A public tea and school children’s treat was held in the Vicarage gardens on Friday afternoon last for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to  Mr Wm Cummins, who is leaving the mastership of the School, which he has held for thirteen years, and which testimonial has been subscribed for by early every family in the village. 

About 150 adults and children sat down to tea, and when the repast was over, and all had regaled themselves with the plentiful supply of bread and butter and cake, the Vicar proceeded to present Mr Cummins with the various articles.  In doing so the Vicar referred to the good work done by Mr Cummins during his mastership, and wound up his remarks by assuring him (Mr Cummins) of his regret at his leaving and that all classes in village were sorry at the departure of one who had been kind and friendly to their children, and with whom they were well satisfied. 

The presents consisted of a set of silver-mounted carvers in case, one dozen silver forks, one silver toeast rah, and a silver butter knife.  The school children also gave Mr Cummins an oak and silver-mounted biscuit barrel, with this inscription on the shield:- “To Mr W Cummins, from the school children of Woodnewton, 1901”.  The smaller members of the School gave the Infant Mistress (Miss A E Ryman) who is leaving the School, a Russian leather ladies’ bag. 

Mr Cummins, in replying, alluded to the many happy years he had spent among the people of Woodnewton, whose kindness in giving him such useful ad handsome presents he should never forget. 

Games, races, etc., concluded a very interesting event, which will be well remembered by those who were present.

(Recorded by Peterborough Standard on 10th August 1901)