Rushden Must Show the Way
New Opportunities for Young Men – Boot Firm’s Annual Social

The importance of the opportunities which the new technical school is opening up for young boot and shoe operatives in Rushden was stressed at the annual tea and social of Messrs C W Horrell Ltd., held on Friday last in the Co-operative Hall, Rushden.

About 260 employees sat down to an excellent spread provided by the Rushden Co-operative Society. Mr W McC Horrell, presided, supported by Mrs W McC Horrell, Mr C W Horrell, C.A. (principal of the firm), and Mrs Horrell, Mr and Mrs H F Jaques, Mr J Jaques, Mr and Mrs H Geary, Mr M O’connor, and others.

After the tea Mr Geary proposed thanks to the directors of the company for their generosity in once again assisting with that annual social. He congratulated the company on the success it had achieved during last year. Mr Horrell founded the business 40 years ago, and he was the oldest founder in active business today in boot manufacturing—at least, he did not know of another. Also, quite a number of those present had been with the firm 20 or 27 years. Mr Horrell, in spite of still being actively engaged in his business, had done and was doing a great deal of public service, and they congratulated him. (Applause.)

Mr H Cox seconded, stating that the heads of the firm had willingly responded to them year by year. He congratulated the employees also for the manner in which they had assisted. They had to get together, each helping the other. “Now that we have got our young members together,” said Mr Cox, “I should like to say a few words about the new technical school for Rushden which will be open next session. (Hear, hear.) I hope it will be the duty of every departmental manager to do his utmost to get every young man under him to go to that school. There is

A Great Work to be Done,

and the manufacturers have shown the way by putting their backs into it. We want the young men of the town now to show the manufacturers that they intend doing their best. (Applause.) In the past only the clicking department has been catered for in a satisfactory way. Now the new school is coming there will be no excuse for any young man—no matter what his department—not to attend. They have schools in Kettering and Wellingborough, and we in Rushden want to show them the way. We should be able to do that.” (Hear, hear.)

Alderman Horrell, in response, expressed the directors’ willingness to do all they could to make that event possible. “I know perfectly well.” Said Mr Horrell, “that if it were not for your help and assistance we should not be able to continue, because we are equally dependent on you as you are on us. I hope the good fellowship and friendship which have existed between us all will continue.” Mr Horrell expressed disappointment that the firm had not done something in the way of

A Benevolent Fund.

He had thought a good deal about it during the past year. It was very nice when calamity overtook them to have some fund that might be devoted to the requirements of those that needed it. He had thought a good deal more about such a scheme on account of the fact that last year he held the position of president of the National Benevolent Fund for the Boot Trade, and only the night before he had presided at a meeting in London when the balance sheet was presented. They had reached the magnificent sum of between £2,600 and £2,700. (Apllause.) Last year their firm’s contribution to Northampton Hospital was between £60 and £70. If they could double that and raise £150, it would be a nice sum to allocate to various employees who needed financial help and assistance during times of difficulty and sickness. Mr Cox had referred to the new technical school likely to be opened next September. He hoped that as a firm they would be represented at that institution. They had quite a lot of young fellows and ladies who would be eligible, and he appealed to them to support the school. As a firm they were anxious to make good boots, and they could not do that if they did not get the assistance of the employees. “Our boots are sold not only in this but in other countries. They are sold to people who know all about bookmaking, and they are examined minutely. They have a reputation for workmanship, and the quality of the boots is what it should be.” In conclusion, Mr Horrell expressed the hope that the firm would have a very successful year. (Applause)

Mr W McC Horrell proposed thanks to the organising committee, and Mr W Catlin seconded.

On behalf of the committee, Mr G parker replied, paying tribute to the work of the secretary (Mr G Coleman).

A welcome to the visitors was voiced by Mr C S Wooding, reply being made by Mr H Jaques.

A concert was given by the Risdene Vagabonds, following which dancing was indulged in until one o’clock. Mr W Stock was the M.C., and the music was played by Mr J Cooke’s Syncopators.

The committee responsible for the arrangements was as follows. Messrs C S Wooding (chairman), G Coleman (secretary), W Cox, G Parker, S Bull, D Denton, G Miller, and F Stapleton and Misses Clarke, Ireson, and N Compton.

Rushden Firm’s Annual Social.
Gathering of Messrs C.W. Horrell, Ltd’s employees.
Sound position of Benevolent Fund.

The annual tea and social gathering in connection with Messrs. C. W. Horrell, Ltd., Rushden, was held on Friday last at the Windmill Hall, Rushden, the employees and staff spending a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Tea was provided by the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society, after which there was some brief speech making.

A vote of thanks to the firm was proposed by Mr. C. S. Wooding, who said he was sure that everyone present would regret the absence of Mr. and Mrs. W. McC. Horrell. Mr. Horrell was the “live wire” of the firm and he would find his confinement very irksome, and on their behalf Mr. Wooding wished him a quick return to health.

Mr. Wooding said that this was the only occasion on which every department had a chance to get together and meet one another. He then made reference to the Benevolent Fund, which was at the beginning of the year reduced to a penny subscription a week, and even with that reduction they had a balance in hand of £164.

Up hills and down hills.

Every one present was essential to the working of the firm, even the well-performed small job added to the smooth working of the others. They all had up hills and down hills and it was only the straight road that was monotonous.

The vote of thanks was seconded by Mr. G. Parker, who said Mr. Wooding had left him very little to say, but added that he would like to again express their wishes for the speedy recovery of Mr. Horrell.

Alderman C. W. Horrell replied and stated that he was glad to say that Mr. Horrell was a little better, but he would not be able to be back at work again for a few weeks, as he had undergone a slight operation.

Mr. Horrell said they all looked forward to the gathering and he hoped that they would all enjoy themselves. He liked to be optimistic with his outlook on life and said They had all been through a bad time, but he assured them that they had done their best. Continuing, he said he was not going to talk shop, but with the depression everyone lacked confidence, but in the near future, nearer than most of them thought, trade would improve and he hoped that the world would have got over the depression by this time next year. Mr. Horrell concluded by wishing everyone a happy and enjoyable evening,

Kettles presented.

Mr. H. Geary proposed a vote of thanks to the committee. He assured Mr. Horrell that during the absence of Mr. Horrell, jun., they would give him all the support possible. The vote was seconded by Mr. Bob Denton, who thought the best way that they could thank the committee would be to spend an enjoyable evening.

Mr. W. S. Bull replied, and endorsed the previous remarks.

Mrs. C. W. Horrell then presented six copper kettles to lady employees of the firm who had married during the past twelve months.

Following the speeches, an admirable programme was enjoyed, the artistes contributing being Mr. H. Geary (bass), Mr. Tom White, Burton Latimer (concertina), Mr. E. Elliott, Market Harborough (entertainer), and Mr. P. Robinson who accompanied Dancing followed to the music of Nevett’s Synco Melody Makers. Mr. L. Allen being the M.C. A whist drive was also held, there being 24 tables. Mr. W. H. Cox was the M.C. and the winners were: Gents; 1. Mr. S. W. Bull; 2. Mr. W. White; ladies, 1. Mrs. Watts; 2. Mr. Panter (playing as lady).