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Rushden Echo & Argus, 12th October 1906, transcribed by Kay Collins
A Large Photograph of the Rushden Adult School Male Choir, handsomely framed, has been presented by the members to the former conductor, Mr. William Skinner. Accompanying the gift was the following letter from Mr. Walter Howes, the hon, secretary of the choir: “Dear Mr. Skinner, The members of the Rushden Adult School Male Prize Choir would be pleased if you would accept the photograph of the choir. We are proud of the position we hold today and we feel that it is entirely due to the great effort and sacrifice you so kindly give to the choir, and feel sure you will feel that your valuable assistance has not been wasted, but rather that it will be of great benefit, not only to the members of the choir, but also to the credit of Rushden. Again thanking you for past services, and trusting to your interest and kind advice for the future, I remain, yours respectfully, W. Howes, secretary.”
Note: It is not certain that the photo (left) is a copy of the one refered to in this article [Ed]
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This early picture is thought to be 1905 soon after the choir was formed.
This picture has been captioned as being by C. W. Bedford.
Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore.
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Rushden Adult School Male Voice Choir (date unknown)
Jesse Bird is 4th from left 2nd row down.
He loved singing and a family favourite we liked to hear him sing was the laughing policeman.
Photo from Lynn Morris (grand daughter of Jesse)
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Rushden Echo, 8th December 1922, transcribed by Kay Collins
Noted Male Choir—Under the Oundle news, the “Peterborough Advertiser” of Friday last makes the following glowing tribute to the Rushden Adult School Male Choir and Rushden vocalists: “On Saturday evening at the Victoria Hall, the Rushden Adult School Male Choir made, we believe, their first appearance in Oundle, in aid of the funds of the Oundle Congregational Church, and it must be said their singing was really wonderful, the blending and harmonisation being perfect, as they had no accompaniment, and it was a real musical treat. There were two lady vocalists, Miss Berrill and Miss Stringer, who were deservedly encored for their beautiful singing. Mr R Knight expressed indebtedness to the choir. Mr F Ingram, the conductor, said they were delighted to come, and were only too willing to help in any good cause. Mr G Rippiner arranged for the choir to come, and many thanks are due to him.”
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Rushden Echo, 6th July 1928, transcribed by Kay Collins
Presentation—At the Adult School Male Voice Choir practice on Monday a gift of a watch was made by Mr H Durham (president), on behalf of the choir, to Mr Bert Wills, the pianist and deputy conductor, who is leaving the town for London. Several members expressed their appreciation of Mr Wills’s valuable services and wished him success in his new sphere. Mr Wills, in response, wished continued success to the choir.
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Northampton Independent Magazine, 26th October 1934, Vol 26
The reputation of Rushden for musical talent has received another notable tribute following the B.B.C.'s invitation to the Rushden Adult School Male Choir to broadcast a programme on Sunday, November 19th, from 5.30 to 6.30.
Naturally the members have proudly accepted the invitation and will broadcast from the Midland Regional a number of part songs for which they have already begun rehearsing three nights a week.
This now famous choir has been in existence for 30 years, and in 28 contests has won 23; among its triumphs being the winning outright of the championship cup at the Market Harborough Festival. The choir has raised large sums by concerts for charity, its efforts involving much self-sacrifice, for it is a strict rule that not a penny of the profits goes into the members' pockets. Even their music—not a small item—is bought by the members themselves.
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They have selected the following: "The Border Ballad" (Maunder), "On the Sea" (Buck), "Lovely Night" (Chwatal), "Excelsior" (Balfe), "Sun of my Soul" (Baker), "In Silent Night" (Brahms), "The Herald" (Elgar), "Robin Adair" (Cantor), and "The Radiant Morn" (Coleman).
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A Popular President
During the war the choir had great difficulty in carrying on, but it has since grown in strength and efficiency under the capable conductorship of Mr. Christopher Francis. Many of the most promising young singers of Rushden have recently joined, so that its average age of members is lower than it has been for some years. The only remaining original member is Mr. H. W. Durham, who has been elected president, with Mr. C. Parker as hon. secretary, Mr. C. Jaques as hon. treasurer, and Miss Mary Gomm as accompanist.
This broadcasting honour follows swiftly upon that recently conferred by the B.B.C. upon Rushden Town Band.
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