Local Features

Rushden’s High Street, like many across the country, has seen immense change over the decades. To understand its journey, we spoke to three local business owners who represent its past, present, and future. The Veteran: George Miller, 78, ran ‘Miller’s Hardware’ for fifty years before retiring and passing the business to his son. “In my […]

For the golfers who enjoy a round at John Whites Golf Club, the perfectly manicured greens and fairways are often taken for granted. But behind the pristine appearance is a year-round battle against weather, pests, and disease, led by Head Greenkeeper, Alan Finch, and his small team. Alan’s day starts at dawn, long before the

Every Tuesday morning, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers on the banks of the River Nene. They are the local team for the Nene Rivers Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting and improving our precious river environment. We joined them for a day to learn more about their vital work. Today’s task is invasive species

For many Rushden residents, the rampant lion is a familiar symbol, seen on the badge of the town’s former football club. But few may know that this proud emblem has its roots in the history of one of the area’s most influential families: the Sartoris family. The Sartoris family, who were prominent landowners in the

Long before the hum of shoe factories defined its soundscape, the town of Rushden was known for a different, more delicate craft: lacemaking. While the boot and shoe industry dominates the town’s recorded history, a quieter but equally important trade flourished in the cottages and homes of Rushden for centuries. We spoke to local historian,

In a town whose history is stitched into the very leather of the boot and shoe industry, one local business is keeping a proud tradition alive. “Clarke & Sons,” located in a quiet corner of the High Street, is the last remaining bespoke shoemaker in Rushden. We sat down with owner David Clarke, whose great-grandfather

The local political landscape has seen a dramatic shift, with the Reform UK party surging to power in the North Northamptonshire Council, securing a significant 39 out of 68 seats. This victory marked a major upset for the traditional parties in the Wellingborough and Rushden areas. The Conservative party’s presence was drastically reduced to a