Toy World is sad to report that Pamela Osborne, owner of Osborne’s Sports and Toys in Rushden’s High Street, has passed away at the age of 91.
Pamela Osborne worked for 60 years at the family run Osborne’s Sports and Toys, which she owned, in Rushden. She died peacefully on March 25th at the age of 91, with her family noting that ‘her smile and witty personality has always lit up our little corner of the High Street.’
Osborne’s is a proud Toymaster member, and Will Osborne, Pamela’s son, who currently runs the toy store with his partner, Libby, said: “She had a good life, she had 91 good years. The family has been overwhelmed by the positive response of love, stories and best wishes that we’ve had. A response like that is a great comfort for the family. We knew her and loved her, but it’s nice to know the customers did too, and the response has just re-enforced what we knew about her, and that so many people felt the same.”
Pamela came to the area initially to take a job at Chichele College as a PE teacher in 1954. She married Will’s father, Jim in 1960, and became a partner at the toy shop some time later, holding this position right through until 2024.
Her family report that she was a mainstay in the shop well into later life. They recount that, while Jim was seen as the face of the business, Pamela was the brains behind it, taking a more behind the scenes role, although she could often be found making herself available to chat to customers.
Osborne’s Sports and Toys celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2020, when special 65th anniversary jigsaws were commissioned. Other noteable moments in the business’s history include when Lego thanked the Osbornes for their brand loyalty by cladding the entire shop front with 277,500 Lego bricks for a weekend, and Playmobil selecting Osbornes’s as the launch pad for Playmobil: Star Trek’s USS Enterprise playset, supplying a 5ft Mr Spock and a model of the USS Enterprise.
The local community has responded to the news of Pamela’s passing with condolences, happy memories and high praise for what many described as a ‘lovely lady’, a ‘local celebrity’, and ‘an integral part of many of our childhoods.’
Pamela’s funeral will take place on April 15th at St Mary’s Church in Higham Ferrers (NN10 8BT). All are welcome, and the family is asking that attendees wear colourful attire to lift the atmosphere, marking a celebration of her life.
Osbornes has become a staple of Rushden town centre, and Will reiterates that the running of the shop will continue uninterrupted, per Pamela’s instructions.
