The Friends of Rushden Museum Annual General Meeting was held on 7 April, 2025 at Rushden Hall. It was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening. The chairman reported that work had continued in sorting all the material that had been bequeathed to us and that we had also received a large collection of postcards. Work had continued in photographing our collection to show on a touch screen, and although there had been IT problems, we were now able to make progress with the project. The number of followers on Instagram and Facebook (Rushden Museum Friends) continues to grow, and the website continues to evolve with material being added to it. Rushden Town Council was thanked for all the help and support during the year, which is much appreciated.
The chairman also reported that the exhibition for 2025, entitled “Toy Stories,” will open on 3 May for invited guests at 1.30pm and for the general public at 2.00pm.
Officers and Committee were re-elected – Chairman, Peter Field; Vice-Chairman, Gill Hollis; Treasurer, Viv Wilkinson; committee members Kay Collins, Jon-Paul Carr, Ken Smith, Anthony Bathurst, and Joan Bathurst.
Will Osborne agreed to continue as President and pointed out that he is now into a fifth year of a two year term of office.
Our president, Mr. Will Osborne, with our speaker, Mr. Steve Pateman
Following the AGM there was a short break with tea/coffee and biscuits being served.
The speaker for the evening was Mr. Steve Pateman, “Boss in Boots,” telling the story of Kinky Boots. It was a very entertaining, illustrated talk, lasting about an hour. This was followed by the raffle and the meeting closed at 9.30pm