Kingsteignton: The British School: The number of children attending this school having increased beyond the accommodation; additional rooms have been erected by Savery Pinsent, esq. These rooms, one of which will be used for the infants and another as a reading room, were formally opened by the Rev. J. Sellicks, of Newton Abbot, on Thursday. At the same time a bazaar was held on behalf of the funds of the school. The friends were fortunate in having a fine day for their undertaking. The bazaar opened at two p.m. At 4.30, the Rev. R. W. Row introduced Mr. Sellicks to those assembled. The Rev. gentleman in the course of his address, whilst holding that only faith in Christ will save a man, urged upon all the importance of education. He said that whilst holding it was true that there were learned scoundrels, and educated villains, yet there was in education an enlightening and elevation influence. He entreated all to attend to the education of their children, and not forget themselves, but to take advantage of the reading room, and prepare themselves for the time, not far distant, when they would have a vote and ought to know how to use it and support the Government that was best for the country. He spoke in praise of the work Mr. Pinsent was doing in Kingsteignton, and then declared the rooms open. S. Pinsent Esq. briefly sketched the history of the movement in the village, the work done by former labourers in the cause, including Mr. Burd, and that of his own father, in whose footsteps he was proud to tread. He desired no praise but only wished to see the work prosper and the people taking advantage of their privileges and getting best accordingly. The work of selling was then recommenced. The large room at the school, which was tastefully decorated, was used for the sale of work and for the music. Another room was set apart for refreshments which had been given by Mr. Pinsent’s Bible Class: Mrs. Walling, senior and junior, and the Misses Walling being caterers. All praised the admirable way in which this department was managed. Great delight was experienced in a third room, termed the “Exhibition,” which included the Rev. R.W. Rose’s collection of old China, curiosities lent by Dr. Stradling, Mr. P. B. Mann, and Mr. Windsor, and a “Fine Art Gallery” containing forty choice pictures such as the “The Deserted Home” (an eggshell), etc. The visitors were enlivened by vocal and instrumental music. The singers being Mrs. J. Snow, Miss Hellier, and Miss Snow, and Messrs. Freestone, Hellier, S. O. Row and A. Snow; the pianists Miss Legier, Misses Cornish, and Miss Hellier. The proceeds on Thursday amounted to nearly £70. This with private sales and subscriptions, made the sum realized over £100. The ladies who kept the stall were Mrs. Cornish, Mrs. T. Snow, Mrs. Smalldridge, Mrs. Freestone, Miss Snow, Miss Murrin, and Mrs. T. Knowles and a number of others assisting.
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Referenced
GRO0798 Devonport: Savery Pinsent: 1815 – 1886