March 10th 2016

Northamptonshire Squires - Past & Present

Derek Blunt is a local author and artist and a gentleman with an amazing knowledge of local history. He has written a number of books including 'The Spires and Squires of Northamptonshire'. 

Derek was born in Northampton and has lived and worked here all his life. He can trace his family back to the 1500s. He started working in the County Education Department and became the first Bursar at Moulton Agricultural College, followed by many years working for the Welfare and Social Services Departments, mainly in providing care and services for elderly and disabled people. His own business of 20 years helping older and disabled people enjoy 'Carefree Holidays' was very successful.

Now retired Derek spends time doing all the things he enjoys, including visiting stately homes and churches and exploring our county of Spires and Squires. Derek's illustrated talks to all sizes of groups, raises money for the two charities close to his heart - Churches Conservation Trust and Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Throughout his fascinating talk he peppered us with questions  - where is this house? giving us clues as to their whereabouts. We were asked to write down the answers so that later we would find out who knew their county. A couple of members achieved 7/12 but one member had achieved 8/12 and was declared the winner.

Competition: A Northamptonshire Character
This seemed to have been difficult for members to find so there were unfortunately only a small number of entries. 

The Winner was Sheila with her photo, explanation and toy replica of Alfie the Ape who used to 'swing' in Beatties children's shoe department until 2007. He is the 'long lost brother' of Charlie the Chimp of Abington Street fame.

                  
Second was Paula who had photos and a brief biography of Keith Barwell, Northampton Saints saviour, 78 Derngate and WNDC Chairman for many years.
Third was Lorraine with photos in a book about 2 ladies from Delapre.