Rushden Research Group: Amenities Society 2000

From their booklet of "Millennium Tapestries", 2000

The Amentities Society 2000
Part 1

Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I introduce this booklet in connection with the Millennium Project of the Rushden Amenities Society. Ten tapestries have been produced, one for each decade of the twentieth century. These depict scenes and events of Rushden life and times throughout the century.

The Committee first mooted the idea of a tapestry some three years ago and as plans were made, we warmed to the idea but also saw the huge effort which was needed. As the whole thing began to take shape however, we became more excited and now, on completion, are proud of our efforts.

Sincere thanks go to our Secretary, who designed every picture and also to our team of ladies who put in much time and effort to each detail. Their dedication and diligence has been tremendous.

Thanks are also expressed to all our sponsors and we want them to feel that they have played a part in what we regard as a legacy to future generations.

We trust that all who view the tapestries will gain much pleasure from them and that many memories may be evoked.

Arnold F. Maddams
Chairman
1999

In the year 3000, our children's children may wonder how to celebrate their Millennium.

They may look back at the Millennium Tapestries for the year 2000 for inspiration. By then crafts and skills will be a matter of technical production.

Rushden Amenities Society leaves a historical legacy for the future, ten tapestries crafted with compassion and care, supported by a grant from the Millennium Festival Awards For All, sponsored by sincere local residents, and motivated by enthusiastic committee members.

This booklet is the keepsake, the story of our changing community and an example of divine dedication.

Ivy H Gould
Chairman 2000 - 2002.
Chairman of Trustees.

Committee Members of Rushden Amenities Society 1999-2001
Clive Wood	Gordon Rixon	Arthur George	Eric Powell
Ivy H. Gould	Michael Witts	Joy Clayson	Janet Presland
Judy Smith	Rod Walker	Ann Harris	Stella Myers
John Yorke	David Youngs	Arnold Maddams	Marion Knott
Framing	by Mr. Terry Savage, Oakley, Bedfordshire
Needlework Heritage	The origins of embroidery and needlework are lost in obscurity.
A true Tapestry is woven over a vertical frame with a warp (length-wise thread) and a weft thread cross-wise (selvage to selvage) The Rushden Amenities Millennium Tapestries are stitched in the 20th Century manner, needlepoint, embroidery wool on canvas. Ivy H. Gould
Production Details	The panels (23" x 14") are worked on canvas, 14 squares to the inch using 'Anchor' tapestry wools in a tent stitch, the designs having been converted into charts by Angela Ruggles of Dagenham.

The citizens of Rushden were given the oportunity to sponsor the items in the panels by writing a note or dedication to each.
The tapestry panels are now hanging inside Rushden Hall. "Hearts & Soles" is grateful to Clive Wood and the Amenities Society
for their permission to reproduce the booklet explaining the whole project, together with the original artwork.

The original artwork by Clive Wood.

1	FIREMAN. My father was a volunteer.fireman for many years at Rushden station.	Mrs. P. Curtis
2	SHOEWORKER (Right). My father and husband were shoe operatives.	Lois Pearson
3	SHOE WORKER (Left). Based on a photograph thought to be of Sargent's Factory when in Crabb Street.
4	MR. GATES' MILK FLOAT. Mr. Thomas Gates, dairyman, of 16 Winchester Road served milk from the churn.	Mr. G. Richards
5	MR. & MRS. CHETTLE'S SHOP, CROMWELL ROAD. I very much enjoyed working the 1900-1910 tapestry (six months hard labour!) It was made extra special for me when I discovered that the figures outside the shop were my maternal grandparents - an amazing coincidence!	Megan M. Laugh ton
6	COUNCIL BUILDINGS. Chief Executive of East Northamptonshire District Council 1973-1987.	Derek Brian Adnitt D.M.A., F.C.I.S.
7	FIRE STATION TOWER. I am now retired but remember the tower. My early years were spent at Rushden fire station where the external balconies cannot be accessed from within. Climbing up one at a time using a precarious 'Hook Ladder' meant the only way down was the way you went up!	Stewart Houghton
8	POLICE STATION. As a serving policeman my husband, Tom, worked at the Rushden station for 23 years.	Inge Lewis
9	CARNEGIE LIBRARY. In memory of my mother Catherine ('Kitty') Hern (nee Clark), an avid reader. When children, my friend and I spent many hours in the library on a Saturday morning choosing books for her to read!	Margaret Kennett
10	FEAST CAROUSEL. Happy schoolday memories of Rushden Feast.	Vera Bean
11	CAVE'S SECOND FACTORY FIRE, 19 JULY 1901. The factory employed about 800 people. The premises were totally destroyed along with a number of shops and cottages but the Succoth Chapel and the Rose and Crown survived. It used to be said that 'God looked after one and the Devil the other!'
12	AUSTIN'S SOAP. The soap factory was established in 1900 in buildings better known as The Adult School in Wellingborough Road. The firm then traded in a much larger factory in Gravely Street from about 1920, continuing to produce bars of soap and 'Wash Easy!' Both buildings have now been demolished.
13	RUSHDEN BRICK. Rushden bricks were made by The Rushden Brick Company owned by Mr. John Clark. Many hundreds of thousands of bricks were produced from the clay pit, now the site of Norris Way, and used in the buildings of Rushden's expanding town. The red bricks with a blue heart are extremely hard.