WEDDING OF MR JOHN CLARIDGE
The marriage of Mr John Claridge, C.C., to Miss Naomi Cox, both of Rushden, took place on Tuesday at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. The bridegroom is a popular resident of Rushden, and for many years has taken a keen interest in every movement for the betterment of the town. He is one of the leading temperance stalwarts of the district, and in the capacity of the hon. secretary to the Rushden Temperance Society has done much useful work. As a member of the Rushden Urban Council Mr Claridge has been strenuous in his efforts to promote the best interests of the town, and on the retirement of Mr WH Wilkins from the chair, Mr Claridge was heartily voted to that position of honour – a post which he filled with conspicuous success. He is one of the representatives of Rushden on the Northamptonshire County Council. Mr Claridge is deeply interested in the staple trade of the town, being one of the leading boot and shoe manufacturers. The bride, too, is well known and highly respected in the town. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Vicar of St Paul’s, Bedford. Mr Charles Claridge, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. After the ceremony Mr and Mrs Claridge left Bedford for Brighton. The event has caused great interest in Rushden, and the townspeople heartily wish him and his bride long life and happiness.

Presentation to Mr John Claridge
At the Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday the chairman (Mr F Knight), on behalf of the members and officers, presented Mr J Claridge with a handsome aneroid barometer, with a plate on it, bearing the following inscription:

“Presented to Mr John Claridge, C.C., on the occasion of his marriage, by the
members and officers of the Rushden Urban District Council. April, 1900”

In making the presentation, Mr Knight said it gave him great pleasure. They as members and officers of the Council were fully aware of the valuable assistance Mr Claridge had given to the town he served, and all who know him were aware of the deep interest he took in the progress and welfare of Rushden. They all wished that both Mr and Mrs Claridge might have a long and happy life together.

Mr Claridge thanked the Council and officers very heartily and said the Chairman’s words were much too kind. He was, however, always pleased to do anything he could to further the interests of the town morally and materially. He thanked them all very much for what had been said and done, and for the good feeling underlying the present. He had always found their meetings very agreeable and enjoyable, and he hoped they would continue to be so. Perhaps he had set a bad example in being so long before entering the married state, but he did not know whether it would act as an incentive to others to do likewise or not. In any case he hoped that the young people of the town would take an interest in the town even before they were married. He had had many presents, and congratulations from all sorts and conditions of people. If he had known that he would be so flattered, he might have been induced to take the step earlier. (Laughter). Words failed him to sufficiently thank the members and officers of the Council for the handsome present and also the kind feelings which prompted the gift. Therefore he hoped they would excuse him saying more.