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Rushden Echo
later published by the Northamptonshire Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd.

Staff Notes

The "Rushden Argus" was the oldest newspaper in the town, established in 1889.
The "Echo & Free Press" was established in 1897, became the "Rushden Echo" in 1901. In 1928 the two papers were amalgamated as "The Rushden Echo & Argus".
In 1960 the title reverted to "Rushden Echo."

Rushden Echo, 4th January 1901, transcribed by Kay Collins

When Mr Jowitt, the manager of a contemporary, seized 9 months ago a number of copies of a special edition of the Rushden Echo and hid them we let him off lightly: when a few weeks ago, he actually repeated the despicable trick—snatching a number of copies of the Echo from a lad not eight years of age, the poor little boy’s only offence being that he was selling our papers in a perfectly legitimate manner—we again treated Mr. Jowitt most leniently and we overlooked the contemptible action. Since, however, a day or two ago, Mr. Jowitt saw fit to claim for his papers “the most influential circulation,” we are not disposed to let the matter rest, and we publicly challenge him to compare books with us. In Rushden, Higham Ferrers and the villages around, the circulation of the Rushden Echo is more than DOUBLE that of our contemporary, and we shall have pleasure in proving this to Mr. Jowitt, as we did a few years ago to his predecessor.


Rushden Echo, 16th March 1906 — Printed by the Proprietor Chas. Cross, at his printing works, Victoria Road, Rushden.
Rushden Echo, 26th August 1910

"DENHAM’S SELECTION"
Various editions of this hymn book in stock. – C Cross “Echo” Office, Rushden.


Carnival "Echo" boy
Postcard by Chettle c1910 of a lad dressed for a carnival?

Rushden Echo, 27th August 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Journalist – In New Corps

A former member of the reporting staff of the “Rushden Echo” – Mr Horace Waring – has enlisted as a wireless operator to be attached to the Royal Flying Corps. The Wireless Operators’ section is of comparatively recent formation and was obviously instituted to increase the value and efficiency of the R.F.C. Of the limited number of vacancies offered by the War Office, we understand that all are filled. The successful applicants will have a short spell of military training and will then proceed to the G.P.O., or one of the schools that the War Office have commandeered, in order to receive instruction in wireless telegraphy.


Rushden Echo, 26th November 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Soldiers at the front write to us that they want lead pencils. Will some kindly disposed people help us to send them? We can send to the Northants or Bedfordshire Regiments, to the R.W.F.’s, or to the Herefords. For every shilling sent to the “Echo” Office, Rushden, we will forward 18 penny pencils. All contributions will be acknowledged in the “Rushden Echo”.

Rushden Echo, 29th August 1919, transcribed by Kay Collins

Aerial Flight—€”A representative of the "€œRushden Echo" is one of the successful competitors for the last of the "€œDaily News"€ free flights. He will make the flight from Cricklewood Aerodrome tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.


Rushden Echo, 23rd June 1922, transcribed by Kay Collins

Rushden Printers on Holiday - Silver Jubilee of the ‘Rushden Echo’ - A Very Enjoyable Outing and a Pleasing Presentation
We are deeply indebted to the Editor of the “Northampton Daily Echo”, for the more than generous terms in which that journal reports a “Rushden Echo” outing held last Monday, as follows:-

“The 25th anniversary of the ‘Rushden Echo’ under the proprietorship of Mr Charles Cross, C.C., who has also been its editor throughout, was celebrated in a very pleasing manner on Monday last, June 19th, when Mr and Mrs Cross invited the members of the editorial and printing staff, together with a few friends, to join them in an excursion to Stamford, in which town Mr Cross was engaged in journalistic work before coming to Rushden. Many congratulations have been extended to Mr Cross upon the attainment of his silver jubilee in the dual capacity of editor and proprietor, and it was gratifying to past members of his staff as well as to journalistic colleagues to be able to participate in Monday’s celebration.

“The party, numbering some 30 in all, made the journey by road in Mr Robinson’s comfortable char-a-banc, and, leaving Rushden about two o’clock, Stamford was reached soon after four o’clock. Upon arrival tea was taken.

“Mrs Cross and her sister, Miss Butterworth, made charming hostesses, and the tea-table guests spent an agreeable time chatting over experiences of their happy relations with Mr Cross in his journalistic enterprises.

“Past members of the editorial staff who made the journey from Rushden were: Mr Wm. Butcher, of Buckingham; Mr A L Scholes, Bedford; and Mr Bernard Tomkins; whilst at Stamford these were pleased to find awaiting them Mr H Knott, C.C., another old colleague, who is now residing at Stainfield, Bourne. Mr Scholes’ father, a Stamfordian, long connected with the Stamford paper, was also one of the party round the tables, and Mr Walter Malcolm, formerly of the ‘Rushden Echo’ and the ‘Stamford Guardian.’

“At the close of the tea there was an interesting incident, when Mr Cross made a presentation to Mr Tom Pearcey, his machine-man, who has been with him from the start of the ‘Rushden Echo’. The gift, a silver butter dish and silver jam dish, was selected as one that would also be gratifying to Mrs Pearcey, and in handing it over Mr Cross spoke of the loyal and devoted service of his oldest employee. Mr Pearcey made a fitting acknowledgment.

“In a short speech of welcome to his guests Mr Cross mentioned that Mr W W Hadley, editor of the ‘Northampton Mercury’ and ‘Daily Echo’, in a letter expressing regret at being unable to be present, had written. ‘It is no small thing in these days of hustle and bustle and change to complete 25 years in one responsible position. You have so done your work as to win the esteem and trust of all who know you, and I am sure Rushden is much the better for the work you have done there. I send you heartiest congratulations and good wishes and hope, both for you and Mrs Cross, many more years of happy work.

“Mr Wesley Cross, Matlock, editor of the Matlock edition of the ‘Derbyshire Times’ (Mr Cross’s nephew), telegraphed regretting that he was unable to attend to join in the celebration with those with whom he had formerly worked in Rushden.

“After brief complimentary and congratulatory remarks from Mr Knott and from Mr W Holton, of the ‘Northampton Mercury’ and ‘Daily Echo’, the company separated and spent a few hours visiting the many interesting and historic churches and institutions in the town. Refreshments were again served before the return journey was started, and Rushden was safely reached after a lovely ride, before eleven o’clock.”

We desire to add that the pleasure of the outing was greatly enhanced by the comfort of the char-a-banc and the skilful driving of Mr George Robinson, by the judicious choice of route (via Geddington, Bulwick, and Easton-on-the-Hill), through some of the loveliest scenery in Northamptonshire, by the splendid catering of Mr Hensman, of Red Lion-square, Stamford, by Mr Malcolm’s genial and expert guidance to some of the many places of interest in Stamford, and by the great kindness of the Clerk of the Weather.


Rushden Echo and Argus, 26th October 1934, transcribed by Kay Collins

An Explanation

The machine upon which this paper has been printed for several years is being replaced by two large Rotary Presses of the most up-to-date character which are now being specially constructed for the proprietors.

The building alterations necessitated, and the work of erecting the machines will occupy the next three months, during which period we beg the kind indulgence of our readers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary alteration in the format of this journal.



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