Northampton Mercury 13 July 1878

CASTLETHORPE.—Mr. Thomas at present residing at Derby, youngest son of Mr. Varney, of Castlethorpe, has been successful in obtaining the first: prize for an essay on the "Horse," offered by the Baroness Coutts to the teachers of South Derbyshire. His Worship the Mayor, and a committee of gentlemen, awarded the prizes, which were distributed by Lady Every, the of the Baroness, at the Royal Drill Hall, Derby, before a large audience, on June 28th.

At Derby, last week, the youngest son of Mr. Varney, Castlethorpe, was presented with a handsome walnut wood writing desk bearing the following inscription on a silver plate :—" Presented to Mr. T. Varney by the teachers and day scholars of St. Anne's Boys' School, as mark of their love and respect, Easter, 1879."