Rushden Echo & Argus, 30th January 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins
180 Attend Dance
A dance at "Imperial House," Rushden, on Friday evening, was another in the series being successfully organised throughout the winter months by Bignell's sports section.
The Modernaires played for dancing till midnight, and the girls of the staff served refreshments.
Among the company of 190 was an R.A.F. party from the Yelden station. [Chelveston airfield]
Arrangements were made by the committee, with Mr. P. F. Marks in charge.
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Rushden Echo & Argus, 28th May 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins
100 Given Notice at Rushden - Factory May Close
About 100 employees of Messrs. Bignells', Ltd., Rushden, who work in the York Road factory, were given notice last week-end.
The factory may have to close down—it is hoped only temporarily, though—because of the amount of stock in hand.
"I think you will find that other people will do it now" said Mr. W. Gilbert, a director.
"They have been hanging back waiting for somebody to start.
"The position is this: We have a fair number of shoes in stock and until we are certain of the position we cannot see our way clear to carry on."
Unsaleable
One particular kind of heavy footwear was made at the York Road factory and at the present this type was unsaleable.
It would probably be only a temporary measure, until the firm could see what the Government intended to do about coupons.
"We have got stocks of them and we don't feel dis¬posed to increase stocks at the moment," he said.
"If the position improved the works would re-start production and in the meantime, as many employees as possible would be absorbed into the other factories
"We are working this week and quite a number of people will be working next week. We hope that the position will have improved in the next two weeks," he added.
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Rushden Echo & Argus, 11th June 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins
Factory Birthday Surprise
Miss June Beales was the most surprised employee of Bignells Ltd., the Rushden boot manufacturers, on Thursday morning when the machinery of the York Road factory suddenly slowed down.
She was summoned from the office to appear before the workpeople, who left their machines and gathered round her. Mr. Walter Bateman climbed on a box and took charge.
June, more surprised than ever, stood looking on until congratulated by the "chairman," she realised it was a 21st birthday ceremony.
Mr. Bateman said he was "very pleased and much moved" to make the presentation to their fellow worker in the office on behalf of the staff and employees. He referred to Miss Beales' seven years with the office staff and her work as a Sunday School teacher at the Independent Wesleyan Church.
The gift of a cheque was then acknowledged by Miss Beales.
Miss Beales came to Rushden from London in 1940 and resides at 82, Portland road.
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Rushden Echo & Argus, 9th May 1958, transcribed by Kay Collins
Shoemen visit States
Touring part of the United States and visiting some of their customers are two representatives of Bignells Ltd., Rushden shoe manufacturers.
Mr. Ernest Gilbert, the managing director and Mr. Patrick Marks, the export manager, flew to the States on Friday and will return in about three weeks' time on the Queen Elizabeth.
In New York they saw a large trade fair, the Popular Shoe Show, at the Hotel New Yorker. No itinerary was planned when they left, but they have connections in many of the large American cities and will probably do a lot of travelling.
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