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Name: Trevor Lewis
Email: trevor.lewis2@ntlworld.com
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Name: Scotch
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Can't believe what I have just discovered. Got bored last night and found all my audio cassettes, most of them unlabelled and all being recordings. I thought i'd play a few of them for old times sake, God was I in for a shock! I came across a rather suspicious looking 'Scotch' tape and 'Scotch' has never been been near me in my life, it always suited other people and it just seemed as though i'd go to my grave never experiencing the brand. In fear i put the tape to one side and thought i'd save it for later. The other tapes held no real surprises, an old recording of the 'Dirty Dancing' soundtrack replaced my blood with mincemeat for just an instance and the then hilarious acts of 'Ben Elton' and 'Rowan Atkinson' made me feel as though i was standing on four legs but only for an instance. Even the combination of switching through these tapes filled the room with death but nothing had prepared me for what was coming next... Picked up the 'Scotch' cassette, it had been stopped about half way through and I dropped it in my player (it had no reference to side A or B and the inlay was missing) the sound immediately kicked in. I became unaware of my surroundings and my life had unfortunately plummeted to the depths of somewhere deeper than hell itself. Yes, i've got one hand in my pocket and the another one skinning a high five, I feel drunk but i'm sober, i'm young and i'm underpaid, i'm tired but i'm working yeah, I care but i'm restless, i'm here but i'm really gone, i'm wrong and i'm sorry baby and what it comes down to is everything's gonna be quite alright.

Name: knowledge
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I've been reading virtually all the comments in this guest book about how Rushden has become a nest for the drunken youth and want to make sure everyone realises that its true. I'm currently living here in Rushden (and have done for all my life) and you could say i am part of that youth (in my teens). I know and am liked by most of the youth in Rushden and know many people but i don't believe that going on the Piss every Fri and Sat night down the High Street is 'fun.' All i can say is that at least 50% of those who do drink at, one particular pub, are underage. We need police!! Sad to see the friendly town turn into a breeding ground for the worst type of people. (Nice Website.)

Name: Vince LaGrone
Email: cwlagrone@juno.com
Homepage: Selma, Alabama; USA

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Love your website : I was stationed at Chelveston from 1962 to 1965 .They closed the base six months after I arrived and I lived in Rushden the rest of my stay .I am still in contact with Dave Seabrook and would like to hear from Don Planner . They , as others , were dear friends. I love Rushden and will someday return for a visit . I loved the old WestEnd Club , which no longer exist .. Keep up the good work... Vince

Name: Vince LaGrone
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Name: Vince LaGrone
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Name: Melanie from Downunder
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I visted Rushden for several months towards the end of the eighties while I was backpacking around Europe and have many happy memories from there. It was very sad to read of the apparent deterioration of the town that was so typically English, with a pictuesque high street lined with little shops, some cosy pubs and which had a real community feel to it. Really though, I think this type of problem is a global one, it's getting so it isn't safe anywhere at night due to drunken or drug induced violence, in towns of your size. I know that's certainly the case where I live, there are always fights breaking out when the clubs close on Friday and Saturday nights and it's not safe to take the trains from the city out to the suburbs anymore at night due to youths with knives harassing people. The police are usually no where to be seen when you need them or perhaps they're down the street booking some almost law abiding citizen because they have a cracked tail light on their car. It's good to see you are trying to do something about it though. Personally, I think prevention is better than a cure and if we bring our children up to respect others and feel good about themselves and confident in themselves, they have more chance of making a positive contribution to society later on. I will try to keep my (at the moment very young) children busy with extra ciricular activities, sports etc, later on too, so that they don't have time to go out looking for trouble on the streets. Good Luck in restoring order in your beautiful town!

Name: Hillman Avenger
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If it were a contest to see which was the baaaaaaaadest town, then Wellingborough wins it no problem, but that`s not the reason I made the remark.(Apologies for any offence taken.) It`s interesting that you mention McDs. I once worked at that very establishment and spent most of my time patrolling the toilets to make sure the junkies were n`t shooting up. The problem was so bad that we installed purple lights so the junkies could n`t find their own veins. They all shipped out to the public convenience and effectively closed it with their non-existent "careful disposal of needles" policy.My fellow employees were scared to go out in town at night after several of them were beaten up. These are W`boro people born and bred, not strangers, and this is why I made the remark. I`ll take my chances in Rushden High Street on a Friday night. I`m less likely to get a knife in my back outside the kebab shop. It`s good that you are proud of your home town,as I am mine, whatever their shortcomings. Thanks for the Wellingborough point of view.Anyone else want to comment?

Name: sinisterleanings
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Have you ever queued outside the Ritz to watch the Incredible Hulk as a chubby child? I have. It was summer and as things stood the Rushden bus service had yet to be invented. The steep street gave a view of buildings along Wellingborough road in the sun. Vague memories of an amateur production of Mother goose seeped through (could this be the same place?) as I placed the sweet wrapper (bought from Bishops) into the metal ash tray on the back of the seat in front. Corned beef sandwiches from the bar and a can of warm coke and the film started. Not understanding why there were two Hulks and becoming bored and then throwing sweets forward. Happy times. Now things have changed. I suggest that Rushden needs a club for people who enjoyed the Hulk and the Ritz and who were overweight as children. Come on you chubby, cinema-going incredible hulk fans. Let's hear more from you. You are the silent majority and Rushden needs to hear your voices.

Name: Wellingborough and proud
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Ended up on this site by accident and being from Wellingborough couldn't believe the comment made by the Hillman Avenger. 'Could be worse - could be living in Wellingborough' strewth! There's a damn sight more to do here than Rushden, we have several clubs, loads of pubs, better shops, train station, etc, etc. I think you should chew on a Big Mac, that will keep you quiet and it will be a new experience for you too - Wimpy boy! The shit that goes on in Wellingborough is proper shit, none of your Rushden nonsense comes close and we even have the odd gun over here. Our community is of a mixed ethnic group and that provides us with a more interesting way of life. As for 'you only get as much out of a town as you are prepared to put in it' well, looks like nobody is lifting a finger at your end Wimpy boy.

Name: Hillman Avenger
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Any visitors to this site,hi Alan Dansey!,must wonder what sort of place Rushden is. Our Rushdenites familiar with American cities must surely feel safer down the High Street. I do n`t remember seeing the odd knuckle-dragger nipping down to Woolies toting an Uzi recently. The American Constitution allows the "right to bear arms"whilst we do n`t even have a written constitution.I think I`ll take my chances down the High Street. Rushden has the same problems as similar sized towns, and it`s due to lack of parental guidance and control, and lack of respect for others, their property and even themselves.I see that Spencer Park ca n`t get a parkie due to the constant stream of abuse they have to endure.This is n`t to say that nothing should be done, but the kitty does n`t apparently cover extra policing. Someone steals a pig in Raunds and there is potential anarchy in Rushden.I would n`t go as far as being ashamed to be a Rushdener. I`ve grown up here , and never had any problems with troublemakers. If I felt the place to be unsafe, I would have moved my family away years ago. It`s home, and home to many Rushden people with creative and organisational flair. Witness the number of clubs and associations in the town. You only get as much out of a town as you are prepared to put in it. The introduction of the debate over The Ritz seems to have brought out the more sinister leanings of some people,(best cancel the subscription to the Daily Mail boys) when more creative suggestions should be put forward. Just a thought to chew on.......it could be worse...we could be living in Wellingborough!

Name: sucking on a boiled sweet
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Sitting here sucking on a boiled sweet I would love to share my views out loud as I feel it would give me added attention, but you will only have to imagine. The police here need uniforms as all this undercover work doesn't act as a deterrant. There was point one, the sweet is now nearly poking through my front two teeth in a cocky way. Couldn't believe the attack on St.Marys church??? what is going on here??? the sweet is getting smaller but I seem to be over compensating by creating more movement, I'm flying now (I know it all) Yes the attack was terrible and highlights the problems, giving a little slurping noise just to remind you I'm in power and it's still in there, somewhere.....

Name: Alan Dansey
Email: oab@awdansey.co.uk
Homepage: http://www.outandabout.uk.net

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Hi, Found your site researching for Out and About that I run with John Pilgrim of BBC Three Counties Radio. Enjoying a look around and will add a link to you.

Name: Mark 2
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I have to agree with all said about the terrible state a once decent town has got to. I grew up in rushden and lived there until I was 18. I joined the army and so I have been constantly re visiting the town for the last 22 years. All I have seen is the town slowly disappearing into its own excrement. Sure we had bullies and vandals but the police were always able to control them. I lost count of the number of times that I saw the police take someone aside and "educate them" in regard the their behaviour. It was such a relief when my father moved out of what is now surely the a***hole of britain, so I no longer have to look at the ruins of a once decent town. I think that it is as far from the sea as it is possible to get in brtiain, also the furthest point from civilized society! I used to walk on my own to school from the age of 6, on my last visit I felt uncomfortable walking through the high street with 4 old school friends and we are all well over 6ft tall and very fit. I feel happier walking through New York, Chicago or even down town Tampa than in rushden, at least the police there take "positive" action The council and the police need to get a grip before it is too late.

Name: An ashamed to be Rushdenite
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Litter, grime, filth, unemployment, single mothers, obesity, junk food, no ambition, bad attitude, pack mentality, coarse language, dumb, flats, liars, big headed, scavengers, streetwise, thieving, untidy, poor, lazy, insular, tasteless, full on, unpleasant, depressing, empty, violent, base, no adventure, ugly, loud, waste of time, blind, brash, end of the world, tight fisted, boring, greedy, unfunny, small minded, callous, transparent, rough, selfish, benefit grabbing, calculated, destructive, smug, racist, cowardly, big boned, shallow, predictable, spiteful, ignorant, easily impressed, back stabbing, bossy, ill mannered, stubborn, nosey, thick skinned, shrewd, It pains me to be so brutally honest about my home town and its people, we somehow have to stop this rot. Surely all of the above are resulting conditions from improper genes, we have to trace these family trees and chop them down. The police should be equipped with a 'stun gun' to temporally paralyse these sub-standard folk who can then be transported to a suitable location. It has been so long since I've seen the sun shining here, all these dark clouds need parting and I think it is time for The Ritz to show us the TRUE potential it possesses in that HUGE building. A huge gaol, no more bingo just ship them in, show them what for. Let us start again from fresh.

Name: A concerned gentleman
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To. The good of the town. I have spent the entire of my life looking on from the sidelines but now I find it's time to speak out. Having read the comments made by the Hillman Avenger, reminds me of this young, up and coming attitude which is not only refreshing but something I admire. I had to move out of Rushden due to the state of things, left my job there too, which I quite enjoyed and am now a happy resident in Cornwall who is only too happy to potter around the place meeting my friends who all live as neighbours, life couldn't be better, a safe meal at night and feeling like I've lived here all my life. The events which lead up to my leaving are both unfortunate and a blessing in disguise I could say! The sound of police sirens have always distressed me and I started to hear them all the time and I became unhappy about leaving the house, but it was always nice to hear an ice cream van playing that summer music. The wife and I had just finished our Sunday roast and fancied a cornet or a Ronnie Corbett as she used to say, originally being from East London. The magical twinkle of the music was getting louder and we left the house in search of our refreshment. The street was awash with youngsters playing football, swearing and teasing the italian ice man. We eventually got to the front of the queue and ordered our 99's, always with a slither of raspberry sauce and carefully made our way home, "Give us a bit of your cone" a group of middle aged men, smoking, were standing over the road, I laughed and told them they were missing out. They started jeering and came towards us directing their attentions to my wife and then an L-reg white Mazda transit van came roaring around the corner. Left helpless they bundled her in as I was left holding the two cornets with raspberry sauce trickling down my thumb. I had to stay cool and act quickly. Call 999 I shouted through a neighbour's window and within 10 minutes the police had arrived. They found my wife three days later abandoned in that L-reg Mazda transit, suffering from rapes and punches. Our relationship could never be the same again and I re-married a year later here in Cornwall. Rushden is a very bad place and needs better people, we need to focus on the good parts, i.e. Hall Park, Hamlins Court and The Ritz. Do whatever is needed to stage regular activities in these places, so community spirit will be high. I very much hope the town gets back onto its feet before it is too late.

Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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Dear Rose Thank you for your email regarding Rushden. This was a timely email as we had a Council meeting last night discussing the very problems you have highlighted. As a Council we are very concerned about the vandalism and crime in Rushden and have already taken steps to try and address these problems. We have a Community Safety Committee which actively looks at ways of reducing crime and keeping the community safe. Unfortunately the biggest problem lies with the shortage of Police Officers in Rushden, and also our courts are sometimes very soft on sentencing - it is very frustrating when the Police do manage to get somebody into court, only for them to be let free by the Magistrates because we have no room in our prisons! We are doing our best to help alleviate some of the problems and are looking at upgrading the CCTV cameras in the High Street to this effect. Your comments about Rushden are very interesting as last night the Police Officer that attended our meeting issued crime figures for Rushden which show we are below the average for the rest of country - I bet your glad you don't live in Britain anymore! I think the crime and disorder in this country is a long term problem which will take a long time to sort out but be assured Rushden Town Council is doing all it can to try and help the fight against crime. Thank you for taking the time to contact us - perhaps you could advise us of how crime and disorder is dealt with in America? Many thanks Yours sincerely Vivienne Prodger - Town Clerk Hello Rushden Here is the reply to the e-mail I sent to the council.

Name: Rose Weber
Email: RoseM@cycleed.com
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Hello my name is Rose Weber/Wallis, I don't know if you read other boards and guest books, if not I might suggest you read the Rushden Web-site Guest book. I lived in Rushden until I was 26, and yes there were problems in the High Street, but not to the extent that I have discussed with friends and past neighbours while I was home on a short visit to Rushden a month ago. I had to be sure what I had been reading on this e-mail was true, low and behold I was told you had best believe it. I was astonished and wrote once I had arrived back here in Oklahoma to the guest book and made my comments, well I would love to hear your response to what Rushdeners are saying. What is the council doing to make our streets safer for my friends and their families and mine also when they visit and shop and an evening stroll down memory lane, and for the locals who are afraid to leave their homes in the evenings. I just don't believe that Rushden youth and thugs can't be controlled, the mention of the bench being brought back sounds to me a good thing, so what about it Council members, I know some of you are my age and older and some younger, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT., Not just sit on the behinds and talk take action, get Rushden back to the proud town my mum who will be ninety in August and the likes of her, used to know. I think our grand parents would turn in their graves seeing what is happening and no action taken. Every generation has their problems but if it gets out of hand thats what the law and councils are for to put it right. What is it going to take, the buisnessess getting together, the people getting involved, places where the youth can pass their time for fun other than causing major problems in the street, if they want to fight open up a boxing training facility and let them have at it, give them something other than the pub brawling thats going on, make the publicans responsible for those who have had too many and get more and then throw a fight inside or out when innocent people are involved. Anything is a start, I would dearly love to be apart of trying the change but I am 3,000 miles away and although I will be home with family members of my mum and my past dads family for a month in August and September I can't see how I can help, but support you can count on me. Hope you will acknowledge this e-mail and read the Rushden board with your comments, Sincerely, Rose Weber/Wallis

Name: The Hillman Avenger
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Homepage: Revving up again!!!

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Cut off in my prime!!! Anyway, the point I`m making is that if you treat people like animals, that`s how they`ll behave.If their environment is ugly, that`s what they`ll get used to. It is in the council`s power to do something about it, and apathy reigns supreme. To the Rushden young `uns: the state of affairs is nothing new, it`s the same as when I was a kid, and there was even less to do , but there were youth clubs and discos which had to close because of a knuckle-dragging minority , and fields to play in which were built on due to the greed of a property developing knuckle-dragging minority.The difference is now you`ve got to contend with a drug-addled knuckle-dragging minority. I like the idea of a WWF style cage in the Ritz. The Ritz, never has an amenity for the town so right royally been underused. For a town that once had 3 cinemas, its nothing short of a crime.Bingo, that`s the best they could come up with in a building of that size. Any number of local organisations could use it, am-dram, sports clubs, youth clubs, a night club the ideas are endless. What a draw to regenerate the town!, a town which to all intents and purposes shuts at 5 o`clock on a Saturday. There`s nothing to do but drink and cause trouble (and this for a generation weaned on CDs, Mobiles and Playstations!)same as it ever was. A token gesture of a skate ramp at the Jube simply is n`t good enough, fancy taking down goal-posts down when the World Cup was on, (although to be fair they were re-erected on Fosse Green). "Why do n`t you do something yourself?" I hear you ask. I have. I run a youth football club, filled with eager young faces from the "rich ghetto". At least I try to walk it like I talk it. I think I`ve insulted enough people now, so I`ll rev off into the distance.Until the next time.Take care and bring back the bench.Rose...keep on keeping on,(is n`t it a shame that a woman from 3000 miles away has to be the one to stir it up?)

Name: The Hillman Avenger
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Have n`t been on here for a good while, but crikey it`s all kicked off now! Good to see that a good standard of debate has been introduced of late, sparked off by Rose "The Crusader" good on yu gal.The point is that a great number of ex-pat Rushdenites come back, hoping to show their non-Rushden families, the sights, and boy is it a shock. You tend not to notice the mess that you live in if you live in it all the time and a fresh pair of eyes is sometimes needed.Hi Trace, sorry you and your family had to see the "car showroom " in the fields at the bottom of Windsor Road but unfortunately car salvage is n`t profitable and the council would rather have kids clambering about in them.Perhaps impoverished film-makers can use it as a stand-in for Belfast or Beirut, and then nip down to High Street South opposite the chippy and film the row of disused buildings that welcome prospective visitors to our fair town. Has the council never heard of Land Registry searches to see who owns the sites, or compulsory purchase orders?.Did we vote the council in ?what are they doing for the town as a whole and not just for their shopkeeper cronies? or are they just a self appointed quango? I know Trace, Ilfracombe is n`t much to write home about, but I feel like crying everytime I walk down the High Street. Hay on Wye is famous for its bookshops, we are becoming notorious for charity shops and fast-food outlets.What are the planning committee thinking of???They wo n`t attract other businesses when the surrounding area is an eyesore. The "charity shop quarter" does n`t quite have the same ring as the "gold quarter" or the "jewellry quarter" does it. Lets move on, I`ve started now and I`m in the mood!!! I asume the council wants to invite families into the area judging by the rampant building of sprawl along the A6, but it`s obvious that the new families are here from further South for the supposedly cheaper housing. There`s nothing remotely interesting for them in Rushden because it`s as it`s always been, a town devoid of amenities (except for Splash)no vision, no drive no-one has thought about an infrastructure, and Rushden will (is?) become a dormitory town. The new families will just sleep here and spend their money on goods and entertainment where they work, along the A6 in Bedford and beyond.The new money sweeps in and the slime (sorry, estate agents...noticed how many of THEM there are in the High Street, nice car Kevin C.)decide that they can up the price of all the housing in Rushden and beyond the price of average families who ca n`t move even if they want to.Have n`t we been here before? 1988/9 perhaps?The result is a "rich ghetto"area that does n`t regard itself as Rushden and wo n`t be by "Rushdenites" who will look south with growing resentment. Some new people do make a genuine effort to get involved with local clubs etc, whose organisers deserve the praise and congratulations they will invariably not receive, but they still care about Rushden.This is where the drive and commitment and vision still exists in the town , but not alas on the council.Where along the line did they forget why they got into local politics I wonder?

Name: Nikki Cotton
Email: Nikspix@yahoo.co.uk
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What a great site! What about a Rushden soap opera to be filmed? If we get the status needed it could be shown nationwide, but we could start showing at a regular slot in the Ritz. The location has the beauty and the people here are great. An episode could start; Peter Crisp has a lunchtime meal at Coffee Tavern Lane, and complains the food isn't hot enough and takes his custom to the Rose and Crown instead. He could start complaining about the IPA being off and after sitting at the front of the pub tries to order food but gets told to take a seat in the dining area. At this point he would ignore the bar girls wishes and catch the landlords eye who he knows and then have the food taken to where he first wanted to sit. If there isn't a cliff-hanger in there then I'm the Queen of Sheeba. The episode would be called, 'Peter gets fussy'.

Name: marisa
Email: monkeymiles2000@yahoo.com
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Nice web site. My mother was born and raised in Rushden and left in the 1950's. Her name is Mavis Truett. She would love to hear from old pals.

Name: Yoda Fitzgerald
Email: bringmesomeextarrys@hotmail.com
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Dear interested, I am sure you'll be interested to hear that all of us Rushdenites - to coin a phrase (thanks Rose) simply adore the Diamonds. The merger did temporarily tear our lives apart but I think we could live without the place oh yeah one more thing, Axl Figgs is fucking cunt.

Name: interested
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SO Do You all support Rushden and Diamonds then? Do you know anyone who doesn't go due to resentment over the merger? Is the club an integral part of the local community? Cheers

Name: Debbie Davis
Email: debbied5@prodigy.net
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This is a great site, and I love the photos. I live in Arkansas in the U.S., and my friend, Mark Smart, is from Rushden. It's a beautiful place to call home, and I'd like to see it one day.

Name: Not James Carradice
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Having just read James Carradice's article on auschwitz all I can say is pap! Never before have I come across such a load of old toffee. I think he's been watching too much television and hollywood films! The end of the article reads; 'The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again' George Santayana. Well i'll be damned if I have to endure another 4 hours of that Spielberg tripe. Next thing we'll know Carradice will be writing about when he met up with a friendly alien who wanted to phone home! Don't they teach anything in these schools today? Just letting their hollywood influenced minds run wild. Carradice should be writing about the real auschwitz otherwise known as Whitworths. My heavy weeping eyes could just distinguish 6.05am, it was time to get up. My puffed up hamster face made its way into the car, feeling frightened about what was in store for the day I got out of the car and immediately noticed some people already in battle dress making there way over the hill. I walked into the department known as 'fruit', I quickly had a last glance of the outside world; steaming chimneys, dark sky and some asian man bobbling along in a fork lift truck, it has started I thought to myself. 'Swipe you bloody thing' I muttered to myself as my clock in card's barcode wasn't responding and a queue had formed behind me. Opon opening my locker I was presented with a uniform covered in date juice, it was all too baggy and my hat was missing. The supervisor had my destiny in the palm of his hands, 'you're upstairs today' it was no heaven up there I can tell you. I could hear machines, fruit machines but your luck was never in and I waited nervously for further instructions. 'Go over there' the other supervisor croaked and after 3 minutes my placement was short lived, 'No we're one missing, go over there'. To this very day I find it difficult collecting my memories of the days events and this worries me as; 'The one who does not remember history is bound to live through it again'.

Name: Joseph Richards
Email: Jhrich@yahoo.com
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I'm very pleased that the city council has been made aware of the problems surrounding Rushden at present. Here we have a lady by the name of Rose who being thousands of miles away still shows the driving force we need to encourage a better way of life in this once great town. I take my hand off to you and I wish there were more like you around. I would be very interested to hear the response from the council and i'm sure others on this site would to - however lengthy it would read. Being Rushden born and bred I shudder when I hear of the nasty things that poison our town nowadays, I can only blame the new estates who house ex corby single parent families whose childen run amock and don't know the basic etiquette of please and thankyou. We don't want to see children covered in food on an early Saturday evening and we most definately do not want to hear Shaggy Dogg's latest racist, sexist pap. Not usually a watcher of television I caught that Big Brother show and was interested to see the house divided into a rich and poor section, why can't we have the same in this town? Iron bars I know would be too costly but a sort of 'Berlin Wall' would be handy - it would create jobs and give the people of Rushden a choice, as happiness is all about options.

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Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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Hello again, I mentioned to you that I would not hold my breath in getting an answere from the city council, well did they prove me wrong, I will have to figure a way of sharing with you what they replied other than me typing it in, it will take me a couple of days to do this but I will keep my promise and share what they say. Rose

Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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Hello, this is Rose again. I thought for those who are interested I have contacted the council e-mail address and sent a very lengthy message. I have asked that they read the comments that have been sent into your guest book. If they reply to me I will let you know what they have to say, and yes I did mention the return of the bench. I I am not an overly religous person but I will pray for the help we need, since I am not there in person, but in spirit all the way. I hope to hear from them, but I won't hold my breath, so if any of you councilors or your families read this PLEASE DO SOMETHING, Rose

Name: Craig Malone
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Couldn't sleep last night, a friend of mine presented a question for me; 'what on earth is behind Woodland Road?' As you can imagine the question was thrown to me too late in the evening, at one point I even tried to sleep upside down but still the question was running through my head. Tossing and turning, I had to open the window and fill my lungs with cool air. I tried to break the question down, 'behind Woodland Road' why is it called Woodland? Is there a Parky type thing behind it? Spencer Park ran through my head like a pack of poisoned knifes, they can't have two so close I thought and my stomach felt empty. Glancing at the clock my skin felt itchy and I attempted a sort of virtual reality walk in my head. Passing the car showhouse down Washbrook road I swallowed deeply, here we go Woodland road - houses yes, fair enough and I stood at the last house and stared. Feeling like I was looking at my own mind from outside an unfamilar disused petrol station, my body felt weak and my hands tried to grip tight. It was at this point I switched the light on in my room and glanced into the mirror to witness a rather familar sight but one that felt stupid, insignificant and cheated. I tried periously to make my mind cross over that disused railway bridge and approach things differently. Making my way through the bramble I noticed a Walkers crisp packet from a bygone era and it was at this point I started to mix in that other disused railway track that couldn't be further from the truth. I felt alert but unable to concentrate. Not having the guts to find a map as even my direction around the house would seem feeble. All my muscles contracted and my bed clothes felt like real Alligator skin, I attempted to throw them off but simply they went all width ways. I tried to console myself with the thought that there is a big brick wall behind Woodland Road but then I started to think what was behind the brick wall and I came out in a cold sweat. Television programmes started to stand for this gap in my mind and soon programmes like Sons and Daughters and Are You Being Served? filled this gap with a cancerous taste. Can anybody out there help me?

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You Rushdeners Loathe IT......

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Name: Joan
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The final poignant words; 'sitting on ones behind and talking will do nothing'. I'll give you readers a few minutes to let the phrase sink in, deep to the soul. Right, are you all back with me? This phrase was invented by the woman responsible for 'bringing back the bench' and signing off with this sentence lets it sink deep into the willow. If this woman stood as a political party leader I would vote 'Rose' no question about it. As you see, these violent youngsters need a residence - a station to locate themselves and the bench will provide this, creating a philosophy of 'sitting on ones behind and talking'. And what will that mean? Yep, no more 'summer skins' down the high street. We've heard it all before, but bringing back the bench is crucial. Bring back the bench!

Name: Linda
Email: Lindae@hotmail.com
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If a town is best described by its people, then Rushden is a rather spotty youth dressed in a hand-me-down Ben Sherman shirt , who having drank too many alcopops throws a chicken burger wrapper into the street.

Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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To those who have answered my initial statement I must thank, if it takes bringing back the bench so be it. As for the sarcastic remark of my mothers 90th I feel it was uncalled for, we are bringing Rushdenites back to the community for this special day with my mother who was born and raised in Rushden along with my brother and myself, with family from out of town who have spent many happy hours in the pubs in the past, before my dad had a stroke while holidaying in Halifax which kept mum and dad there and could not return to Rushden. I always class Rushden as my home town and will till I die, never say that we Rushdenites who no longer live there don't give a darn, beleive me we do. Bob I am sorry you feel the way you do, nothing can bring back pain and suffering, but one can become involved if one wishes to and try and change a bad situation for the better and no town no matter where is that bad that nothing can be done. Yes I am long distance over 3,000 miles to be exact but that does not stop me from caring and coming back, if I can make a difference by saying what I think on the council sight I will do so. All my friends have families in the community and for that reason and for all living in Rushden and those wanting to see a safe and fun environment should do all they can to try and make it that way. Sitting on one's behind and talking will do nothing will it, Rose

Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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Name: Trace Davison
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Visited Rushden at the weekend to see family, been living away for some fifteen years what a disapointment,walked up the high st.and saw three shop windows being repaired and to top it all off took a drive round near where i used to live (fosse green est.)and saw 10 burnt out cars in the field at the end of Windsor Rd. Whats this once great town coming to!

Name: BOB McNAB
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I used to be quite a regular writer on this website, I was the one who pointed out how dangerous Rushden was. I still think so and probably more so now. Kevin the webmaster acused me of being negative and whinging and that I do nothing for the town. Well, this 'average' town is only as good as its people-like Kevin said and the people contributing to the site seem to have a good grip on things. A lady called Rose doesn't want to be bothered when visiting her mother's 90th, does she Kevin? If there's any thing I can do to help your bring back the bench Rose let us know. Out of personal experience I am aware of these toe-rags loose on our streets and a condensed meeting point with I think there's CITV, will work wonders. There you go not so negative now!

Name: Graham
Email: ghick@hotmail.com
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Bring back the bench!

Name: Joseph Richards
Email: Jhrich@yahoo.com
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Having not shared my views on the Rushden guestbook for some time (November of last year to be precise!) I feel a sense of decent, like-minded people who rightly so, want to see a return to the peaceful culture we once inhabited. I agree strongly with the safe walk down memory lane, when as Rose rightly said; you could as a window shopper walk the streets and look forward to a bright future with your current lover. And the passionate comments from someone who dissapointingly forgot to name themselves, who along with Rose sees the now empty space outside the Wesleyan church a big problem. Along with you I have never been a trouble maker and it is makes me feel the town is on the way to recovery. There is still a long way to go and it is a pleasure to share my thoughts with such decent people. May I say, Rose and mystery friend your bench campaign will be supported by myself and as time is the most valuble thing you can give to people, you are very respectable people.

Name: Joseph Richards
Email: Jhrich@yahoo.com
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Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: Rosem@cycleed.com
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Hello Rushden, Well I never thought my comments of having a safe walk down memory lane in Rushden would bring such a response. I am definately not a second hand Rose and I thank you for saying so neither am I a trouble maker. I am all for taking action to make our streets safer, unfortunately I no longer live in Rushden, but my friends and neighbours of the past do, so for the safety of them and their families and the likes of you surely the law is strong enough, or are funds cut that even the local Bobbies don't walk the streets anymore or can't control the hooligans. Whatever it takes to make it safe for the evening window shoppers, couple's wanting to take a walk like it used to be the jewellers and dream of that special ring they hope someday to buy. I hope it can be done. I every once in awhile accsess the city council board maybe we should all take part in that action and not wait for it to happen., Rose

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Re; Rose's Bench Campaign. Common sense prevails here, containing the trouble-makers is always the best option. I do have a degree of disappointment regarding the lack of action on Kevin's behalf, if he's 'clever' enough to design this entire site - surely he's 'clever' enough to add a box, adding up ticks. Bring it back, sing it back, Jesus was a carpenter and it is all starting to make sense. Something nice and comfy will do, capable of accommadating at least seven unfriendly scum. No woodworm, lots of varnish and capable of taking the weight of someone standing. Bus passengers will appreciate the comforting eyeball gestures as the 46 slips by. Rose is no second hand Rose and all she wants is a quality street. Peter Fry is on our side - but feels he is 'banging his head against a brick wall' He's even gone as far as pushing for an off license to be adjacent 'the bench'. Rose, does it make your mouth water thinking of solid oak and nikey? it does mine. The piece of mind this architecture will have is astonishing and i'd like to hear from other people who must be interested, e-mail me with; bringitbacksingitback@hotmail.com. We want to see a fading saturday shopping, with a younger reannactment of the 'last supper' - the sucking of wham bars has never looked so comforting. Hopefully Rose, this campaign will snowball until the 'chippies' do it for the town. Barney, priorities first, we'll put your 'nite spot' on hold and if you want to help get chisseling. Listen here M.r Stitchcombe, i've woken up this morning and I really fancy a good 'fry up' everything in the pan, your way of grilling things seems to take too long with the end result being 'sub-standard'. The 'fry up' has got things 'stitched up'. Rose, when I read your comments on bringing back the bench, I immediately joked to my wife - 'this woman is after my own heart!'. Some would say that the troubles in Israel are due to a lack of seating for the youths, so we are not being 'narrow-minded' or 'selfish' which Barney seems to be. What good is a 'nite spot' if it's accompained with downright anarchy. Another suggestion for the 'bench' would be a 'naughty youths only' code of conduct - no pensioners or infirm members would be legally authorized to sit down or block the youngsters view. Rose, I feel for you as it seems you have been a victim to these cruel pests. I can appreciate your concern for letting these youths loose in our streets and you truely are a Rose between two thorns, or maybe more. If your campaign pays dividends I will personally make sure that a single red rose will be planted alongside the law enforcer in your gargantuan memory of actions.

Name: bunty
Email: buntyprize@hotmail.com
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Rose, the problems of Rushdens sheer unrelentless violence lies in the strategic placings of ones pubs. Designed for the upmost impact, this twisted creator really knows the secret ingredient. Youths are the ginger in the curry, walking down the high street is like a throw of the dice - misfortune is only around the corner. Rushden council have even handed some of these youths a car to prevent the gatherings around a well thought out meeting place. The bench next to Wishbones should be returned so we can contain these hoodlums, they now drift up and down planning their next attack. Rose, will you be the first to sign my 'bring back the bench campaign'? As in the cyborg adventure 'Robocop' a half man, half machine tactic was introduced, we should take note and reintroduce 'the bench' In an ideal world Stitchcombe will be dialing 'West Ends' number as you read this. Rushden without the 'bench'? It's a chilling thought.

Name: Rose Weber/Wallis
Email: rosem@cycleed.com
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Hello Kevin, It's been along time since I wrote, I recently came through Rushden and visited with favourite people, I had to ask them if what I have been reading on this site was true. You know I was told a decent person has no need to walk the town at night it's not safe. It's such a shame because athough there were fights after or before closing some nights, you were safe and if you were bothered by someone there was always some person ready to defend you. I wasn't able to spend more than a couple of hours in Rushden, but I plan on coming back in August to celebrate my mums 90th birthday at the working mens club in Higham, I hope to be able to spend some time along with my family in the area. It's a chilling thought not to be able to walk down a memory lane in the evening without thinking who is behind you. I thought this only happened in the big cities and America, Rose

Name: brian tressard
Email: makaunit@hotmail.com
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G'day mates. Don't worry it's not another duplicate! The draping was some of the most intense draping I have ever seen. We'll do a swop with you Bridget - you hand over our Ned Bedfords brother Ned and we'll give you your Draper.

Name: Bridget (DRAPER) Wilkinson
Email: bridget.wilkinson@bigpond.com
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G'day Just looking relatives. Pleased to see DRAPER'S are still there. My Great, Great Grandfather was George DRAPER born in Rushden 1824 and in 1881 was living in Lincoln England, thats where I was born but have been in Australia for the past 40 years. I know this is not actually Genealogy but saw the Peter DRAPER Photographer was there, maybe hes one of my lost relatives. I thought your Web Page looked excellent and as I am a beginner found it an easy page to follow. Thanks for the information Best Wishes Bridget. Have a good Day.

Name: Bridget (DRAPER) Wilkinson
Email: bridget.wilkinson@bigpond.com
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Name: Bridget (DRAPER) Wilkinson
Email: bridget.wilkinson@bigpond.com
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Name: robert knight
Email: slingit@hotmail.com
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Where's all the big debates of recent past? The golden era of discussions seem to have slipped into the abyss of Alchemy. We just can't get what we want anymore, the owner i.e editor, isn't playing the anchorman - pulling the Rushden strings and controlling the direction. Let's get some big debates going here, like why does Osbornes close on a Thursday? Introduce a kebab house poll, does Wishbones reputation go before them and will they be too complacent? Will Barney ever win that lottery and sort out Rushden's 'nite spot' problems? Barney's luck could be Barney's Rubble.

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Name: Gary A Pearson
Email: loslobos69@hotmail.com
Homepage: South Beach

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To Dave & Verna of Rushden Completely enjoyed our short visit on the weekend of May 18th in South Beach. You are a truly a lovely couple, who certainly know how to live life to its fullest. Will write soon. Gary Minneapolis Mn

Name: sharpy
Email: gt@hotmail.com
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You thought there was no showbiz in Rushden? Well you're wrong! Catch BBC1's The Waiting Game on Saturday nights! We have our very own Mental Mandy presenting the show, otherwise known as Ruby Wax!

Name: M.r Dunkley
Email: tabacco/haircut@aol.co.uk.
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Ned really hit the nail on the 'ed with the 'cage'. I tell you who i'd sling in the thing first, those bleemin fuckers from the 'Bra strap' or whatever it's called. Posh French shite. I like my grub real and those fancy meals cost you an arm and a leg. Me wages took a right hammering from that place trying to impress the missis. You can take your posh wine bars and shove them up your arse, this is England and we don't need all this forieng muck.

Name: N Bedford
Email: brightidya@hotmail.com
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I agree with Barney. Rushden needs a nite spot. It could be have a shoe making theme and be called something like 'Soles', which are part of a shoe and something you have inside of you - if you see what i mean. The professional bouncers could wear DMs and somebody could buy the Ritz and rip out the bingo machines and build a cage where either pissed-up girls in their Breakers gear could dance or blokes could fight - like WWF. I'd definitley go and the owner would certainly make a killing.

Name: Lambrini
Email: Cheap@hotmail.com
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I reply to Nic o tine 'wat' Rushden is really like, it's shite and so is Boundary Avenue.

Name: unknown
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sorry just gotta ask MYSTERY MAN is there any particular reason you hate Stuart daly and the bellamy family?

Name: nic o tine
Email: nic_o_tine2000@yahoo.com
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can anyone tell me wat rushden is really like and wat boundary ave is like as im meant to be moving there so please tell me wat its like

Name: tina
Email: tinhead@hotmail.com
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A favourite pub poll seems exactly the sort of thing to promote Rushden as a place of cultural interest for outside visitors. If any tourists asked me if I knew of any place where they could piss away their meagre wages in order to forget the drudgery of the working week and talk with mince-thick townies who are only too happy to share their ignorance and prejudice - followed by a vicious assault at the end of the evening outside a fast food outlet in an area neglected by the police, by a group of youths who had managed to drag themselves away from a speed fuelled attack (again) on the telephone booths outside Budgens, then I would suggest The Feathers.

Name: Mental Mandy
Email: ian@hotmail.com
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What fun Rushden is.Spoilt for choice in shops, entertainment and friendly people you can't go wrong.Went to see the latest blockbuster 'Spider-man' at the 'Ritz' last weekend after some peaceful pints in the 'Feathers'.It's a place of culture and as the town centre open more exclusive chain stores, 'Peacocks' etc, the value of the houses are bound to soar.The growing trend of 'inbreeding' is becoming Rushdens own trademark and a golden butterfly would be our own very symbol.I've never had such a refreshing 'pint' as I have in 'cheers bar' and pop in on a weekend for a knees up and karoke.Rushden is our own 'secret paradise' and we should keep it that way.Groups of lovely boys in big, soft coats tart the place up - we really should be grateful.Unlike other small towns, things spring to life on a Sunday and where else would you find yourself outside Bewise breathing the same air as Jay Horne.

Name: Sheila Bayes-Clayton
Email: Farthingszoo@btinternet.com
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I've just tried to sign the guest book but bt cut me off in my prime and so I don't know if it was sent. First of all let me say I was quite impressed with the site which I found by accident. I know there are loads of messages in your guest book but I am wondering whether any of my relatives who live in Rushden and district are likely to read it. My father was born in Oswald Road in 1894 and his name was Raymond William Clayton (known as Bill or Will} his brothers were George, Charles and Harold and his sisters were Lilian, Mena and Grace - all sadly deceased. At one time the family lived in Wymington. My mother was born in Irchester in 1893 and her name was Florence Bayes she was the youngest of 13 children. Her brother Frederick was married to Annie and they had 3 sons who lived in Rushden - one I remember lived in Bedford Road. Two sisters lived in Rushden - Althea (Lal) Wiggins and Beatrice Bird. I knoiw it is a longshot but if anyone recognises these names, I would love to hear from them. Ilive near Norwich now and have no contact with any of these relatives. Incidentally, I have followed Rushden & Diamonds with interest. I understand my father played for Rushden Town before the 1914-1918 war. Best wishes.

Name: john p
Email: pove the3inchman@hotmail.com
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I hate all of the scanks in rushden. I am a bedford boy and proud of my sexuality. Find me at sharnbrook school weekdays.I hate the cambell family, and the feathers drinkers are all weedy arese ticklers.

Name: mystery man
Email: captainahab84@hotmail.com
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I hat anyone who lives down highfield road. I hate jason horne , stuart daily and the whole fucking bellomy family. Its their fault that rushden is so ruff.

Name: Anita Selling
Email: anita.selling@bredband.net
Homepage: Sweden

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Name: clive
Email: clive@ozzblitt.freeserve.co.uk
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your 'email us' email address page doesn't work which may explain why your clubs list is not growing very quickly !!

Name: Nikki
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Hi again barney, its nikki. just thought i would say hello to the customers here on saturday night. everyone thinks i am easy well i aint....................FCUK I AM PISSED AGAIN AND ITS SUNDAY

Name: Nikki
Email: Xs3xk1tt3nX@aol.com
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Hey barney, just letting you know i checked out your posting like you said to earlier tonight..........off to bed now feel a bit drunk, good night all reading this xxxx

Name: John Barnes (Barney)
Email: loadupthelager@aol.com
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Very well Presented website... cant believe Rushden is on the map in the web world.. good effort Kevin. Lived in Rushden all my life... probally to long but its not a bad little town really compared to others and its good to see someone who appreciates it. As I'm 26 I know most of the younger generation and I think Rushden desperately needs a nightclub or pub with a late licence. Northampton, Wellingborough, Bedford recieve much money from those of us that want a late beer at the weekends which is most... not only that we also pay a fortune in taxis!!!. If the nightclub was ran correctly (i.e fair drink prices, professional doorman) it would make a killing also it would stop crowds hanging about the high street late at night especially if the club was out of harms way. If a coach service picked up from the pubs at throw out time I think this would work, well if ever I win the lottery I'll build one for Rushden... but there is more chance I'll become a brain surgeon than that happening!!! cheers... bye!!

Name: sue wilkins
Email: peppys@ntlworld.com
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hi lee waterfield , do you remember sue wilkins,well its sue joyce now.Sorry about Lisa,Alison Selbie told me,i hear you still live in denmark road. Get in touch. peppys@ntlworld.com

Name: maureen buckby (nee copson)
Email: mandpbuckby@pbuckby.fsnet.co.uk
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would love to hear from any of the rushden girls school 1960s safe cycling team - lovely memories

Name: Lesley Wardle(NEE DAVIES)
Email: BEAUMONTDanlew@aol.com
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I was born in Rushden in 1947,have lived here all my life.I find the Rushden website very interesting.While browsing through it I came across a long lost friends sister in law. I had tried to contact them through directory enquiries but to no avail.I knew that they were last known to be living in Connecticut USA but guessed that they had moved to a different area. I am now anxiously awaiting a reply having last spoken to them about 15years ago.If anyone else remembers me then please feel free to get in touch.

Name: Patricia East
Email: pmurry29@hotmail.com
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Lovely to see Rushden on the net. I was born in Sartoris Road number 18 in 1942, my grandmother was Carrie Desborough she had a shop on Rectory Rd, now demolished. I wonder how many young 'uns know that old Hollywood Star, Clark Gable was once a local of Rushen during the 11 World War? The place buzzed with the music of Glen Miller's band who played also in Beds. And grand to know that Rushden Diamonds are doing well. Great team. I now live in Yorkshire and have done since being a nipper. No place like Rushden though so look after it you young 'uns and all the best to you.

Name: Elisabeth Gauthier (nee White)
Email: evgauth@pa.net
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Great to find this site. Born and raised in Rushden. MOved to London in 1980. Now in the USA. Rushden will always be "home". Went to South End school and Chichele Girls, left there in 1980. Great site. Thanks........

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Name: Amelia
Email: cheekylaydeeuk@yahoo.co.uk
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Hi, I used to live in rushden from when i was old enough to go to jack&jill nursery, hayway, alfred street, then wollaston. I moved to bedforshire about three years ago. I would really like to hear from anyone who is aged around seventeen & went to school with me or who knows my mum dad or brother.

Name: Dave Brandt
Email: rv_dave@hotmail.com
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I had the good fortune to be stationed at RAF Chelveston in 1959. Since then, I have only had the opportunity to return once in 1985 but I often think about the good times I had with the many great people of Rushden that I was lucky enough to get to know. Thank you all for those memories.

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Name: Walter Chinery
Email: kaywal@telus.net
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I am living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and came upon your Website which interested me and brought back many memories of my youth, having lived on Queen Street and attending Newton Road School and the Intermediate School on the Hayway. We had a look at the pubs ratings and the Wheatsheaf used to be run by my Uncle Jim Robinson, whose daughter (mycousin) still lives in Rushden. The comments on the Feathers are very interesting, this was the pub where I learned to drink and play darts and skittles (underage at that).

Name: Debra Johnston
Email: debrajohnston@columbusga.org
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I think it's wonderful, especially for people such as myself that has been away from Rushden for so long. I moved in 1969. I did attend Alfred Street school and the girls Secondary Modern School. I have several names that I had as good friends at the time. Jane Simpson, Christine Jones, Gary Jones(brother & sister) and Anthony Knight. I belive Anthony's dad owned a Pub back then. My mother Ann Travill Belcher and her family lived there on Satoris Rd., I know of 2 streets we lived on, Mallery Close and Highfield Rd. Use to love to go to Wellingboro on the bus to go to the market. I have so many wonderful memories of Rushden, so seeing this web was very special. Hope to hear from someone, it would make my year!! Thanks, Debra Belcher Johnston

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Name: m.b
Email: tram70uk@yahoo.com
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HI TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS AND SCHOOL MATES. HAVE YOU TRIED FRIENDSREUNITED.CO.UK?? EVERY SCHOOL IS LISTED AND EVERY YEAR!! HOPE IT HELPS. GOOD LUCK!!

Name: m.b
Email: tram70uk@yahoo.co.uk
Homepage:

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HI TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS AND SCHOOL MATES. HAVE YOU TRIED FRIENDSREUNITED.CO.UK?? EVERY SCHOOL IS LISTED AND EVERY YEAR!! HOPE IT HELPS. GOOD LUCK!!

Name: m.b
Email: tram70uk@yahoo.com
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HI TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS AND SCHOOL MATES. HAVE YOU TRIED FRIENDSREUNITED.CO.UK?? EVERY SCHOOL IS LISTED AND EVERY YEAR!! HOPE IT HELPS. GOOD LUCK!!

Name: Lustral
Email:
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thanks for the website i know it has amussed a friend of mine - shame about all the young people putting some of their comments in - really is it as bad as they seem or do they make it that bad. Anyway for people outside the area lets hope they enjoy the tour of our little town.

Name: Lorina Charkhchi nee Desborough
Email: lorinadesborough@hotmail.com
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I was born in Rushden, I attended Newton Road Infants and Junior Schools, and would love to hear from fellow pupils. I am particularly interested in tracing an old friend Rosa Caranchi, she and her family used to live near us in Oswald Road. I went on to Rushden Girls Chichele school, which I left in 1979. Soon after I married and left Rushden to live in Daventry. We returned to live in good old Rushden last Easter. I would love to hear from old friends and catch up on everyones news. Lorina

Name: Betty Anderson
Email: david.anderson21@btinternet.com
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I am trying to trace my sister pamela maiden name Embury, I last saw her in 1971 living in Rushdon, and I believe married, Pamela would now be about 50 years old. Can anybody help please.

Name: michael (dick) richard johnston
Email: ceili50@hotmail.com
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nice to touch "base" once in a while, enjoyed the guest pages, even recognised a few names to bring memories flooding back. I moved to norway 25 years ago after marrying a "local girl". Career in the merchant navy before that, the "feathers" was our local pub in those days.Dave Dorney,Chris York, P.J.Martin, Alf White, the Dewey Brothers and Alister Green were all really good friends. Thanks for taking me "back in time" for a while.......

Name: BOB McNAB
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Thanks for all the people who backed up my views on Rushden. Its nice to know I wasn't imagining all the crap that is going on. In reply to Wendy No I'm not married but then again how many 20 year olds are? Was it an offer? PS Don't you think the Needle and Awl looks like a Ghost House from the fair now its got its weird purple and green lights?

Name: tony apps
Email: micheal@majorm.fsnet.uk.co
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i would like to know some people who knew adele and lynn marshall PLEASE.

Name: tony apps
Email: micheal@majorm.fsnet.uk.co
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i would like to know some people who knew adele and lynn mashall PLEASE.

Name: lee waterfield
Email: lee_waterfield@msn.com
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good site for information

Name: Trace Davison
Email: trace@davison123.freeserve.co.uk
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LIVING DOWN IN NORTH DEVON SINCE 88 WENT TO THE COMP.UP TO 77 VISIT A COUPLE TIMES A YEAR,ITS CHANGED SO MUCH.CHRIS MARSH,I CAN REMEMBER YOU,ANYBODY OUT THEIR REMEMBER ME? PS.GREAT WEB SITE.

Name: Paul Brice
Email: paul_brice@lineone.net
Homepage: http://www.alfredst.ukf.net

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This is a follow up to the previous message left by Wendy. The website I've setup is for people that attended Alfred Street between 1966 and 1970. We're planning a reunion for that year in June. If you know someone who attended please let them know about the website. Your host, Kevin Franklin, was one such person.

Name: wendy
Email: gonk1959@lycos.co.uk
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Hi if any of you out there went to alfred st infants/juniors school there is now a site for you.It's mainly if you were born 1958/59.The owner of the site is hoping for some kind of reunion, this year i think.Would be nice to see some more names on there.Quite a few are there already go check it out www.alfredst.ukf.net.

Name: Jo D
Email: jo_northants@myself.com
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how cum there aint nothing bout da army cadets here? huh?

Name: Jo D
Email: jo_northants@myself.com
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Hey everyone, Happy New Year....just came to check this site out. I am of 13 years old and am doing a project on Rushden as I live here and so came and visited this site....thanks for all the useful information I did not know hardly any of the things described on this site. I go to The Rushden School if anyone is interested. Once again Happy New Year

Name: sue joyce maiden name wilkins
Email: peppys@ntlworld.com
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Hi i lived in rushden 10 years ago before i moved north with my husband martin. I went to chichele school for girls up until 1982 when i left to work at totectors. My best friend was nickie whitwell,we loved rockabilly music and often went to the railway in wellingborough and the kennel club. We also went to the windmill club on a monday night.If anyone remembers me please contact me.

Name: Geoff
Email: G.Bradshaw@open.ac.uk
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Is the Ritz still going ? I was the projectionist/bingo caller/stage hand/handy man their untill 1984 I think the last film i ran their was Anne. Did it ever run films again after that Also what happend to the R.A.T.S / R.A.O.S I used to work as a stage hand with from 74-84 did they also move away from the Ritz. Does the RITZ neon sign still work i remember getting that repaired & reinstalling it on the day of prince Chaz & Di's wedding with Roger Ops all most forgot not a bad site keep it up

Name: Carl B
Email:
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Enjoyed the site

Name: sue joyce
Email: peppys@ntlworld.com
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i used o live in rushden but moved to co.durham with my husband martin. He use to play football for rushden, kettering and in the end the king edward pub. Our eldest son sam now has a years contract with Dalington football club.We left Rushden 11 years ago and i miss it lots.And no i do not talk like a northerner,i am southern through and through.

Name: Scott Williamson
Email: swil2@aol.com
Homepage:

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Sincerest congratulations for the site and many thanks. 1951 - 1963 22 Albion Place Mother: Geraldine Brenda Hooton, Alfred St. School. Father: Alexander Williamson, Canadian, last job with Seddons & Arledge. Sister: Susan Gail Williamson, Newton Rd. School & North End I went to South End Primary 1956 - 1961. Some teachers remembered:Mrs. Cockle Who lived way up Wymington Rd. Mrs. Paige, Mrs. Allen who lived on Park Rd. across the road from John Whites, Mr. Mitchell who loved to stand behind you slapping the back of your head in cadence to his speech, Mr. Harley who seemed quite gentle and played the piano at morning assembly, and of course Mr. & Mrs. Astle, her in her home knitted outfits and him a very stern one indeed. I recall that he caned my hands when I was 7 for the "show me yours and I'll show you mine" routeen with Mary M. 1961 - 1963 I became a ward of Bert's. Mr. Catlin lived on Wymington Rd. next to the Hall Park gate and drove a Jaguar. As a member of the Rushden Operatic Society Burt had the role of the king in The King and I. My sister Sue was also in the cast. Tennison Road Secondary Modern School for Boys was Bert's teritory. Does anyone else remember Roy Tomlin the way I do? We called him Killer Tomlin. He never used a cane, always an old running shoe, and could bring a tear to the toughest brats when he bent you over at the front of the class. Some family are/were: Olive Ella Litchfield (grandmother), Harold Hooton (grandfather), Graham Hooton (uncle), June Durrant (aunt), Cynthia Liggins (aunt), Peggy Hooton[Hopper] (aunt), William (Bill) Durrant (uncle), Richard (Dick) Liggins Maj.ret. (uncle) and all of the cousins: Paul, David, Richard, Dawn, Sharron. Sister Sue married a Yank named Lavearl Beaty (he never liked that name and later in life changed to Blue Beaty). Some kids I hung out with: David Gardner, David Dilly, Terry (Paddy) Smith. Some kids I remember: Marvin & Marick Payne, Brenda Warburton, Susan Mitchel, Mary Moor, Madeline Benford. My next door neighbours: 20 Albion Pl.Mrs. Helsdown & Gus and thier daughters Joan and Sheila, 24 Albion Mr. & Mrs. Rollings. Across the street: Mrs. Macam who had chickens in her yard and a lovely pear tree that eventually made way for two more homes. Enough? Does anyone know and/or remember me? Will you admit it?:-) At 50 (pushing 51) I now live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This is a good place to be now but no place could top RUSHDEN for a memorable chilhood. It was like living in Nutwood with Rupert. Honestly.

Name: sue
Email: peppys
Homepage:

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Name: Richard ILIFFE
Email: riliffe@arrakis.es
Homepage:

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Lived in Rushden (Moor Rd and Avenue Rd) until 1966, and now live in Madrid. It's a great web site. Keep it up.

Name: killthetownies one be one
Email:
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OK flump we will meet up with you in may to go for a few drinks. Chris can introduce us

Name: flump
Email: ohh_feck@hotmail.com
Homepage: yeah right

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hunny pubs are closed at 11.30pm, hi chris remember me mate course u do!!!

Name: flump
Email: ohh_feck@hotmail.com
Homepage: yeah right

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ohh well i think a flight is a bit much to do just for a drink in da feathers, maybe in may :)

Name: killthe
Email: townies
Homepage: 1by1

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OF COURSE YOU CAN COME FOR A DRINK. BUT AS CHRIS WONT PAY YOU WILL HAVE TO!!MEET YOU IN THE FEATHERS AT 11:30PM

Name: flump
Email: ohh_feck@hotmail.com
Homepage: yeah right

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i love townies, they just don't love me :( can i come for that drink????

Name: killthe
Email: townies
Homepage: 1by1

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CHRIS I WOULD LOVE TO GO OUT FOR A DRINK WITH YOU I AM SO GLAD YOU SAID YES WE COULD POP IN AND DONATE SOME MONEY THE THE USA CHICKEN CREW SO THEY CAN GET SOME CHIPS TO SHARE!! CHRIS I NEED TO ASK YOU SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT ............................ ............... ............................................................................. WILL YOU LEND ME �2.20 SO I CAN BUY YOU A PINT MY LITTLE SWEET APPLE PIE LOL ;) YOU FECKIN LOVE'IT ARRRBBBBUUUCCKKLLEESS YEAH

Name: Chris
Email:
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Absolutly! Havent those gimps got anything better to do than hang around USA chicken in the cold. HAVENT U ALL GOT HOMES TO GO TOO??!! they dont even buy anything, just stand outside the chippy waving off the Evos bus, TUT! SORT YOURSELVES OUT! As for the drink..deffo! however, no way am i paying!! i think u should pay me since im such a "sweetie" :)

Name: killthe
Email: townies
Homepage: 1by1

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I THINK THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO IS GET RID OF THE LITTLE CHIP SHOP BUNCH (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE). THEY THINK THEY'RE SO GOOD WHEN THEY WALK ROUND IN LIKE A GROUP OF NO LESS THAN 7 ITS REALLY PATHETIC!! ITS ABOUT TIME THE PARENTS STARTED DOING SOMETHING COZ NONE OF THEM LOOK ANY OLDER THAN 13!HA HA! ANYWAY I JUST CAME HERE TO SEND MY REGARDS TO BOB MCNAB AND HIS BROTHER, HOPE ALL IS WELL. AND CHRIS YOU SOUND LIKE A COMPLETE SWEETY WANNA GO FOR A DRINK ON FRIDAY (YOUR BUYING AS ALWAYS)(LOL) SEE YOU SOON MATE HA HA HA HA HA HA BOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Name: skinnydipper
Email:
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i totally agree with chris, you little local boys think your so tough and hard 5 of u one of the other. Thats what i call abosolute rocks. U need to go out there one night on your own and bump into one of the people you got with there mates and see how it feels bet i could scare ya right now BOO!!! did it work

Name: Chris
Email:
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I have to agree with Bob, Townies infest Rushden highstreet at night. They prey on people on their own because they know they wouldnt stand a chance against more than 1 person. These kind of people should be kicked out of Rushden because they give it a bad name. The town centre is usually safe if your with a crowd of people, otherwise...watch your back as its likely you'll get a bottle to the back of the head by these fuckwits. Also, i know that alot of drugs are taken in the rushden pubs and out on the street. These people are usually harmless potheads or pillheads just looking for a good time, but there are some nutters who cant handle they're drugs and people suffer for this. You people who slag Bob off really need to open your eyes..although Rushden isnt as bad as some people make out, its also not the perfect little town you seem to think it is.

Name: adele major(nee marshall)
Email: michael@majormfsnet.co.uk
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I think this is brilliant. I lived in Rushen when I was young and always regard it as my home town. I recently visited again in July after a long absence and thought what a great place it is. I went to Rushden Girls Comprehensive until I moved to Folkestone in 1971. Before that I went to South End junior School. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me especially Rosina Sanford who I have lost touch with. My mother used to own a hairdressing salon in Harboro Road, and would guess many people would remember her. Her name is Nancy Marshall.

Name: Lynn Weder nee Marshall
Email: lynn.weder@gmx.ch
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How nice to find this site of Rushden. I left Rushden in 1971 when I married my husband Robert and moved to Switzerland where he comes from and I am still here. My parents moved from Rushden in 1973 to live in Folkstone.We used to have a hairdressing shop on Harboro Rd. I was the Rushden Carnival Queen in 1969. I would love to here from anyone that can remember me,Rushden was a great place and I am sure it still is. It,s such a shame when we lose contact with people and friends we once knew so well. So i hope to here from somebody.

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Name: mitch diggs and shane hadley
Email: bigleekelly@hotmail.com
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Never in my life have I been so fascinated as I am now. If I ever conduct a revolution then I will be sure to make Rushden the capital of the world.

Name: wendy
Email:
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oh dear oh dear,i bet that bob isnt married.Perhaps he ought to change hs name to victor meldrew ha ha.Hey bob stop moaning about good old rushden and get a life man,if you dont like it then lump it!!.Sorry to hear about your brother mate.

Name: nikki
Email:
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I s'pose rushden is an ok place even though my brother who died a little while ago when he aparently when drunk (which he wasn't) tripped and fell through a window. I like it here people are so nice and two faced. I feel the place is full of people who like to exagerate everything and make things up. but hey its still alot better than where i used to live. compared to where i used to live this place is pucker. HARDKNUCKLES is wicked, rob and jackie are doing a better job than BRIAN ever did

Name: Gary Waring
Email: Matrixx_Gary@hotmail.com
Homepage: N/A

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Hello from me again, This is a message to JADE & ASHLEIGH WARING... "I LOVE YOU BOTH, SO VERY MUCH" Do well at school for me, sending you all my love to you both...Love Daddy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Name: shell hlomes
Email:
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hi, i grow up in rushden it an ok place. the site was ok but dosent do much for the younger generation.

Name: Bob McNab
Email:
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Your all right , I over reacted Rushden High Street isn't dangerous at all. The stitches in my brothers head after being bottled proves that dosn't it? I'm sorry I didn't realise that attacking innocent people without provication was an activity that helps make a place safe. Please accept my apologies , perhaps if you had to endure such an incident you would change your blinkered views.

Name: Emily Laura Stringer
Email: emilylaurastringer@hotmail.com
Homepage: -

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V. good website. helped me with my humanities homework.

Name: Amanda Severson
Email: severson@hotmail.com
Homepage:

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I will be visiting a couple friends in Rushden in March 2002. I'm a photo student in the U.S. and look forward to my first trip out of the United States and first trip to the UK. If you have any suggestions on photography workshops or schools please feel free to email. I'd like to expand my educational options and see what could be available for me in the future. I enjoyed the webpage. ;)

Name: Caroline Becker
Email: carolinebecker@msn.com
Homepage:

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Lovely website. My mother, Dianne Cheal was born and raised in Rushden. My father was stationed at Chelveston in 1959. My parents were married at St. Peter's Catholic Church on April 14, 1962. They moved to Houston, Texas in 1963. We have several relatives in the area. My grandfather, William Cheal lives in Upton. My grandmother, Eunice Cheal passed away November 2000. My first visit to Rushden was in 1976 at the age of 12. I will never forget St. Mary's Church where my grandparents were married in January 1940. We loved all the shops on High Street. I recently returned to Rushden in December 2000 for my grandmother's funeral. Some of the same shops were still there (Peter Crisp). I love England and all its villages!

Name: Andrew Ward
Email: award72@hotmail.com
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lost Family Hello to anyone who can help,I am looking for anyone who is related or knew a Mrs TC Percival. She lived in Rushden,as much that I know of the 1950s she had a sister named Rose Ward her fathers name was Robert Ward.Rose and Robert Ward lived in Chelveston Robert died in febuary 8 1959,Rose never married,and we lost contact of Rose during the 1980s assuming she had passed away.If anyone could help please contact me.I live in the states,thank you.

Name: sara sterdwick {drage}
Email: @yahoo.com
Homepage: yahoo

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I WAS BORN IN RUSHDEN AND I THINK ITS A LOT OF SPIFF THAT THE HIGH ST IS DANGEROUS AT NIGHT IGO DRINKING DOWN THERE AND IV NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE AND IM IN MY 40 SKEVIN A GREAT PAGE ,IF ANY ONE REMEMBERS ME FROM SCHOOL EMAIL ME PLEASE I REMEMBER CHRIS HILL AND JULIE KNIGHT LEIGH SARA

Name: robin barker
Email: robin.barker@btinternet.com
Homepage:

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hello Rushden.left the town in 1986 to live in Somerset (left Totectors to work for Clarks shoes,not a good idea).went to Rushden Secondary Modern 1958-1962. I worked for Totectors for 8 years,plus other jobs at the Ritz Cinema (projectionist)taxi driver High Street Taxis...had 25 jobs in Rushden..sadly stuck in one now.Are these places still operating.Best Wishes to all........Robin.

Name: Skitz
Email:
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Bob, u some kinda geek or something!? Try walking thu wellingborough at 11.30! Compared Rushden is paradise!

Name: James C
Email:
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To BOB!... well Bob i have to defend Mr Franklin here, i go down town every saturday, being a student its a must do. Its Arbuckles not Harbuckles by the way, maybe you had too much to drink eh! Anyway although it can get a bit frisky sometimes, on the whole it is quite safe. I have never been attacked in over a year of going down. Nor have my friends, and i have seen only a few fights, of which were small and ended shortly with a minimal of injury. Where ever you have pubs u WILL get fights, its a fact, but i must add we are lucky yo have a relitavly safe town, i dont think u'd like it if we had a town centre like northampton would you? So on the whole we are lucky, and to be honest who is walkin around rushden high street at 11:30 + anyway!!

Name: Simon Baker
Email: emma.b.baker@ntlworld.com
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Well done ! Impressive web site, keep up the good work. Rushden lad living in Finedon.

Name: Bob McNab
Email:
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Though I don't want to use the guestbook as a discussion forum , I feel I must reply to the Webmasters mail about my comments. How can you say that walking through the town centre at night is not dangerous? Are you real? Have you ever ventured out into the Saturday night warzone that is Rushden town centre just as Harbuckles and the rest of the pubs are kicking out? There is only one word to describe it... Dangerous , a word I believe I used in my original message sometime ago. Which was of course berated by our very own Mr Franklin , who seems to have a very strange grip of reality indeed. The police presence in the town centre is minimal. I'm not trying to portray Rushden as Moss Side. But it does have it problems and just ignoring them is hardly going to solve them is it? Rushden does need good citizens , your absolutely correct but unfortunately Mr Franklin , not everybody is a perfect as you.

Name: Ruth
Email: mulemag@hotmail.com
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I'm researching my family tree, my grandmother, ALICE SKINNER, was born in Rushden in 1886, her father GEORGE SKINNER was a butcher in Rushden.

Name: lynn pettitt (nee Mayston)
Email: lynnpettitt@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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great site, but is it possible to put on some town history/a town tour please???

Name: lynn pettitt (nee Mayston)
Email: lynnpettitt@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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great site, but is it possible to put on some town history/a town tour please???

Name: lynn pettitt (nee Mayston)
Email: lynnpettitt@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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great site, but is it possible to put on some town history/a town tour please???

Name: Gary Waring
Email: Matrixx_Gary@hotmail.com
Homepage: N/A

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Just wanted to say, i was very surprised that RUSHDEN had a web site, and it looks very good. I Was born in London and moved to RUSHDEN and lived there most of my life, I went to Rushden Boys School from 1980-85. I now live in back in London, with my fiancee Lisa who i plan to marry soon. Before i go, id like to say a big HELLO to "Jade & Ashleigh Waring" who are Loved Very, Very Much x x x x x x x x x x x x

Name: Alison Greene Perth Australia
Email:
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Memories of that Rushden High St..The Rose in particular, what a pub, what a town...1988,89. Hi to everyone.

Name: Alison Greene
Email:
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Memories of that Rushden High St..The Rose in particular, what a pub, what a town...1988,89. Hi to everyone.

Name: ALICIA BATES
Email: abswo8169@cableinet.co.uk
Homepage:

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Thank you for this web site. Iam looking for anyone that i went to school with, i lived at 72 ST MARGARETS AVE and had a sister called nicola,i also at the time had two foster sisters called kerry and clare. I went to ALFRED STREET junior school and then on to CHICHELE girls school, i can remember a few names off hand like ........Ronda Peacock....Ian Bates...Lisa wattes...mechell ward.....timothy....i`m am know turning 30 so if anyone one was at school with me please get in touch..i would love to hear from u all and form the ones i can`t off had remember please get in touch ....... ALICIA

Name: Carol Steiger (Pickering
Email: billcarols@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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Hi hope someone in Rushden remembers me i was born in rushden and lived on midland rd nest to Arthur Mills dry cleaning business.I went to alfred st school and the school at the bottom of higham hill i can't remember the name. my two close friends back then were Maureen Clark and Mary Darlow and i do remember Mavis Tew, i married in 1956 and moved to the states we live in Bucks County Pennsylvania. i would love to hear from anyone who remembers me,I have two sisters Margaret and Janet and two brother Philip and Clifford

Name: Carol Steiger (Pickering
Email: billcarols@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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Name: Nigel
Email: :)
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I have been livin in this town for many years now, and i have to say that i think it is one of the best places to live in the area! However i do have some problems with the "fair". Every year it comes here and ruins spencer park and causes alot of agro for the residents (they steal things!) and the football teams who are forced to play on a below par pitch for months!!! I personally think the fair should be band as all it does is make a place for fights between youths and crime!

Name: Charles S. Taylor
Email: CTaylorb17@aol.com
Homepage:

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I was stationed at the airbase near Podington from May through September 1944 with the 92nd Bomb Group, 407th Bomb Squadron. Returned for a group reunion in 1985, stayed at hotel in Bedford. There was little left of the base other than the control tower, the runways (used as a drag strip) and remnants of bomb shelters. I live in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA

Name: Charles S. Taylor
Email: CTaylorb17@aol.com
Homepage:

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I was stationed at the airbase near Podington from May through September 1944 with the 92ng Bom Group, 407th Bomb Squadron. Returned for a group reunion in 1985, stayed at hotel in Bedford. There was little left of the base other than the control tower, the runways (used as a drag strip) and remnants of bomb shelters.

Name: George
Email: dr_smit2000@hotmail.com
Homepage:

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well well what can i say, ive lived in rushden for as long as i can remember, and remeber it in the good old days, when the war was on, when i was a kid you could walk in the streets without being threatened by young 'townies' who persist in causing troubles in this wonderful town, i please hope something can be done to stamp out this sub-culture of so called townies.

other than that, rushden is a wonderful place and a great place to walk around and enjoy, i especially like hall park it is a relaxing place, and one of the nicest parks in the county.

Name: Carott
Email:
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This is a great site, and i have to say everyone should vote feathers as the best pub in the poll, it truly is the best by far!!!

Name: Roger Munday
Email: rogermunday@aol.com
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Hello to anyone who remembers me. I lived on "The Rock" (Cromwell Road) and then Grove Road until I moved north to college in 1965. WEnt to Newton Rd and WGS, also Park Rd Methodist church and BB. I return now and again but never recognise a soul. Would love to renew contact with old school friends etc. Now live in Hebden Bridge. Congratulations on a great site, also thanks for guest book direction to www. friendsreunited.co.uk site for old school friends. Love to Rushden. Roger Munday

Name: Rod
Email:
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Why is there nothing on this site about Rushden & Diamonds? They are probably the most famous thing 'in' the place you know!

Name:
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Name: Carla Lopez
Email: girln3boyz@home.com
Homepage:

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Hello Shirvani Family

Name: Kevin Franklin - Web Master
Email: additions@rushden-northants.co.uk
Homepage:

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This Guest Book is not a Forum for discussion. However, whilst I will not comment or enter into discussions further, I feel it is right to respond to the message posted by Bob McNab below:

To say that 'walking in Rushden town at night is dangerous' is more than a 'tad' untrue Bob. One of the reasons for making this whole web site was due to so many 'Bob McNabs' who mostly do absolutely nothing for the good of the town but whinge or make negative comments about the place, never having the courage themselves to promote their area or try to change things about it that they feel are wrong. There are good and bad points about any place and Rushden probably has it's fair share of both, just as any other 'average' town. But a town is only as good as it's people. Good job they're not all like you Bob!

Name: Bob McNab
Email:
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I have had the unfortunate circumstance of growing up in Rushden since the age of 4. Its just your average small town. Not much for kids to do. Oh and don't walk down the High Street late at night its a tad dangerous.

Name: Mike Dunn
Email: mdunn@iinet.net.au
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Have visited your site a couple of times since I 'discovered' it, still hoping to find some old friends. One comment is that I would like to see the date of the entries in your visitors book. Thanks for a great site Mike Dunn 25th August 2001

Name: Mrs. Wallis
Email: jean-wallis@galas.fsnet.co.uk
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I am very impressed by the volume of information available on this site, kep up the good work. I will return.

Name: terry harris
Email: tharris@dsisp.net
Homepage:

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GOOD SITE, I CAME TO CANADA IN 1957 FROM EARLS BARTON. I WAS BORN IN RUSHDEN.

Name: Harold Lovely
Email: durangohl@aol.com
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Found this great site quite by accident. I was stationed at RAF Chelveston in the Communications squadron from 1955 to 1959 and have many fond memories of that time. Would love to hear from anyone who might have known me.

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Name: Alf. TRanter
Email: ALF@heddwch.force9.co.uk
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I am interested in researching the Blake family who lived in Brixworth circ.1949. Gordan and Violet had three children, Gordan Jnr. Peter and Molly (I think) It may well be that one of them is resident in Rushden, in which they may well be able to help me research the Maternal side of their family, The Paytons. An E.mail would be very welcome if possible. Alf. Tranter.

Name: Michelle Barnes
Email: m_barnes23@hotmail.com
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Hello! I used to go to Chichele Girls School (now Rushden school) left in 1994 lived in Higham Ferrers up until I was 15, and Irthlingborough up until I was 19....moved to Northampton at 20 then went travelling around Europe for a while and now at 24 living in London and working for an advertsing agency. Absolutely loving it here.... Family still lives in Irthlingborough and Rushden pop back every now and again to see them and see good ole rushden.....not a lot has changed.....anyway if you know me then email me would love to get in touch with old friends etc.... Good website...nice to see the old place.....

Name: Roy sassano
Email: Rsassano@aol.com
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I want to Thank my cusion Gary sasssano who lives there in Rushden for sending me and my daughters this site so we can see what it is like in his town.We love and miss you gary and family Love Roy

Name: raylene barford
Email: macmanus@optushome.com.au
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Great to see your page. My dad came from Rushden, as did his family, and I have been trying to research my family history. I loved the photos, can you put St. Peters C of E church on the page?

Name:
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Name: Chris Hill
Email: Chillout@ntlworld.com
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Spent four brilliant years at Ealing Terrace, Washbrook Road, from 1966-1970. Wonder if any of my old school pals still live in Rushden. Went to Alfred Street Junior School during this time but my parents dragged me off to Luton, Beds. Please contact me if you recognise my name. Web site is terrific from what I,ve seen so far

Name: Samantha Smith
Email: fablenny@hotmail.com
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Hi, I ws very interested in your website, particularly as I am looking to relocate to the Northampton area from London. Being a new area to me I was hoping existing residents of Rushden could tell me about the area. Ie do you ahve nice shops, pubs, restaurants etc? Also is it a safe area to live? Any nice places to walk dogs etc?

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Name: Andrew Garley
Email: andy@rhts.co.uk
Homepage: http://www.rhts.co.uk

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Hi Kevin, I have permently added your photo's of our 40's weekend last year to our web site http://www.rhts.co.uk Keep up the good work, hope to see you down at the station in the future. Best Regards Andrew Garley (RHTS Webmaster)

Name: Denise
Email: moth@moth.worldonline.co.uk
Homepage: www.wollastonvillage.or.uk

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Good site...keeps it up.Come visit Wollaston Village, take a look around the village.

Name: sudge
Email: feelmyharry@hotmail.com
Homepage:

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hey i live in rushden at the moment, but i am only 16 i just want to say "hey" to everyone who visits the site and rushden its not that badder place to live. I suppose there are worse places to be brought up!

i just wanted to leave a mark on rushden really so any1 who fancies a chat don't b scared to mail me

caio dude

sudge

Name: Dave Deacon-Holmes
Email: david.deacon-holmes@virgin.net
Homepage:

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To - Nicola Thomson(nee Parker), I remember you !! To - Daryl Chambers, I remember you too !! To - The Glorious Blue Hut, Spencer Park, Everyone remembers you, with their No.6 and love-bites!

Name: Jim Nims
Email: james.nims2@gte.net
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You have a very beautiful village. Wanted to see where the 92nd was based out of. I was stationed with the USAF at RAF Mildenhall in the early 70's and it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable times of my life. Keep up the good work.

Name: john warren
Email: rushden8.@hotmail.com. au
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I found your web site very interesting, i left england to live in australia 15yrs ago i would like to say hello to anyone in the town who i knew

Name: JOAN O.F.PETERSON
Email: trace1@mediaone.net
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A friend in Higham sent me the website address and I have just browsed the interesting pages. My mother was born in Victoria Road, was married at St Peter's Church in 1916. Then lived in London. As children my sister & I were taken to Rushden every summer to visit all the relatives (Sinfields/Willis) - during WWII I lived in Rushden for two periods - latterly working at Melchbourne Park for USARMY facility. I am sure I would see a lot of changes as my last visit was in 1949 - perhaps one day Ill be able to stroll once more along the High Street. By magic of the computer I have found a very distant cousin in Texas,who recently visited Rushden......keep up the good work. JOFP

Name:
Email: H=J
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Name: Daryl Chambers
Email: daryl.chambers@ntl.com
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Just a quickie. Newton Road Schools are merging soon apparently and they are having a reunion , i`m told. It is to be held on Saturday July 14th from mid-day I think. All past inmates are welcome to attend and throw things at their old warders.

Name: John warren
Email: rushden8@hotmail.com.au.
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G; DAY IWENT TO RUSHDEN BOYS UP TO 1972 RAN THE ROCK TO75 LIVED IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 87ANY OLD FREINDS SAY G,DAY.

Name: Rose Weber nee Wallis
Email: rose@cycleed.com
Homepage:

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Hello Kevin, Just dropped by to say hello. Hope all is well with you. The weather here in OKlahoma is up in the 90's today again, I dread it when it hits the hundreds. Hope Rushden is getting some sun. Tom told me on Saturday he had to have the central heating on in his pub on Saturday, he's in Halifax. Any way I will close, Rose

Name: John Lever
Email:
Homepage: www.rushdenherts.org.uk

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We would like to thank the people of Rushden Northants,for lending us their Mayor on Saturday 16th June 2001 in order to open our village fete. In spite of the weather, we managed to raise an imcredible �3.200 and we are very grateful to him for braving the elements to join us. Do visit our website on www.rushdenherts.org.uk to see him in action.

Name: wendy childs(pattison)
Email: gonk1959@excite.co.uk
Homepage:

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sorry about being here twice on the trot but i thought you all might like to know there is a web site i have found for re-uniting old school friends in england.All the rushden schools are on here but not many names yet,please try it you never know! its www.friendsreunited.co.uk come on rushden get on there lets find our old school pals!

Name: wendy
Email: gonk1959@excite.co.uk
Homepage:

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hi kevin,i can't remember you at school,but i remember pat king,you must know sara drage?i used to play with shani banwell,roger spruce,francis fett,charlie king,remember those?do you know if there are any plans for a school reunion at alfred st or rushden girls school? would like to know if there is.

Name: Rose Weber nee Wallis
Email: rose@cycleed.com
Homepage:

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I am wondering if any one using this website knows anyone suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome (C F S) I have a god daughter who is 18 yrs old and has just been diagnosed with this problem. She lives in Wales and is in alot of pain. I would love to find someone who has this to maybe get in touch with her for support. Her mum tells me she is in a bad way, I can't help her the way I would like to because I am here in Oklahoma. But if I can find someone out there who is knowledgeable on the subject I will be very happy to foreward anyones address to her. She does have an E-mail address and when she's not in pain she gets writing. I will say a million thanks to anyone who can help us, Rose

Name: Julie Leigh- nee Knight
Email: julie-e-leigh@home.com
Homepage: N/A

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A few names here I think I might know of. Went to Rushden Secondary Modern School from 1970-1975.Worked at Peter Crisps for 9 years. Married John Leigh in 1986 and lived in Raunds for 12 years. Now living in sunny California,and missing creature comforts such as pubs,countryside,marmite and bisto! Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me, as long as I don't owe them money !

Name: Rose Weber/nee Wallis
Email: rose@cycleed.com
Homepage:

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Hello Kevin again, and Rushden, I can't remember you Wendy, but I attended Alfred St school for awhile when we lived up the Hayway with the Glen family. Do you remember Janet Bodell she passed away at a very young age, also Pat King. Rose

Name: Enid Perry (Rockingham)
Email: RPERRYBBS@AOL.COM
Homepage:

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I was able to contact an old friend thru this web-site, and wrote to her and have not heard anymore. If anyone knows her son Dean Cahill, please tell him that I wrote to his mother Audrey Cahill, and did she receive my letter. Great web-site Kevin, although I left Rushden in 1959 I still like to see what is going on in my old town. I worked at Chelveston from 1952 thru 1959 for the BX, if anyone remembers me, please write. I was also known as Rocky, after my father (Fred) and grandfather (Ernest).

Name: Mike Dunn
Email: mdunn@iinet.net.au
Homepage:

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Although not born in Rushden, but Higham Ferrers have a great interest in your town, My father John (Jack) Dunn was born there and I have many happy memories of visiting you whenever I manage to make it back to the UK. Emigrated to Rhodesia in 1957, taking the Birch's bus out of the place to London and again to Australia in 1981. Not many memories of my chilhood but do remember the name Dianne Denton, anyone out there know her? All the best

Name: Gary T. and Marion Fish
Email: garfish@gbcnet.net
Homepage:

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Good morning Kevin, I have talked with you, once before. I am involved with Joyce on www.rushden.org Was stationed at R.A.F. Chelveston from 1958-1962, and my wife, Marion is originally from Raunds. We will be in your area from June 14- June 21. Look at your site quite often, and enjoy it,very much. Keep up the good work. Gary.

Name: wendy childs (pattison)
Email: gonk1959@excite
Homepage:

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brilliant site ! my first visit and well impressed.Is there anyone out there remember me at school?Went to alfred st infants and juniors then rushden girls school.Would love to hear from old school mates to chat on the old school days!Keep up the good work guys !

Name: christine Alson
Email: christine_06075@yahoo.com
Homepage:

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I was lived in England for my childhood years up to the age of about 8. I knew Janita Cownen, Andrew Ridgewell, and Melony Eldridge. Any info on these people. Let me Know. I live in the USA now, travel around, so I don;t get to check my email too often,

Thanks.

Name: Rose Weber nee Wallis
Email: rose@cycleed.com
Homepage:

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Hello Rushden, I just visited Wales and thought I would pop to Rushden and see whats new. Any chance of some updated photo's of the Wheatsheaf, I understand it's been done up on the inside. I sent my mum Edna May Wallis nee Hall a copy of the guest book she really enjoyed it, remembers a few names. Anyone out there remembers her please send e-mail via rose@cycleed.com and I will gladly foreward them on. She thoroughly enjoyed the print out of the photo's. I told her to send back who she remembers and I will foreward her hello's to them. Thanks for a terrific job. Rose

Name: Joyce [Warner] Wade
Email: rushden@aol.com
Homepage: www.rushden.org

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I'm still enjoying your site just about every day, as I'm sure lots of folks over here are,thanks. To Mavis Tew, I tried to e-mail you but the mail keeps coming back, when you get time, e-mail me and maybe you can get in touch with some old friends. Joyce

Name: Edward Rathje
Email: edr@jmi.com
Homepage: http://www.jmi.com/WWII

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Hello,

I have very much enjoyed site. I have been researching my uncle's stay at Podington AAB (January to April 1944) and I have placed a link on my site, http://www.jmi.com/WWII, to your site - I hope this is appropriate. My uncle flew 20 missions from Podington as a B-17 copilot, crash-landed in Switzerland, and was the first American internee to escape (after getting into trouble by tearing down a swastika from the German Consulate in Davos!) I would enjoy hearing from anyone who may have know any of the crew. Photos and names are on my site. Thanks to all for hosting my uncle and his buddies!

Name: William L. Fagan
Email: billfagan1@aol.com
Homepage:

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I was stationed at RAF Chelveston 1956 > 1960, loved the area - specifically RUSHDEN. This web/site is Great ... Thanx so much! Searching for 'ol friends & refreshing old memories is wonderful. We live in Missouri (USA) presently; if you remember me, I'll certainly remember you. QUOTE: "Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." MARK TWAIN 1901/Missouri ...Have a great day...

Name: Edward Barr
Email: tvbarr@iinet.net.au
Homepage:

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G/day found your Rushden - Northants Very interesting and the Photo Gallery gives me some idea of where my Headland family came from. That is, Souldrop near to Rushden. Keep up the good Work. Ted Barr.

Name: MAVIS neeTEW BRACELIN
Email: MAVIS18@msn,com
Homepage:

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I LEFT RUSHDEN IN 1955 I lived at st margarets ave ;would love to hear from any one who rembers me .

Name: Maureen Buckby (Copson)
Email: mandpbuckby@pbuckby.fsnet.co.uk
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anyone out there who was a member of Northamptonshire Girls Safe Cycling Team during the 60s please email me - love to hear from you. Great site enjoyed reading all the entries no familiar names have come up yet but still hoping

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Name: June Walters/Cooper
Email: junz0623.@aol.com.au
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Hi, I lived in rushden,with my family, until I married Stephen, then moved to raunds, in 1973 emigrated to Adelaide ,South Australia . be great to hear from anybody from rushden or raunds .june

Name: Daryl Chambers
Email: daryl.chambers@ntlworld.com
Homepage:

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Hello everyone, People living in the Fenners Close/Hove Road area of Rushden might dimly recall the Jones family,Evelyn & Ted and their children, Ian ,Philip,Carol,Sharon, and Kerry.The family emigrated to Australia in 1969.Some of them have returned for a visit in the years in the years since, and this year it`s Kerry`s turn.She`ll be in Rushden from May 1st to May 11th , so if anyone remembers them , and wants to be remembered to them, please feel free to use this wonderful site (cheers Kevin).Even if anyone remembers me,serving time @ Newton Road Infants & Juniors 1966/72 and thence Rushden Boy`s Comprehensive(Bert`s Academy)72/79 it would be great to renew old aquaintances. Warmest regards to Rushdenites everwhere.

Name: Daryl Chambers
Email:
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Name: nicola thomson (parker)
Email: jim.thomson1@btinternet.com
Homepage:

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I lived in Rushden many, many years ago and attended Chichele School from 75 to 80. I can vaguely remember Daryl Chambers and I am certain that the Chris Marsh mentioned in previous entries was with me when I had my first No 6 in the blue pavillion thing in Spencer Park. I'm still smoking 40 a day!

Name: Margaret Hulatt Sampson
Email: sarge2@gate.net
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Hi again Rushden ,It's me again Margaret . Thank you Kevin I have found some more friends , I wrote to Laurie Steel and he answered it was great, we went to Newton Rd infant school , long time ago and a lot of miles, I was wondering if anyone has a fan club for Anthony Higgins ,our local Movie star I have known him and his family for years and would love to hear from him ,thanks again take care Margaret

Name: John Bristow
Email: margeaton@hotmail.com
Homepage:

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Hi from Canada......... I am writing this for my mom Margaret Eaton (Perkins). She was born and raised in Rushden and married a Canadian soldier during WWII. and subsequently moved to Canada if anyone remembers Margaret Perkins please drop her a line she'd love to hear from you. Thanks

Name: Laurie Steel
Email: lordrisdene@hotmail.com
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I left Rushden 25 years ago and have only been back a few times. It is incredible what changes have taken place, and what still stays the same.

Thas wun o thu miruculs of the age wat these ere compewters cun show yu. There wunt nuthin like this in my day!

Great site! Now I can come home more often, without leaving home.

Name: Gary T. and Marion Fish
Email: garfish@gbcnet.net
Homepage:

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Hello from America, Kevin. Looking at your site again, and must compliment you on what a great job that you are doing. The pictures are fantastic, and what a pleasure they are providing us. I have sent alot of pictures to Joyce Ward, most dealing with RAF Chelveston, so I hope that you would tap in to her site and view them. My wife has a nephew, Adrian Cooper and his family, living in Rushden. Maybe you might know them. I was stationed at Chelveston from 1958-1962, and drove a 1959 A.H. Sprite, racing green incolor. After we got married, we lived on Willingboro Rd. for awhile, and then moved to Raunds, where we lived on Rotten Row, renting from Vol Wooley, the butcher. My wife still has a sister, Mavis, and nephews and a niece living in Raunds. I will write again and tell you some stories about the good old days, that we spent in your area. Till then, keep up the good work, and we will be watching. Marion and Gary T. Fish.

Name: Rose Weber nee Wallis
Email: rose@cycleed.com
Homepage:

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Hello Kevin, Thought I would say hello, and once again the site looks great. When does the pub of the year end and who is winning? I am still looking for Joan Hyacynth and also does anyone know Marie Potter, used to live in Rushden then Higham Ferrers then back to Rushden.Moved out of the area towards Bedford can't remember the exact location, not far from Rushden. Hope you had luck in finding a job, hope to hear from you soon, Rose

Name: Daryl Chambers
Email: daryl.chambers@ntlworld.com
Homepage:

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Kevin, excellent site.I saw an entry from someone I have n`t seen for 20 years, so am following up.

Anyone remember Ted & Evelyn Jones of Fenners Close? Their daughter,Kerry, is visiting in May, if anyone wants to contact her, I shall be pleased to oblige.

Chris Marsh.....I assume you went to the Boy`s School, what years? who were your contemporaries.I know Diane Robertson and see her about now and then.

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Name: PAUL HUSSEY
Email: fab-prints@cwcom.net
Homepage: http://clix.to/fabprints

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May I say hi from the Village of Cowplain in Hampshire, England & may I say your site is the Bee's Knees!!!Many moons ago I used to display Fine Art Prints at Craft Fairs,Dog shows & Cat Shows in Villages & Towns all over England but I now have a hobby website which your Surfers may be interested in visiting where I have over 600 pictures on display of Antique/Modern: Louis Wain 1860-1939 FunnyCats/Pets/Dogs/Owls/Wildlife/ Decoupage/Victoriana/ Cat Breeds/Horses/Birds/ Collectables in Fine Art Prints.I shall be adding more Artwork all through 2001 & beyond-so please enjoy!

Name: Trevor Hobbs
Email: trevor_hobbs@hotmail.com
Homepage:

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I was born in Rushden and lived there untill I joined the Army in 1951. I like the site and would like to hear from any old friends. I went to Alfred St and Intermediate School

Name: emma and paul court
Email: s.heffy@btinternet.com
Homepage:

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Name: Joyce [Warner] Wade
Email: rushden@aol.com
Homepage: www.rushden.org

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Thanks so much Kevin for showing my site on yours, I really appreciate it.I was so surprised when I logged on today,ha. Hopefully, through your kindness, old friends will get in touch with me and the other girls. I have been looking at your site since you started and really enjoy it. It is so nice for us ex Rushden girls to be able to see all the lovely pictures and read about the town.We all have very fond memories of the people and places.Thanks again, Joyce

Name: Graham Arnold
Email: iphs36@hotmail.com
Homepage: www.irchester.org

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Hi Kevin Great site. Keep up the good work. If we can get our site to half the standard as Rushden's we will be pleased.

From all at Irchester Parish Historical Society

Can we link sites ?? I will e-mail you

Name: Shirley(Phillips)Denn
Email: Irchester795@aol.com
Homepage:

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Hi I didn,t live in Rushden..I,m from Irchester lived in Farndish Rd..But I worked at Tarry,s Boot and Shoe spent a lot of my time in rushden,a lot of my friends were from Rushden Like to hear from a few of you.My best friend lives in Rushden still.You have a wonderful site Kevin my first visit and it won,t be my last,Ive already past it on to a lor of friends who are from Rushden who are living here in the states and I,m sure they are going to love it.Oh by the way I live in Washington State and oh the weather is just like home..Keep up good work Kevin..