Rushden Research Group: Rushden School of Motoring part 2

Information from Ellen Inwood, presented by Kay Collins

Rushden School of Motoring - part 2

In 1963 Ellen Inwood was taken on, as receptionist, by Don Wills at Palace Motors.
At a celebration for the company's 50 years, in 2007, she wrote this brief history:

Thank you all for coming, as this is a very special year for the driving school 50 years. We are two instructors missing due to other commitments.

It was established in 1957 by our special guests Don and June Wills. I joined them in 1963, then later Graham joined, and later still, Julie and even later still Josie, Linda, Steve, Tracey, Bob, Tony, David, and Paul joined the team. We have had others come and go not to be mentioned, and of course a few retirements.

In 1987 Don and June retired and we kept going and of course hope to keep doing so. The Rushden School of Motoring has been teaching people to drive for 50 years and still going strong!

So let's hope Linda can do the next 50 years as she is the youngest instructor.

This brings us to 2007 let’s hope the next year will be successful and we will continue to work as a team. Thank you all. Ellen, Graham, and Linda.

Static Steering Equipment

c 1964 Ellen with Brian Osborn

Concentrated Practice in Private Office
Reduce time normally spent on the road – Save Money

50p per Lesson – ask Your Instructor for Details

Ellen Inwood & her husband Graham - both driving instructors

1957 Triumph Mayflower and then Standard 10's

John Palmer was Rushden School of Motoring's first employed instructor. The first driving school car, a Triumph Mayflower, was soon joined by two Austin 10s.

Frank West was the second instructor, and George Valentine - Taxi driver - later became another instructor. Note: 1962/3 - George taught me in the school's first Fiat. KC

l-r: Graham Inwood, Linda Inwood Rogers, Ken Parker, Ellen Inwood
in 1987 when they took over running the business

Evening Telegraph, 24 June 1999

Triplets Hit the Road on Birthday

THIS happy trio are on the right road after marking their 17th birthdays by taking a first driving lesson.

The three cars for the first lessons

Triplets, Laura, Jason and Kim Hewitt were given lessons on the first day they could legally take to the road as a surprise by parents Brian and Ann Hewitt.

Three cars belonging to Ellen Inwood's Rushden School of Motoring rolled up outside the family home in Alexander Road, Irthlingborough.

Mr Hewitt said: "I sent for their licences earlier and of course they had to sign the forms, but they had no idea about the driving lessons."

Jason is already in cars and valets them at Hamblin's Garage in Rushden.

Mr Hewitt said: "The driving licence will be useful to him. Kim and Laura both work for the Griggs shoe company at Irthlingborough."

Carnival Gallery - Driving School

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