On behalf of Rushden & District History Society i wish to extend a warm welcome to you all.

The Society is indebted to Dr & Mrs Paul Haddon who have kindly allowed us to place this plaque here to commemorate a very special lady in the life of Rushden - Mrs Alice Unwin Muxlow O.B.E.

A special welcome to Cllr Mrs Barbara Jenney, town mayor & her consort Mr Jenney; Cllr Mrs Sarah Peacock, Chairman-Elect of East-Northants Council; Cllr Sue Homer - Chairman, Rushden Branch, British Legion, and also Mr. Harry Graham, Vice-Chairman.

Mr Charles Watts , British Legion; Representatives of Rushden WRVS. We are also delighted to welcome Dr Tom Muxlow, Mrs Muxlow's grandson

Not only is Mrs Muxlow remembered for the many positions that she held not just in and on behalf of the town but for her human qualities. Held in respect by even the children, she was regarded as approachable by all, especially on matters relating to child welfare. I was told that she was even regarded as an "auntie": a forerunner to Maye Dicks.

Mrs Muxlow was born in Sheffield . After qualifying as a school teacher, she moved to Rushden in the 1920's when her husband became manager of the Midland Bank.  She was the first woman elected to Rushden Urban District Council in 1938, becoming Chairman in 1946-7 and again in 1955-6, remaining on the Council until 1964.

She was Chairman of the Infant Welfare Committee until her death; also Chairman of the Women's Section of the British Legion & former member of the Rushden Hospital Management Committee. Mrs Muxlow achieved a notable "double" for her sex by securing election to the County Council.

During the War, Mrs Muxlow became an air raid warden and brought the A.R.P Rest Centre into use for the first time .

She was Centre Organiser for the WVS, with 21 distinct activities and at its peak a membership of 600. She was also County Salvage Officer; the only woman on the local Invasion Committee; and also sat on the Local Information Committee, as well as Wellingborough Area Food Control Committee

Becoming Chairman of the County British Legion in 1940, her first meeting as Chairman was held in an air raid shelter under a cinema at Northampton .

Other interests were the Nursing Association, the Cottage Hospital Committee, St Mary's Church, and golf.

The son of Mr & Mrs Muxlow - Tom - served in West Africa during the War.

Mrs Muxlow died on 16th December 1971 aged 82

Dr Paul Hadden, Mrs Hadden, Town Mayor - Cllr Mrs Barbara Jenney, Chairman Margaret Shelton, Dr Tom Muxlow (Grandson) & partner Gill

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