Wellingborough News, 15th June 1878, transcribed by Kay Collins

TRADESMEN'S CLUB—On Monday, the fiftieth anniversary of this club was celebrated. The society was established on the 7th May, 1828, and had then seven members, one of whom, Mr. S. Knight, senr., is a member still. The present number of members is 94, and the rules say that the number shall not exceed 100. Members who have belonged to the club six years, pay a subscription of 1s. a month, and receive 10s. a week in case of sickness. The capital amounts to £931. About forty-six of the brethren dined together on Monday, and afterwards marched in procession round the village, headed by the National School Band. A capital tea was provided in a barn, kindly lent for the occasion, by Mr. Treen. There was a large attendance, and the band played at intervals. After tea a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. John Gross. He said they had met together to celebrate the jubilee of one of the best clubs in the county, and adduced facts to show that it was worthy of support. He then proposed "The Founders of the Rushden Tradesmen's Club," coupling with it the name of Mr. S. Knight, whom he regarded as one of the most straightforward men in Rushden.—Mr. Knight responded, and gave an interesting account of the formation, of the club. He did not know of any society that had done better. He hoped soon they would be able to increase their sick allowance to 12s. a week. During the fifty years he had been a member he had only been on the club two weeks—(applause),—and he was rejoiced to know that so many young persons now belonged to this society.—In response to the toast of "The Past Officers," Mr. W. Sanders said, although not so old as Mr. Knight, he joined this club a month after it started, and had taken a part in the good work which it had accomplished.—The toast of "Success to the Rushden Tradesmen's Club" was received with enthusiasm.—Mr. Perkins responded, and pointed out the manner in which the members of the club had conducted their business and saved money.—"The health of the Chairman" was cordially drunk, and the whole proceedings passed off in a very satisfactory manner.