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My favourite picture of Clive taking a break when painting at the Heritage Centre in 2002
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To honour his local work and commitment to Rushden and The Hall, the councillors wanted to make a fitting tribute to their former colleague, Clive Wood. As well as serving on the District Council for over 30 years, where he was one of few to serve twice as the chairman, he was the first Mayor when Rushden Town Council gained its new status in 2000 until 2015.
The proudest moment for Clive was in 1985, when, as Chairman of the District of East Northants he had the honour to greet Her Majesty The Queen when she visited the area to tour her local Duchy of Lancaster estate holdings.
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| A board is fixed above a window in the panelled room where Clive carved the missing piece for one of the carvings, and had helped remove the black finish from the panelling.
A second board is above the door into the room.
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| Clive's sister Jen, unveiling the name board above the window in the panelled room in the Hall. |
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On Sunday 30th June 2024 the panelled room at Rushden Hall was to be renamed The Clive Wood Room. The Town Council and Clive's family, invited some from Rushden Museum to witness the event. The Mayor, David Coleman, made a short speech commending all Clive had done for Rushden, The Hall, and as a councillor and historian.
He also paid tribute to Clive's help with signwriting, artwork for council events, helping events to run smoothly, and in many other ways.
He then invited Clive's sister and family to unveil the new name board. The signwriting had been done by Jamie Elliott, who also said a few words on behalf of the family. Jamie told us that writing double 'OO's was always difficult and he had to do it four times on the two boards! Clive had obviously taught him well.
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The family - Jen and her two sons right. Jamie is holding the dog!
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Clive with the model he made of Rushden Hall
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Whenever Clive had heard of property being demolished he wanted to record the old and make sure anything being thrown away was saved if it could be re-used. Often he would purchase 'bits' that were carved, or a stone that was carved or dated.
He was living opposite Arthur George, well known photographer, and together they formed the Amenities Society in 1967 to try to save Rushden Hall, when demolition was threatened.
In 1989 he built his own house, The Vyne, and took the opportunity to include all his treasured saves from previous demolitions, including pieces discarded when Rushden Hall refurbishment was completed in 1971. [several items returned to the hall when Clive made his last move]
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I first knew Clive when he asked me to help try and open a museum in 2004, and I also helped when he wrote his book about Rushden Hall, self published in 2016, after a lifetime of collecting information about the building, and the families who lived there.
When Hearts & Soles began, Clive shared all his photos, his written articles, the Tapestries, his Architectural Study, his 2009 Survey of High Street, and much more. Always supportive to history in any form. A real gentleman. KC
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