Worthing Gazette 16 Feb 1906
"Choral Wedding at St Botolph's this Afternoon" - Marriage of Miss Bourn - Interesting presentation at Heene Church Room- The interior of the Heene Church Room presented quite an animated appearance on Monday afternoon, with a large number of children from Heene School, together with parents and parishioners, gathered there for the purpose of making a presentation to Miss Bourn, the headmistress of the day school, who relinquished her duties on Saturday, after a period of service in the school extending over eighteen years on the occasion of her marriage.
The rector (Rev. J P Fallowes) presided and was supported by Mrs Fallowes, Mr E Bisshopp-Smith and Councillor W Sams. "Held in High Esteem" The presentation which consisted of a framed illuminated address, a crocodile-skin purse of gold, a mahogany escritoire, a brass fender and fire irons with coal box, an easy chair and a red letter prayer book from the parishioners, and a case of fish knives and forks and a case of servers from the Heene school scholars and teachers, past and present, was made by the rector, who, in a few happily chosen remarks, referred to the esteem in which Miss Bourn was held by all who knew her; to the approval which she had won from the officials, parishioners, teaching staff and scholars in her responsible and oft-time trying position; and congratulated her on coming to the end of her headmistresship with such credit to herself and with the goodwill of so many friends (applause). He had a pleasing duty to perform and that was to make several presentations.
The address which was a handsome one, was carried out he explained by Mr H C B Gibbs, the flowers painted round it being the work of Miss Beckles. It bore views of the Church, the School and the Church Room and was worded in the following manner:
The Managers, subscribers and friends of Heene National School tender to Miss Caroline Sarah Bourn this expression of their sense of her valuable and successful services as head-mistress of the school during the last eighteen years 1888-1906. They desire to testify to their admiration of her character and her beneficial influence over many hundreds of pupils, her pleasant relations with her staff of teachers and pupil teachers; and her tact and aptitude for overcoming difficulties. While regretting the loss of her services, they congratulate her on her marriage to Mr Frederick Hendra and as some token of their regard, request her acceptance of an escritoire, purse of money etc. with best wishes for her happiness in her married life. "From the Teachers and Scholars”"
The letter which was given to Miss Bourn with the school's presents was as follows: Dear Miss Bourn, we the teachers and scholars (past and present) and friends of Heene School, beg your acceptance of this small token of our regard for you and an appreciation of so many years work at the above school. At the same time, we offer our sincere congratulations on your approaching marriage, trusting that you may enjoy long and happy married life. This was signed by Miss Newman, Miss Card and about a hundred of the scholars.
Miss Bourn made a suitable reply remarking that she had to smile sweetly and say "thank you!". She did thank them all very much indeed. She was afraid she could not make a speech; she did get it ready in the train, but it was all gone (laughter). She thanked them very much indeed (loud applause).
At the Chairman's invitation, the children then gave three hearty cheers for Miss Bourn, the room ringing with their whole-hearted effort in this direction.