In the afternoon of Tuesday 9 June 2026, we gave a talk to the Social Group of the Rushden Branch of the N.A.B. Their meetings are held at the Athletic Club, which stands next to the old Fire Station in Newton Road, Rushden.
The old Fire Station with the Athletic Club next to it
The Athletic Club on the right of the picture
It was the first time we had given a talk to visually impaired people, so we were unsure how to present it. We were advised that we could use slides but would have to describe them. We decided to choose local views that we could match with items from our collection that were suitable to be handled and would also be tactile. Below are just a few of the items and photos we took with us.
A postcard of the Coach and Horses in High Street South
A printer’s block of the Coach and Horses
Pte. Frederick William George Abbott (died 5 October 1918 aged 28yrs) and his medals
Dead Man’s Penny for Pte. Abbott
Green’s boot and shoe factory on the corner of Queen Street and Cromwell Road, Rushden now converted into apartments
A WWI army boot made at Allebone’s factory in Rushden
The group consisted of about 20 members, so it took a while to pass the items round, but we just about managed to complete them all in the time allowed.
Some of the Social Group members looking at the items we passed round
It was a new experience for us and a bit of a challenge, but we enjoyed it. They are a friendly group and made us very welcome. We had some good comments at the end, and we were assured that they had enjoyed it and would be asking us back again next year. We look forward to it.