Ethel Black, born on 15th December 1888, was the daughter of John and Sarah Black of Nassington.  She was one of 12 children, and started her career in teaching at Nassington School in 1906.  Before she arrived at Woodnewton School as the infant teacher in 1923, she also taught for several months in Rushden and then transferred to the village school  in Hemmington.   We can also read in Colin Skinner memories that she used to cycle to Woodnewton from Nassington every day.

In 1932, along with the school children, she researched and drew a field map of the local area, which was used in studies all the time the school was open.  After 30 years of teaching the infants at Woodnewton Primary School, she retired and the following is a newspaper article of her leaving presentation as seen in the Peterborough Standard on 31st July 1953.

The affection which all Woodnewton feels for her was shown by the large number of parents, friends, past and present scholars, who went to the farewell presentation at the School on Friday afternoon.  The presentation was made by the vicar, the Revd Charles Browne, who said it was a happy and yet sad occasion.   They all sincerely hoped Miss Black was going to enjoy her retirement. 

During her long stay at Woodnewton, she had the greatest respect and affection of all.  The first years of knowledge were extremely difficult and Miss Black had taught them well.  Her heart had always been with the school and church.  He handed Miss Black a cheque for £20 16s. 0d., subscribed to by parents, friends, past and present scholars, Miss Black responding spoke of the happy times she had spent at Woodnewton during her 30 years as teacher.  Laughter sounded through the school as Miss Black recalled incidents in the early days of her teaching.  There were blushes too, as she recounted the escapades of former pupils, some of whom were present.  She said she still hoped to show as much interest in the school and church during her retirement.  Mrs F Hughes, Head Mistress, then wished Miss Black a happy retirement and read a letter of appreciation and thanks for her services from the Northamptonshire Education Committee, Mr H J Pike associated himself with Mrs Hughes’ remarks, and thanked the collectors of the testimonial, Mrs J Chambers and Mrs G Fitzjohn.  A bouquet was presented to Miss Black by Rosemary Spademan.

Although, Miss Black lived in Nassington, she had relatives in Woodnewton and took an active part in village affairs.  She became the Parochial Church Council Secretary when it was formed in 1936.  For many years, she was secretary of the Woodnewton Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show and after her death there was a cup given in her name for the best exhibit in the cake classes. She was a member of the Womens Institute and an active worker for the organization.

Due to the death of Mr Gilbert, the position of clerk to the Parish Council became available and Miss Black applied for the role and was appointed in January 1947.  She served as their clerk for 17 years until 1964.

Ethel Black died in in 1966 at the age of 78 years