Present: Chief Officer R F Knight, 2nd Officer W Packwood, Engineer C Green, Fireman J Whiting, J Sparrow, L Bridgford, H Payne, F Bayes, F Tear, T Smith, A Timson, E Walker, F Underwood.

Proposed by F Bayes

Seconded by H Payne

That each member of the Brigade draw £4 from the £100 presented by Gilbert Robinson Esq. The balance of £48 to go into the Brigade Funds. Carried.

General Meeting held at the Fire Station January 29th 1934

Present: R F Knight Capt, J Whiting, C Green, L Bridgeford, J Sparrow, H Payne, A Timson, T Smith, E Walker, F Bayes, F Tear, F Underwood, A Bailey, F Tassel, T W B Muxlow.

Proposed by E Walker, sec by J Sparrow that Thos Wm B Muxlow be elected Secretary. Carried.

Proposed by L Bridgeford, sec by E Green and carried, that application be made for Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Bars.

Date and nature of North Eastern Competitions was discussed.

Correspondence: A letter was read from Sec Off W Packwood, stating that owing to pressure of business since the death of his father, he tendered his resignation as a […], which was accepted. R F Knight 8/4/35.

Meeting held at the Station June 4th 1934

Present: R F Knight Capt, J Whiting, J Sparrow, L Bridgeford, H Payne, T Smith, F Tear, A Timpson, E Walker, A Bailey, C Green, F Bayes and T Muxlow Sec.

Proposed by L Bridgeford, sec by T Smith that a letter be sent to SO W Packwood asking him to make more regular attendances at the Meetings of the Brigade. Carried.

It was proposed that CO R F Knight should ask the Junior Man Assoc. if it would be convenient to present the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals at the opening of the United Health Services Fete held on June 16th. Carried.

The Secretary was asked to enquire what had been done about the alarm bells for Tassel and Muxlow.

North Eastern District Annual Competition held at Peterborough on 21st May 1934

A team was entered for six of the seven events. Places being gained in five against fifteen competitors.

The placing of the Rushden team(s) were:

1st Place Junior Motor Pump. 1 team only.

1st Place Hook Ladder Drill.

3rd Place Hook Ladder Drill. 2 teams.

2nd Place Senior Motor Pump. 1 team.

2nd Place Escape Drill. 2 teams (including a 5 sec penalty).

4th Place Hose Cart. 1 team.

Annual General Meeting, Fire Station, 9th April 1935

Present: R F Knight, T W Muxlow, J Whiting, C Green, L Bridgeford, F Bayes, E Walker, F Tear, H Underwood, J Sparrow, T Smith, A Bailey and W Timson.

A letter was read from SO W Packwood stating that owing to important business in Northampton, he was unable to attend.

The minutes of the last General Meeting were adopted.

Proposed by F Tear and sec by T Smith, that SO Packwood be invited to attend a meeting of members on 15th April.

The ‘Secretary’s Report’ was read and adopted.

Secretary’s Report

The Brigade attended 16 fires during the last year. Teams were entered again this year for the Annual North Eastern District Competitions, held at Peterborough on Whit Monday, 20th May. Five prizes were won, particulars of which have been recorded.

On June 16th at the United Health Service’s Fete at which the Brigade assisted. Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Bars were presented by Ald C W Horrell CC to the following:

Capt R F Knight Silver Medal 20 yrs service

Fireman J Whiting 2nd Bar to Silver Medal 30 yrs service

Fireman J Sparrow 2nd Bar to Silver Medal 30 yrs service

Fireman L Bridgeford Bar to Silver Medal 25 yrs service

Fireman H Payne Bar to Silver Medal 25 yrs service

Fireman C Green 3rd Bar to Silver Medal 35 yrs service

Fireman F Underwood Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

Fireman T Smith Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

Fireman F Bayes Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

Fireman C Walker Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

Fireman H Timpson Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

Fireman F Tear Bronze Medal 10 yrs service

The Captain and several of the firemen again assisted in the Torch Light Procession organised by the Higham Ferrers Market Day Committee.

The Captain, Secretary and two firemen attended the Annual Meeting of the North Eastern District at Peterborough to fix the place and nature of the Annual Competitions.

The Treasurer presented his report, which showed a credit balance of £99/4/8 for the year.

Proposed by F Tear and sec by L Bridgeford that £10 be sent to the Firemen’s Widows and Orphans Fund.

The Capt read a letter from the sec of the Parade Committee of the King’s Jubilee Celebration Day, inviting the Brigade to take part in the procession.

Business re the Torch Light Procession for the above celebration was discussed.

R F Knight. April 1st, 1936.

The Annual North Eastern District Competitions

Held at Irthlingborough Saturday 6th July 1935

A team was entered for five of the eight competitions.

Places being gained in four events:

Event No 2 Senior Steamer Drill 1st place 25 sec.

Event No 6 Hook Ladder Drill 1st place 1 min 43 3/5 sec.

Event No 6 Hook Ladder Drill (2nd team) 2nd place 1 min 58 2/5 sec.

Event No 7 Junior Motor Pump 2nd place 28 1/5 sec.

Event No 3 Escape Drill 2nd place 54 2/5 sec.

From a newspaper cutting:

‘The Brigade’, continued the report, ‘attended the North Eastern District Competitions held at Irthlingborough on July 6th, and, I am pleased to say, met with great success. Prizes gained were as follows: 1st senior steamer competition, 1st hook ladder competition, 2nd hook ladder competition, 2nd junior motor pump competition, 2nd escape competition. This was the first occasion on which our teams had been successful in the senior steamer competition, having had second prize on at least ten occasions. This year, however, they made no mistake over it and beat the next Brigade by over four seconds. The time recorded for the drill was twenty-five seconds, which was a record for the competition.’

Secretary’s Report

14 Fires were attended by the Brigade last year.

The Brigade took part in the Procession organised to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of H.M. King George V on May 6th last, also organising and leading the Torch Light Procession in the evening of the same day.

Teams were entered again this year for the Annual North Eastern District Competitions held at Irthlingborough on Saturday 6th July.

Prizes being gained in 4 Events, particulars of which have been recorded; though one notable feat bears mention, namely the winning of the Senior Steamer Competition for the first time, after many arduous attempts in the past.

The Brigade were also present at the Proclamation of HM King Edward VIII by the Chairman of the UDC (Coun A Allebone) on January 25th of this year.

In March of this year, the Brigade received with much regret, the resignation of CO R F Knight owing to his departure from the town.

I am sure the Brigade would wish to place on record their appreciation of his long and faithful services since joining as Third Officer in 1912.

The resignation of SO W Packwood having also been received by the Council; the following Offs were duly appointed and accepted by the Brigade.

A P Timpson, Chief Officer

J Whiting, Second Officer

T W B Muxlow, Third Officer & Secretary.

Annual General Meeting Fire Station 1st April 1936

Present: Captain R F Knight, A P Timpson, J Whiting, C Green, L Bridgeford, J Sparrow, F Bayes, E Walker, F Tear, F Underwood, T Smith, A Bailey, H Payne, F Tassel and Sec T W B Muxlow.

The minutes of the last General Meeting were read and adopted.

The Secretary presented his report which on the proposition of F Bayes, seconded by E Walker was unanimously adopted.

A credit balance of £102/7/7 was shown by the Treasurer in his report, which was unanimously adopted on the proposition of A P Timpson, seconded by T Muxlow.

A clock was presented to Captain R F Knight by Eng C Green as an acknowledgment of his services.

It was proposed by T Smith and seconded by F Tear and carried, that R F Knight and W Packwood be asked to become Honorary Members of the Brigade.

Proposed by T Smith and seconded by L Bridgeford and carried, that £10.0 be again sent to the Firemen’s Widows and Orphans Fund.

As a token of the Brigade’s appreciation of her services, it was decided from a proposition by T Muxlow and seconded by F Tear, to obtain a present for Mrs Whiting; details of same to be left until a later date.

A P Timpson CO

Newspaper cutting:

Firemen’s Gift to ex-Chief Officer - Engineer’s Amusing Reminiscences

Mr R F Knight, whose resignation as Chief Officer of the Rushden Fire Brigade was announced last month, received a farewell gift from his old colleagues at the fire Station on Wednesday evening.

There was a full turn-up of members, and the company also included Mr A Allebone JP CC (Chairman of the Council), Mr W L Beetenson (Clerk), Chief Officer A P Timpson, 2nd Officer J Whiting and 3rd Officer and Secretary T Muxlow.

Engineer Claude Green, the oldest member, presented Mr Knight with an oak clock inscribed as follows “Presented to Chief Officer R F Knight by the members of the Rushden Fire Brigade in appreciation of his service, 1912-1936”.

Mr Green said the parting with their Chief Officer after 23 years of happy service broke the link with the Knight family, who had been connected with the Brigade from the very commencement and given the town about 60 years’ service. He traced the progress of the Brigade from the days when the old manual was housed in Butcher Smith’s yard and recalled that in the old days, when horses were used, they thought nothing of standing in the station from half to three quarters of an hour before they got away to a fire.

Once, said Mr Green, a member had to ask the driver whether he thought he was attending a fire or a funeral.

In his reply Mr Knight thanked the Brigade for their gift and good wishes and congratulated his successor.

On the proposition of the new Chief Officer Mr Knight and Mr W Packwood (late Second Officer) were appointed as honorary members.

After the ceremony Mr Knight entertained the Brigade to a social evening.

Annual North Eastern District Competitions

Held at Spalding June 1st 1936

A team was entered for five of the eight events. Places being gained in three.

Newspaper cutting:

Fire Brigade’s Success. - Rushden’s Splendid Win in Competitions.

Appointed Chief Officer of the Rushden Fire Brigade a few weeks ago, Mr A P Timpson helped his men to secure some brilliant successes in the North-Eastern District Competitions.

Chief Officer Timpson has for some years been the “star” man in the drills, taking the running of the ladder in the escape event and the two-length and breaching part in the senior steamer and senior and junior motor pump drills. This year he appeared in the team for the last time, and Rushden had a great day.

For the second year in succession Rushden won the Londesborough Cup (the biggest trophy in the competition) for the senior steamer drill, their time being 20 2/5 secs.

They also retained the Martin Cup which they have won on nine occasions, for the hook ladder drill, against a much larger opposition than for many years. This event was run after a very severe rainstorm which made the tower and all the apparatus very slippery, but the time of 1 min. 48 secs. was a good one, and 4½ secs. quicker than that of Kettering, who finished second.

Rushden rounded off the day’s work by finishing third in the senior motor pump after tying for second place with Peterborough Volunteers in 28 4/5 secs.

The Rushden team consisted of CO Timpson, Second Officer J Whiting, Firemen H Bailey, F Underwood, F Tear, L Bridgeford and T Smith. Third Officer T Muxlow is the secretary.

Meeting held at Fire Station December 21st 1936

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3 Off & Sec T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, J Sparrow, T Smith, L Bridgeford, F Tear, F Bayes, F Underwood, F Tassell, J Peck and W Windsor.

It was proposed by J Sparrow and seconded by F Tear that all members should assemble not later than 7.30 pm for ‘Cleaning Up’ purposes.

Members not complying with this rule cannot be paid, unless adequate reasons are furnished.

A P Timpson C/O

Meeting held at Fire Station 4th January 1937

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd O T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, J Sparrow, T Smith, L Bridgeford, F Tear, F Bayes, F Underwood.

Proposed by L Bridgeford and seconded by F Tear and carried, that W Windsor and J Peck be accepted into the Brigade, in accordance with Rule No 4.

Secretary’s Report

I regret to state that only 9 fires were attended during the whole of last year, and practically half of these were only one man jobs.

Teams were again entered for the North Eastern District Competitions held at Spalding on the 1st June.

Teams were entered in 5 of the 8 events and prizes being gained in 3. The Brigade were very fortunate to have the services of CO A P Timpson, who, though having the added responsibility of Captain, came nobly to the rescue in all the events.

The most pleasing achievement was the retaining of the ‘Londesborough Cup’ for the Senior Steamer for the second year in succession.

The Brigade this year re-opened negotiations in the local Hose Cart Competition, and, considering the almost entirely new team, did quite well; obtaining prizes at Irthlingborough and Stanwick.

We appointed two new members this year in W Windsor and J Peck who have settled in and are making good progress.

Two ‘Sparklet Resuscitator Apparatuses’ were added to the equipment of the Brigade, and lectures were taken in Artificial Respiration so that the apparatus could be applied to its fullest advantage.

CO A P Timpson and 3rd Off T W B Muxlow obtained their certificates in Air Raid Precaution, and CO Timpson also passed the full 4 days instructor course at Northampton.

A Series of weekly lectures were given this Winter by CO Timpson to the members and CWS Brigade on Air Raid Precaution.

Though actually not yet here, we hope in the near future, to add another Motor Pump with Escape combined to the equipment of the Brigade, to help maintain the high standard of efficiency at present held by the Brigade.

Annual General Meeting Fire Station 7th April 1937

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd Off Sec T W B Muxlow, F Bayes, T Smith, C Green, F Tear, L Bridgeford, J Peck, J Sparrow, F Tassell and F Underwood.

The minutes of the last General Meeting were read and adopted.

The Secretary read his report which was unanimously adopted.

Chief Officer Timpson presented the Balance Sheet which showed a credit balance of £64/9/1. It was proposed by F Tear and seconded by T Smith and carried that the report be adopted.

It was proposed by SO J Whiting and seconded by L Bridgeford and carried that £10/10/0 be again sent to the Widow and Orphans Fund.

From a proposition by F Tear and seconded by SO Whiting it was decided to obtain a Wedding present for A Bailey. The choice of same to be left to the Captain. A P Timpson C/O.

Annual North Eastern District Competitions held at Beeston 5th June 1937

Teams were entered for six of the eight events. Places being gained in four of them.

Newspaper cutting:

FIRE BRIGADE-At the annual competitions held by the North Eastern District of the National Fire Brigades Association at Beeston, Notts., on Saturday, the Rushden Brigade team, commanded by Chief Officer A P Timpson, finished second in the hook-ladder drill (115 seconds), third in the hose cart drill (32 4/5 seconds), and fourth in the senior motor-pump (29 4/5 seconds) and junior motor-pump (30 seconds). Good performances were registered in each of the six events entered, and in view of the fact that Mr Timpson, for several years the “star” ladder man, was not in the teams this time, the Brigade had reason to be well satisfied.’

Meeting held at Fire Station 4th October 1937

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd O Sec T W B Muxlow, L Bridgeford, C Green, F Tassell, F Tear, T Smith and J Felce.

It was proposed by L Bridgeford and seconded by T Smith and carried, that £5 be granted to CO A P Timpson for expenses incurred at the National Fire Brigade Association Camp held at Lowestoft.

Secretary’s Report

17 Fires were attended during the Year from April 1937-1938.

The Brigade again entered teams for the North Western District Competitions held this year at Beeston, Notts. On June 5th whilst not quite as successful as in former years owing to the loss of our star man, Capt Timpson, the Brigade succeeded in gaining places in four of the six events entered.

Teams were again entered for the local Hose-cart Competitions at Raunds, Irthlingborough, Finedon, Burton Latimer and Huntingdon during the Summer, and were successful in gaining prizes at Raunds and Huntingdon.

Capt Timpson attended the National Fire Brigade Association Camp at Lowestoft in July, and was successful in obtaining the certificate of proficiency in the subsequent examination dealing with Air Raid Precaution, from lectures given during the camp. Valuable hints in fire fighting were also obtained.

The Brigade participated in the Coronation Celebrations of King George VI, and were responsible for a very excellent Fire-Work display to round off the proceedings.

The great event of the year was the arrival of the new Combined Escape and Motor Pump for which the Brigade has been striving to obtain for a number of years, and great credit is due to Capt Timpson for so greatly hastening this object.

Complete tests have been carried out during the course of the year and complete satisfaction has been obtained in every way; which will further help to maintain the high standards of efficiency always connected with the Rushden Fire Brigade.

Annual General Meeting held at Fire Station 4th April 1938

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd O & Sec T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, J Sparrow, L Bridgeford, F Bayes, T Smith, F Underwood, A Bailey, F Tassell, W Windsor and J Peck, F Tear.

The Minutes of the last General Meeting were read and adopted.

The Secretary read his report which was adopted.

CO A P Timpson presented his financial report and balance sheet which showed a small decrease from the previous year, the credit balance being £51/8/10. The treasurer explained that the decrease was caused by the heavy travelling expenses etc. for the NE District Competitions held at Beeston, Notts. He mentioned that an effort would be made to rectify this this coming year. On the proposition by F Tear and seconded by J Sparrow the report was unanimously adopted.

It was proposed by T Smith and seconded by F Tear that £10 be sent to the Widows’ and Orphan’s Fund, the balance of 10/- to be made up by subscriptions and the box placed in the Station for that purpose.

A vote of thanks was proposed by F Underwood and seconded by F Bayes and carried to the Secretary for his services.

CO Timpson proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Whiting from the Chair, which was carried with good acclamation, and a sum of 13/- was collected for her in appreciation of her work.

The Captain announced the substitution of the National Motor Pump Drill for the Senior Steamer Drill for this years competitions to be held at Stamford.

A P Timpson CO.

Meeting held at Fire Station June 10th 1938

Present: CO A P Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd Off Sec T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, L Bridgeford, J Sparrow, T Smith, A Bailey, F Underwood, F Tassell F Tear, W Windsor.

It was proposed by J Whiting and seconded by T Smith that all Firemen attending Competitions must leave the Rushden Fire Station in uniform to receive their travelling expenses. This was carried after an amendment had been moved against it, only the proposer and seconder voting for the amendment.

From a proposition by T Smith, seconded by L Bridgeford it was unanimously agreed to grant CO A P Timpson the sum of £5 or thereabouts to supplement the grant from Council for the National Fire Brigade Assn. Camp to be held at Guilford on July 2nd.

Silver & Bronze Medals & Bars 1st November 1938

The following medals and bars were applied for:

Captain A P Timpson Bronze Bar 15 years

SO J Whiting Silver Bar 30 years

Fireman C Green 2 Silver Bars 50 years

Fireman J Sparrow Silver Bar 35 years

Fireman L Bridgeford Silver Bar 30 years

Fireman T Smith Bronze Bar 15 years

Fireman F Bayes Bronze Bar 15 years

Fireman F Tear Bronze Bar 15 years

Fireman F Underwood Bronze Bar 15 years

Fireman A Bailey Bronze Medal 10 years.

Secretary’s Report

7 Fires were attended only during the year from April 1938 to 1939.

Teams were again entered for the Annual Competition of the North-Eastern District held this year at Stamford in June, but owing to having a new team we were unfortunately not quite as successful as usual, gaining only second place in the Hook Ladder Drill. But on the other hand valuable experience was obtained, which will greatly help this year.

Teams were again entered for the local Hose Cart Competitions at Irthlingborough, Finedon and Huntingdon during the Summer.

The Brigade ran a very successful Dry Motor Pump competition in connection with the United Health Services’ Fete held in the Hall Grounds on 16th July. There was a very good entry of 18 teams from a wide area, and the members are to be congratulated in helping to its success. Rushden No. 2 team succeeded in gaining 3rd place.

CO Timpson again attended the NFB Assoc Annual Camp at Guilford in July, and was successful in obtaining the Certificate for Chemistry as applied the Fire Service at the subsequent examination from lectures received at the camp.

Training was commenced in September of the Auxiliary Firemen under CO Timpson, and classes have been well attended. Of the 31 Firemen enrolled in the First class, who are very keen and interested members. We hope to train a subsequent 20 of which we have 10 recruits. Mrs Whiting and her daughter have been enrolled into the AFS as watch room attendants.

The Regular members have also received Gas Respirator training and have been issued with their ‘War-time’ Respirators.

CO Timpson and 3rd O Muxlow have attended a course on Decontamination and have succeeded in passing the examination, and will receive their certificates later.

At the Annual Supper, Medals and Bars were presented by the Chairman of the Council, Mr Fred Green to the various members as per particulars already recorded; and particular reference and congratulations were made by the Chairman to Eng. C Green on the remarkable achievement of 50 yrs service to the Brigade.

CO Timpson, 2nd O Whiting and 3rd O Muxlow attended the Annual Meeting of the North Eastern District at Peterborough in February, and were able to obtain several valuable points from the two Home Office gentlemen in attendance.

The equipment of the Fire Brigade was further augmented by the addition of the Motor Van which has been fitted to our requirements, and it is a great help towards maintaining the efficiency and high standard always associated with the Rushden Fire Brigade.

Annual General Meeting held at the Fire Station 17th April 1939

Present: CO AP Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd O/Sec T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, J Sparrow, L Bridgeford, T. Smith, F Bayes, F Underwood, A Bailey, F Tassell & J Peck.

The minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and confirmed.

The secretary presented his report, which was unanimously adopted from a proposition by J Sparrow, seconded by F Tassell.

CO Timpson the submitted his report and balance sheet which showed a small profit on the year, and when one or two small items had been settled, would show a credit balance of £53/3/4. He mentioned that it had been hoped for a larger profit but owing to several necessary items this would not be possible, from the ruling of the North Eastern District of the National Fire Brigade at their Annual Meeting in February.

No other business being presented, the meeting was then closed.

A P Timpson, C/O. April 8, 1940.

Annual General Meeting held at Fire Station 8th April 1940

Present: CO AP Timpson, SO J Whiting, 3rd O & Sec T W B Muxlow, Firemen C Green, J Sparrow, L Bridgeford, T Smith, F Tear, F Bayes, A Bailey & F Tassell.

The minutes of the last Annual Meeting having been read by the Secretary, were duly confirmed and signed by the Chief Officer.

The Secretary presented his report which was formally adopted on the motion of C Green, seconded by J Sparrow.

CO Timpson presented the balance sheet for the year’s workings, which showed a profit of approx £10 for the year, closing with a credit balance of £61/17/3 on the 31st March. On a proposition by J Sparrow and seconded by T Smith the balance sheet was unanimously adopted by the meeting. There were no matters arising on this subject.

A short report was then submitted by CO Timpson in which he thanked all the Officers and Firemen for their work and cooperation during the year, personally thanking the Secretary for his help in this exceptional year. He also referred to the question of the collections this year, fearing that we should almost certainly be down in receipts in this direction. This was the reason for establishing a sports fund from the proceeds of the dances.

Three members of the Brigade would soon be joining the ranks of the fighting forces, and he wished on behalf of the Brigade and himself to extend to them the ‘best of luck’, adding that of course their Death Levies would be paid in their absence.

Following an open discussion by the meeting, it was resolved to put up a notice asking Auxiliary Firemen to contribute a little in the Visitor’s Box each game on the billiard table to help to defray wear and tear.

No other business being presented, the meeting was closed. A P Timpson C/O.

Secretary’ Report

16 Fires were attended by the Brigade during the year ending 31st March 1940.

The North Eastern District Competitions, which this year were held at Market Harborough in May, were attended by the Brigade. Teams were entered in five events, and prizes being gained in four. The fifth place being reached in the other event; all results being duly recorded in the Minute Book.

Teams were again entered for the Local Hose Cart Competitions, and though no prizes were actually gained, many good runs were made. The outbreak of hostilities unfortunately necessitated the cancellation of our Dry Motor Pump Drill arranged to take place in the Hall in September.

Thanks to the co-operation of the Council, CO Timpson again attended the National Fire Brigades’ Association Annual Camp held this year at Colwyn Bay in July, and was able to gain much useful knowledge from the lectures given there on General Fire Fighting and ARP work.

Training was completed in August of the 30 Auxiliary Firemen and 2 Lady Watchroom Attendants, and badges and certificates were kindly presented by the Chairman of the Council (Coun A E Sugars) at a subsequent dinner. A further class was started immediately, and today we have 69 trained and partly trained Auxiliaries, including Lorry drivers, Messengers, and Watchroom Attendants.

The Auxiliary Fire Station has now been completed and four trailer pumps with all ladders, hose and etcs. are housed in a state of readiness.

The Brigade has taken part in several exercises in connection with Air Raid Precautions, and have proved themselves to be thoroughly efficient.

A contingent of Officers and Firemen attended a parade organised in aid of the Widows and Orphans’ Fund, held at Grantham. A very successful dance was run by the Brigade in the Athletic Club for this same cause on Leap Year night. So great was the success that a further dance was arranged for Easter week, which proved almost as large a success. Very many thanks are due to all the members of the Brigade who contributed to this achievement.

Nearly 200 Factory Fire Watch Parties have been trained in fire fighting and incendiary bomb control, under the Civil Defence Act, and lectures and drills on the same subjects have been given to 15 soldiers of the 4th Northants Regiment.

Since the outbreak of war the Brigade has been very active and 1 Fireman and 2 Lady Watchroom Attendants have been on the County Air Raid warning list, a 24 hour service thereby being maintained.

Firemen and Auxiliaries have attended for duty each evening at the Local cinemas since their re-opening, in accordance with the regulations.

CO Timpson, 2nd Off Whiting and 3rd Off Muxlow attended the Annual Meeting of the North Eastern District at Peterborough in March.

This has been an outstanding year in the history of the Brigade, and under the excellent leadership of CO Timpson the proper value of the Brigade has been realized in the town. Should the full powers of the Brigade be called upon and the metal of the Brigade put to the test, we can be certain that the high standard of efficiency always associated with the Brigade will be upheld, and any situation quickly and systematically tackled!

Secretary’s Report for Year 1940-1941

23 Fires mostly chimney fires have been answered during the Year. All were got under control quickly and efficiently.

The efficiency and smooth working of the Brigade has left nothing to be desired.

Three members of the Brigade have joined the Forces. 3rd Off T W B Muxlow, Firemen J Pack and R Windsor, all of whom we wish a speedy return.

Owing to the law no competitions have been held this year, but the Air Raid alert has kept the Brigade busy. These alerts have caused the Brigade to stand by on numerous occasions, which have been attended with speed and quickness.

A matter of 40 Lectures and Demonstrations on Incendiary Bomb Control have been held during the year for the benefit of the Public and Factory Fire Parties and various drills have taken place.

Altogether a busy and successful year.

The Annual General Meeting was held at the Fire Station on Monday April 14th (1941) at 7.30 pm with CO A P Timpson in the Chair and the members of the Brigade in attendance.

The report was presented, the Balance Sheet read and adopted on the proposition of J Sparrow, seconded by L Bridgeford. A discussion took place and certain points were raised concerning reimbursement for lost pay during day alerts and sustenance allowance too. The benefits were explained as allowed by HQ schedule and these matters being settled to the satisfaction of the members.

It has been decided if possible to a Dance in aid of the NFBA Widows and Orphans fund, failing which £10/10/0 would be sent from the Brigade Funds. Proposed by L Bridgeford, seconded by T Smith.

It was decided to hold monthly drills besides the usual [….] and protective clothing exercises, this proving a popular suggestion.

No other business needing attention the meeting was closed.

Annual General Meeting held at The Fire Station on Tuesday April 15th 1941

Those Present: CO A P Timpson, 2nd O J W Whiting, SL A J Green and members of the Rushden AFS.

The meeting was opened by CO A P Timpson who, in a short speech, praised the men for their energy and enterprise and gave plans for the future with regard to Action Stations, Rations etc.

The Secretary’s Report was presented and the Balance Sheet was discussed and a credit of £14/5/0½ was shown. On the proposition of LF S Newton and seconded by F G Bollard the Balance Sheet was adopted.

It was decided to hold a Dance on May 15 in the Legion Hall, also a One Man Drill competition, to help with the funds. F S Clifton proposed and F F Swingler seconded the motion of having the same dance committee who worked so well in the management of the previous Dances.

LF G Gray thanked all the men for their passed services since the formation of the AFS and he was confident that they would carry on in the future as in the past.

After several questions had been asked and satisfactorily answered the Meeting was closed. A P Timpson.