Wellingborough News, 27th September 1879, transcribed by Kay Collins

RUSHDEN—LUNCHEONS—On Tuesday, the respected landlord of the Waggon and Horses Inn, entertained his friends to luncheon. The company numbered 140. A very superior luncheon was provided, and, under the presidency of Mr. Pantling, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening were spent. The vice-chair was filled by Mr. T. Childs. The health of the landlord (Mr. J. Wood) was proposed and drunk with enthusiasm.—On Wednesday, Mr. E. Cox, landlord of the New Inn, provided a similar entertainment for his friends, numbering about a hundred. Mr. Stanton presided, and Mr. E. Clarke officiated as vice-chairman. The National School Band played at intervals during the day.
Note: The New Inn was later renamed the Railway Hotel

RENT SUPPER— On Saturday evening, the tenants of Mr. Joseph, and the executors of the late Mr. J. Gross sat down to a capital supper, served up in Mrs. Wood's best style, at the Waggon and Horses Inn, Rushden. The room was prettily decorated. Mr. W. Gross, who presided, proposed the health of the tenants, after which the health of the landlord was duly honoured, and the evening was spent in a convivial manner, some amusing harmony being contributed by several of the company. The health of the host and hostess was cordially drunk. Their catering for the occasion was much admired.

PIGEON SHOOTING—A Pigeon Shooting Party will meet at Mr. Wood’s, at the Waggon and Horses Inn, Rushden, on Tuesday, 24th of February 1880, when all gentlemen interested in the neighbourhood are invited to attend. Five traps on the grounds and first bird at 11a.m. A Hot Dinner will be provided.

MR. SHERWOOD AND HIS TENANTS—On Monday evening Mr. Sherwood, as is his custom once a year, entertained his tenants and friends, to the number of about 50, to supper at the Wagon and Horses Inn, a very excellent repast being provided by Mrs. Wood, the estimable landlady. Mr. Sherwood proposed the health of his tenants, and observed, in the course of his remarks, that this was the sixteenth time he had had the pleasure of entertaining them. His property was now the cheapest in Rushden, and it had become necessary for him to raise the rent of his houses; and for the future his tenants would pay their rent quarterly instead of yearly. Mr. Sherwood also proposed the health of his friends.—Mr. S. Knight, sen., responded, and regretted that their old friend, Mr. J. Goss was prevented by indisposition from being present.—Mr. Sherwood proposed the health of his agent, (Mr. J. Packwood,) and expressed a hope that next year each of his tenants would have a Parliamentary vote, and exercise it according to their honest convictions.—The remainder of the evening was spent in an entertaining manner.

SUPPER—On Wednesday evening the tenants of Messrs. W. & J. Gross were entertained to a sumptuous supper, served by Mrs. Wood, at the Wagon and Horses Inn. Mr. W. Gross presided, and, in a few happy words, proposed the health of his tenants. He next proposed the health of Mr. J. Gross, whom he was pleased to see present. Mr. Gross responded, and hoped he might live to meet the company on a similar occasion another year. The health of the Host and Hostess was proposed by Mr. Gross, sen., who spoke very highly of Mrs. Wood's catering.

THE FEAST—Tuesday week last was the day selected by the several innkeepers of the village to entertain their friends and patrons, and Mr. J. Herbert, of the Wheat Sheaf, laid a most sumptuous spread before his friends, and 90 honoured him with their presence. After doing justice to the substantial viands Mr. E. Lewis was appointed chairman, and was ably assisted by Mr. Ward, and a social and convivial afternoon was spent in harmony and goodfellowship. Mr. Wood, of the Wagon and Horses, very ably catered for about 50 of his friends who did ample justice to the good things provided.

After lunch Mr. T. Childs was called upon to preside, and a social afternoon was spent. Mr. Ette, of the Feathers, also entertained 60 of his friends at lunch at the Feathers, and Mr. T. White presided over a very social party.
[extract from an article about the Feast]