Newsletter March 2012

Trouble-makers at the Sally Army

Peter Cotton, a shoe-hand from Rushden was summoned for disturbing the congregation of the Salvation Army at Irthlingborough on June 28th 1896.
Capt. George Gates said that whilst a special service was being held the defendant, who was drunk, disturbed the proceedings and had to be turned out by the police.
Fined 5/- and 6/- costs.

Harry Bollard, a riveter of Irthlingborough was summoned for assaulting William Issitt on January 1st 1897. The disturbance arose through the defendant having interrupted a Salvation Army service.
Fined 5/- and 6/- costs..


From Wellingborough News 12th Feb 1960

At the Cross in this impatient age are those who find time to sit and reflect on the quieter times they have known— they do so at their peril!
Cars and Lorries have a restricted view when many of our elderly residents gather at this meeting place.

What is to happen in the future? Far better for this custom to continue and grow. We, the citizens of Irthlingborough occupied this hallowed spot long before the motor car, if anything must go then it should be the impatient car.
When the centre of the town is re-planned that is just what will happen. I understand that traffic will be diverted leaving the Cross an almost isolated backwater
It is a county project but might there be room in the estimates to provide a few seats for our elderly residents?

We now have the seats, the Cross is still a prominent landmark but- woe betide anyone who dares to sit on the Cross!!


Christmas Lunch

Once again members of the Society and a number of friends held their Christmas lunch at Knuston Hall in beautiful surroundings with a very attentive and helpful staff. All agreed that our decision to hold this event in January 2012 made it a more relaxed and enjoyable occasion than trying to fit it into the days before Christmas, when the hectic schedule of other celebrations and of course the inevitable shopping fills our time.

We are all looking forward to our next Christmas meal at Knuston.


From the Parish Magazines

A glance at the St. Peter’s Parish Magazine of September 1968, illustrates what a wonderful variety of shops we once had in the town.

George Burton, the Bus stop Tobacconist, a wide range of fresh cakes and daily bread from Teats.A. 7 M Shepley for hardware and decorating supplies. Austin, Morris, Ford Riley and Singer cars from Cyril Abbott at The Central Garage. Everything for the home knitter as well as Aristoc & Wolsey Hosiery available from the Wool Shop, cooked meats and sausages from W. Russell, whilst The Cross Stores supplied everything one could possibly expect from a General Stores

Haircuts by Mr. Thomas, near to the Cross whilst further up the High Street was Mr. Sharman. Chiropody, in the form of home visits by Tom Needle; Summerfield and Sparkes offered Exotic Perfumes Make-up and Toiletries, whilst a full catering service, including, wedding receptions and parties at home was offered by The Chocolate Box

What pleasant memories such adverts conjure up, but it is pleasing to see that one advertiser from 1968 is still serving the town today. I refer of course to Bob Webster & Sons the High Class Florist in the High Street. They have I fact extended their services to include a large range of equipment available to angling enthusiasts

Services to residents have also diminished—long gone are Builders and Contractors W. Thompson & Sons, and also Peter Childs, Coles the Printer, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing & Heating by Plant & DeBanke and Electrical Services formerly offered by John Longstaff.

Long gone too are fond memories of Divi Day at the Co-op. What a day-with queues stretching from the Office counter, down the stairs and into the High Street as shareholders waited for their share of the profits— a staggering £15,802 in 1967!!

Roy York

The following were added by Jean Rowland

Iodine Lockets. Our Mum used to purchase these every autumn from Coles the Chemist. A thin smooth medicated black locket dangling from a red cord which we wore round our necks throughout the winter. The locket sort of evaporated as time went on. They were supposed to keep you from getting chesty colds. (We were embarrassed by them so we always tucked them under our jumpers!)

Pots of Virol. A spoonful a day (or two if you could get away with it ) promised to keep you healthy.

Derbac Soap. The slogan was “Keeps heads clean”. The tablet of soap was jet black and when rubbed into your hair lathers a yellow colour. Our Mum always washed our hair in Durbac” A strong smell but quite pleasant

Friday night – a spoonful of Syrup of Figs (enough said)

Goose grease Ugh!!

Gordon Moores Toothpaste. As teenagers we loved these tubes of red toothpaste. Instructions were to clean your teeth with it first, squeeze a little on your finger and rub on your gums which became redder and as a result your teeth looked whiter (or so it claimed). Now only made in America, I remember rubbing it on my lips as well to make it look as if I was wearing lipstick. Make up was forbidden at the time.


Wellingborough News October 5th 1917

Grand Opening of The Irthlingborough Theatre

Mr R.G. Robinson is the manager.
The Star Picture is “TOM BROWN SCHOOLDAYS” and the supporting feature “The Purple Domino”
The opening night played to a crowded audience as people tried to forget the War for an evening.
Mr. Betts supplied efficient and varied musical accompaniment on the new “baby grand” piano

Jubilee Celebrations

The Historical Society are joining with the Methodist Church to mark the 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth11 and to celebrate the Olympic year.
There is to be an exhibition in the Goliath Hall of photographs of Irthlingborough during the past sixty years and also some with a sporting theme, and in the Chapel, a display of wedding photographs, wedding gowns and a number of floral displays. This will take place on :
Saturday 5th May 10am-4pm
Sunday 6th May 2pm-4pm
Monday 7th May 10am-2pm

Admission is free and all are welcome to join us.

The Laundry Project

Much of the work on this project has been completed and at present Phil is burning the midnight oil making the DVD which we plan to have ready for 26th June when we shall be holding an exhibition at the Crow Hill Centre

We hope you enjoy our Newsletter and welcome your comments.