Rushden Echo & Argus, 16th January 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins
Oldest Lady (90) Won Prize
Really to enjoy an ice-cream in mid-winter apparently one has to be over 80. For ices figured prominently on the menu at a Rushden old folks’ party on Tuesday, and of over 100 present, only one or two declined the delicacy.
The informal party for some of the “grandpas and grandmas” of Rushden was sponsored by the Rushden Rotary Club “Inner Wheel,” and in the Masonic Hall the ladies of Rotary were competent hostesses.
Many of the more infirm old folks were met at the doors of their homes by Rotarians in cars, a good deed made possible by a special ration of basic petrol.
Others arrived on foot and as representatives of old Rushden gathered together beneath the red, green, blue, and white Christmas decorations, old friends met and exchanged reminiscences.
Tongue rolls, tomato rolls, cream and fruit cakes soon appeared on the four daffodil decorated tables. On the tables as well were some of the prizesbottles of fruit and jams, and tobacco.
Aged 90
Among the winners was the oldest lady of the party, Mrs. Ellen Mitchell, of Wellingborough Road, who was 90 last September.”It’s a very, very nice party. I have a lot of old friends here,” she told us. It was a view supported by her niece, Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Waller, of 5 Elm Street, Higham Road.
“It is nice to have a bit of company,” commented Mr. Charles Payne, of 78 Crabb Street, who is 85, and was one of the “fathers” of the company. His prize was a bottle of gooseberries.
After cigarettes, oranges, and ices had appeared, Mr. and Mrs. H. Robinson led community singing with Mr. S. T. Beale at the piano. Recitals were given by Miss Lily Dickens and Mrs. C. Blunsom.
The arrangements for the party were made by an Inner Wheel sub-committee. |