Ably directed by the teachers, the scholars assembled in the large hall, gave the following items: Dances and songs, Standard II; history play, Std VI.B; country dances, Stds. VI and VII; physical exercises (in playground), Stds. VI and VII; chorus-singing, Stds. III and IV; costume playlet, “Mr Pickwick on the Ice” Std. VI.B; physical drill (playground), Stds. V and VI; country dancing, Stds. V and VI; chorus-singing, Stds. V, VI and VII. Miss N Groome was the pianist. All the items, particularly the very humorous presentation of the skating scene, were enthusiastically received by the proud parents. At a word of command from Mr Rial, the scholars sat down, filling the main part of the floor.

Mr B Vorley, chairman of the School Managers, presided at the presentation ceremony, supported by Mrs Vorley, Mr C Cross, C.C. (vice-chairman of the Education Sub-Committee), Messrs C Claridge, W T L Flood, C White, J T Bettles, Mrs Rial, Mrs Desborough, of Wymington, Mr and Mrs Sadler, and others.

The Chairman said they were delighted to see so many parents and friends present to take part in a unique event of doing honour to a brave deed. Mr Rial had wisely arranged to invite parents and friends to see the work of the children as well as to witness that event. The School Managers tried to keep the schools up to a high level and to encourage the masters and teachers. Recently, as most of them knew, one of the little girls who attended that school did a very brave deed. For a long time it had gone unrecognised. Now it had been thought time to recognise the act, so that it might be an incentive to others. He wanted all the children to be brave like Molly Sadler when the occasion arose. Giving an account of the facts, Mr Vorley said that last summertime Mr Sadler took Molly with him to a cricket match at Wymington. While the father was with the cricketers Molly played with a little girl who, when their ball got lost, went on to the railway line to search for it. A train was noticed to be approaching, and Molly ran and rescued the little playmate and held her until the train had passed. The scholars, teachers, and managers were presenting her with an illuminated address for her bravery. (Applause) He was pleased to see Mrs Desborough, mother of the child, present from Wymington. Mrs Desborough had been kind enough to bring a photograph of her child in a silver frame and a silver chain and swastika pendant [see note at end] to present to Molly out of gratitude for the noble deed. (Applause)

Mrs Vorley, handing the

Illuminated Address

to Molly, said that that was a very pleasant duty. They were all very proud of Molly showing such bravery. They hoped that as the little girl grew older it would be a pleasant memory to her. Perhaps many of them, especially the older ones, would have been rather frightened, but Molly had shown no fear. (Applause)

Mr Cross spike of the self-sacrifice of the act, and emphasised that happiness could only come to them all by a life of unselfishness.

Mr Flood, of the Rushden “Morning Star” Tent of the I. O. Rechabites, presented Molly (one of the members of the Tent) with a gold brooch inscribed “I.O.R.” and a framed address from the members. He said there were over 100 juveniles from a week old upwards, and they were proud of their temperance principles. (Applause)

Mrs Desborough then made her presentation, which was also enthusiastically applauded.

The little girl whose life had been saved, Megan Pauline Cavell Desborough (aged three years at the time of the deed) was brought forward, much to the interest and pleasure of the company.

Mr Rial expressed thanks to the chairman, school officers, teachers, and the boys and girls who had assisted.

The large illuminated address was worded as follows: “In Commemoration. Granted to Molly Sadler, aged 10 years, In appreciation of her heroic action. Molly Sadler was playing in the neighbourhood of the railway near Wymington on Monday, 5th June 1922, when she heard the sound of an approaching train, and looking up, observed a child who had strayed on to the railway track. With great presence of mind and bravery, she realised the danger to the child and immediately hurried to the spot, dragged the little girl from its perilous position to safety.—This award is made by the scholars, staff, and managers of the Rushden Alfred-street School, in token of admiration of Molly Sadler, who is a scholar of the above-named school. Signed, Benjamin Vorley, chairman of the managers, W W Rial, headmaster.”

The address from the Rechabites is in the following terms: “Presented to Molly Sadler by the Rushden ‘Morning Star’ Tent of Rechabites as an appreciation of her courage displayed in rescuing a child from a perilous position on the railway at Wymington.—Signed, Bro. Vorley, C.R., Bro. Flood, S.J.T., Bro. White, secretary.”

At the conclusion of the above ceremony, medals for perfect attendances at school for several years were presented to Ernest Tew (four years), William Scroxton (three), Lily Chettle, Ernest King and Brenda Chettle (two).