B. U. Kettering and Rushden Depots’ Annual Outing

The Kettering and Rushden depots of the British United Shoe Machinery Co. held their annual picnic at Kirby Hall on Saturday last, and, being favoured with beautiful weather, had a most enjoyable outing. Everything was done for the comfort and convenience of the party, and with sports and games the day passed all too soon.

Luncheon was taken at one o’clock and Mr. H. E. Cooper, the popular manager, presided. He was supported by Mr. C. Bennion, J.P., Mr. J. Hodgson, Mr. J. R. Barclay, Mr. E. Gare (Leicester), Mr. F. Cooper (Rushden), Mr. A. Chaplain, Mr. F. H. Jackson, Mr. W. N. Hollowell (Northampton), etc.

After the loyal toast Mr. Cooper addressed the gathering and said  that  was propably the largest  number that had sat down at the annual picnic, and it meant hopefulness, progress, and bright  outlook. It showed the policy  and business was growing and developing, and in increased in staff. There was room at the top, and it was nice to be with a company which was growing. Not only was the policy right, but the machines were right. There was union between the directors and the rank and file, and everyone was out for the good of the company.

Mr. C. Bennion, who was received with cheers, said he was glad to be amongst them. It was two years since he was there, and he was pleased to get into touch with them again. In a visit to the depot he was only able to see a few, and he appreciated the opportunity of meeting them all together. He was obliged for the cordial way in which they had toasted success to the company. Since its inception he had always held the same views as he held that day, and, without claiming any superior knowledge, the optimistic opinions he held had been thoroughly justified. Success, Mr. Cooper had said, was due to all the staff working with one object. This was so, and they could not have made progress otherwise. The directors were all workers with the staff, and he claimed to be one of the biggest workers. Their methods and system were now appreciated and adopted by the trade. In sixteen years manufacturers would have done with the company if  this were not so; but theirs was a growing business. There was no need to make apologies for their methods, for they were giving infinitely better value than was possible in any other way. Their policy was always on the broadside, and their company of the utmost importance to the shoe trade. There was no necessity to hide anything, but to be upright and straight in all they undertook. Reviewing the trade for the past twenty years, he found they had served in a worthy manner. He had been away in Australia, and had taken over the business in that part of the world. They were establishing it on exactly the same lines as in England, and he wanted everything to be clean and honourable and open to the light of day. He was glad to come back and personally gratified at the grand testimony he received of their goodwill and affection. He should feel he had missed all he had done in life if he had not the goodwill of all in the business.

Mrs. H. E. Cooper distributed the prizes at the conclusion of the sports, and almost everyone went away happy in the possession of a prize.

The judges were Mr. C. Bennion, Mr. F. Buckby, and Mr. S. Walden; the starters, Mr. H. E. Cooper and Mr. J. H. Atkins; umpire, Mr. T. Smith; sports directors, Mr. E. Gare and Mr. F. E. Cooper; and Mr. J. H. Atkins was the energetic secretary, and added not a little to the success of the gathering.