Rushden Printers on Holiday - Silver Jubilee of the ‘Rushden Echo’ - A Very Enjoyable Outing and a Pleasing Presentation
We are deeply indebted to the Editor of the “Northampton Daily Echo”, for the more than generous terms in which that journal reports a “Rushden Echo” outing held last Monday, as follows:-

“The 25th anniversary of the ‘Rushden Echo’ under the proprietorship of Mr Charles Cross, C.C., who has also been its editor throughout, was celebrated in a very pleasing manner on Monday last, June 19th, when Mr and Mrs Cross invited the members of the editorial and printing staff, together with a few friends, to join them in an excursion to Stamford, in which town Mr Cross was engaged in journalistic work before coming to Rushden. Many congratulations have been extended to Mr Cross upon the attainment of his silver jubilee in the dual capacity of editor and proprietor, and it was gratifying to past members of his staff as well as to journalistic colleagues to be able to participate in Monday’s celebration.

“The party, numbering some 30 in all, made the journey by road in Mr Robinson’s comfortable char-a-banc, and, leaving Rushden about two o’clock, Stamford was reached soon after four o’clock. Upon arrival tea was taken.

“Mrs Cross and her sister, Miss Butterworth, made charming hostesses, and the tea-table guests spent an agreeable time chatting over experiences of their happy relations with Mr Cross in his journalistic enterprises.

“Past members of the editorial staff who made the journey from Rushden were: Mr Wm. Butcher, of Buckingham; Mr A L Scholes, Bedford; and Mr Bernard Tomkins; whilst at Stamford these were pleased to find awaiting them Mr H Knott, C.C., another old colleague, who is now residing at Stainfield, Bourne. Mr Scholes’ father, a Stamfordian, long connected with the Stamford paper, was also one of the party round the tables, and Mr Walter Malcolm, formerly of the ‘Rushden Echo’ and the ‘Stamford Guardian.’

“At the close of the tea there was an interesting incident, when Mr Cross made a presentation to Mr Tom Pearcey, his machine-man, who has been with him from the start of the ‘Rushden Echo’. The gift, a silver butter dish and silver jam dish, was selected as one that would also be gratifying to Mrs Pearcey, and in handing it over Mr Cross spoke of the loyal and devoted service of his oldest employee. Mr Pearcey made a fitting acknowledgment.

“In a short speech of welcome to his guests Mr Cross mentioned that Mr W W Hadley, editor of the ‘Northampton Mercury’ and ‘Daily Echo’, in a letter expressing regret at being unable to be present, had written. ‘It is no small thing in these days of hustle and bustle and change to complete 25 years in one responsible position. You have so done your work as to win the esteem and trust of all who know you, and I am sure Rushden is much the better for the work you have done there. I send you heartiest congratulations and good wishes and hope, both for you and Mrs Cross, many more years of happy work.

“Mr Wesley Cross, Matlock, editor of the Matlock edition of the ‘Derbyshire Times’ (Mr Cross’s nephew), telegraphed regretting that he was unable to attend to join in the celebration with those with whom he had formerly worked in Rushden.

“After brief complimentary and congratulatory remarks from Mr Knott and from Mr W Holton, of the ‘Northampton Mercury’ and ‘Daily Echo’, the company separated and spent a few hours visiting the many interesting and historic churches and institutions in the town. Refreshments were again served before the return journey was started, and Rushden was safely reached after a lovely ride, before eleven o’clock.”

We desire to add that the pleasure of the outing was greatly enhanced by the comfort of the char-a-banc and the skilful driving of Mr George Robinson, by the judicious choice of route (via Geddington, Bulwick, and Easton-on-the-Hill), through some of the loveliest scenery in Northamptonshire, by the splendid catering of Mr Hensman, of Red Lion-square, Stamford, by Mr Malcolm’s genial and expert guidance to some of the many places of interest in Stamford, and by the great kindness of the Clerk of the Weather.