Friends of Rushden Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre was opened, in a room above the Council Offices in Newton Road, by Councillor Ted Sampson (Chairman of East Northants Council) in October 1995.

It had been announced in a news letter:-

Welcome to East Northamptonshire District Council's Heritage News which details special exhibitions, events and other information to help you to plan your heritage trip to our facilities. The Rushden Heritage Centre is a new venture by the Council and its purpose is to bring to Rushden a balanced and original cultural events programme which covers local, national and even internationally important subjects in all dimensions in addition to providing an essential forum for local societies to mount particular exhibitions on their own specialist interests. Heritage means more than history, and exhibitions already in the planning stage will cover natural history, the importance of our rivers and many other aspects which make up British and local traditions. We hope that you and your family will be able to find the time to both visit our exciting new facilities and to spare the time to be able to join our new "Heritage Friends Association". We have included details of the Heritage Friends Association in this news booklet and we look forward to welcoming you as inaugural members. Our opening edition of Heritage News available in September will detail the launch of a new aspect in the provision of local leisure and recreational services by East Northamptonshire District Council. In the meantime, enjoy the advance information contained in the preview and please do not hesitate to make contact with us to tell us what you want to see and your views on exhibitions. Throughout the planning stages we have received the support, enthusiasm and best wishes of many societies and individuals, which has not only given us the will to succeed, but through their continued commitment and optimism has provided much goodwill from the community. Ted Sampson Chairman of East Northamptonshire District Council

The Heritage room was accessed by the new staircase at the back of the new glass atrium constructed jointly by the County Council and East Northants Council, to join the Council offices and the Carnegie Library during a refurbishment. The exhibitions were for 7-8 weeks at a time with a week or two closure whilst a new show was staged.

Lace was the subject for the first exhibition. It had been a cottage industry in the town before the rise of the shoe trade in the late 19th century.

This was followed in March 1996 by an exhibition about Smith and Grace of Thrapston, one of the world's largest manufacturers of specialist cast iron components, and known widely as the 'screw boss pulley company'. The business declined in the late 20th century, and following a fire it finally closed down in 1995.

Visitors looking at one of the showcases

In March 1996 the subject was The story of H E Bates - The War Years. Summer 1996 saw an exhibition on the development of the submarine. Over 200 photographs sourced from the State Naval Archives of Russia, Japan, Turkey, Sweden, United States, Spain, France, Germany and Britain, all dating between 1888 and 1907 and not having been previously published. Alongside this Eric Fowell put together an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of Vic Childs, a local amateur photographer.

Shoe display case

The shoetrade was covered with exhibits on the major shoemaking companies that had helped to create the town that was flourishing between the two World Wars. A replica of a shomaker's 'shop was recreated on the landing outside the main exhibition area.

The 45th anniversary of the Korean War 1950-53 was commemorated in 1998. After being closed for 8 months due to changes in staff at the Council, February 1999 saw another popular exhibition of photographs of the Co-op Shops which had all closed.

Miniature chamber pots on display

Also in 1999 was "The People's Show" when personal collections were on show, such as Victorian jelly moulds and minature chamber pots. "Everything but the Squeal" was an insight into the history of the pig and pig keeping.

"Music Makers - the Story of Rushden Bands and Choirs" exhibition was opened in February 2000, with the main contributors being Eric Fowell of Rushden and District History Society, and Clive Wood of The Amenities Society. On May 3rd 2000 Rushden & District Photographic Society arranged an exhibition of photographs of their late member Terry Chapman ARPS, DPAGB, ESFIAP, Hon PAGB. In June 2000 "Our Schools, Past and Present" were the subject, and brought many people flocking to see if they could spot themselves in the photographs.

In 2000 the Tapestries worked by the Amenities Society members for their Millennium Project were put on display in the Heritage Centre. In 2006/7 the tapestries were displayed in Rushden Museum, but they are now on permanent display in Rushden Hall.
	Amenities Society members - work in progress

From 13th January 2001 to 10th March and exhibition called Musical Magic explored musicals through the ages and their influences on local theatre. On Friday 8th June the Friends of the Heritage Centre gathered for a preview of "The People's Church" exhibition focussing on the centenary celebrations of the Baptist Church in Park Road, and the great fire in John Cave's shoe factory in High Street in 1901. At this preview Friends were signing up for duty as stewards of the centre on Saturdays, the library staff keeping an eye on the room during the week. This was followed in August and September by "Fraternal Societies Past and Present", when the Rotary, RAOB (Buffs), Lions and Free Gardeners, were all covered.

In 2003 a "Sport" was the theme and on the 8th of February sports personalities were invited to come and see the exhibition and to be interviewed. The results have been typed up and are presented here:

Local Sports Personalties - Interviewed 8th February 2003
Roy Cave - Football, Darts, Bowling	Jim Lowe - All Rounder	Dave Seabrook - Shooting
Dianne Elliott - High Jump	Arnold Maddams - Cricket	Roy Tomlin - All Rounder
David Jones - President Golf Club	Dennis Maddams - Cricket	Dougie Whitehead - Boxing