click here for Poem - Rushden at War (and Peace)

Rushden’s V.E. Day concert, an evening that was enjoyed by everyone who came including the performers. St Mary’s beautifully decorated church was packed and there were many disappointed people still on the waiting list who didn’t make it for an evening of music, poetry and prose. It was a night of nostalgia and fun ably compered by Chris Garrett.  Vera Lyn, Flanagan and Allen, Noel Coward, Glenn Miller, Judy Garland were all there as well as a host of others. Who will forget Georgie Collis’ rendition of I’m forever Blowing Bubbles or Doug and Isobel Wood singing It’s Cold Outside? The audience entered into the spirit of the evening by dressing in costume and were able to join the Jubilee Singers with many wartime hits. Afterwards drinks were enjoyed in the Village Hall with a chance to look at the Rushden Memories exhibition of those who lived in the village during the War.

Thanks must go to all the performers, scene shifters and setter uppers but particularly to Mary Volpe who conducted the Jubilee Singers, Elspeth who played and most of all Chris Thomas for organising the event.