A PLAQUE tribute to pupils who died in a Second World War air raid has been presented to a school.
![Sue Homer and 2 pupils](../../images/memories-people/bomb2006.jpg) |
Sue Homer with pupils Scott Hilson and Elie Whitford
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Seven children died when a German bomb hit Alfred Street School in Rushden on October 3,1940. Now the school is building a memorial garden and yesterday receiveed a plaque to commemorate those who died.
The names of victims - Donald Scriven, Dennis Felce, Roy Odell, Joyce Dodd, Muriel Moye, Lorna Paine and Cecilia Chase - will be written on the plaque, presented to the school by Rushden mayor Sue Homer.
Peter Judge, 72, of Webb Road, Raunds, was a pupil at the school on the day of the raid. He said: "It is important to remember the children who died. They were just starting out their lives and lost them.
"They were our friends -I remember Donald Scriven because he lived just round the corner from me."
Gordon Ellis, 73, of Spencer Road, Rushden, another survivor, said: "I was in the classroom and remember looking round to see the roof of the dental school was falling off."
Jean Harrison, 74, of Oundle Road, Thrapston, was at school with her younger sister Ivy when the bomb struck.
She said: "I remember hearing a noise and all the children started shouting.
"I was worried about finding my sister. We went outside and my father had come in to the playground because he worked nearby Then we found her safe in a shelter."
Betty Ford, 74, of Westfield Avenue, Rushden, said: "The ceremony was emotional. It is something we will never forget."
Headteacher John Kidney said: "It is part of our history, of the whole community and not just the school.
"It is important that the children recognise the past and that we remember. It is also important toimprove the school for the future, to create something out of nothing.
The garden will be somewhere peaceful where pupils can go and reflect."
So far the school has raised about £600 to pay for the garden, but is still looking to raise more funds.
Anyone able to contribute should contact the school.
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