Rushden Research Group: Rushden Historical Transport Society

Rushden Historical Transport Society

Artwork by Clive Wood done in the early 1980s

Railway Station History	Railway Bridge
First Cavalcade		40s Weekend
Photographs	Trains Run Again	Royal Visit 2013

Peter Horn of Rushden Historical Transport Society's museum, with the Marriott's cycle, one of their exhibits

1976	80 people responded to advert to meet at Rose & Crown
1979	First Cavalcade at Hall Park
1980	Puchased a Bristol 651 bus - now the Society flagship
1984	Lease on Rushden Station
1986	Transport Museum opened in the old waiting room and the ladies' waiting room transformed into a real ale bar
1987	Station threatened with demolition
1996	Society purchased the Station and site from Northants County Council
1998	Plans for track to be extended to Higham Ferrers
1999	Excavation of cutting and plans accepted for track laying
2000	Sidings laid
2002	Signal box re-sited and buffet car refurbished
2003	Ex Rushden Fire Engine acquired & the final payment on the Station was made
2007	Roof re-slated
2008	Survey of bridge & consultations for track extension
2009	Staff training and "Back in Steam" as trains run again

During the first 20 years the RHTS continued to add to its stock of railway carriages and railway memorabilia. Many other items relating to the history of other modes of transport can be found in the mueum. The bar has also won many awards for its fine real ales. Each year a programme of summer events is run to raise funds to keep the rolling stock in good repair, and begins with May-day Bank Holiday Weekend with a Cavalcade of Historical Transport, and ends in October with a 40s weekend is held when all the funds collected are shared between the British Legion and the Naval Association. During the winter much of the repair and renovation work is carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers, and preparations are made for the next Cavalcade.