Peter brought back memories for most of the audience with an entertaining selection of photos of the fun and games ten years ago, including children’s fancy dress (the young King and Queen not happy to have to sit still during the prize giving), three-legged and other races, the catch the egg competition (particularly memorable), a remarkable dog agility display, a tug of war and a lively dance in the evening. It was good to remember people who are no longer with us and people who were not here in 2012 enjoyed the evening too.

Saints’ historian and BBC commentator Graham McKechnie gave us a very lively and inspiring talk about Edgar Mobbs. He was Saints' first rugby superstar – a prolific try-scorer and England captain, adored by the Northampton public.  When the country came calling in 1914 he not only joined the army, but formed a company of men who went with him to fight in the First World War.  Mobbs shaped Saints – the presence and influence of this most remarkable of men can still be felt at Franklin’s Gardens more than a century later.

In 1972 a Northampton band called DARK recorded an LP which is now the world’s most valuable private pressing. Nearly 50 years on the band members reunited in aid of RLHS - left to right: drummer Clive Thorneycroft, guitarist Martin Weaver (via Zoom from Portugal),  founder Steve Giles & bass player and RLHS Committee member Ron Johnson.
The packed audience enjoyed a fascinating evening which brought back memories for friends and fans and enlightened us about the world of recording, pressing, gatefolds, dubbing, overdubbing etc. as well as composing and performing, all illustrated by Steve’s excellent photographs. Happy 50th Anniversary DARK and thank you for your generosity.

Maureen Williams gave us a very interesting illustrated talk about Preston Deanery Hall and its owners and occupants, including a clerk of James I’s Privy Council, members of the Christie family of Glyndebourne Opera fame and Northamptonshire shoe manufacturer A E Marlow. From 1927-1931 it became a Health Clinic with a variety of illustrious clients. Its history also includes tales of shipwreck, robbery and hangings and pioneering airmen. The Hall was altered considerably over the years and the main part was demolished in 1934. The present Hall was originally an annexe and  has belonged to the Mackaness family since 1968.

Ron Johnson entertained us well with interesting old films of Northampton and Roade, a selection of photos from our archive and a film of the celebration of Sam and Lucy’s first ten years at Roade Post Office. All will miss them when they retire next year.
We then joined Roade Choir in the church for carol singing. The Choir sang beautifully and we all enjoyed listening and joining in. Many thanks to all involved for a very happy evening.

We were enthralled by local author Neil Lyon’s very entertaining talk about Joan Wake, who founded the Northamptonshire Record Society in 1920 and saved Delapre Abbey from demolition. She became known as ‘the Best Burglar in the County’ because of her success in extracting records from aristocratic families and rarely taking ‘No’ for an answer. Neil described her as a cross between Margaret Thatcher and Margaret Rutherford and brought her to life by quoting from her notes, letters and diary entries.
 
Information about the book is available from Neil Lyon, 07712 129914 nblyon@btinternet.com.

We were delighted that so many members and guests were able to attend our first event after lockdown and there was a very happy atmosphere.  Alastair Inglis stood down as Chairman after being a leading member of the Committee since the beginning in 2005, including 11 years as Secretary and two and a half years as Chairman. Sheila Fitchett presented him with a book of photos taken at Society events over the years. Fortunately he has agreed to stay on the Committee and the Society will be in safe hands as Chris Hillyard was elected as Chairman.

 

 
Roade resident Dr Andrew Jeffrey is a Consultant at Northampton General Hospital and gave us a fascinating talk about the history of local health care.

We were amazed to hear about the medical advances and innovations which have taken place in Northampton since the first Infirmary in George Row opened in 1744.

The innovations are continuing and it was very encouraging to hear that the outlook is good and NGH is developing links with several universities.

Our Christmas event was very enjoyable and we were delighted to welcome the Bill Hudson Photographic Competition winners and their families and Roade Community Choir.
Those who missed the wonderful Every Brothers Play in November were able to see an exhibition about them and we all applauded author Ron Johnson.

Alastair Inglis entertained us with his experiences 'Rallying from London to Peking'.

Carol singing led by Roade Community Choir Many thanks to them all for such a joyful end to the evening.