Mrs Rippin, of Higham Ferrers, is doing good war work, for, although nearing 60 she helps on the land and acts as chimney sweep, and can be a ‘handy man’ in other ways in an emergency.

A Conscientious Objector—At the Northants Appeals Tribunal on Friday last William Henry Sharman, of Chelveston-road, Higham Ferrers, a clicker, 27 years of age, single, made an appeal as a conscientious objector. Mr A J Darnell, solicitor, appeared for the appellant, who was employed at the Co-operative Boot Productive Society’s factory, where he had earned 42/10½ a week. He has now secured work of national importance in timber felling at Harleston Firs, Northampton.—Exemption from military service was granted him while he remains in the same employment.

The Special Constables of Higham Ferrers, at the drill in Spencer Park, Rushden, on Sunday morning, made pleasing presentations to Capt. H W Jackson, of Wellingborough, and to Inspector Osborne, of the Rushden Police Force. Mr W Chamberlain said that a number of the Special Constables were soon joining up, and they did not want to leave the Special Police Force without showing how very much they appreciated the kindness of Capt. Jackson, and his work on their behalf. They had, therefore, had a photograph of the company taken, enlarged, and framed, which they desired to present to the Captain. The men were deeply grateful for the time and trouble Capt. Jackson had expended on their behalf to train them. This experience would greatly assist those who were joining up, and would be of permanent value to the older men. Capt. Jackson had shown all a splendid example, and had won their esteem and respect. He had great pleasure in asking Capt. Jackson to accept.

A Concert was given in the Band Club Hall on Monday by the Raunds St Crispin Pierrot Troupe, assisted by “The Eight Tiny Tots”, under the management of Mrs Camozzi. There was a crowded audience, and the splendid sum of £10 3s. 9d. was raised in aid of the V.A.D. Hospital. Councillor F Walker moved a vote of thanks to the St Crispin Troupe, the Tiny Tots, and to Mrs Camozzi, which was carried with applause. The local committee comprised the Mayoress (Mrs T Patenall), Mrs Frank Walker, Mrs R Saxby, Mrs F W Margetts and Miss Joll. The programme was a very enjoyable one. At a meeting last night, it was decided, on the suggestion of the committee, to devote £5 to the V.A.D. Hospital and £5 to the Soldiers’ Christmas Parcels Fund.

Higham Ferrers Feast – Another Wartime Holiday
Once again Higham Ferrers Feast is being celebrated under war-time conditions, and the hope was freely expressed that before the Feast of 1919 victory will be achieved and peace proclaimed. Mr Charles Thurston, the famous amusement caterer, is again to the fore. His attractions, including the motor roundabouts, were largely patronised on Saturday afternoon and evening, and there were cocoanut shies, rifle ranges, penalty kicks, and other amusements, whilst an opportunity of “kicking the Kaiser” was given to all and sundry, many people taking advantage of the chance of a kick at the All-Highest with a vigour which showed the depth of their feelings of animosity to the provoker of the war. The Green Dragon field was again splendidly patronised on Feast Monday, and a good number of people have visited the fair ground during the week.

On Feast Sunday there was a large influx of people into the town, many folks from the neighbouring parishes paying their annual visit to their relatives and friends in the ancient and honourable borough. The Feast ground will remain open until to-morrow (Saturday) evening.

Sports
The annual fete and sports in aid of the Club’s Blind and Crippled Children’s Fund, together with a forget-me-not day, was held on Saturday last at Higham Ferrers. The sports were held in the field at the back of the station, kindly lent by Mr Jury. The judges for the sports were: Ald T Patenall (Mayor), and Messrs F D Brazier, A Sudborough, T F B Newberry, and A Longland. The Mayoress (Mrs Patenall) kindly consented to judge the hat-trimming competition for the wounded soldiers, and the contest proved very successful and amusing. The sale of forget-me-nots was also very successful, realising £13 5s 0d. The prizes for the highest amount in collecting boxes with forget-me-nots were won by Misses Thompson and Abrams. Miss Eaton was also awarded a prize in connection with her doll-guessing competition, which realised £2 3s 9d, the name Clementina not being guessed, and the prize which was unclaimed, was handed to the fund. There were also penalty kicks and a skittles competition, which was won by Mr T Barcock (16). The Higham Wesleyan Band paraded the borough during the afternoon, and together with the Rushden Rifle Band, played for dancing.

Mr A Haddon, chairman of the Blind and Crippled Children’s Fund, and Mr Baker, representing Mr H Thomson (the hon. sec), were in attendance and gave very valuable assistance. The sports were handicapped by Mr F Draper, the starter being Mr J Wilson. Mr F D Brazier very successfully auctioneered rabbits, boots and peas. The whole proceedings proved a great success financially. The sports results were:

War prisoners who have arrived home include Seaman James Lambert, of Rushden (son of the late Mr Joseph Lambert, of Higham Ferrers), Ptes. Charles Brown (son of Mr George Brown of Kimbolton-road), F Knight (College-street), Hartwell (son of Mr J W Hartwell, of Market-square), Frank Tandy (son of Mr Robert Tandy, of Grove-street), and Arthur Neville, of Grove-street.

Americans Treat Higham Children
Two hundred children, sons and daughters of British Legion members and Service men, spent an enjoyable evening at Higham Ferrers on Saturday, the occasion being the annual British Legion children’s treat.

After eating a good tea at the Methodist School, the children were entertained by Mrs Olga Stevens’s dancing troupe from Rushden, the “Spice of Life” concert party from Kettering, and Mr Joe Keller, the blind accordionist. Three American soldiers led community singing and presented the guests with sweets, peanuts and biscuits. Each child also received a gift of threepence from the British legion.

Legion Presentation to Retiring Secretary
During the evening Mr Frank H Pridmore, secretary of the British Legion Men’s Section, was presented with a valuable Westminster chime clock in recognition of his excellent service to the branch. Mr Pridmore, who is resigning from office, has been an officer for 25 years, and was the first chairman when the branch was formed in 1921. He was elected secretary in 1928 and is being succeeded by Mr E Alderman, who has recently been discharged from the Army. The presentation was mad by the president, Mr A Sudborough.

Tea was served by Mrs S Hartwell, Mrs S D Rieley, Mrs F H Pridmore, Mrs F Amos, Mrs F Felce, Mrs C Whiteman, Mrs H Blackwell, Mrs G Burditt, Mrs Tester and Mrs W Webb.

Big Haul—“To help his daddy in the R.A.F. and his sister Barbara in the W.A.A.F.,” Peter Dennis Chettle, aged nine years, of 1 Westfield-street, Higham Ferrers, brought 3,900 milk bottle tops to our office. These had taken him about seven weeks to collect.