August 2025

ISSUE 13 - AUGUST2025

NENE Herald

News from Around the Wellingborough & Rushden Area

Rushden’s Party in the Park 2025 This Summer has had a series of heatwaves and the 3rd one came just as Rushden held its 2025 Party-in-the-Park.

Organised by Conservative-controlled Rushden Town Council, the Party was a cross between a fun-fair, an open-air rock concert and a fete.

It was such a gloriously hot day, that the planned Dog Show had to be abandoned, as it was too hot for the canines to perform!

Many thousands came to enjoy themselves, have a go on the rides, browse the stalls and to see a Queentribute band, “Magic Queen”.

Obituary Richard Woodcock

Freedom Fliers

Rushden Historical Transport Society was founded in 1976 and has become a pillar of the community in Rushden. The Society owns and maintains the former railway station and the goods shed.

Recently, the RHTS sadly lost a founding member, Richard Woodcock. He placed an advert in the local newspaper, the Evening Telegraph, asking if anyone had an interest in historical transport.

Rush2theDen, the local charity that was recently awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, continue to expand their offerings for young people. Freedom Fliers is one of the latest. Their website states: “Freedom Fliers is our SEN youth club for senior school aged young people with additional needs from 11 to 17 years.”

It meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Carers, parents and siblings are also welcome to attend. It’s £1 per session.

Richard went on to be a major figure in the Society from its foundation in the late 1970’s until the late 1990s.

Latterly, in partnership with Rushden Town Council, the Society has organised an annual classic car event in Rushden’s Hall Park. It has grown to be one of the biggest of its kind in the country. It also organises a good number of events using the converted Goods Shed.

His passing marks the end of an era.

Kwikfit Open in Rushden

“ Air Ada “ Kwikfit have added Rushden to their list of sites, having moved onto the former Travis Perkins site.

On 24th June, Rushden’s Town Mayor, Cllr. Gill Mercer, cut the ribbon at their new facility in Station Road, opposite the disused railway station.

Kwikfit are a nationwide chain and specialise in fitting tyres to road vehicles. They also do brakes, exhausts and MOTs

“ Did ya goo Party in th’ Park, gal ? Wern’ it smashin’ ! “

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The Battle for Rushden Lakes - Part 10 This is the tenth instalment of the story of how the Rushden Lakes scheme came to be approved and then built.

The Impact of Rushden Lakes An entire block within the scheme was handed over to the local Wildlife Trust so that they could supervise the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) protecting rare species of wildlife. Beavers are a recent addition to the site.

The scheme had the potential to create 2,000 to 3000 jobs in an area that was lacking local employment. Nobody is quite sure how many jobs were created directly and indirectly, but most estimates are in excess of 3,000.

The incredible success of the scheme has been built on three legs. · The wildlife attracts extra footfall, so that the retail and leisure operators get extra trade. (Allegedly, they over-trade by around 50%).

The operators value the wildlife because it boosts their profits. They therefore work to protect the wildlife. · The evening economy of the site uses the same parking and roads as the retail trade, but at different times of the day. This double use of the same spaces maximises the return on the investment.

Rushden Lakes breaks with the orthodoxy of retail schemes. It proves that nature and retail can coexist and both benefit. The more that the SSSI thrives, the more profits the operators make.

Local people not only have additional employment opportunities close to home reducing the need to travel to other areas, they can also keep more economic growth local. The unique facility that has been created allows locals and visitors to enjoy the wildlife along with combining leisure and retail activities.

It’s a genuine Win-Win-Win, for the operators, the local community and the wildlife.

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Rushden Windrush Event On Sunday 21st June, Rushden celebrated Windrush. Rushden’s Town Mayor said:

Although invited to help rebuild Britain, many members of the Windrush generation faced racism, discrimination, and poverty.

“I want to talk about a chapter of British history that shaped the modern UK in many ways — the story of the Windrush Generation. It’s a story of migration, hope, hardship, and contribution. It is a story that begins in the Caribbean, sails across the Atlantic, and unfolds in cities and towns across the United Kingdom.

They were often denied jobs despite their qualifications. Many were turned away from housing with signs that said things like “No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs.” Yet, they persevered — working in buses, trains, hospitals, factories, and contributing immensely to British life.

After World War II, Britain was in need of rebuilding. The country was severely damaged, and there were shortages of workers in key industries like transport, the NHS, construction, and manufacturing.

To solve this labour shortage, the British government invited citizens from Commonwealth countries — especially the Caribbean — to come and help rebuild the country. These were people from countries that had long been under British colonial rule. They had been taught British values, British history, and many had fought for Britain in the war. They believed they were coming to the “Mother Country.”

The migrants came in search of better opportunities, higher wages, and a new life — and they brought with them culture, strength, and resilience. The Movement started with the arrival of a ship that gave this generation its name.

On June 22. 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex.

It had sailed from Kingston, Jamaica, stopping at Trinidad and Bermuda before crossing the Atlantic.

They built communities, started churches, opened businesses, and raised generations of children who would grow up British.

Unfortunately, in recent years, this generation was at the centre of the Windrush Scandal.

In 2018, it came to light that many people from the Windrush generation — who had lived in the UK legally for decades — were wrongly detained, denied healthcare, or even deported because they couldn’t prove their right to stay.

This happened due to hostile immigration policies and poor record-keeping by the government. It caused immense pain to people who had given their lives to Britain.

A public outcry followed, and the government was forced to apologise and set up a compensation scheme.

Their legacy lives on in the culture, food, music, politics, and language of modern Britain. From Notting Hill Carnival to the countless doctors, nurses, teachers, and artists of Caribbean descent — their contribution is woven into the fabric of British life.

On board were 492 passengers, mostly from Jamaica, but also from other Caribbean islands like Trinidad, Barbados, and Bermuda.

This voyage symbolises the beginning of a much larger migration movement. Over the following two decades, thousands more followed, coming both on the Windrush and on other ships and later by air.

By the 1960’s, planes began to replace ships as the main form of transport. Most of the early Windrush generation came from the British colonies and were British citizens by law.

So when we talk about the Windrush Generation, we are not just talking about one ship or one journey. We are talking about a movement of people who came to Britain with hope, helped rebuild it with their hands, and changed it with their presence.

We owe them respect. We owe them recognition. And we owe them justice.”

Councillor Gill Mercer

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Local Victims of Air India Crash On 12th June 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed shortly after take-off. It was a flight from Ahmedabad in India to Gatwick.

community without her,”said a temple member.

“She was always there, quietly helping, always giving.”

Nene Herald would not normally report such events, but this crash has affected some local people.

As we reflect on this devastating loss, we hold Raxa’s family in our hearts. Rudra, a joyful toddler, and Yasha, a devoted mother, were also cherished members of the community, their lives cut short in a tragedy that defies comprehension.

The family has asked for privacy during this time of unimaginable sorrow, a request we honour and ask the media to respect.

Cllr. Raj Mishra, the Wellingborough Town Mayor wrote: In the quiet town of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, the air feels heavier today.

The community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Raxa Modha, her toddler grandson Rudra Modha, and daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar, who were among the 242 lives tragically taken in the Air India Flight AI1717 crash in Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025. The disaster claimed 53 British nationals, leaving families and communities across the UK and beyond in mourning. For Wellingborough, the loss of Raxa, Rudra, and Yasha is deeply personal, a wound that will take time to heal.

Raxa Modha was more than a resident of Wellingborough—she was its heart. Known for her boundless compassion and quiet selflessness, Raxa dedicated her life to uplifting those around her. She was a guiding hand for families new to the town, helping them settle into unfamiliar surroundings with warmth and practical kindness. From decorating the Hindu Community Centre (HCC) for celebrations to providing meals for those in need, her contributions were woven into the fabric of daily life, often unnoticed by the very people she helped. Her generosity knew no limits, extending beyond Wellingborough to support charities both locally and abroad, driven by her deep faith as a devoted follower of Sai Baba.

Raxa was a beacon who showed us what it means to serve others,” a neighbour shared, voice breaking. “She never sought recognition, but her actions spoke volumes. She made this town feel like home for so many.”

The tragedy has left an unfillable void. On June 14, 2025, the Wellingborough community gathered at the local Hindu Temple, where Mayor Cllr Raj Mishra led prayers for Raxa, Rudra, Yasha, and all those lost. The temple, a place where Raxa’s presence was often felt, became a space for collective grief and remembrance.

It’s hard to imagine our

Raxa’s legacy, however, endures. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness, a reminder that even in the face of loss, the good we do can ripple outward, touching lives far beyond our own. In Wellingborough, her memory will be a blessing, inspiring us to come together, to support one another, and to make our community a better place for all—just as she did.

May the memories of Raxa Modha, Rudra Modha, and Yasha Kamdar be a source of comfort and light in these dark days.

Rushden Academy’s Classrooms Closed

Rushden Academy is the sole secondary school in Rushden. The Academy is currently in crisis because of dangerous cladding. This had led to the following being closed: • 22 classrooms • the toilet block • the canteen facilities 360 pupils have been forced to study remotely.

Given the experience of the COVID Lockdown, this is now known to be detrimental.

Nene Herald will watch this situation as it develops.

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Just in Time

Newton Bromswold Fete

A few weeks ago, in Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, a tragedy occurred when a tree collapsed, killing a 7-year-old girl and critically injuring another. Essex Police are investigating the incident.

The village of Newton Bromswold is tiny, with just 24 houses. Despite this, it puts on a lovely fete every year.

In June, a similar incident occurred when a large tree collapsed in Rushden’s Hall Park.

Unlike Southend-on-Sea, however, Rushden

This year, the Rushden Mission Band entertained the crowd throughout a sultry, sunny afternoon.

Rushden’s Town Mayor, Cllr. Gill Mercer, was invited to judge the Children’s Fancy Dress contest. Every entry got a prize.

Some light relief was provided by Amazon Prime. A SatNav directed one of their vans into the middle of the fete. They were trying to make a delivery to one of the houses in the centre of the village.

The van then got stuck, when its aerial tangled with the overhead bunting!

was lucky. Rushden Town Council had acted swiftly, and was able to avoid a disaster.

Shortly before the Hall Park beech tree collapsed, RTC recognised the danger and took action.

An exclusion zone was erected round the tree, to keep everyone away from the danger area.

Despite this, RTC was criticised on social media for not protecting the tree.

Perhaps it is time for the critics to apologise and to thank RTC for protecting the public.

NNC Cabinet Member Resigns Eight weeks into the new administration, the North Northamptonshire Council executive has had its first resignation. Cllr Barry O’Brien, Executive Member for Health and Leisure, has stepped back to “focus on personal commitments”.

It is unusual to lose a Cabinet member so soon after their appointment.

Under the previous Conservative Administration, “Health” was combined with “Adults”, so that all the health issues of the elderly came under the same Cabinet member.

Combining “Health” with “Leisure” only came about with the new Reform Administration.

The replacement for Cllr. O’Brien is Cllr Brian Benneyworth.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council, thanked Cllr. O’Brien for his work on the Executive and welcomed his replacement. Cllr O’Brien will remain on the Council.

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Armed Forces Day 2025 In Wellingborough and Rushden, Armed Forces Day 2025 was celebrated on Saturday 28th June.

For Rushden, the event started 12 noon, and ran until 18:00hrs.

At 13:00, a parade set off from school playground in John Street and marched through the town centre travelling northwards along the High Street.

As the parade passed the Wesleyan Chapel, the salute was taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Air Vice Marshal Chris Luck. He was accompanied by civic dignitaries, including Rushden’s Town Mayor, Cllr. Gill Mercer and the Vice Chairman of North Northants Council, Cllr Maurice Elgin.

The Parade included Military Bands, Veterans, Cadet Forces, Uniformed Organisations and Military Vehicles.

The Parade terminated at Rushden Station where there was then a Drumhead Service.

Afterwards, at Rushden Station, there were · Historical displays and charity stalls · Vintage Train Rides · Station Bar & Buffet Carriage · Food Vendors and Refreshments Several thousand people turned out for the event (the Red Arrows almost performed a fly-past.

Maybe the sun was shining in their eyes as they missed flying over the town)

Warwick’s Menswear Closed Saturday 28th June 2025 was a memorable day, but for the wrong reasons.

On this day, Wellingborough’s local men’s clothing store, Warwicks, closed its doors for the last time.

Warwicks had been an icon of Wellingborough for 157 years but Neil Warwick, the final owner, decided to retire and nobody in the family wanted to take over the business. The closure of this family business is a sad loss for Wellingborough.

It is part of a pattern that comparison stores, like Warwicks, have been suffering economically for a number of years.

The online stores, trading over the Internet, have creamed off much of the profitable trade, while paying very little business rates. This has put High Street stores at a huge disadvantage financially forcing some to close their doors.

Sadly, without local support, there may be more High Street closures to come.

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Wellingborough’s Splashy Pool Splash Park is a free to use outdoor water park on the Embankment of the River Nene in Wellingborough.

The water park has: · A paddling pool · Picnic tables · A shelter · Free car parking · Toilets The local population of swans and the River itself provide a beautiful backdrop.

It is open to the public on weekends, Bank Holidays and school holidays from noon until 6:30pm, particularly through the summer when it is open daily from 23rd July until 31st of August.

During term time, it is reserved for school use.

Carnival Time

NFRS Challenge

The 2025 Wellingborough Carnival was held on 5 July. Starting at Broad Green, the Carnival procession travelled through the town centre and ended in Croyland Park.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) staged a “Challenge” at Rushden Lakes on Saturday 5th July.

Nene Herald was there and recorded the spectacle. Within the parade were many great performers.

One that stood out was a convoy of Rust Bucket cars, fresh from their cross European rally in June. They were part of a fundraising effort for Cynthia Spencer Hospice by travelling 2500 miles through the windy Alpine roads of Switzerland in their cars, which must not be worth more than £500!

At the carnival the drivers of the Rust Bucket cars entertained by spraying the crowds with water from rifle-sized water pistols.

The festivities continued on Sunday 6 July, with Wellingborough’s Party in the Park.

Various contests were arranged for fire-fighters.

They represented the tasks that fire-fighters might face when carrying out their duties.

A section of the Rushden Lakes car park was fenced off, and crowds gathered to watch and cheer.

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OUT AND ABOUT IN WELLINGBOROUGH & RUSHDEN Chichele College Higham Ferrers This plaque marks a key point in the history of Higham Ferrers. It is the location of the lost Chichele College.

The college was founded by Henry Chichele, the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 15th Century. It didn’t last long. Henry 8th seized and demolished most of it in 1542.

Today, it is hard to believe that it was once a college, with only a few traces of it left. The plaque marks the spot, but it’s not very prominent.

The college interior is open during the summer for events and art exhibitions.

26th / 27th July - Archaeology Allsorts - 10am to 4pm 30th / 31st August - Share Photography exhibition - 10am to 4pm 13th Sept - Horticultural Show - 11am to 4pm 20 - 28th Sept - Northants and Rutland Open Studios - times tbc

TGI Fridays In September last year, the UK operator of TGI Fridays went into administration. It led to a number of restaurants closing, including the one in Rushden Lakes.

18th Oct - Northamptonshire Heritage Forum History Day - part of town-wide day of talks and tours- 10am to 4 pm 22 Nov - Santa’s Grotto as part of the town-wide Christmas Sparkle event - 10am to 4 pm

The Rushden Lakes restaurant has now been relaunched. On Friday 4th July, America’s Independence Day, Rushden’s Town Mayor, Cllr. Gill Mercer, cut the ribbon to symbolise a new lease of life for the restaurant.

The bar and restaurant is just along from Cineworld, with its 14 screens, and TGI Fridays can handle up 190 customers at any time.

It also does takeaways, for those who want to sample American food while at home.

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Wellingborough Town Council Grants Wellingborough Town Council are looking for projects or events that deserve Community Grants.

They aim to support non-profit organisations making a difference in Wellingborough.

The grants may be up to £1,000 and they are open to all non-profit organisations within the Wellingborough Town Council area.

You can apply via the website: https://www.wellingboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk/ your-council/grants/

Raunds Library North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has asked for expressions of interest for some group willing to run Raunds Library.

The Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) requires NNC to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all those who live, work or study in the area.

The Act does not prescribe how the service will be delivered.

In North Northamptonshire, the library service has been progressively “outsourced”. Finedon library is a good example.

Now, NNC wants to take library outsourcing to a further stage.

Groups who wish to take on the operation of Raunds Library must satisfy NNC that they can: · Cover all building and associated costs including leasing or purchase of the library premises or provide suitable alternative premises · Provide sufficient staffing and or volunteers to provide at least 12 opening hours a week for the public library Anyone interested in exploring the offer further is asked to submit an Expression of Interest by email to: Feedback.LibraryPlus@Westnorthants.gov.uk

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News in Brief Beechwood Moves from Wellingborough to Rushden The Spinneyfields Specialist Care Unit in Rushden was closed for several years. Last year, it re-opened with the ground floor being used by Kettering General Hospital for recuperation, like it used to be with Cottage Hospitals.

This has now been taken one step further as the Beechwood Ward from Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough has been moved to Spinneyfields in Rushden.

This provides an improved community care service to Rushden, with 15 additional beds available at Spinneyfields.

Anne Rackham, NHFT’s Chief Operating Officer, praised the teams involved in the move: “By bringing our community rehabilitation beds to a new location in Rushden and growing the number of places we can offer to patients, we are ensuring that more people can benefit from our high-quality community care, closer to where they live.”

Classic Car Show On Sunday 3rd August, Rushden’s annual Classic Car Show will be held in Hall Park. It will run from 11am to 4pm.

There will be stalls and many, many classic cars.

Entry is free, but the organisers ask for a donation towards the running costs.

It is organised by Rushden Historical Transport Society and supported by Rushden Town Council.

The Nene Herald is a community-based newspaper for Wellingborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough and the surrounding villages.

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