph 14th June 1973

MISS AUDREY Mair is retiring to live in "Bonnie Scotland" after more than 12 years as health visitor in the Rushden area. When she makes the journey across the border she can pack some of her belongings in a travel case presented to her yesterday as a leaving gift. The case was given to her by the vice-presidents and voluntary helpers of Rushden's child welfare centre. She was also presented with a bouquet. Mrs G. W. Marriott, chairman of the welfare centre committee, made the presentation at the Health Clinic in Rectory Road, Rushden. Miss M. Sharwood, secretary of the voluntary helpers committee, said: "We have been proud to have a share in the work of this centre under your efficient leadership. "We know your heart is in 'Bonnie Scotland', but we should like to think that your time in Rushden has been a happy one." Miss Mair, of 47 Talbot Road, Rushden, said Rushden was the best place to work in the county.

Miss Audrey Mair with twins Stuart & James Austin aged 5½ months.

Click here to read about Rushden Mothers' Clubs

Miss Mair's Obituary