Rushden Research Group: WVS New Duties

W V S New Duties

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 29th November, 1940, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden’s Women War Workers - New Duties Accepted
A Splendid Record Reviewed at Meeting of W.V.S. Committee

War work of the W.V.S. at Rushden was reviewed at a meeting of the committee in the Waverley Hotel last Friday.

Councillor Mrs. O.A.H. Muxlow (Centre Organiser) presided, supported by Miss Putnam (secretary), and in surveying the work of the last three months emphasised that the W.V.S. was essentially a “helping” organisation, ready to co-operate with existing bodies in every way possible.

Mrs. Muxlow said she was proud of the fact that whenever helpers had been called for in Rushden she had been able to find them among the 250 members. The members were assisting in the National Savings Movement (with Mrs. B. Perkins on the local committee), the penny-a-week Red Cross scheme in shops and offices, salvage, the overnight hostel for refugees and the “Beeches” hostel for evacuees. They had also sent babies’ clothing to the Sunshine Circle, and during the recent reception of evacuees in the town they acted as billeting officers and receptionists, while some drove evacuees to billets in their cars.

The Rushden branch were also solely responsible for the Red Cross Supply Depot, the staff of the feeding stations, and the distribution and demonstration of gas helmets and small masks for babies and toddlers.

The committee decided to ask Mrs. W. Robinson (Red Cross organiser) to furnish the Press with an account of the work of the Rushden depot since its commencement, so that the general public could know the vast amount of work being done.

Mrs. Muxlow reported that Rushden is to be made a sub-station for the distribution of Ministry clothing to evacuees, and American and Canadian Red Cross clothing for refugees, this station to serve Rushden, Raunds and Higham Ferrers. Mrs. Weale had kindly consented to take charge of this, in addition to other clothing, and Miss J. Claridge would act as secretary.

All present were thanked by the Organiser for their loyal and willing help in assisting to establish a very useful and “live” W.V.S. centre.

The Rushden Echo, 20th July 1962, transcribed by Jim Hollis

The Unselfish - More than 72 local women help provide vital service

Work at the Rushden Women’s Voluntary Service office in Rectory Road has grown terrifically since the WVS took over the premises just over two years ago.

The WVS at Rushden wasre-formed nine years ago, but until the premises in Rectory Road were acquired the business of the organisation was carried out at the home of its organiser, Mrs. C. G. Perkins, of Ridgemont, Wymington Road, Rushden. Now 72 members help in the work of the service.

Mrs. Perkins said that the service deals with queries ranging from finding lodgings for young people and companions for old ones. “The work has grown terrifically,” she declared.

Meals

Five years ago the centre began what is probably regarded now as one of its premier functions – the “meals-on-wheels” service.

Since those days 12,000 meals have been delivered to elderly residents, some of whom have told the WVS workers that not only are they pleased with the meals being delivered right to their homes, but also the extra company.

Last month an average of 72 meals a week were served to the pensioners.

Refugee

Besides seeing that their meals-on-wheels service runs smoothly, the members have other responsibilities. Each month they send parcels of food and clothing to an elderly refugee woman living at Nurnberg, in Germany, whom they “adopted” three years ago. Since then she has received 36 parcels.

Clothing

Many bales of clothing have also been sent to refugees and complete layettes for babies born in the Middle East camps. In 1960 the general public was encouraged to help in supplying these babies with layettes, and many Rushden women sent them to the office.

The members are also kept busy making up parcels of magazines twice a week for troops overseas, and knit children’s woollies and blankets for the store at the hall.

Not only does the centre cater for the people in the area who badly need clothing, but also for the Wellingborough area.

Since 1955 111 adults and 294 children have been issued with clothing.

Holiday

The centre caters for the social aspect, and for several years it has been responsible for putting into operation the holiday scheme for the County Welfare Department so that Rushden pensioners have a chance to go on holiday each year.

One pensioner was so excited about going on holiday that she locked her door key inside her house.

A WVS worker went up a ladder and through an unfastened window into one of the upstairs rooms to fetch it.

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