Town's grand old lady is dead
RUSHDEN'S grand old lady, 100-year-old Elsie Hensman, has died at the hospital where she was a voluntary helper for over 50 years.

Mrs Hensman, a former schoolteacher, died at Rushden Hospital's Crane Ward yesterday. Apart from being a helper, she also ran classes for patients and ex-patients. A ward is now named in her honour and she was awarded the British Empire Medal. Mrs Hensman, of Crabb Street, had been a patient since August 28.

A funeral service is to take place at St Mary's Church, Rushden, on Tuesday at 1pm, followed by cremation at Kettering.

Mrs Hensman became a pupil teacher in 1896 and in 1913 was appointed headmistress at the girls school at Alfred Street, Rushden. When the school was reorganised a year later she moved to Newton Road School, staying as a teacher until 1925.

It was at Newton Road that she taught H E Bates, the author, and she followed his career closely. He kept in touch with her throughout his career and before he became successful sent his stories to her for her comments before sending them to publishers. One of his most successful novels, Love for Lydia, has a character based on Mrs Hensman. Part of it is set in Rushden Hospital — then Rushden Sanatorium. In 1925 she transferred to the intermediate school in Hayway and worked there until she retired at the age of 63.

On her 100th birthday — December 2 last year — she was presented with a framed tribute to her work on behalf of the town from Rushden After-care Committee and the Friends of Rushden Hospital.