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| From papers kindly loaned by Clive Wood, article by Kay Collins |
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Friends of Rushden Heritage Centre
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The Heritage Centre was opened, in a room above the Council Offices in Newton Road,
by Councillor Ted Sampson (Chairman of East Northants Council) in October 1995. It had been announced in a news letter:-
The Heritage Room was accessed by the new staircase at the back of the new glass atrium, constructed jointly by the County Council and East Northants Council to join the Council offices and the Carnegie Library during a refurbishment. The exhibitions were for 7-8 weeks at a time with a week or two closure whilst a new show was staged. Lace was the subject for the first exhibition. It had been a cottage industry in the town before the rise of the shoe trade in the late 19th century.
This was followed by an exhibition about Smith and Grace of Thrapston, one of the world's largest manufacturers of specialist cast iron components, and known widely as the 'screw boss pulley company'. The business declined in the late 20th century, and following a fire it finally closed down in 1995. In March 1996 the subject was The story of H E Bates - The War Years. Summer 1996 saw an exhibition on the development of the submarine. Over 200 photographs sourced from the State Naval Archives of Russia, Japan, Turkey, Sweden, United States, Spain, France, Germany and Britain, all dating between 1888 and 1907 and not having been previously published. |
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Alongside this Eric Fowell put together an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of Vic Childs, a local amateur photographer. The shoetrade was covered with exhibits on the major shoemaking companies that had helped to create the town that was flourishing between the two World Wars. A replica of a shomaker's 'shop was recreated on the landing outside the main exhibition area. The 45th anniversary of the Korean War 1950-53 was commemorated in 1998. Also in 1998 for one month only, a collection of Maps, assembled by the late Mrs Audrey Godden (nee Claridge). |
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"Everything but the Squeal" was an insight into the history of the pig and pig keeping.
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"Music Makers - the Story of Rushden Bands and Choirs" exhibition was opened in February 2000, with the main contributors being Eric Fowell of Rushden and District History Society, and Clive Wood of The Amenities Society. On May 3rd 2000 Rushden & District Photographic Society arranged an exhibition of photographs of their late member Terry Chapman ARPS, DPAGB, ESFIAP, Hon PAGB. In June 2000 "Our Schools, Past and Present" were the subject, and brought many people flocking to see if they could spot themselves in the photographs.
From August to October 2000 Rushden's Old Shops was the theme, and from 13th January 2001 to 10th March and exhibition called Musical Magic explored musicals through the ages and their influences on local theatre. On Friday 8th June the Friends of the Heritage Centre gathered for a preview of "The People's Church" exhibition focussing on the centenary celebrations of the Baptist Church in Park Road, and the great fire in John Cave's shoe factory in High Street in 1901. At this preview Friends were signing up for duty as stewards of the centre on Saturdays, the library staff keeping an eye on the room during the week.
In 2001 from October to December an exhibition of Robert Marriott Ltd was the theme.
This was followed in August and September by "Fraternal Societies Past and Present", when the Rotary, RAOB (Buffs), Lions and Free Gardeners, were all covered. |
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In 2003 a "Sport" was the theme and on the 8th of February sports personalities were invited to come and see the exhibition and to be interviewed. The results have been typed up and are presented here: |
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In 2005 another Shoetrade exhibition included details of The Raunds March in 1905. The Heritage centre was closed in 2006, and the council took over the room once more as office space. |
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