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Rushden Echo, 27th August 1909, transcribed by Peter Brown |
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Cycle Parade & Gala
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1909
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Cycle Parade and Gala at Rushden Rushden, Saturday, August 21. A dense mass of humanity! Not a mass of dense humanity, mark you, for these people who are pouring into the streets of Rushden in their thousands have their wits about them. They are fully alert. Has Rushden ever witnessed such a throng? Everybody who is asked the question replies in the negative. The biggest conglomeration of people ever seen in the town. That seems to be the universal opinion. And what are we here for? Of course, to witness the great cycle parade about which the hoardings of Rushden and every place for miles around have been eloquent for weeks past. We have had parades and processions in Rushden before, but never one like this. Never so many people to witness it. Never a parade so well worth witnessing. “Nothing like this in Wellingborough.” Says one. “And I’ve never seen anything to approach it at Kettering, or even in Northampton,” says another. And truthfully too. A striking spectacle – so says everybody, and What Everybody Says must be true. Mounted marshals in Yeomanry uniform, bands galore, cyclists I fantastic costumes and cycles embellished almost beyond recognition. Church and State go together. King Charles I separated by only a few yards from a modern letter box or a German airship. Talk about the lion and the lamb—the old smile isn’t “in it” compared with the Rushden Cycle Parade. Dutchman and Zulu, Suffragette and Uncle Tom (without his cabin). “Fifty years ago” and modern pierrots almost arm-in-arm. Beaverstock’s Big Bargains and Wood Milne Shoeshines cheek by jowl. Knight in armour and Jack-in-the-box take step by step. Surely Rushden has never before seen such a mixture. The centuries are getting mixed up; nationalities are merging, or, at any rate, fraternising; geography is turned into Topsy-Turvey-Dom. Jellies and gipsy girls, Patchwork and Puck, Folly and flower girls, Zulu boy and two little girls in blue. “I’ve never seen anything like it” says one, and the bystanders agree. And then the perspiring crowds—perspiring but good natured; pushing, squeezing, running, halting, but still good natured; hurrying, scurrying, but thoroughly good-natured; talking, joking, laughing, ever good-natured. Why, the crowd itself is worth seeing, apart from the “show.” What’s that? “Hard lines”? Yes, there’s a lad under 16, with his first cigaretts, and the Limb of the Law has grasped him. Fairies and Welsh women on good terms with each other. Flowers vie with postage stamps as decorative material. Still the procession winds its way along the street—Maypole dancers, Lads’ Brigades, Trade Unionist, Fire Brigade, Boy Scouts, Gymnasium classes. The head of the procession has long since been out of sight, and we cannot even hear the half-dozen brass bands that have passed, but still the processionists troop merrily along. No one seems out of temper in spite of the crowd. Now the Comic Parties come tripping gaily by. The costers’ picnic group—surely they have just come down from London, true to life. And the Suffragettes, off to prison, with the West in the Barn Band (the name seems almost familiar in our band contesting town of Rushden) and the Band of the Thirst-First playing never-to-be-forgotten music to cheer the Government-hecklers in their journey to Holloway Gaol. And the end is not yet, for the tradesmen’s “turn-outs” now put in an appearance, followed by L’Entente Cordiale between England and France; Faith, Hope, Charity; then, charming mixture, Girl Scouts. And to wind up the procession, decorated cart-horses in harness, and some of the smartest light “Turn-outs” that anyone would wish to see. And, as the processionists procession, the collectors collect, and the object of the collection is the Rushden Guild of Help—a noble organisations, deserving of the support of the crowd, big as it is. “Make it an annual event” cries the crowd—and more unlikely things have happened than that in progressive and enterprising Rushden. A Favoured Function Delightful weather on the whole favoured the cycle parade, horse show, fete, and gala, held at Rushden on Saturday last in aid of the funds of the Rushden Guild of Help. Sandwiched between pouring wet days, Saturday morning was flooded with delightful sunshine, and the promise of the early morning was in the main fulfilled, only a few light showers falling – and they came after the parade was over. The function was not decided upon until eight or ten weeks ago, but the intervening weeks were filled up with desperately hard work on the part of the committee – composed almost entirely of level-headed Working Men And the arrangements were of an exceptionally complete character. Flags were flying from various shops and other buildings, but, appropriately enough, the principal street decorations were in the neighbourhood of the hon. Secretary of the parade, Mr J Robshaw Brooke. A large number of paper “balloon” figures of Japanese design had been lent by Mr A Tullett, manager of Messrs Lilley and Skinner’s Rushden warehouse, and early in the morning the “balloons” were suspended across the street for some distance, the work being carried out by Messrs A Tullett, J Robshaw Brooke, H Cartwright, H Bates, J Bugby, H Evans and others. The effect was striking in the extreme, and the display was greatly admired by the sightseers. The Object The programme contained the following “Forwards” by the Vice-chairman which will show the financial object of the parade:- “The prevalence of distress in Rushden during the past few winters proved the urgent necessity for some permanent organisation which would seek to render assistance to the unemployed or partially employed inhabitants of the town, and thus help them to tide over the period of stress. Such an organisation was formed under the title of “The Rushden Distress Committee.” This was eventually merged, on the initiative of Mr G H Parkin, into a larger organisation called “The Rushden Guild of Help.” It is to aid the funds of this Guild of help that the present cycle parade is being held. Last winter the Guild of Help, with Mr W G F Kingston as hon. secretary, did valuable work in Rushden in alleviating distress, and many families would have been on the very Verge of Starvation but for the timely assistance of the Guild. Nearly 100 families received help in one form or another, and between £90 and £100 was disbursed. Unfortunately the coffers of the Guild are now empty, and, in consequence, the benevolent work of the organisation has of necessity been in abeyance for the last few months. It is felt that the work of the Guild will, during the coming winter, have to be extended rather than curtailed, and it is regarded as imperative that the committee of the Guild of help should have a substantial sum in hand to meet calls which are almost certain to be made on them. The Cycle Parade Committee cordially thank all who have so far rendered any assistance in the present effort, and heartily commend the object to the practical sympathy of all.” The Officials Where all worked so well, it would be scarcely fair to make distinctions, but a special ... of praise must certainly be paid to the conspicuous energy and great organising ability displayed by the Chairman, the Secretary, and the Treasurer. Others worked with equal willingness, and the arrangements were made without any friction whatever. The officials were:- Chairman – Councillor W Bazeley Vice-chairman – Mr C Cross Treasurer – Mr W G F Kingston Hon secretary – Mr J Robshaw Brooke Assistant secretary – Mr H Fisher Emergency committee – Messrs Bazeley, Cross, Kingston and Brooke Programme secretary – Mr A E Long General committee – Messrs A Bellamy, C Clayton, Sanders, L Lack, J T Knighton, T Hankins, E W Elsdon, A Prigmore, S Newell, C Mason, A Gilbert, E Richardson, F Smith, J A Parker, E Partridge, A W Neville, B V Page, Grohman, J Tuffrey, E Mobbs, Drage, E Rootham, H Boswell, G Barwick, A Hales, E Knibbs, G Wingrove, G A McCleod, C Hardwick, John Greaves, Max Stringer, J Bennett, Roberts, F Ball, Livesay, F Cave, H Gibbs, J Blunt,, E Shouler, W Jaques, S Upton, E Freeman, H Thomson, H Roberts, P A Bandey, J Barker, H Mackness, John Spencer, A Tullett, and others. The Judging Mr Robert Marriott kindly lent his very suitable field near the railway station for the judging, and here the difficult work of adjudication was carried out with wonderful expedition by the judges who were as follow:-
List of Prizes
W Ainge, Wellingborough Zulu boy, aged 5 years 1 month The Procession Shortly after 3pm a start was made with the procession, which was witnessed by thousands of people. The police led the way, and as marshals, help of the most valuable .... was given by members of the Rushden Troop of Yeomanry, mounted and in uniform, under the command of Corporal G A McLeod, the chief marshal. Mr G H Skinner, J.P., Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, who wore his medal as a member of the old Duke of Manchester’s Volunteer Regiment, acted as grand marshal, and other mounted marshals were Messrs Percy Collins, Smith, jun., Chas Gray, F Hollis, Ewart Sanders, and William Horrell. The Order of the procession was as follows:- Rushden Temperance Band; gent’s decorated cycles and riders; Mr J E Smith’s Maypole girls; gentlemen’s humorous characters; Church Lads’ Band and Brigade; workers’ decorated brake; gentlemen’s advertisement get-up; gentlemen’s novel character without cycle; Rushden Town Band; Rushden Fire Brigade and engines under the command of Captain F Knight, J.P.; C.W.S. Fire Brigade; Boy Scouts; ladies’ decorated cycles and riders; ladies’ advertisements get-up; ladies’ novel get-up with cycle; competing firemen; boys’ character costume and comics; Independent Wesleyan Gymnasium Class; Boys’ Life Brigade and Band; girls’ character and novelty get-up; Rushden Mission Silver Band; comic parties, consisting of Rushden Athletic (costers’ picnic party), W Bettles’s party of Suffragettes, R Wyldes’s Best in the Barn Band, and J E Steele’s Band of the Thirsty First; Cycle Clubs; tradesmen’s turn-outs; Higham Ferrers Town Band; decorated cart horses; light turn-outs. Councillor W Bazeley (chairman of the committee) occupied a seat in the Workers’ brake which contained a number of members of the Boot and Shoe Operatives’ Union who are at present on the out-of-work fund. The Route was along High-street to Ward’s corner, on to the Compass Inn, returning by the Green, up Wellingborough-road to the Oakley, through Moor-road and Station-road, again up High-street to Ward’s corner, and then by way of Newton-road and Robinson-road, to the Rectory Field, where the gala was held. Thanks to the management of Corporal McLeod, and his assistants, the time table was kept splendidly, and the field was reached without an accident. During the route collecting boxes were fully in evidence, members of the committee soliciting help towards the funds, and, while all did their part will, a special tribute must be paid to Mr A Tullett for his indefatigable efforts to win the coins from the pockets of the bystanders, many a jest and joke on his part helping to fetch the money out of the pocket into the box. Class 6, best trade advertisement get-up, for ladies, attracted considerable attention, both in the judging field and throughout the parade. The first prize went to a fine display (by I M Carpenter, Northampton) of Payne’s Custard Powder and Blanc Mange, and Mrs Bettle, of Northampton, took second prize with an excellent display made up of Sargeant’s Magpie Jellies. These jellies are manufactured in the county, and are equal in quality and substance to any on the market, besides which they are lower in price. The same remark applies to Payne’s Custard powders and Blanc mange. The half-penny packets of custard powders will make one pint of custard, and the penny packets will make one quart. The penny packets are in two divisions, so that only half need be used at a time, when so required. The custard does not go lumpy. These goods, which are supplied by Messrs Tailby and Putnam, of Rushden, are manufactured by Messrs Sargeant and Co., of The Riding, Northampton. Such local manufactures are worthy of local support. The Gala The fete and gala were held in the Rectory field by kind permission of Mr G H Skinner, J.P., and there was an enormous attendance. Committee-men acted as gate-keepers. There was no lack of amusement, humorous attractions being provided. Prize Distribution Miss Sartoris kindly distributed the prizes, the ceremony being held shortly after the arrival of the procession in the gala field. Unfortunately a passing shower slightly delayed the proceedings, but only for a short time. Councillor W Bazeley presided, and said that the committee very greatly appreciated Miss Sartoris’s readiness in acceding to their request that she should present the prizes to the winners. We were not at all surprised at her kind and prompt consent—knowing how ready she always is to do anything she possibly can for any worthy object in Rushden, and this is only another instance of her kindness. The committee consider this a worthy object, and they have worked very hard to make it a success. It has entailed a lot of work, and the committee have done everything they possibly could for the comfort and amusement of the people. We have been favoured with a nice day until these showers came. I am sorry the rain has come on, but I hope we shall not have any more and then we cannot complain very much. (Hear, hear.) The winners then came forward for their prizes, which were handed to them by Miss Sartoris, with a cheery word for each. Thanks Councillor G H Skinner, J.P., chairman of the Rushden Urban Council, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Sartoris for attending that day to give out the prizes. I am sure—he said—it has been as much pleasure to Miss Sartoris to come and distribute these prizes as to you winners to come and receive them. I trust that on the whole the judges have given fair satisfaction. I trust that Miss Sartoris will have many years to perform a duty of this sort. (Applause) Mr W G F Kingston (treasurer) seconded the motion and referred to Miss Sartoris’s well-known interest in philanthropy. The object of the parade—he proceeded—is to raise fund to help the distressed and needy during the coming winter. We hope there will not be much need for it, but it is always well to be prepared, and I feel sure you will be thankful to know that the parade has been a success, both from a spectacular and from a financial point of view. We have very many people to thank, but particularly Miss Sartoris for so kindly lending her presence and helping us in this matter. The motion was carried with cheers. Competitions Many interesting competitions were brought off in the gala field, and they were witnessed by huge crowds of people. The judges, etc. were: Referee for tug-of-war—Mr B Knibbs Male Choir contest—Mr C H Baker Hosecart competition—Mr F Corby (Bedford) and Mr J Wildman Timekeeper—Mr C Foreman Hose Cart In the Fire brigade hose cart competition the following brigades took part:- Irthlingborough, Wellingborough, Findeon No.1, Finedon No.2, Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Kettering, Kettering Co-operative Clothing Society’s No.1 and No.2. The prize-winners were:- 1 Kettering Co-operative No 1 (time 27½ sec.) 2 Higham Ferrers (31 sec.) 3 Finedon No 2 (32½ sec.) The majority of the drills were very wellF done, considering the conditions, which were rendered rather difficult owing to the rain coming on just before the event commenced, making the ground rather slippery. But for an unfortunate slip the Rushden competitors would undoubtedly have secured a prize. Tug-of-War Considerable interest was taken in the tug-of-war. The prize-winners were:- 1 Mr C Allen’s team of Wellingborough draymen. 2 2 Irthlingborough Fire Brigade. 3 Rushden Band Club. Male Choir Contest The test piece for this event was “Where lies the land?” and the contestants were—Rushden Adult School Choir, Raunds Cecilia Choir, Rushden Town Choir, Ringstead Adult School Choir and Wellingborough Adult School Choir. With many people this was one of the most popular events in the day’s proceedings. Mr Baker’s awards were:- 1 Raunds Cecilia 2 Rushden Adult School 3 Ringstead Adult School The win was unquestionably a very popular one. Mr Cure proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Baker for his services. He believed the contest had been a very fine one, and had been greatly appreciated. Mr M Stringer seconded, and the motion was carried with cheers. Mr Baker in reply, said he had tried to do his duty, and to do it well. He did not suppose everybody was satisfied, but he had satisfied himself. (Hear, hear.) Further Items The day’s programme included many other items. Some exceptionally fine exhibitions were given by the Rushden Independent Wesleyan Gymnasium Class, the talent shown by the members being a great surprise to many of the spectators. Mr George Cook, the instructor of the class, was in charge, and Mr Lindsay Clipson played the pianoforte. Under the conductorship of Mr Max Stringer, the Baptist Junior Singing Class sang some choice selections. Mr J E Smith’s Maypole dancers gave charming displays. Skittles, penalty goal kick, and other attractions had their quota of supporters. A roaring trade was done by the Hoop-la, under the charge of Mr P J Deighton, no less a sum than £18 15s being taken—a record sum in the time—and only the deepening darkness could quench the enthusiasm of the hoop-throwers. Messrs G S Whiting and Co., music dealers, of Rushden, kindly lent a beautifully toned piano, free of charge, for the musical irems. The Coffee Tavern Co. catered for tea, and Mr J W Bright supplied mineral waters. Selections were given by the Rushden Town String Band, and dancing found many devotees. Eight members of the Rushden Ambulance Division were in charge of a tent in the field. Two accidents—on e to Mr E Sanders and the other to a youth named Sabey, both reported among our Rushden news—were treated. The only other case to be dealt with was that of one of the visitors, who was seized with a fit. By Torchlight A torchlight procession was held at 9pm, the torch bearers being the Rushden Fire Brigade, under the command of Captain F Knight, and senior members of the Church Lads’ Brigade and the Boys’ Life Brigade. The bands were in attendance, and played marching music, and members of the committee, some of the competitors, and others took part in the procession. The route was down Newton-road, along High-street, under the railway bridge, up the Gasworks-lane into North-street, round by Mr Colson’s and into High-street, and then to Mr Ward’s corner, where the processionists dispersed. Street Collection The amount raised by the street collectors was £17/19/0. The highest boxes were:-
A balance-sheet will be issued in due course. As the guarantors will not be called upon, it is hoped that they will make contributions to the prize fund. Any donations can be made to Mr J Robshaw Brooke or Mr W G F Kingston. Thanks A meeting of the Emergency Committee was held on Wednesday evening, Mr C Cross presiding. It was decided to ask Mr H Cripwell and Mr Beetenson to act as auditors. A very hearty vote of thanks was passed to the judges, the marshals, and all who in any way assisted to make the parade and gala so great a success.
and then on Sunday:
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