Windfalls From Town Fete - Rushden To Help China

As announced last week, a profit of £2,180 9s. 4d. was apportioned between several local funds at the winding-up meeting of the Rushden Holiday Fete. It was the largest sum ever raised by a town fete, and Coun. W. J. Sawford, J.P., (chairman of the Urban Council), who presided, expressed great satisfaction, especially in view of the fact that the first object of the fete was to provide holiday amusement for the public, the financial consideration being secondary.

The whole organisation, said Mr. Sawford, accomplished a great amount of work and owed much to the hon. secretaries (Mr. H. C. Allen and Miss. E. M. White), the treasurer (Mr. O. A. H. Muxlow), the secretary of the Entertainments Committee (Mr. Harry Rice), the youth gala day secretaries (Miss Swann and Miss Furniss), and the “Impregnable” Committee, led by Mr. John White. All who took part deserved thanks and congratulations.

When the allocations suggested by the Finance Committee had been read out, Mr. Allen read a letter from Mr. John White, who, after congratulating the chairman on the very satisfactory results of the fete, approved the proposed allocations, and suggested that £10 divided between the four bands would be hopelessly inadequate.

Plea For Bands

“Rushden,” wrote Mr. White, “is especially fortunate in the willing service rendered on every occasion, when required, by the different bands, and whether or not they accept the amount offered to them I do feel they would appreciate the gesture that their services were appreciated at their true value. Might I express the hope that ere long we shall be calling upon them again to take part in celebrating the victory that will bring us the peace we all earnestly desire?”

A letter from Lady Superintendent Miss W. M. Clipson pressed the claim of the St. John Ambulance Brigade for a more substantial grant than in previous years.

Mr. H. Rice, for the Entertainment Committee, proposed that £25 should be divided between the bands.

Mrs. F. J. Sharwood said the Rushden branch of the County Blind Association (listed for £75) would be very disappointed if they got less than £100.

When the Chairman suggested that the bands were not benevolent institutions, Mr. M. J. Roberts, conductor of the Town Band, said it always seemed to the bandsmen that they were the first to be “cut down.” This was a sore point with the bands, yet they were loyal to the town.

Looking Ahead

“We have had a gentleman come along with an open cheque book,” said Mr. Roberts, “to sign up the band for the peace celebrations, but we dare not take it because we put our own town first.”

Mr. Roberts added that Rushden people thought the bands were doing well at the park concerts. Collections had certainly gone up, but concerts had sometimes been given for 10s. or 16s. Owing to transport difficulties out-of-town engagements had ceased.

Coun. W. E. Capon suggested £30 for the bands, an extra £20 for the County Blind Association, and £20 instead of £15 for the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Mr. F. J. Sharwood, C.C., said the grant to the Hospital Week Committee might be cut if the “insurance” schemes now in vogue covered the cost of treating the patients. Mr. G. W. Marriott replied that the contributory schemes were self-supporting, but did not cover many old-age pensioners and others who could not afford to contribute. The grant proposed would provide treatment for 23 patients.

Mr. Seamarks proposed that the Nursing Association should have an extra £25 at the expense of the Parcels Fund, which, he said, could afford a cut. The serving men would themselves approve of this, he declared.

“Astounded”

“We try to send five shillings four times a year,” retorted Mr. E. Bennett, secretary of the Serving Men’s Parcels Fund. “I am astounded to find that people here think that 5s. per quarter is too much to send to a man who is doing his bit.”

“We have a working committee which works,” said Mr. Robert Denton, “and if some other committees worked they could raise more than they do.”

Mr. Sharwood observed that any Nursing Association deficit was always made good by the County Council.

“Can anybody tell me when the Nursing Association have done anything for themselves?” asked Mr. Bennett.

To this Coun. Capon replied: “If we do get hard up for funds we set about to get money and balance things up.”

A satisfactory conclusion was reached when £5 was deducted from each of nine allocations, this allowing increases of £20 to the Blind Association, £20 to the bands, and £5 to the Ambulance Brigade.

Final Grants

The grants were:-

Serving Men’s Parcels Fund £845, Children’s Boot and Clothing Fund £245, Hospital Week Committee £245, Nursing Association £95, After-Care Committee £95, Clubs’ Fund for the Blind and Crippled Children £170, Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital £145, W.V.S. Red Cross £95, County Blind Association (Rushden branch) £95, St. John Ambulance Brigade £45, bands £30, British Legion Benevolent Fund £27 14s. 8d., Social Service Committee £27 14s. 8d.

There were votes of thanks to the chairman, the hon. Secretaries and treasurer, Mr. Harry Rice and Mr. White, with a general vote of thanks to all others who helped to make the fete successful.

At the end of the meeting, Coun. Sawford introduced the claims of the United Aid to China Fund. Many, he said, thought the time had come for the town to do something for gallant China. He thought they could not do better than ask the committee of the Aid to Russia Fund to see what could be done.

Coun. Capon said there were at least 60,000,000 Chinese people homeless. Since July about 200 committees had been set up all over England, and he thought they would not wish Rushden to be left behind.

The proposal was agreed to immediately, and the Aid to Russia Committee, with Miss Foxworthy and the Rev. N. P. Goldhawk in the places of Miss D. Hill and the Rev. A. Binney, was appointed to carry out the work.

Rushden Wants a British Restaurant - But Has Nowhere to Put It

Rushden’s War Emergency Committee now agrees that the town needs a British Restaurant, but for the present it is unable to find a suitable building.

There was no report from the committee at Wednesday’s meeting of the Urban Council, but Coun. Roe asked for information. “It is three months since this matter was brought up,” he said, “I don’t want to hurry the committee unduly, but I thought we might have some information tonight.”

“We have not let this rest,” replied Coun. Capon. “We are agreed that there is a need for one in the town, and are doing everything we can towards that idea, but we want a place to put it, and we cannot find one in the town. Whether they will allow us to build, I don’t know.”

Coun. Roe: I am satisfied if that is it.

Dr. Davies, who had “looked round” the town in search of a suitable building, said he did not know whether other authorities would allow Messrs. Wilmott and Co.’s factory in Portland-road to be taken over.

Members: No!

Dr. Davies then mentioned two shops in High-street, and Mr. Capon told him: “We did consider them, but they are far too small.”

The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson): Every avenue is being explored.

Coun. Capon: Everything!

Fire Guard Training

The Clerk announced that the training of the local Fire Guards was proceeding in accordance with the syllabus laid down by the Ministry of Home Security.

Eighty-three persons attended a course of lectures, 67 sat for the examination, and he was pleased to say that 58, including four ladies, were successful in passing, and would now act as instructors to the main body of Fire Guards.

The Chairman said the examination had meant a lot of work for all concerned, and the Council would be proud to know that so much interest and ability had been shown.

The members expressed their keen satisfaction.

Bus Barriers

Subject to Government approval, it was agreed to erect single-bar double-rail barriers at the bus stops in High-street (Independent Wesleyan Church, old Post Office and railway bridge), High-street South (Wheatsheaf), Skinner’s Hill, foot of St. Mary’s-avenue, and opposite the Oakley Arms. There will be two barriers at the old Post Office, and the total cost of the scheme is estimated at £100.

Coun. Allen asked what other steps would be taken for the control of bus queues if the barriers could not be put up quickly. The lack of control, he said, was “really a scandal.”

The Chairman: You can rest assured that the work will be carried out as soon as the materials are available. I think it will be done quite soon.

Coun. Allen retorted that Government departments worked slowly, and he thought it would be some time before the work was completed. He wanted to know what would be done in the meantime.

“Everything,” said the Chairman, “will be done as quickly as possible.”

Health News Wanted

Coun. Roe said he thought the Council might sometimes be supplied with a little more information about the health of the town. He had looked back at the Health and Sanitary Committee’s reports for the last six months, and there appeared to be a standing report that the health of the town was satisfactory.

They got salvage reports on how many jam-jars had been collected, but they did not get a report about the health of the town.

The Chairman: If the committee think it advisable to circulate details it will be done if it possibly can be.

The Clerk said that some years ago the report of the Medical Officer was set out in full, and the Council in their wisdom at that time decided that it was not necessary. If, however, the Council would now like copies of the Medical Officer’s report, it would be done.

Counj.Waring said they were very close to the darkest season of the year, and would like an appeal to go forth to those who went out early in the morning (as he did), when there were no street lights, asking them to keep to the left of the pavements. The constant collisions through neglect of this rule must be irritating.

Magazine Thefts

Reporting for the quarter ended September 30th, the librarian (Miss M. Perkins) stated that the number of books issued increased by 2,989 as compared with the third quarter of 1941.

The details were: Adult fiction 17,965, adult non-fiction 4,283, juvenile fiction 4,793, juvenile non-fiction 1,682. The total membership was 3,813. One hundred and thirty new books had been added to the library, and 12 presented included two from the Rev. Travers Stony, “On the Churches of Northamptonshire” and “On the River Ouse.”

Owing to thefts it had been necessary to withdraw certain magazines from the reading rooms and supply them only on request.

It was reported that there was every probability of the local Food Office being moved from the Library to the Congregational Schools. This would facilitate the formation of a junior library.

Coun. Bailey said it was obvious from the increased issue of books that extra shelves were required. A sub-committee had been appointed to go into the question.

It was agreed to present medals and bars for long and good service to certain members of the old Fire Brigade.

Arrangements were made for the construction of three more water supply basins of 16,500 gallons capacity by Messrs. Arthur Sanders, Ltd., who submitted the lowest quotation. One will be off West-street, one at the junction of Talbot-road and Park-avenue, and the third on a site near Coffee Tavern-lane.

Invasion Committee

Coun. Cox reported that the Local Invasion Committee had met on three occasions and considered the steps to be taken in case of enemy invasion. He could assure the Council that these arrangements were well in hand.

Every conceivable effort had been made to make sure that the town would be well cared for if such an emergency arose.

After listening to the gas examiner’s report, Coun.Waring observed: “It doesn’t seem to make any difference. They are sending poorer gas, and yet we are getting good reports.”

The Chairman referred to the arrangements for a Civil Defence service at the Ritz cinema next Sunday afternoon, and the Clerk intimated that a large number of people would be taking part in the parade, which will leave Spencer Park at 2.15. The Council members were invited to attend the service and witness the arrival of the procession.

It was announced that the closing hours for shops until March 6th would be the same as last winter: - Barbers and hairdressers, late days 8 p.m., other days 7 p.m.; other shops, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., other days (except the half-holiday) 6 p.m.

Dr. Davies was informed that chemists had power to keep open to a later hour.

Purchase of a new heating boiler for the Public Library was approved.

Rushden March of 1,000 Civil Defenders - Service at Ritz Cinema

A Civil Defence force which won its spurs two years ago turned out in impressive strength at Rushden on Sunday afternoon and marched through thick, unbroken lines of onlookers to the Ritz Theatre for a service in keeping with the national Civil Defence Sunday.

This parade of more than a thousand men, women and young people was carried out economically without the use of petrol, for every unit was on foot, and the only locomotive equipment on view was a small group of bicycles, pushed by messenger boys. Another “austerity” feature was the presence of only one brass band (Salvation Army and Mission combined), which made the most of itself by marching in the middle of the procession.

Pride of place was given to the police – regulars, war reserves and specials – who marched behind the marshal (Mr. A. J. Sturgess) and were headed by Inspector Valentine, special Inspector Chamberlain, Sgt. Thompson and Sgt.Tansley.

Col. V. H. Sykes and Capt. Attley, of the 8th Northamptonshire Battalion, led a large contingent of the Home Guard, the N.F.S. (men only) following under Company Officer A. P. Timpson.

Men of the British Legion, led by Mr. E. Bennett, included a sailor in uniform.

Blue Berets

Capt. J. Marshall Bailey, M.C., M.B.E., was at the head of the A.R.P. contingent, comprising the cyclists and Report Centre staff, the Wardens (under Mr. Malcolm Boyd and wearing their new dark blue berets), the Rescue and Demolition Squad (Mr. Harrison), the Casualty Service (Dr. D. G. Greenfield), the First Aid Post nurses (Miss W. M. Clipson), the newly enrolled Nursing Cadets (Miss T. P. B. Dawes) and the Women’s Voluntary Services.

The arrival of the procession at the Ritz was watched from the steps by the Urban Council members.

When the service began the large cinema was almost full. On one side of the stage seats were taken by Couns. W. J. Sawford, J.P. (chairman), Mrs. Muxlow, W. E. Capon, J. Roe, F. Green, J.P., H. Waring, A. H. Bailey, J. H. J. Paragreen, J. T. Richardson, J.P., J. Allen, T. W. Cox, E. A. Sugars and Dr. R. W. Davies, with the Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson). In a group of ministers were the Rev. E. A. Green (Rector of St. Mary’s), the Vicar of St. Peter’s (Rev. Edwin Hirst), Chaplain Ware and Pastor E. Crew, of the Full Gospel Church. Four of the Free Church ministers were unavoidably absent, all having out-of-town engagements.

Col. Sykes, Capt. Attley and Lieut. A. F. Weale (who is vice-chairman of the R.U.D.C.) represented the Home Guard.

The Adult School Male Voice Choir, which has more than 20 members away on fighting service, led the singing, with Mr. S. T. Beal at the pianoforte.

Screen Used

There was hearty singing of the four hymns, “O God, our help in ages past,” “Let saints on earth in concert sing,” “Fight the good fight” and “Jesu, lover of my soul.” The words of the hymns were shown on the screen, which was used further for the General Thanksgiving and Supplication. During the central group of prayers a picture of Christ at Gethsemane appeared, and at the Benediction a painting of the Crucifixion.

Chaplain Ware read the lesson, and the Rector, who conducted the service generally, offered prayers for those who have been fighting in the Middle East, the Civil Defence forces, the King, leaders and allies, the sick and wounded, prisoners, exiles, the homeless, the anxious and the bereaved.

Before the intercessions Mr. C. T. M. Francis conducted his choir in “The Crusaders” and “Comrades’ Song of Hope,” these bringing back pleasant memories of pre-war days.

In an address which held the close attention of all, the Rev. Edwin Hirst suggested that “Service” was the one word which summed up the theme for the day. Service had no other end than that of saving others.

Army At Home

Surveying the work of “our large Home Front non-combatant army,” Mr. Hirst said:-

“We think of the drivers whose tanks are ambulances, fire engines and mobile canteens. We think of engineer sappers whose arms are the picks, shovels and crowbars of rescue parties and demolition squads. Then we turn to the Home Guard of our streets – wardens and fire-watchers. There are the artillery-men whose guns are fire hoses and whose limbers are rescue ladders. There is also the R.A.M.C. of our First Aid Posts.

“These are but a few of those engaged in Civil Defence, and the list could be extended in many ways. They form an unarmed army to save others. Of this army, many deeds of heroism, hazard, self-denial and self-forgetfulness could be told.

“I speak from experience – I lived through 92 days of the blitz on London, and know what it means. All honour to them; all credit to them. They have saved thousands of lives.

“What this little town has seen in this connection is but a miniature of what has been painted on the larger canvasses of the story of our raided cities and towns. The courage of Coventry, the pluck of Plymouth, the defiance of Dover, the steadfastness of Southampton and the lasting resolution of London will stand out for centuries when this war is seen by posterity in its true perspective as a grim episode in history.”

After The War

Civil Defence was national in its scope. The staff of one area was to go to the help of another if there was danger or need. They were members one of another and were fulfilling the dictum, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.”

They had been reminded that the task of the Civil Defence Services might not be done. They had been warned that they might expect perhaps greater and deadlier raids than they had ever known. But there would be a time when the war was ended, and what was to happen then?

They had seen deeds of untold heroism done by men and women, youths and maidens alike. It would be criminal to allow these noble impulses of service to evaporate when the war was won. This would be a test of their fitness as a nation to lead or even take a part in re-shaping the world.

The early years of this century saw a feverish straining after material things. It was believed that the world would be turned into a paradise by material comforts, scientific progress, secular education, labour saving devices, social services, more leisure, amusements. Little or no attention was given on a national scale to moral or religious standards.

Then the rot set in. Home life began to degenerate. Happiness was thought to be something they could buy with a ticket to go in somewhere, rather than as a disposition of the heart and mind.

Youth’s Demand

Now, at last, the best of our youth was demanding a new standard, and above all something to believe in. Scientific materialism and modern humanism pointed to no higher order than that of fallen humanity. The tale of events in Central Europe told of the degradation to which man could fall in misery, wickedness and evil.

But they also knew the heights to which man could attain when he had a true belief and the help of the living God. The challenge came to them as a nation to reshape their standards, their outlook, their conduct, and above all to revise their spiritual values. The Church must be the spearhead of it all and must make the selfish and the wrongdoers feel uncomfortable at times. She was bound to arouse the hostility of the exploiter, the slacker, the rogue and the person of evil life.

The service ended with the National Anthem, and a retiring collection was taken to defray expenses and provide a balance for the Prisoners of War Fund.