Wellingborough News, 9th February 1884, transcribed by Kay Collins
PRESENTATION—A silver necklet and locket has been presented to Miss Mary Bull, on her leaving the Rushden Board School, with best wishes for her future welfare. The necklet was given on behalf of the assistant-master (Mr. Lancaster) and the children, and the locket from the head teachers (Walter and W. A. Wood). A writing desk was also presented to Miss Bull as a token of respect and esteem from her fellow teachers, F. S. Stanton, P. Darnell, E. E. Margetts, and M. A. Elstow.
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Extract from Memories of the 1890s by R E Bayes
From his school days, which began at Moor Road Infants, Mr. Bayes recalls Walter Wood, the quiet and patient gentleman who was his headmaster at Alfred Street; George Capon, his favourite teacher there; and Watson his favourite instructor at Newton Road School.
The first headmaster at Newton Road “had tremendous energy, a Welsh name, and an unshakable confidence in the efficacy of corporal punishment. He was not without certain resemblances to Squeers of “Dotheboys Hall.”
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Rushden Echo, 29th September 1899, transcribed by Kay Collins
Presentation—Mr George Capon, who has been for seven years a teacher at the Alfred-st. Board Schools, was on Friday presented with a handsome Gladstone travelling bag by the teachers and some of the scholars. Mr Wood made the presentation. Mr Capon has entered this week upon his duties at Peckham.
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Rushden Echo, 29th June 1900, transcribed by Kay Collins
Pupil Teachers’ Examination—Miss Annie E Adams (2nd year) and Miss Elsie M Childs (1st year), both of Alfred-street girls’ school, have secured the highest pass, carrying with it the highest grant. This is the second time that Miss Adams has done so excellently. The passes reflect great credit on Miss Soutar, the head mistress, as well as the pupil teachers. Miss Mabel D Hartwell, of the Alfred-street infants’ school, obtained the pass “fair”, and Mr Harry Wright, of the Alfred-street boys’ school, secured the pass open to candidates.
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Rushden Echo, 28th April 1911, transcribed by Kay Collins
Resignation
Miss Fountain, of Alfred-street Infants’ School, wrote resigning her appointment.
The resignation was accepted and it was decided to grant a testimonial. [Committee report]
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Rushden Echo & Argus, 5th February 1932, transcribed by Kay Collins
Shanghai - Schoolmaster’s Nephew in Danger Zone
Mr W W Rial, headmaster of the Rushden Alfred-street Schools, has a nephew who has probably been having some exceedingly exciting adventures during the recent warfare centred round Shanghai, where he is chemist and manager of the Shanghai Water Works.
Mr Walter Percy Rial is the gentleman’s name, and he has been out in Shanghai for some time. Last year he came back to the old country for six months’ leave, and during that period he spent a few days’ holiday with his uncle at Rushden.
Mr Rial informed this journal on Wednesday that he had received no news at all concerning the welfare of his nephew. The only thing he knew was what he had gathered from the daily papers – that the water works had been fired at and that troops and sailors had been landed near there.
He referred to the possibility of receiving a letter from his nephew. Mr W P Rial is about 36 years of age and is married. He is a native of Hull.
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The Rushden Echo and Argus, 21st December 1951, transcribed by Gill Hollis
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A farewell scene at Rushden Alfred Street School on Wednesday afternoon, where 300 children gathered
to say an “official goodbye” to Mr. A. W. Morris of Stanwick, a teacher at the school for 38 years.
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Teacher’s farewell – a carol on violin
Mr. A. W. Morris, of Stanwick, a teacher at Rushden Alfred Street School for 38 years, retired this week. Presentations were made to him at a “goodbye” ceremony in the school on Wednesday attended by 300 children, school managers and past and present members of the staff.
Two outstanding features of Mr. Morris’ career at Alfred Street have been his interest in craft work and violin playing. In 1935 he introduced pottery into the school’s curriculum and until the outbreak of war and resulting restrictions it was manufactured on the premises, the school possessing its own kiln. Showcases surrounding the assembly hall contain many examples of this work.
A year earlier the school had built up its own band, which accompanied the hymn singing in the mornings, and Mr. Morris estimates that he taught something like 70 children to play the violin. The scholars purchased their own instruments and were instructed during school time.
Although the school does not now possess a band, Mr. Morris has continued to provide violin accompaniment for the school’s assemblies and to teach interested pupils.
Three Gifts
Appreciation of his work was expressed at the school’s gathering by Mr. R. R. Lawrence (the headmaster), and past and present members of the staff. Mollie Roberts presented him with a silver tea service. From his own class, David Hinde presented him with an electric toaster, and Mrs. Morris received a bouquet of chrysanthemums from Ann Bedford.
Mr. Morris accompanied the children’s singing on his violin at the farewell ceremony and played “O Come all ye Faithful” as they finally dispersed.
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