29th October 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

All contributions must bear the name and address of sender, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

The Editor reserves the right to publish the name and address of the sender if he thinks it necessary, irrespective of the same being signed by a "nom-de-plume."

We are not at all responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents, and do not necessarily endorse them - Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Dear Sir,

Will you permit me space to remind the public that Miss Ward and myself are again making a collection of pennies on Armistice Day in aid of Earl Haig's Fund, and it is hoped that the total will be worthy of the cause for which the collection is made.

During the past three years the totals have been:

1923 - £13 13s. 7d.

1924 - £10 3s. 0d.

1925 - £7 15s. 8d.

May this year's exceed that of 1923.

Yours faithfully,

F.W. Butler

Buntingford, Oct. 29th, 1926

29th October 1926 - Armistice Day

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Armistice Day

Arrangements are now well in hand for the observance of Remembrance Day, Thursday, November 11th.

The Concert Committee met at Longmead this week and drew up arrangements for the concert to be given at the Benson Hall during the evening.

Mr Harry Gibbs, who gave great satisfaction last year is bringing 'The Gossips,' a novel concert party from London.

Tickets will be on sale at Mr H. Fry's.

16th November 1923 - Armistice Day

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Buntingford

Armistice Day

Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.

At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.

The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.

A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."

The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.

We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."

He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."

The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."

After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.

After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.

A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.

After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.

The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.

A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns. 

The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

16th November 1923 - Poppy Day

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Poppy Day

Saturday last was "Poppy Day" and the workers are to be congratulated on the success attained.

Monday's Collection and Sale

On Monday, workers were still busy, this time the town collection was on behalf of the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

Quite early the collection of yards of pennies began, and Mr Butler, Miss Ward, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Robinson, Mr G.H. Maughan, Mrs H.H. Williams, Miss Lushington, Miss Porter, the Misses Rand, and other helpers consolidated their position in the narrow High Street.

Their appeal, and the liberal way in which passers by gave their support, is shown by the fact that the pennies reached 65 yards (£8 3s. 2d.) on the east side (in charge of Miss Ward), and 44 yards (£5 10s. 5d.) on the west side (in charge of Mr F.W. Butler).

At 12.30, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor conducted a sale of miscellaneous gifts on the Mkarket Hill, which produced £11 for the fund.

2nd November 1923 - Armistice Day

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Armistice Day

We understand that the Ex-service men of Buntingford are again making arrangements to commemorate Remembrance Day.

The first Armistice Day was to the vast majority of our townsmen, a day of rejoicing, but since the burial of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey on Nov. 11th 1920, we rightly speak of this great anniversary as Remembrance Day.

In our issue next week, we shall publish a full programme for the observance of Sunday, November 11th.

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence part 2

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Wake Up Aspenden

Dear Sir,

"Lest we Forget" is the motto for November 11th. Is it possible that the men from Aspenden who lost their lives in the War are forgotten?

The Aspenden War Memorial was subscribed to by (I think I may say) every person in the village, and the day of the unveiling nearly every person in the village was present.

Yet on Armistice Day, 1926, the memorial and the men whose names are inscribed thereon appear to be forgotten, except by less than a dozen people who attended the service held on that day. Is it because there is a more spectacular service elsewhere, or is there a little ill feeling?

Whatever the cause, our memorial is still there was the names of 21 heroes, some whose names are on no other memorials. They did their bit - let the people of Aspenden do likewise.

Yours respectfully,

J.C. Neale.

School House, Aspenden, 17th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Congregational Church Armistice Sunday

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Armistice Sunday

On Sunday evening last a special Armistice Remembrance Service was held at the Buntingford Congregational Church, and was attended by a large congregation.

The Town Silver Band (under the able direction of the Bandmaster, Mr E.J. Smith), the members of which are always willing to give their assistance, was present, and preceded the Remembrance Service with the following musical items: Handel's "Hosanna," "Jerusalem, my glorious home," and "a hymn of the homeland."

The Remembrance Service following. At the organ, Mrss Blanche Langham played for the singing of the hymns, "Oh Lord of heaven, and earth, and sea," "My God, my Father, while I stray," and "O God, our help in ages past"; the offertory voluntary and for the vesper following the Benediction; whilst the Band led the singing of John S. Arkwright's hymn, "The Supreme Sacrifice."

A large Union Jack covered the pulpit desk and the communion table below. The Lesson was from Deut. vi., and the Litany of Commemoration from "The Book of Congregational Worship," as also were the remaining prayers and appropriate invocatory sentences. The offerings were on behalf of the Church and the British Legion.

The Minister based his remarks on Deut. vi. 6-7 "And these words...thou shalt teach...diligently unto thy children." Memory in the individual life was one of the possessions of us all. There was also such a thing as a national memory. The Israelites, e.g., had been brought by God out of Egypt, and in those early days of the Hebrew race there were frequent appeals made to them keep fresh the memory of the Divine providence towards them, to "teach diligently (i.e., with constant repeptition) thy children" the history of their wonderful preservation. The stones set up after the crossing of Jordan were to be "for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."

The communion service - "This do in remembrance of Me" - is also an act of commemmoration. With the occurance of Remembrance Day our own national memory is touched, and as a nation we call to mind once more the years of the Great War, especially remembering those who laid down their lives in a great cause. The two minutes' silence have been set apart that in the midst of our work in the world we might remember such men (and not suffer their memory to perish from the earth), give renewed thanks for the end of the conflict, and (leaving not their work unfinished) reconsecrate ourselves in service to our fellowmen and to God.

The motto to be writ large upon our hearts is "Lest we forget, lest we forget" (Kipling).

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." (Laurence Binyon).

A generation is growing up to whom the war is but a name; they will ask, "What meaneth this Day, this service at the Cenotaph, at the memorial on the gill?" Remembering the injunction to "teach diligently," it must be ours to give the explanation, and to foster a spirit which will never cease is agitations until war as a means of settling international disputes is abolished from off the face of the earth."

After the service the Band again played selections, viz - the anthems "I will arise," "Lead, kindly light," and "The mighty Lord"; "The lost chord," "Sweet and low," Handel's "Largo in G" and "Abide with me," the latter including the "echo".

The Minister expressed thanks to Miss Langham and to the Band thanks and warm appreciation for their very helpful services, and the National Anthem, led by the Band, brought the whole exercises of observance and remembrance to a close.

19th Nov 1926 - Armistice Day in Buntingford

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Armistice Day in Buntingford

Excellent Arrangements

Armistice Day was commemorated in a very solemn manner, the local branch of the British Legion, which made all the arrangements, following in a large measure the order of procedure to that so admirably carried out last year.

"Revellie" was sounded at 6 a.m. by Mr J. Gibbs.

Shortly before 11 a.m. a procession was formed opposite the Ex-Service Men's Club. It comprised Ex-Service Men, Boy Scouts (under the command of Ex-Scoutmaster C. Miles), and Special Constables. The procession marched to the Town War Memorial, where the townspeople and a number of Rural District Councillors were assembled.

The introductory portion of the service was read by the Rev. A. Howard, M.A. A stirring address was given by the Rev. W.L. Shepherd, of Great Hormead, after which the two minutes' silence was observed. Then came the singing of the beautiful hymn "The Supremem Sacrifice," after which Capt. H.H. Williams, the President of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, read out the names of the heroic dead whose names are inscribed on the War Memorial.

The Rev. John Cole read a portion of the scripture, and prayers were offered by Captain Green of the Salvation Army. The Blessing was pronounced by the Rev. L.W. Wright.

Following the singing of the National Anthem each of the bodies represented placed a wreath at the base of the Memorial. Mr E.J. Smith sounded "The Last Post" and the parade reformed and marched to Church Street and dismissed.

YARDS OF PENNIES

The usual collection of pennies in the High Street was conducted by Mr F.W. Butler and Miss Ward, who were assisted by Miss Porter, Miss Lushington, Miss Fell, Miss Mary Feasey and Miss Mary Crane.

JUMBLE SALE

During the afternoon a jumble sale was held at the George Hotel. Mr Crane kindly collected the goods, which were being sold by Mrs Fell, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs Coleman, Mrs Squires and Mrs Camp. The Ex-Service men are grateful to these ladies, and to all others who assisted with the day's arrangements.

THE CONCERT

The annual concert was held in the Benson Hall during the evening, when a first-class programme was given by "The Gossips," as well-known London Concert Party.

There was a crowded audience, some 200 persons having to be turned away. The platform was decorated with pot plants, kindly lent by Mr E.G. Thody. The programme fittingly opened with the singing of Kipling's Recessional by the Buntingford and District Musical Society, conducted by Mr E.E. Dennis. Altogether the concert was an outstanding success.

Valuable assistance in connection with the concert and the arrangements for the service at the War Memorial was rendered by Captain H.H. Williams, Mr H. Clarke (Secretary of the British Legion Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

SALE OF POPPIES

The arrangements for the sale of poppies were again undertaken by Mrs H.C. Marshall, who was assisted in the sale by Miss M. Fell, Mrs J. Aylott, Miss P. Mayes, Miss Scrivener, Miss Wilkerson, Miss E. Smith, Miss M. Crane, Miss Armstrong, Mrs L. Smith, Miss Cutts, Miss Lushington, and Masters John and George Taylor.

The villages also assisted, the representatives being: Anstey, Miss Buckwell; Wyddiall, Lady Heaton-Ellis; Aspenden, Miss G. Phillips; Buckland, Miss P. Morris; Westmill, Mrs Coutts-Deacon; Cottered, Miss Wilderspin; part Furneaux Pelham, Mrs Holmes; Meesden, Mrs Kerr; Great and Little Hormead, Mrs Dimsdale; Rushden, Mr E.J. Marchal; Ardeley, Mr J.H. Thorpe.

12th Nov 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space in our paper to thank Miss Ward, Miss Porter, Miss Lushington, Miss Fell, Miss Mary Feasey and Miss Mary Crane who worked so hard to collect yards of pennies on Armistice day, and all those who very kindly responded to the appeal. I was able to hand to the Treasurer of Earl Haig's Fund the sum of £7 10s. which was much above my expectations.

Again thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

F.W. Butler.

Buntingford, 12th Nov., 1926.

26th Oct 1928 - Aspenden

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Aspenden

A meeting of the Bellringers of the Ancient Parish Church of St Mary will be held in the Schoolroom on Thursday, November 1st, at 7.30 p.m. It is proposed to form a Ringers' Guild, and to have at least sixteen Ringers. The Rector invites all those interested in ringing to be present. It is hoped that several young men will come forward to be taught on these wonderful old bells. The meeting will elect a Captain, Vice-Captain and Secretary.

Special Services will be held on Armistice Day - November 11th - at 3 and 6.30. Major Richard Pigg, B.A., O.B.E., T.D., J.P., will address the afternoon Service and the Rector will preach a special sermon at evensong, when the Buntingford Silver Band will be present. The offertories will be given to Earl Haig's Fund.

The Bishop of St Albans will hold a Confirmation Service and Sunday, November 18th, at 3 p.m. His Lordship will also dedicate the new electric lighting and heating to the memory of the late Mr Poulton, verger for 50 years.

A Church Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 21st, in the Parish Room at 7.30 to welcome into Church fellowship the newly confirmed.

Arrangements are being made for a robed choir and there are vacancies for men and boys. Applicants should apply to the Rector.

19th Oct 1928 - Arrangements for Armistice Day

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Arrangements for Armistice Day

Armistice Day is rapidly approaching, and the arrangements for its observance were discussed at a meeting of the Committee of the Local Branch of the British Legion at the Club Room last Friday evening. Captain H.H. Williams was in the chair.

It was decided to adopt as far as possible the procedure of last year. It was announced that the usual sale of poppies would, of course, be held on Saturday, November 10th, as this year's Armistice falls upon Sunday.

A whist drive, jumble sale and a dance were also arranged to be held on the Saturday. The parade of ex-service men and other bodies on the Sunday was also arranged. 

Further information concerning the observance will appear in our columns in due course.