29th October 1926 - Forthcoming Concert

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Forthcoming Concert

The Concert to be given at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening next, in aid of the Buntingford Women's Institute, promises to be quite a musical event.

The artists are - Mrs Major Edridge, Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor, Mrs G. Armstrong, Rev. L.W. Wright, Mr F. Coates, Mr S. Daniels, Kenneth Beard (Comedian), Brock Daniels (Ventriloquist).

We are asked to say that tickets can be obtained of Mr H. Fry and Miss Ivy Aylott.

Get your tickets now for what promises to be a full evening's enjoyment.

24th December 1926 - Concert at the Benson Hall

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Concert at the Benson Hall

For the Buntingford & District Nursing Association

The concern given at the Benson Hall on December 15th by "The Bunties" Concert Party, attracted a crowded audience that spent a very delightful evening.

The concert party were so successful last season that they decided to carry on during the 1926-27 season, and it must be said that their new programme went with a swing from beginning to end.

The items consisted of the latest musical "hits," and many of the choruses were taken up by the enthusiastic audience. Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr B. Kennedy were loudly applauded for their two special numbers "Waiting for the Moon" and by request, "Leander."

Mr J. White sang "Leanin" and "An Old-Time Song," being assisted in the latter by Mrs Scarborough Taylor. Mrs G. Armstrong, who last year gave such delightful dances, was partnered with Mr Bobbie Adamson, and their "Charleston" number was one of the best items on the programme.

Mrs Armstrong and Mr Brian Kennedy had a great reception for their picture from the past "A Second Minuet"; they were re-called twice, and each received gifts from members of the audience.

Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor's interpretation of Gounod's "Flower Song" (from Faust) was perfect, and won a deafening encore.

Mrs G. Armstrong and Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang with success "Ukelee." Mr G. Armstrong's droll monologues kept the audience in a ripple of laughters, as did Mr G. Scarborough Taylor in a first-class comedy act "Where are the Girls of the Old Brigade."

"Poor Papa," sung by Mr Bobbie Adamson was another number which brought rounds of applause. Of the concerted numbers "The Biff Brigade" is worthy of special mention; the marching and turning of the troupe, dressed as toy soldiers, was exceedingly well done. "Then I'll be happy" "There may be Days" and "A little bit of fun"; the latter with the aid of the entire adience, were other successful numbers by the Company. The concerted numbers by Mr G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor also deserve mention.

A dramatic sketch, "The Brass Door-Knob," was given by Mrs G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor, and was performed so well that the audience were spellbound till the final curtain. "The Bunty Medley," arranged by Rieta Hull, the accomplished pianist to the troupe brought the evening to a close.

The stage lighting and management and effects were undertaken by Messrs. H.M. Blakiston, B.E. Thody, J. Handy and H. Feasey. Miss Ward greatly assisted the production.

At the close, Mr Claud Fraser called for three cheers for the Troupe and thanked them for such a delightful programme.

It is understood that the net proceeds, which will be paid over to the Nursing Fund, are expected to reach £20.

24th December 1926 - Folk Dancing Party

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Folk Dancing Party

The Buntingford Branch of the English Folk Dancing Society has made rapid progress in folk dancing.

On the 9th inst. the Branch had a party at the George Room, when folk dancers from Walkern and Great Munden were also present.

There was a capital programme of these graceful and pretty dances that all enjoyed. Quite a feature of the evening were the special dances by Mrs G. Armstrong and Miss Olive Poulton.

Songs, interspersed with the dances, gave additional pleasure, and were contributed by the Rev. A.G. Langdon, Mrs Hull, and Mr E.E. Dennis.

24th December 1926 - Charity Trustees Meeting

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Charity Trustees Meeting

A meeting of the Trustees of the Town Charities was held at the Technical Institute on the 9th inst.

Mr H.C. Marshall presided, and there were also present Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. H.H. Williams, and Messrs. C. Fraser, W.J. May, P. Hamilton, G. Armstrong and H.H. Macklin (clerk).

The income arising from the charities amounted to £80, which is in excess of last year, a fact welcomed especially as the money has to be dispersed in coal according to the trusts.

The old Bigg's Bread Charity produced an income of £4 9s. 4d. This was administered by the Clerk in small loaves to cottagers' families as stated in the terms of the bequest.

Between 400 and 500 of these small loaves were needed, and they were supplied by Mr C.S. Coates, of Buntingford.

28th January 1927 - Buckland Concert

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Buckland

Concert

On Friday, January 14th, in the School, a concert organised by the Rev. Phillips and Miss N. Pigg was a huge success, the amount taken, with the sale of programmes, being £9.

This amount is to be handed over to the Clothing Clubs &c., and the Nursing Fund. The room was crowded, quite a few having to stand.

A long and varied programme was arranged, and it would indeed be very difficult to pick out any item for particular mention, the piano solos, recitations, songs, violin solos, dance and ventriloquial performances being of the highest character.

Pretty and dainty indeed was the song and dance, "The red, red robin," by Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Edridge, Mrs Lanyon and Rev. Circuit gave songs, which were heartily encored, and by allowing the audience to join in the choruses it was a very happy time for all.

Mr Symes' violin solos were greatly appreciated. This gentleman, like Mr Daniels (ventriloquist) was not hitherto known to a Buckland audience. The latter gentleman caused roars of laughter, especially by making reference to the village Women's Institute and its choir.

Miss Hall's recitations were beautifully and feelingly rendered, and the play by Mrs Bailey and Mrs Seymour was very amusing and well played.

The Rev. F.B. Phillips thanked the audience for coming in such a number, whilst Miss N. Pigg passed a hearty vote of thanks to the performers.

A 6d. dance followed, from which the sum of £1 17s. 0d. was realised, and this is to be used for paying the expenses of the above.

A very enjoyable time for both young and old was brought to a close at 12.30 a.m.

Mr Bishop was at the piano for dancing.

21st January 1927 - Women's Institute Monthly Meeting

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Wednesday in last week.

The meeting took the form of a social, and, as was expected, the room was crowded.

The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided.

Refreshments were served to all present, after which games, &c., were indulged in. Mrs Howard was applauded for a recitation, and some folk dancing by the members was also much enjoyed. Throughout the evening, Mrs Stapley and Mrs G. Armstrong presided at the piano.

The successful meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

4th February 1927 - Layston Annual Church Meeting

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Layston Annual Church Meeting

This meeting, which has been held annually in St Peter's in accordance with the Enabling Bill (1919), and which is open to all on the Electoral Roll, and which has in the past been very poorly attended, was this year made the occasion of a social gathering at "The George" Assembly Room on Wednesday night.

Over 60 responded to the invitation sent in the name of the Vicar and Churchwardens to every elector, and undoubtedly the number would have been considerably larger but for the prevailing influenza, from which many electors and their families are suffering, including several of the Parochial Church Councillors.

From 6.30 to 7.30 the business meeting of the year was held, enabling many of the first time to understand what lies behind the regular working and provision of the Church's services, which many look upon as a matter of course.

After the opening prayer, the Vicar welcomed those present, reminding them that it was at the suggestion of Mr Claud Fraser, who was really the "host" of the evening, that the meeting was taking its present form.

Mr Maughan, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer to the P.C.C., read the minutes, and then presented his financial report for the year, which, with additional help from an appeal to electors who did not regularly attend church, and a jumble sale, showed a balance of 6/9 on the right side.

The report of the Churchyard Committee was also read, and the Free-will Offering Fund was shown to have contributed £25 17s. 9d. during the year to the Parochial quota to the Diocesan Board of Finance, new subscribers being invited to join. Subscribers were asked to come and hear Canon Shorting, who is preaching on the subject at St Peter's on the evening of February 27th.

The financial report having been passed, the next business was the election of four representatives to the Ruri-Decanal Conference: Mrs Butler, Mrs Macklin, Mrs Howard and Mr C. Fraser; the election of Mr C. Fraser to represent Layston on the Diocesan Conference, and the election of the Parochial Church Council for the ensuring year, which resulted in last year's Council being re-elected en bloc.

Rev A. Howard then informed the electors of the urgent necessity of having the organ at St Peter's thoroughly cleaned for the first time in its life of 25 years, which would involved from £45 to £50, and asked for united effort to meet this need.

Mr Fraser emphasised another expense which would have to be met in the near future, namely, that involved in the proposed addition to the Churchyard. The ground had been given by the Vicar, but fencing, fees and other outlay would arise, but this would be a matter affecting the whole town.

The business meeting having been closed with prayers, the guests were served by the ladies of the P.C.C., in whose hands Mr Fraser had left this part of the entertainment, and others, with tea and refreshments, and a pleasant social time was spent, after which a programme of music and singing was greatly enjoyed, of which the programme is appended.

Every item was appreciated, and at the close very hearty thanks were given by the Vicar to all who had helped to make this new departure a thorough success.

Piano duet, Misses Macklin; song, "The Little Hero," Mr Henry May; part song, "The Gardener"; song, "My Hope," Miss Bartlett; Community Singing, Mr E.E. Dennis; Piano, Miss M. Macklin; song, "Orpheus with his Lute," Mrs Scarborough Taylor; part song, "Music when soft voices die"; song, "The Bonny Blue Kerchief," Mrs Armstrong; Community Singing, Mr E.E. Dennis; God Save the King.

11th March 1927 - Women's Institute Monthly Meeting

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

A Talk on the B.B.C.

Judging by the keen interest taken by members of the Buntingford Women's Institute, during a lecture on the British Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday evening, many of the Institute members must be wireless enthusiasts. "We have no wireless set at our home, but my husband told someone he had a loud speaker, I suppose he meant me" said a lady after Wednesday's meeting.

The women had the best of it on Wednesday, for if they learned nothing about high frequency circuits and resistance coupling they gained a good knowledge of the manner in which the B.B.C. programmes are drawn up, the type and the number of studios at one station and other important administrative matters so necessary for a service which caters for some millions of listeners.

Miss Evans, the lecturer from the British Broadcasting Corporation, told of the history of the B.B.C. from its formation, and dealt very fully with the question of programmes.

The lecture was enjoyed by everyone present.

Mrs H.H. Williams presided over the meeting which was well attended. Applause greeted the Chairman's announcement that the new hall would be officially opened at the end of March. It was hoped that Mrs Martin Smith, the Chairman of the County Federation, would be present.

Other features of the successful meeting were a hyacinth competition, the prize for which went to Mrs Warren, and Community singing led by Mrs Scarborough Taylor, with Mrs Amstrong at the piano.

Mrs King and Mrs Waters, two members from Aspenden, were the efficient tea hostesses.

4th March 1927 - Sale of Work

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Sale of Work

The Annual Sale for Home and Foreign Missions was held at the George Assembly Room on Wednesday last, and was opened at 3 o'clock with prayer by the Vicar, Rev. A. Howard.

The attendance was not what might have been expected, but the friends who did come were liberal in their purchases, with the results that the proceeds were rather more than last year - £5 1s. 3d. for Home Missions (C.P.A.) and £8 10s. for C.M.S.

Mrs Dixon, Miss Fry, Mrs Wyman and Mrs J. Smith were in charge of the C.M.S. Stall, while that for Home Missions was in the hands of Mrs Fell, Mrs Barham, and Mrs Howard.

A number of efficient and willing helpers presided over the teas and the cake stall, while Miss Helen Fraser, Miss Jean Armstrong and Miss Barbara White did good business at the sweet stalls.

All the sweets, cake, and provisions for the tea were given by ladies in the town, and added comfortably to the sum raised.

8th April 1927 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Buntingford Women's Institute

Opening of New Hall

The new Hall, erected at an approximate cost of £1,000, for the Buntingford Women's Institute, was formally opened by Mrs Haldane on 30th March.

The hall, which faced the main road at the north end of the High Street, is fitted up with every modern convenience, including central heating and a hot and cold water service. The main hall is 54 ft. long and 24 ft. wide, and at the rear of this are two dressing rooms, each 13 ft. by 12 ft.; folding doors are fixed in order to make one large room.

At the main entrance there is a ticket office and on the right a ladies' cloak room, the gentlemen's cloak room being on the left. There is an imposing front, with red bricked pillars and iron fence and gates.

The hall was crowded for the opening ceremony. The chair was taken by the President (Mrs H.C. Marshall), who was supported by Mrs H.H. Williams, Mrs Fell, Mrs Howard, Mrs Coleman, and the Secretary (Miss Boniwell).

The President, who was greeted with applause, said that day was a very proud one for the Buntingford Women's Institute. The Institute started in November, 1919, and now on March 30th, 1927, they had their own hall. (Applause). They had the hall through the help of many friends, and she hoped that it would be a benefit and pleasure not only to the Women's Institute, but to the whole of Buntingford.

Mrs Martin Smith was unable to be with them that afternoon, but they had Mrs Haldane, a Vice-Chairman of the Herts. Association, who would perform the opening ceremony. (Applause).

Mrs Haldane said it gave her great pleasure to open such a splendid hall. It was a great achievement for an Institute to build its own hall, and it had meant a great deal of hard work and sacrifice. She congratulated the members very heartily, not only for having a hall, but also for doing a great community work; there was great importance in doing things together. (Applause). The work the Buntingford Institute was doing was reflected on the county of Hertfordshire, and on behalf of the county she would like to say "Thank you."

Mrs Haldane then formally declared the hall open, and wished it a long life, a life that would make Institute life better, brighter, and healthier. (Applause).

Miss Sheila Armstrong then handed Mrs Haldane a beautiful bouquet.

Mrs H.H. Williams said it was a proud day for them all, including their gentlemen friends present. They had with them members of all the religious bodies of Buntingford - the Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. John Cole, and Captain Green of the Salvation Army. Father Morgan sent his best wishes, and regretted that owing to a long-standing engagement he was unable to be present. Continuing Mrs Williams said they wished to commend the hall to God's service, and she would ask them all to join in saying the Lord's Prayer.

This was followed by the singing of "Jerusalem," Miss Woods conducting the singing.

Mrs Fell proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Haldane for performing the opening ceremony, and this was carried with acclamation.

Miss Boniwell (Hon. Sec.) gave the financial statement. After a lot of work in connection with fetes, &c., they had at last got their hall, but they had not quite paid for it. The amount collected by the Institute by means of fetes, &c, was £460. Members' loans amounted to £280, and a kind friend had loans them £300, bringing the total amount to £1040. They had now to set to work to pay off the loans, and they were starting straight away. (Applause).

Mrs A. Howard said that thanks were due to one who had not asked for it. The success of the Buntingford Institute was due to its President (Mrs Marshall.) (Applause). But for her and Mr Marshall they would not be in the position they were today. The members rejoiced to have their own hall, and when they looked back and saw what had been done in past they knew they could look forward to what would be done in the future. (Applause).

Mrs J. Warren seconded the vote of thanks, which was carried with applause.

The President, in replying, said they had to thank Mr E.G. Thody for a good deal. He had been the father, mother, godfather and brother of the hall, and had been perfectly marvellous. But for him they would not have had such a fine building.

Thanks were also due to Mr Claud Fraser, who had purchased the ground and had been most kind throughout. (Applause).

Then came a programme of music, &c., Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang "Down Vauxhall Way" and Mrs G. Armstrong sang by request "The Second Minuet." Miss A.V. Bartlett made a welcome return to the concert platform, and sang two songs, "The Gleaner's Slumber Song" and "Just for a While." Mrs G. Saggers gave one of her amusing recitations, and Mrs Haldane and Miss Woods told some amusing stories. For the men folk, Mr W.J. May replied with a funny tale.

Tea was then served to all present, after which the Committee prepared the room in readiness for the whist drive and dance held during the evening, when there was a crowded attendance, many being unable to take part in the whist drive. Mr H. Clarke performed the duties of M.C. and it was through his excellent management that the 41 tables were arranged.

Dancing followed, the music being supplied by the popular Standon Orchestra, with Mr Ivan Sharp as M.C. 

The whist winners were: Ladies - 1 Miss E. Cutts, 2 Mrs Handy, 3 Miss L. Sartin. Gents - 1 Mr H. Shepherd, 2 Mr W. Watson, 3 Mr W. Gilbey. Highest score first half, Mrs Case. Highest score second half, Mrs Case. Highest score second half, Mrs L. King. Longest stay at one table, Miss R. Cannon. Lowest score, Mr T. Wornham. Lucky ticket, Miss E. Winters.

The festivities went on merrily till 1 a.m. on Thursday morning, everything from the opening ceremony in the afternoon to the last waltz passing off without a hitch.

25th June 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

The June monthly meeting, held in the school on the 9th, was to have been, by kind invitation of Mrs E. Pigg, a Garden Meeting, but owing to the unsettled weather it was thought best to hold indoors; nevertheless a very nice tea was given by this lady and thoroughly appreciated by everyone present.

The W.I. Business having been gone through, Mrs R. Turney and Mrs J. Hurry gave very interesting demonstrations on "Rug-making." Hearty thanks were accorded these ladies for their showing and goodwill in answering the many questions put to them.

A competition "Guessing Leaves," in the hands of the Secretary, caused some fun. Mrs C. Whitby guessing 11 out of 12 correctly, Miss N. Carter 10.

Whist was indulged in, Mrs J. Hurry gaining highest, Mrs T. Pigg lowest. For both whist and competition, prizes were given by Miss N. Pigg.

For such a splendid tea and happy time, thanks were proposed by Mrs Coxall to Mrs and the Misses Pigg, and heartily carried.

Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Mrs Armstrong rendered some delightful songs.

The meeting closed with God Save the King.

11th June 1926 - Women's Institute Garden Meeting at Longmead

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Women's Institute

Garden Meeting at Longmead

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute took the form of an "At Home" at Londmead on Wednesday afternoon.

Fortunately fine weather prevailed, and there was a large number present. Before tea, which was provided by the President (Mrs H.C. Marshall) and the Vice-Presidents (Mrs H.H. Williams and Mrs Fell), the members enjoyed a walk round the grounds.

There was a sale stall in charge of Mrs Coleman and Mrs May and a nail-driving competition. The flower competition was won by Mrs C. Bolton, of Wyddiall, who brought a beautiful bouquet. The caning competition was won by Mrs J. Aylott, the same member winning the tray competition.

The President read the financial statement in connection with the Whit-Monday Fete, the particulars of which are given in another column. The statement was considered most satisfactory, and the President said that thanks were due to all those who had helped to make the event such a complete success.

The dramatic section of the Institute presented a scene from Shakespeare's "As you like it." This was performed at the W.I. dramatic competitions at Hertford on Saturday last, when the Buntingford Institute gained fifth place.

Those taking part were as follows:

Mrs Scarborough Taylor - Amiens

Mrs Armstrong - Jaques

Mrs J. Aylott - Sytrius

Mrs S. Smith - Covin.

Miss Ward - Touchstone

Miss Aylott - Roslyn

Miss K. Camp - Celia

Mrs C Totman - Forester

Mrs Rand - Forester

Miss Camp - Forester.

28th May 1926 - Garden Fete at Layston Court

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Garden Fete at Layston Court

In Aid Of The Women's Institute

The long-talked of Garden Fete was held on Whit-Monday, May 24th, in the grounds of Layston Court (kindly lent by Miss Woods), and was a huge success in every way. The members of the Fete Committee, supplemented by many willing helpers, spared no pains to make the affair successful. Preparations had been going on for several months, with a result that there were several well-stocked stalls.

The weather was on its best behaviour until 9 p.m., when rain fell just as dancing commenced. Financially, the fete was a great success, but the sum actually realised is not yet available.

The fete was opened at 2.30 p.m. by Lady Hunsdon. The ceremony took place under a large tree in the grounds, where were assembled about 150 people, including the President of the Institute (Mrs H.C. Marshall), Mrs H.H. Williams and Miss Woods.

Mrs H.C. Marshall, after introducing Lady Hunsdon, said that as it was Empire Day she thought it would be appropriate if the company sang "Rule Brittania." Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang the verse, and all present joined in the chorus.

Lady Hunsdon expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present and enjoy the hospitality of her friend (Miss Woods) in such charming surroundings. Buntingford always did things well and that afternoon they had turned on most wonderful weather for the fete. She would like to refer too the late Mrs  Woods, with whom she had discussed the question of a Women's Institute in Buntingford.

Lady Hunsdon then formally declared the fete open.

Mrs H.H. Williams returned thanks to Lady Hunsdon for opening the fete.

Miss Sheila Armstrong handed Lady Hunsdon a beautiful bouquet and the Band struck up God Save the King.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with gifts. The stalls comprised the following: general, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Armstrong and Miss Ward; Aspenden, Mrs Williams and Mrs Croslegh; fancy, Mr and Mrs Roberson; pound, Mrs Squires and Miss Sambels; sweets, Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Aylott; needlework, Mrs Feasey and Mrs Coleman; produce, Mrs H. May; Miss Olive Poulton, dressed as an Irish girl, sold Coleen soaps; and Miss Joan Roberson had charge of the doll competition; Miss Thwaites being in charge of the cake guessing.

A delightful feature of the Fete was the parade of children in fancy dress. The first prize was awarded to Soe White, the second prize going to Joan Roberson. All the children were delightfully dressed.

The side-shows comprised: hoop-la, Mr H.C. Marshall, Miss Marshall, Mr F. Fraser and Mrs Scarborough Taylor; bowls competition, Mr F.W. Butler (winner Mr W. May); clock golf, Mr W.J. May (winner Miss Marshall); lucky arrow, Mr E.J. Totman; and fortune-telling, Mr E. Mildren, jun. Miss Woods was in charge of the hidden treasure, the four half-crowns behind won by Miss Scrivener, Mr Chapman, Mr Lees, and Miss Boniwell.

Mrs Robinson, the Gypsy Fortune Teller, spent a busy afternoon and handed over her takings (£5) to the Treasurer.

Mrs White's drawings were much admired by visitors and members alike.

The tea enclosure did a capital business under the capable management of Mrs Fell, assisted by Mrs Clarke, Mrs Houlden, Mrs Darton, Mrs Pateman, Mrs Dellow, Mrs Warren, Mrs C. Clarke, Mrs Geaves, Mrs A. Smith, Mrs Rand, Miss Fell, and Miss Crane.

For the tennis tournament, arranged by Miss Porter, there were 30 entries, and in addition to the court at Layston Court, Mrs Ashford kindly placed her court at the disposal of the Committee.

A concert was given on the lawn during the afternoon where an excellent programme was well recieved by an enthusiastic audience. The programme was as follows: Scene from "As you like it," the W.I. Dramatic Section; two dances by Miss Olive Poulton; song "Devonshire Cream and Cider," Mr J.T. White; two-part songs by W.I. Choir, "The Seekers" and "Pam's Holiday." Mrs Armstrong acted as accompanist.

Later in the evening, country folk dancing took place on the lawn, when there was again an appreciative audience.

The Buntingford Town Silver Band were in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon and evening, also for dancing later in the evening.

There were so many helpers that we have probably omitted to mention some names. We are asked, however, to state that the committee are very grateful to all who assisted in any way to make the event such a success.

14th May 1926 - The Great Strike

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The Great Strike

The General Strike was called off by the Council of The Trades' Union Congress at 1.15 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister had made it quite clear that the Strike had to be called off without conditions being entered into by the Government.

It is the view of many that the steadfastness displayed by the people as a whole really brought about the decision to abandon the General Strike. The Trade Union leaders, it is thought, must have seen that this weapon was, in the long run, bound to tell. If the Strike had not been called off by the T.U.C. there would, in a few days time, have been no strike to call off, so numerous were men returning to work.

As Mr Baldwin said, it was a victory for the common sense of the best part of the people of the United Kingdom.

BUNTINgFORD EMERGENCY COMMITTEE

During the recent crisis, the Buntingford Rural District Council formed themselves into a District Emergency Committee, and meetings were held on Thursday, Saturday, and Tuesday.

It was stated that under the Emergency Act of 1926 the Council had been vested with various powers.

Captain E.T. Morris stated that the ratepayers of the district should know that their representatives on the Council were watching matters on their behalf.

The question of food supplies was discussed at the meeting on Thursday, and returns called for from local traders.

The Chairman (Captain H.H. Williams) and Mr Scarborough Taylor undertook the work of securing returns from the Buntingford tradesmen, and these were carefully tabulated by Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mr Claud Fraser, and helpers.

At the meeting of the Emergency Committee, held at the Board Room on Saturday, Mr Scarborough Taylor was co-opted on the Committee. He reported that with the assistance of Mr F.W. Butler, Mr B.E. Thody, and Mr B. Kennedy, he had made a survey of the whole of the Buntingford district, and that foodstuffs appeared sufficient to meet the normal demands of the public for some time.

The Council thought this was most re-assuring.

TRANSPORT

On Monday, Mr Scarborough Taylor, who was appointed Transport Officer for the Buntingford district, made a complete list of all the motor transport which could be called upon for the conveyance of foodstuffs to the district.

FREE CANTEEN

Matters became so well organised that by Wednesday morning it was found practicable to establish a free canteen for all lorry drives passing through the town. The canteen was opened at Mr Maughan's office in the High Street, and a large notice was posted up to the effect that drivers of lorries and special constables on duty could obtain free refreshments between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

There was a general rush of volunteers to assist with the scheme, and four shifts were arranged: Mr H.C. Marshall and Mr F.W. Butler taking the first turn from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Mr G.H. Maughan and Mr G. Scarborough Taylor from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., Mr C.S. Knowles, Mr S. Lees and Mr H.A. Thody from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., and Mr H. Clarke and Mr B.E. Thody from 5 a.m to 8 a.m.

During Wednesday night, 87 drivers of lorries were entertained at the Canteen, and all were very grateful for the hospitality shown. A large number of the men were on long-distance trips, and as some were on their journey to London from the North it was decided to run the canteen on Thursday night also. Again many drivers took advantage of the opportunity for a rest and refreshment.

Thanks are due to the ladies' committee, who were responsible for the provisions. The committee were Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Amstrong, Mrs G.H. Maughan and Mrs E.G. Thody.

TRAMS AND BUSES

Although there were no trains on the Buntingford Branch a service of buses was started on Monday morning, the Buntingford driver taking the 8.10 bus to Ware as usual.

THE NEWS

The welcome news that the strike was to be called off, was made known by wireless shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The announcer said further announcements would be held over for a few minutes as some important news was expected.

After a few minutes wait, he read a message from No. 10, Downing Street, to the effect that the Trades' Union Congress had decided to call off the strike. Within a few minutes flags were flying from many windows in the High Street.

NEWSPAPERS AND THE STRIKE

As was generally expected no papers reached Buntingford during the first two or three days of the strike. A British Gazette was posted up at the Police Station on Thursday, and two strike specials were issued in the district. This paper and the Hertfordshire Mercury published their usual editions on Friday.

On Sunday evening a supply of Continental Daily Mails, brought from France by aeroplane, were delivered in the town, and there was a ready sale for the paper, which contained photographs of strike scenes in London.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the British Gazette was freely sold in the district, and gave confidence.

3rd Feb 1928 - Buntingford Group of Women's Institutes

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Buntingford Group of Women's Institutes

Group Conference

Fine weather favoured the large gathering of the various Women's Institutes who attended the Group Conference at Buntingford on Wednesday of last week.

Mrs H.H. Williams, Group Leader, presided, and the spacious hall was filled to overflowing, members having to sit on the edge of the platform.

After a few words of welcome, Mrs Williams asked all present to join in the singing of "England," to Mrs Armstrong's accompaniment. This was followed by a most illuminating and extremely interesting and instructive address by Mrs Watkins, who explained with great care and lucidity the various functions of the present Insurance Acts - touching on health and unemployment insurance and old age and widows' and orphans' pensions.

The audience listened very attentively, and at the close questions were asked - showing the intelligent interest that had been taken, and it was felt that many difficulties had been cleared up and explained.

Mrs Martin V.C.O., from Hunsdon Mill, was an able exponent of the aims and duties which W.I. members are especially anxious to emphasise, and in speaking of the King's message to his people, she laid great stress on the extreme importance of "The homes of the people."

Members must have felt that they had both the inward and the outword prosperity of the workers put before them by the two speakers in their most attractive addresses.

Tea and talk followed. "Jerusalem" was sung, and thanks were expressed by members from Barkway and Westmill, and the meeting dispersed after singing God ave the King.

The general feeling seemed to be that it was one of the happiest of group conferences that the various institutes represented have ever attended.

19th Oct 1928 - Next Week's Concert

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Next Week's Concert

It would not be exaggerating to say that the concert to be given in the Women's Institute Hall on Wednesday, 24th October, promises to be one of the best of recent years.

The artistes that are taking part need no introduction, for they have gained high admiration for the excellence of their contributions from all local audiences. They are Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs G. Armstrong, Mr E. Newey, Mr E. Lake, Mr Basil Jarman, and Mr Brian Kennedy.

The popular Mavis Dance Band will take part. The programme includes in addition to songs, comedy and elocution, the one-act farce "In the cellar," which is certain to evoke laughter and amusement.

Tickets can be obtained from Mr H. Fry, price 3s., 2s. and 1s.