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Watts family
Sam Watts, Charles Watts, Bert Walker
Joan Watts, Elsie Flowers, Carol Walker, Joyce Riddle, Pauline Walker, Kathleen Walker, Rose Riddle
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Charles Watts started his working life in a local Shoe Factory's Clicking room and like a good many lads starting work in that department no doubt was asked to clean up, fetch and carry and be general dogsbody, but it didn't take Charles long to get on the Board (Clicking that is), finishing his working life as foreman clicker.
As a young man he was an enthusiastic sportsman and word has it that he was particularly good at Football and Cricket. Anyone knowing Charles will of course realise that the 'word' was his. Should you have seen some of his performances over more recent years you will have no doubt drawn your own conclusions.
Charles did his War Service in the Army and came through that dreadful experience 'bloody but unbowed.’
Over the years he became involved in many activities:-
Captain of the Rushden Methodist Boy's Brigade, very active in Church Affairs, Royal British Legion, Trade Unionism and of course attaining the exalted position of Grand Master of the Free Gardeners Friendly Society. He has also been involved with many other organisations too numerous to mention.
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The Grand Master
Our Grand Master Charles is a jovial chap
He's not one to worry or get in a flap
He conducts all his meetings with a joke and a quip
But get out of line and he'll soon crack the whip.
But the thing we love most about Charles is his Bluff
He'll tell you the tale and all sorts of guff.
Tales of his war days when serving the flag,
He tones them all down 'cos he's not one to brag.
He tells all his tales and in passing will mention
The wound in his leg, wot he got for his pension,
And then he goes on about sport just the same
If you’re willing to listen he talks a good game.
Remember the time (at Llandudno I think)
When Joan took a swing on the Great Orme's golf link,
Determined to hit the ball a long way
She slipped, lost her footing and started to sway.
She fell to the ground and rolled over and over
Then, came to rest in a lush patch of clover,
We rushed to her aid as she lay on that spot
Whilst Charles, unconcerned, addressed his next shot.
But let truth be told as this tale comes to an end we're all very proud Grand Master Charles is Our Friend.
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It is well known that Charles also served as a Special Constable with Rushden Police, being called upon to help in the organising of various Police functions, so when John Church, Rushden's former Senior Police Officer telephoned him he probably thought 'what do they want me for this time'. In fact it was to inform him of an Award, and when David Reeves, President of Rushden Rotary Club, presented him with an engraved Crystal Bowl awarded for Community Services, it was just reward for his Good Humoured and Unstinting Services to the People of Rushden.
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