Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilmott

Rushden Couple’s Golden Wedding - Many Sided Activities

  We associate ourselves with their many friends in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilmott, of Kings-road, Rushden, on the attainment on Sunday of the 50^th anniversary of their wedding,

  Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilmott can claim the distinction of being natives of Rushden. Mr. Wilmott was the son of the late Mr. William Wilmott, and Mrs. Wilmott was the daughter of the late Mr. Charles Green, who was sexton of the Old Baptist Meeting. They were a youthful couple when on 2^nd June 1879, the Rev. Thomas Bromage (grandfather of the present pastor of the Wellingborough-road Wesleyan Reform Mission, Rushden), married them at the Old Baptist Chapel. Mr. Bromage deputising for the late Rev. R.E. Bradfield, who at the time was seriously ill.

  Like many others who have made a name in the boot and shoe industry. Mr. Wilmott began as a clicker. A few years after his marriage he became a foreman clicker, and in 1899 he and his second son founded the business of H. E. Wilmott and Co., boot manufacturers. The first factory was in High-street South, and at a later stage the growth of the business, in which Mr. Wilmott continues to serve as senior partner, led to the building of new premises in Portland-road.

  Mr. Wilmott has taken a wide interest in public and social activities. He has been a member of the Rushden Liberal Association for over 50 years, during which period he has held the offices of chairman and vice-chairman. A popular member of the Rushden Bowling Club, he has had his year of captaincy. He has been for nearly 50 years a trustee of the Independent Wesleyan Church, and for a longer period, during 20 years of which he was on the committee, a member of the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society. Mr. Wilmott has done all in his power to foster and encourage musical talent in the town; the Rushden Choral Society finds in him an inspiring and enthusiastic president, and the Independent Wesleyan Church Choir has enjoyed his support in a similar capacity.

  Last year Mr. Wilmott won a well-deserved place on the Rushden Urban District Council.

  Mrs. Wilmott has been content to lead a quiet home life, but her husband pays tribute to her many excellent qualities in terms which leave no doubt concerning her share in the happy partnership of 50 years. Mrs. Wilmott went through the Old Baptist Sunday School and was a member of the choir. She, to, has been a keen Liberal and an ardent adherent of the Co-operative movement, and a valued worker at the Independent Wesleyan Church.

  One quality never lacking in Mr. Wilmott is a pronounced sense of humour, and his wit – on public platforms and elsewhere – is almost always turned against himself.

  The family comprises four children and six grandchildren. The children are Mr. C. W. Wilmott, who has a motor business at Norwich; Mr. H. E. Wilmott, partner in the boot business; Mrs. A.F. Weale, of Rushden, and Mr. Fred Wilmott, of London and Shepperton, the proprietor of a motor works.

  The golden wedding was celebrated by a small family party at the Waverley Hotel on Monday evening. All members of the family were present, and each of the sons with Mr. A. F. Weale (son-in-law), spoke in terms of affection and gratitude. Mr. Wilmott replied, and the evening finished with music and dancing.