27th August 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., and Captain H.H. Williams, with the Clerk (Mr H.M. Gisby).

No Licence

William Brown, of Harestreet, Buntingford, was charged with keeping a dog without a licence.

P.c. Gillett gave evidence of calling on defendant at 10 p.m. on 21st June.

The Chairman, who referred to the absence of the defendant from Court, said there would be a fine of 10/- with 4/- costs.

A Motor Case: Sequel to an Accident

Cecil Charles, of Cottered, was summoned for driving a motor car without having efficient brakes attached, at Buntingford, on 14th July.

P.c. Williams, of Buntingford, stated that he was called to the scene of an accident during the afternoon of 14th July.

On arrival he found that a motor lorry, owned by Mr Charles of Cottered, had collided with a Calthorpe car at the junction of Baldock Road. He noticed a skid mark made by the front wheels of the lorry; there were no skid marks from the rear wheels. The road was in good condition.

On Friday, 16th June, in company with P.s. Dean, he examined the brakes and hooter of the damaged lorry which had been removed to the Tanyard. Both the front and rear brakes were inefficient; the front brake when pulled back had no effect on the brake, and when the foot brake was pressed down it went easily on the casting.

On Wednesday, 21st July, in company with the defendant and Sergeant Dean, he again inspected the loory. The rear wheel was jacked up, and although the hand brake was pulled on the wheel turned easily. He asked the driver for an explanation, and he replied that a new band had been recently put on the hand brake, and that both brakes were in order.

Cross-examined by Mr Reginald Hartley, solicitor, of Royston, who represented defendant, the constable stated that he had had little experience with motor cars. He did not examine the brakes on the day of the accident. The brake guide was not disconnected when he first examined the lorry.

P.c. Gillett stated that he was present when the lorry was examined by the last witness. He tested the brakes, and neither of them had any control over the amchine. The foot brake required taking up.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, the constable said the front part of the lorry was badly damaged.

Alfred Hale Hedges, motor engineer, of Buntingford, gave evidence of inspecting the damaged lorry at the Tanyard. The foot brake pedal went down on top of the transmission case casting without gripping the bands. The brake required taking up. The hand brake lever could be pulled right back, and judging from his experience the two brakes had no control over the car.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, witness said he had had 22 years' experience with motors. Since the war he had done a lot of work on Ford cars. The Ferodo lining might last two weeks or perhaps six months, it all depended on the quality. The brakes were intact when he examined the lorry. The brake guides would have no effect on the breaking.

In reply to the Chairman, witness said in his opinion the accident to the front part of the lorry had no effect upon the brakes.

Cecil Charles, the driver, stated that the brakes had been re-lined in June. He had used both brakes just before the accident, and they were efficient.

Herbert Crowe, motor engineer, of Stevenage, who stated that he had had nine years' experience with motors, said he examined the damaged lorry on Thursday, 19th August. The hand brake was holding on the off-side rear wheel but not on the near side. 

When he replaced the brake rod in the brake guide he found that the brake operated on both wheels. The front of the lorry was badly damaged, and he thought that the collision threw the brakes out of the guide. It was not possible to test the foot brake as the engine could not be started.

Mr Frank Charles, the owner of the car, gave evidence of driving the vehicle on the day previous to the accident, and said the car stood on a hill although it was loaded with 50 trusses of straw.

Alfred Baker, of Ware, gave evidence of witnessing the accident, and stated that the defendant was travelling slowly at the time and would not require brakes to pull up.

The Bench retired, and on their return, the chairman said they had given the case very careful consideration, and had come to the conclusion that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

It was somewhat unfortunate that the condition of the lorry was not examined on the day of the accident by an expert.

27th August 1926 - Horticultural Society Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

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Horticultural Society

Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

Fairyland Scene at West View

The spell which has cast itself on any garden function arranged at West View during recent years has at last been broken, and for a pleasant change fine weather prevailed for a Whist Drive and Dance held in the pretty grounds, by kind permission of Mrs Wyman, on Wednesday evening last.

Early in the afternoon there was a slight shower, but the weather turned out fine later.

There was not such a large company present as was expected, due perhaps to the harvest operations; sixteen tables were occupied for whist, and several persons came in later for the dancing.

The Illuminations

By the time the whist had finished, the grounds had quite a fairyland resemblance; some 600-700 fairy lights and Chinese lanterns of various colours casting a beautiful glow over the lawns and the flower-beds. It was a charming sight.

The Standon Orchestra provided an excellent programme of dance music, and Mr Little (who presided at the piano) won admiration for the way he filled the post of pianist. The other members of the orchestra were Mr A.H. Hedges, Mr Hunter and Mr G. Wilmont, who also acted very efficiently.

Thanks

The Committee desire (through the medium of the Buntingford "Gazette") to thank Mrs Wyman for so kindly placing her grounds at the disposal of the Society.

Best thanks are also due to Capt. and Mrs Denny, of Little Court, and Miss Lushington, for prizes; to Mrs E.G. Thody and Miss Thody for managing the refreshments; to Mr H. Clarke, who was a very efficient M.C.; Mr C. Miles and Mr E.C. Clarke, gate stewards; Mrs Stapley for the use of piano; Mr A.G. Day and Mr B.E. Thody for arrangements; Mr E.J. Crane, carting; Mr J. Holmes and the Ex-Service Men's Club, use of tables and chairs; Mrs Coates, gift of cakes; and to the Hon. Sec. (Mr E.G. Thody) for the illuminators. Mr A. Coxall also lent valuable assitance.

The Prizes

Prizes for whist were won by the following:

Ladies - 1 Miss Cornwell 160, 2 Miss Lushington 157, 3 Mrs Day 156.

Gents - 1 Mr Nash 165, 2 Mr S. Howlett 162, 3 Mr H. Cutts 157.

27th August 1926 - Correspondence - Health of the District

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Correspondence

The Health of the District

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - 

Having read the report on the Buntingford Rural District by Dr R.A. Dunn (Medical Officer of Health for this portion of Hertfordshire), which I consider should be made widely known in the district, it seems that Buntingford is actually one of the healthiest parts of the county.

The death rate for the year is very low, being only 61 (namely 12.3 per 1000), of whom 39 were of persons over 65 years of age, and of these 16 were actually over 80 years of age - figures which speak for themselves.

As regards Housing, it compares very favourably with other parts of the county. According to the last census, the number of rooms per person was person was 1.35, as compared with 1.27 for the whole county.

I certainly think that these figures should be made widely known, and that if only the L&N.E. Railway Co. gave better facilities in the way of cheaper weekend and daily excursion tickets it would no doubt be of considerable benefit to the district, as it would cause a larger number of visitors to come more frequently.

Yours faithfully,

Albert J. Hayes

25 Aug., 1926.

27th August 1926 - Congregational Church Garden Fete

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Congregational Church Garden Fete

On Wednesday, August 18th, a Garden Fete was held in the grounds of Layston Cottage, Buntingford, by the kind permission of Mrs H.S. Ashford, and was opened by Mrs H.H. Williams, of Aspenden House.

The morning weather had been a little unsettled, though not such as to make necessary a revision of arrangements, but about 2 p.m. there began a steady rain, giving not a little anxiety to those more immediately concerned, and damping the ground but not their ardour.

However, the inclement weather conditions cleared, and at 3 p.m. - the time fixed for opening the Fete - the sun began to shine and hopes to rise, and everything was proceeded with as was previously intentioned.

At the commencement of the opening ceremony on the lawn, the Minister offered a brief prayer, and in a few remarks said how grateful they all were to Mrs Ashford for her kindness in placing the grounds at the disposal of the Church for the purposes of the Fete; and that it was very kind also of Mrs Williams to respond so readily when approached to be present.

Mrs Williams, in a very pleasing little speech, said how glad she was to come; hers was a real interest in the Congregational Church at Buntingford, and some of her best friends were associated with it.

A happy allusion to the many willing helpers, and Mrs Williams then declared the Fete open. Before the assembly dispersed to the various attractions, Miss Barbara Aylott presented Mrs Williams with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, which was graciously acknowledged. She was then warmly thanked for her presence and her kindly words.

The following is the list of stalls, together with the names of those in charge:

Plain and fancy articles and white elephant, Mrs J.L. Cornwell, Mrs Feasey, the Misses Dodd, Miss Dorothy Saunders;

pound, Mrs Blaxill, Mrs Benstead;

fruit and vegetable, Miss Eileen Cutts;

jumble, Mrs Baker, Mrs Ward, Mrs Haley;

sweets, Miss Dolly Halls, Miss Chrissie Norris;

gingerbeer, Mrs J.W. Sutterby, Miss Alice Franklin, Misses Minnie and Nellie Harradence.

During the afternoon teas and refreshments were attractively served on the lawn by Mrs C.L. Tutty and Miss Blanche Langham, assisted by Mrs Halls, Mrs Hills, Mrs Langham, Mrs Scott, the Misses Annie Quick, Doris Camp, Mabel Cornwell, Marjory Cornwell, Kathleen Anderson, Alice Franklin, Georgina Hills, Marjory Howard, Freda Rayment, Grace Roblett, Dorothy Saunders.

The following were the competitions, together with the names of those in charge:

Bowls, Mr J.L. Cornwell;

clock golf, Mrs W.J. May, Mr Bert Dowler;

mystery parcel, contents of, Miss Winifred Ward, Miss Dorothy Saunders;

iced cake, weight of, Miss Freda Rayment, Miss Ada Wallace;

stop-watch, Mr Henry Clark, Mr Bert Dowler;

duck, weight of, Mr William Howard;

sweets, number in bottle, Misses Gertrude and Nellie Howard;

pins, number in cushion, Misses Barbara Aylott and May Ansell;

jelly-eating, Miss Chrissie Norris;

basket of fruit, weight off, Mr H. Cutts, Misses F. and D. Harradence;

balloon race, Mr Herbert Cutts, Mr Henry Clark.

At the spinning jenny, business was brisk, Mr C.L. Tutty, Mr Leonard Smith, Mr Harold Starr and Mr Sidney Saunders superintending, while the Misses Frances and Daphne Harradence soon sold their basket of sweet peas. Mr F.W. Butler and Mr W. Budd rendered steady service in exacting toll of all comers at the gate.

For the musical part of the proceedings, gramophone selections were played during the afternoon, Mr Arthur Dray having kindly loaned his instrument, and Miss Emily Benstead and Miss Nellie Howard doing duty in extracting the music, while in the evening the members of the Standon String Band, under the able direction of Mr A. Hedges, played admirably for the dancing which took place on the tennis lawn and in which many took part, Mr Leslie Smith acting as M.C.

In addition to those in charge of stalls, &c., mentioned above, who gave further help in many other ways on the grounds, great assistance was given also by Mr Bert Thody, Mr A. Clark, and Mr Pledger, and by many others. Everybody worked with a will and with keen interest, and to all these helpers and to the many both directly and indirectly associated with the Buntingford Congregational Church, who contributed their time, service, gifts, the best thanks are due; also to Messrs' Moss's Ltd. (Mr S. Daniels) for motor conveyance, and to the Buntingford Working Men's Club for tables to augment school furniture.

Towards the close interest ran high, caused by the assembling for the announcements by the Minister of the prize-winners, the names of the latter being:

Mr W. Budd (weight of the duck), Mr Herbert Cutts (weight of fruit), Miss Nellie Howard (weight of cake, winning the draw), Mrs Charles (number of sweets), Miss Emily Benstead (stop-watch), Mrs Peacock (number of pins), Mr Stanley Smith (clock golf), Mr Sutterby (jelly-eating), Mr Herbert Howard and Mr Stanley Warren (bowls).

The mystery parcel was proof against all guesses, and was no one thought of the correct contents the dozen eggs were sold for the funds. The result of the balloon race will be made public later.

Three cheers were given for Mrs Ashford, there was a last waltz, an announcement of the approximate financial results, a word of thanks to all who had assisted, and "The King." Thus concluded a Fete thoroughly enjoyed by all. "So," as friend Pepys would say, "to bed."

There was a very good attendance, some 200 passing through the gates. The financial realisations were also very satisfactory, the gross receipts amounting to (approx.) £40, and the nett proceeds to (approx.) £31.

John Cole.

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Transcriber note - Balloon race results were published in September.

20th August 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

The visit of Commandant and Mrs Joslyn and their two daughters from Forest Hill on Saturday and Sunday last, was another special effort by the Buntingford Branch.

On Saturday evening last the Hall was packed, and the special musical programme was thoroughly enjoyed.

Their chair was taken by Mr H. Rogers, of Hay Street, who referred to the great work the Salvation Army was doing throughout the world. He said he was delighted to see such a packed audience.

The Sunday services were conducted by Commandant and Mrs Joslyn, and on Sunday afternoon there was another musical programme, which was enjoyed by all.

The arrangements for the visit were made by Lieut. Andrews.

20th August 1926 - Rural District Council

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Rural District Council

A meeting of the Rural District Council followed, Captain H.H. Williams presiding.

Surveyor's Report

Isolation Hospital

No cases of infectious disease have been notified, and the hospital remains closed.

Waterworks

The consumption of water during the past month has been:

1st week 258,000 gallons.

2nd week 276,000 gallons.

3rd week 274,000 gallons.

4th week 264,000 gallons.

We have received the consignment of parafin costing £16 13s. 4d.

Coal Emergency

Since submitting my last report a fair quantity of coal has come through, sufficient to meet all current domestic needs up to this date.

Two further consignments, however, due this week, have not yet come to hand owing to the delay experienced in unloading the vessels at the London Docks.

I have secured a further consignment for delivery on Wednesday next, and am in negotiation for further supplies for the following week.

Slaughter Houses Order

Horace Piggott, of Buntingford, makes application to register his premises as a licensed slaughter house.

A new slaughter house has been constructed and is quite satisfactory.

Complaint at Little Hormead

In accordance with the instructions of the Council, I have interviewed Mr Pattern, relative to the proposed drainage scheme in connection with the Council cottages, and am pleased to report that Mr Pattern will be willing to assist the Council in the matter.

On Mrs Dimsdale's return we propose meeting on the site and discussing the best method of dealing with the matter.

Housing

The Surveyor reported that with the exception of Sandon, where one cottage became vacant on 23rd ult., all the cottages were in occupation.

Milk and Dairies Order

The order was explained by Dr R.A. Dunn, and it was resolved to communicate with all cow keepers.

Petroleum Order

The Clerk stated that a new order was in force re the storage of Petroleum. He had sent for the forms of registration.

Roads

The Chairman said that special forms needed to be completed before the County Council took over the roads now owned by the Buntingford Council, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council asking whether a separate form was required for each section of road.

20th August 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Tramps Still On The Increase

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday (yesterday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Capt. H. Williams, The Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, E. Bygrave, G.C. Wilson and W.J. May, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 13, children 3. Total 31.

Number admitted to Casual Ward - men 14, women 1. Corresponding period last year, men 2.

During the month two male inmates have died.

Gifts

The following gifts and invitation has been received by the inmates and much appreciated:

Mrs H. May and Mrs Greg (books), Mr E.G. Thody (invitation to Flower Show).

Mr C. Miles has recently overhauled and cleaned the harmonium free of charge.

The Chairman said the members of the Board were very grateful to the donors of the gifts.

Mr G.C. Wilson said he would like to refer to the work Mr Miles had carried out to the harmonium. He had really made a good job of it and had done it free.

The Clerk was instructed to write a letter of thanks to Mr Miles.

House Committee

The House Committee reported as follows:

"The House Committee visited the wards and found all in good order and the inmates comfortable, and well cared for. The contract work was well in hand for the accommodation of the increased number of tramps, and will shortly be completed."

Relief

Cases under this heading were discussed, and instructions given to the Relieving Office.

Other Business

Mr A.J. Hayes stated that some of the tenants of the cottages at Union Row had complained that the large chestnut trees at the entrance to the Institution robbed their bedrooms of light.

After discussion the Master was instructed to have the trees trimmed.

Rates

The Chairman enquired the position with regard to the Poor Rates, and the Clerk stated that some of the parishes had not paid in the amounts required.

20th August 1926 - Childrens Country Holiday Fund

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Children's Country Holiday Fund

On the 5th inst., a party of 22 children from Stratford arrived by train at Buntingford and were conveyed in vehicles to Reed and Barkway to spend a fortnight's holiday through the Children's Country Holiday Fund.

All the arrangements were made by Mrs G. Coutts Deacon, the country correspondent.

Both in North and East Herts. parties of children from London are having a similar holiday and are receiving much benefit by their short stay amit pleasant surroundings and the invigorating air of Hertfordshire.

20th August 1926 - A Happy Party

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A Happy Party

Some 300 children who were on an outing from the Stoke Newington Branch of the British Legion passed through Buntingford on Saturday last.

The party, which occupied eleven charaabancs made a halt near the Benson Hall where each child was supplied with half-a-pint of new milk.

The arrangements for the distribution of the milk were made by Mr E.C. Clarke, the Local Secretary of the Buntingford Branch, and the milk was kindly given by Mr C.H. Poulton, of Aspenden.

The children were delighted with the treat and left with happy memories of their short stay in Buntingford.

20th August 1926 - The Earthquake

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The Earthquake

Several residents in the town and district were disturbed by the earthquake early on Sunday morning.

In two houses the pictures on the walls were found to have moved several degrees out of the perpendicular, and in one case some bottles were shaken over.

Houses with cellars appear to have been shaken the most.

20th August 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - 

In company with many other residents in the north end of the town I am wondering for how much longer we are to be deprived of the privilege of posting our letters without the necessity of taking them down to the head office?

It is to be hoped that the publicity given in your paper (for which I thank you in anticipation) will have the effect of waking up the authorities, whose dilatory methods are open to severe criticism.

Yours faithfully,

Frank White.

20th August 1926 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Wednesday afternoon in last week, the Buntingford Congregational Church Sunday School held their annual outing.

The scholars, accompanied by the teachers and friends, journeyed over to Coles' Park, a field and barn having been placed at their disposal through the kindness of Mrs Greg.

The rain had cleared, and a very enjoyable time was spent.

Tea was served by the teachers in the barn, and during the afternoon and evening the scholars took part enthusiastically in various games, treasure hunt, &c., arranged by Mr Herbert Cutts, assisted by the other teachers, for which prizes were given.

The transport arrangements were undertaken by Mr E.J. Sparkes, of Buntingford.

20th August 1926 - Bowls

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Bowls

Buntingford visited Hartham, Hertford, on Thursday evening in last week, and after a keen contested game, Hartham won by 2 points.

Score - Hartham 39, Buntingford 37.

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On Saturday, August 14th, the Buntingford Bowls Club entertained The Garden Club, Hertford, and a good game resulted in a win for the home Club by 40 points to 24 points.

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Yesterday (Thursday) the B.C.C. journeyed to Hadham, and after a good game lost by 12 points.

13th August 1926 - Women's Institute Group Meeting

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Women's Institute Group Meeting

Members Entertained at Aspenden House

It is fortunate that Aspenden House, the home of Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, contains so many spacious rooms, for one Thursday of last week some 200 members of the Buntingford Group of the Women's Institute, who were to have been entertained in the beautiful gardens, had to seek shelter indoors.

Mrs Williams, the popular Group Leader, had made all arrangements for an outdoor event, when a heavy shower sent everyone under cover.

The large rooms downstairs were cleared of furniture, and some 200 members from Buntingford, Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Westmill and Weston Institutes were entertained to tea, &c.

There was great enthusiasm throughout the afternoon, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all.

Members of the Westmill Institute gave a delightful sketch, entitled "My Man John," and later Mrs C.R. Turney, of Mardleybury Manor, gave an address on "Co-operation," in which she referred to Mrs Williams' work for the Group.

At the close Mrs May proposed a hearty vote from thanks to Mrs Williams for her hospitality, she had done wonders under such trying conditions.

Mrs E.T. Morris seconded the proposition, which was carried with great cordiality. Votes of thanks to the players and to Mrs Turney were proposed by Mrs H.C. Marshall.

Fortunate, the weather cleared up during the evening, and the company enjoyed a walk around the gardens. Photos of the members were taken on the lawn.

13th August 1926 - S.A. Sunday School Outing

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S.A. Sunday School Outing

The children, number 53, attending the S.A. Sunday School, and 25 adults, had a most enjoyable day's outing on the 28th ult.

Accompanied by Captain Winifred Green and Lieut. Alma Andrews, they journeyed in three charabancs supplied by Mr E.J. Sparks and Mr W.H. Smith, to Theydon Bois, part of Epping Forest.

An al fresco lunch was much enjoyed, and games of all kinds and rambles made the day pass all too quickly. Tea was excellently served at The Retreat by Mr Gray.

The party arrived home at 9.30 p.m., highly gratified with their nicely arranged outing.

The local officers wish to gratefully thank the people of Buntingford for their welcome financial aid that enabled the outing to be such a pleasing success.

13th August 1926 - Stack Fire

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Stack Fire

On Monday evening a large hay stack near the schools burt into flames as a result of over-heating.

The stack had been steaming for some three or four days, and was well alight inside.

Although there was a good supply of water from a fire hydrant near the schools, it was thought that none of the hay could be saved and the stack was allowed to burn out.

13th August 1926 - Passing of a Good and Faithful Friend

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Passing of a Good and Faithful Friend

What appears to have been one of the most sensible and faithful dogs that has lived in the town of Buntingford died last Friday night, at the advanced age of 14 years.

He was known as "Boy Sparkes." He had numerous friends, and was not only known in the town but most of the surrounding villages.

He was a curly retriever and was reared on an Allenbury's feeding bottle, as his master had him at two days' old.

This dog had many singular ways. Here are a few of his tricks:

His master would send him to the Railway Station to meet a friend if he was busy and couldn't go himself, and the dog would bring the person home delighted.

He rescued a dog from the river round Pig's Nose, and would on being informed over night go to collect bones or anything from his many friends in the town and would always bring these home.

One evening his master had been to visit a friend and left his stick on the back of the chair in the room he was sitting. On walking home his master met another friend, and during the little conversation with him realised he was minus his stick, and said "I have left my stick up the street." The dog, on hearing this, went and barked and shook the door where he had been with his master.

When the door was opened he walked through to this room and got the stick off the back of the chair and brought it to where his master was still in conversation. The marvellous thing about this is that the dog was not told to fetch the forgotten stick, but simple [sic] overheard the remark.

"Boy" was a keen football and motorist. He was in a habit of gatherine flowers on his Sunday morning wals. Being so fond of flowers, he is buried in his master's garden near the bridge, and many of his old friends now visit his grave on which is a bunch of wild flowers, as he used to gather, bearing this token:

"In memory of a dear faithful friend, gathered from where he and his master used to walk, from his sorrowing master."

Goodbye, Black Chap.

13th August 1926 - Buntingford Charities

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Buntingford Charities

The Trustees of the Buntingford Charites [sic] invite Tenders for the hire of the undermentioned pieces of land for the terms of 7 years from the 29th September, 1926:

1. The piece of land containing about 1 acre and 24 poles, situate near to Hillside on the London Road, and now in the occupation of Mr Saunders.

2. The piece of land containing about 1 acre, situate near the Wyddial Road and adjoining Littlecourt, and now in the occupation of Mr Albert Porter.

3. The piece of land containing about 1 acre, situate in Great Bartholomew's Field near the Hare Street Road, and now in the occupation of Mr Stearn.

Tenants will be required to pay the rents annually on the 29th September in each year, and also to pay all rates, taxes and other outgoings (except Landlord's property tax), and they will also be required to accept a Lease or Agreement in the form usually granted by the Trustees, and to pay half the cost thereof.

Sealed tenders, marked "Tender for Land," addressed to the Chairman of the Trustees, should be delivered at my office on or before Wednesday, the 8th day of September, 1926.

H.H. Macklin.

Clerk to the Trustees.

High Street, Buntingford, Herts.

13th August 1926 - Buntingford Bowls Club Fete

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Buntingford Bowls Club

Garden Fete at the Red House

By the kind permission of Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser, a Garden Fete was held at the Red House, Buntingford, on Bank Holiday, in aid of the Buntingford Bowls Club.

It was organised by the committee, the hon. sec. (Mr J. Lawrence) being ably assisted by Mr H. Clarke. Favoured with a brilliant summer's day, the 600 people who attended the Fete entered with zest into the pleasures, and spent indeed a very happy time.

At the opening ceremony of the Fete, Mr W.J. May, the Chairman of the Committee, said Mr Marshall, the President of the Club, who was to open the Fete, was so well known that he needed no introduction.

The Club especially wished to thank Mr and Mrs Fraser for the kindness in placing their beautiful gardens at the disposal of the committee. The Club had hitherto been somewhat handicapped by the use of a green that was slightly below the ordinary standard size, and this had affected their play. The opportunity had arisen of acquiring a suitable piece of land in Wyddiall Road, which was in course of construction as a bowling green.

Mr H.C. Marshall endorsed the remarks of Mr May, and in declaring the Fete open said the Bowls Club had every cause to be grateful to Mr and Mrs Fraser (Applause).

There was a very big choice of attractions, and all were fairly well patronised.

Messrs. Barratt's Jazz Band and Concert Party from Bedford besides playing selections and for dancing on the lawn up to 10 o'clock in th evening, gave two excellent concerts that were greatly appreciated. The humourous items on the programme deserve special mention.

Upwards of a hundred persons tried their skill at the treasure hunt, the treasure being won by Mr H.C. Marshall, whose success highly pleased the visitors. In guessing the weight of a lump of coal, actually weighing 89lbs. 6ozs., Mr E.J. Totman was the winner, his estimate being 90lbs.

Two, Miss Bartrop and Mr C. Fraser, guessed the weight of a cake (4lbs. 3 and three quarts ozs.), and the latter resigned his right, and the cake was handed to Miss Bartrop.

For the bowls competition, Mr F. Boniwell won premier honours with a score of 25, and in clock golf Mr C. Fraser with a score of 23. No less than six tied in hitting the target for a prime ham, which was eventually won by Mr Howard. This was superintended by Mr W.J. May.

The greatest novelty was the pig in a poke, the pig being presented by Mr Mannox, who managed this competition. There were numerous entries, and five tied, the winner being Mr Skipper.

For the stop-watch competition, Mr J.P. Hill, of the Bengeo Club, Hertford, was the winner with only a minute out. He gave the time 3.27, but it actually stopped a minute earlier, 3.26.

The flying arrow pastime in charge of Messrs. E.J. Totman and A. Mayes proved very popular, as also did Mr F.W. Butler's offer of 2s. for a penny, but the anticipations of those who participated in this feat were not altogether realised. A good prize was set apart for the lucky ticket. It turned out to be 126, and the possessor of this ticket has not yet claimed the prize.

It was just the evening for an open air whist drive, and the prizes were won as follows:

Ladies - 1 Miss Boniwell, 2 Mrs Stepley, lowest score Miss Wilds.

Gents - 1 Mr Walsingham, 2 Mr Watson, lowest score Mr Ward.

Teas and refreshments were in great request, and this part of the Fete arrangements was in the capable hands of a ladies' committee, which won high praise for the dainty way the teas were served on the lawn.

At the gate Mr J.L. Cornwell and Mr J. Boniwell, two of the oldest members of the Bowls Club, had charge.

For such a well-arranged Fete, to uphold a good old sport reaching back centuries, the promoters certainly deserved every success, and it is pleasing to record that the proceeds amounted to about £60.

13th August 1926 - Bowls

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Bowls

The Buntingford Bowls Club played Allenburys at home on Saturday, July 31st, when a very good game resulted in a win for them by 17 points.

The home team scored 49, and the visitors 32.

Last Saturday, August 7th, the Buntingford Club played at home against Hertingfordbury, when they again won by 16 points.

The visitors scored 28, against the home team's 44.