Rushden and Higham Ambulance Corps – the Higham Ferrers corps accompanied by the drum and fife band, marched to Rushden on Wednesday night, among those present being Supt. J. W. Higgins, First Officer A. G. Groome and Serg. Bettles. On reaching Rushden they were joined by the Rushden Corps and the whole of the men then proceeded to Mr. Marriott’s field where they went through a series of stretcher and other drills. The drills were executed in a very creditable manner. The Higham and Rushden Divisions will meet on Higham Ferrers Market Square for drill on Wednesday next at 7.30 sharp. All members are requested to attend. Orderly Officer, First officer A. O. Groome; orderly sergeant, Staff Sergeant J. Bettles.

The Argus, 3rd February 1899, transcribed by Kay Collins

Among the many excellent bodies which have come to the front in Rushden of late the Ambulance Brigade must take a foremost place. The public generally are perhaps unaware of the extent to which this work has grown, and though having a dim conception that ''first aid'' has been rendered through an organised body, have never become acquainted with the useful character of the operations of the Ambulance Corps. In a manufacturing town like Rushden, where so much machinery is constantly in motion, accidents are unfortunately numerous, and the presence of first  aid men is, therefore, an absolute necessity. Although the Rushden brigade has now attained a high degree of efficiency, the work is one which can  be extended and perfected, and it is, as Mr. John Claridge so forcibly pointed out at the annual meeting on Monday evening, the duty of manufacturers, employers of labour - many of whom have seen the advantages of first aid in their factories - and all interested in the welfare of the support a movement of this kind. To successfully carry out ambulance work involves a heavy outlay, and the appeal of the committee for liberal support "so that their efforts may not be curtailed by lack of funds" should meet with a ready and generous response. During the year 33 cases of somewhat serious character were treated by the members, while two transport cases were conducted.
As the latter department of the work is usually brought into operation with poor people the ambulance funds have to bear the whole of the expense. During the evening a very interesting presentation was made to Dr. Baker, the hon. surgeon, who is deservedly popular among ambulance men.

Ambulance Corps.—Last night Dr Baker gave the first of his lectures to the new class. There were 23 new members present and 27 for the second and third examinations, this being the best class ever held in Rushden. Dr Baker’s lecture dealt with the skeleton, circulation of the blood, respiration and nervous system.