American offers youth centre for Rushden
Thanks to the generosity of a wealthy American, whose inventions have been developed in the town, Rushden may soon possess a youth centre equipped for inside recreation and study and outdoor sports.

Though no official decision has been made it is highly probable that the centre will be at the old Moor Road Infants School, which would be modernised and enlarged. The playground and the adjacent school gardens would also be developed.

Moving spirit in the plan is 75-year-old Mr. Arthur A. Williams, of Worcester and Holliston, Mass. inventor of safety footwear.

Acting on his behalf at Rushden are the directors of Messrs. B. Denton and Son, boot manufacturers, who have been using his patents for some years.

A benefactor of youth in America, Mr. Williams has paid several visits to Rushden.

It is understood that the building, which was the town’s first aid post, will be equipped with gymnasium, assembly hall with stage, music study and other rooms. Some will have to be built on. Outdoor amenities envisaged include tennis courts, basketball court, cricket practice wicket and a playground for infants.

Mr. Williams stipulates that the centre should be used by boys and girls up to fifteen years of age and that all its activities should be under supervision.

It is likely that a trust will be set up to administer the scheme. This would include representatives of the Rushden youth organisation which has been handicapped through many years by the fact that no suitable centre was available for its work.

Wrong age group, say critics – so no youth centre decision yet
Following an abortive meeting of social representatives at Rushden on Monday, the working of America’s youth centres is to be investigated by Mr. G. H. Denton, through whom a centre for the town was offered by American businessman Arthur Williams.

It was time to discuss with the local authorities, so Mr Arthur Williams, the American businessman who has offered to provide Rushden with a youth centre, flew over from Boston, Mass., this week. “All I am here for,” he said, “is to get the older people to help the young people find themselves. We won’t need any wars if we bring up the children aright.” He was pleased with plans for transforming the old Moor Road school. Above, genial Mr Williams (left) is seen with Mr G H Denton, through whom his offer was made.

He has also decided to make a full study of the centres or playgrounds provided by Mr. Williams for American children up to the age of 13.

The County Architect’s preliminary plan for the old Rushden Moor Road school and the equipment of adjoining ground for recreation was inspected by those who attended Monday’s meeting. Ald. Arthur Allebone presided and Mr. Williams was represented by Mr. Denton and Mr. Frank Brown.

Happy To Pay If …
Mr. Allebone told the meeting that Mr. Williams would be happy to pay for the centre to be prepared at a cost estimated at £6,000 provided that it fell in with his ideas. He had also intended to provide a regular contribution for maintenance, but technical difficulties had arisen to rule this out.

Some in Rushden had hoped that the centre would be for adolescents of 18 to 20 but Mr. Williams would not agree to the age limit being raised above 15. To run the centre might cost £1,000 a year, a sum that Mr. Williams thought could be raised easily by the town. No official grant could be expected in view of the age limitation.

“It is a very generous gesture,” said Mr. Allebone, adding: “I have heard it said that we do a great deal for the old people and nothing for youth.”

Mr. Denton said that Mr. Williams fully realised the problem of the later ages but knew the two groups would not mix satisfactorily. He wanted the children to be under supervision. The last thing he wished to do was to cut across any other activities, whether religious or secular.

A long debate, which included a ten-minute adjournment for private discussion, revealed fears that the plan would fail because the age group was wrong and that there would be a lack of voluntary workers to support a full-time superintendent. Some speakers claimed that Rushden had sufficient organisations for its children and young people.

“It seems like American baby-minding,” said Mr. R. R. Lawrence.

“There is a danger,” said Mr. L. C. Wilce, “that this expensive experiment would resolve into a local club for the younger ones in the immediate neighbourhood.

“I am sorry to disappoint such a generous man as Mr. Williams. What he has in mind is the American way of life with its early life social development.”

The Rev. A. B. Martin, curate of St. Mary’s, was a persistent critic.

Convinced
Mr. Don Bugby said Mr. Williams had convinced him of the value of work among those under 15.

At the height of the debate the chairman declared: “I am satisfied that if it was for the 15-20 group it would have gone straight ahead and been a grand scheme.”

It was finally agreed that no vote should be taken pending the report that Mr. Williams will receive.

On behalf of all present Mr. Norman expressed appreciation of Mr. Williams and his generous offer.

Youth Gives Its Point of View
While Mr. G. H. Denton, on a six week business trip, investigates the workings of American youth clubs in connection with American businessman Arthur Williams’ offered to provide a youth centre in Rushden, the young people of the town have their own views on the question. But they don’t all agree.

Mr. Williams wants the centre for the under-15 age group with six as the lower age limit.

Here’s what the youth of the town say about the idea:

Fifteen-year-old Barry Whitney agrees that the youth centre would be useful in keeping the youngsters off the streets.

Peter Windram, aged 16, thinks the older age groups have a greater need, although they already have several places to meet.

‘Girls Have Nowhere’
A 17-year-old girl said: “There is a need for a youth centre for girls. We have nowhere to go.”

Others in the same age group thought that, with so many attractions in the town for them, the centre would meet a greater need in catering for under-fifteens, but several thought the bottom age limit too low.

Six-year-olds, they said, would be unable to appreciate the facilities and, in any case, would only be able to spend the early part of an evening at the centre.

What about the under fifteens? Generally they seem to be fully occupied with school and church activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and similar organisations.

Looking forward to school-leaving, a 14-year-old boy expressed the view that they wanted somewhere to go.

The proposed cubicles for study, some felt, would encourage children to help each other with homework rather than doing it by themselves.