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.

17th September 1926 - Reed - Head-On Collision

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Reed

Head-On Collision

On Friday morning, September 3rd, a head-on collision occured on the Reed Joint between a motor cyclist and a motor lorry.

The cyclist was seriously injured, and taken to Royston Hospital with a fractured left leg. Damage was done to both vehicles, particularly the motor cycle, which was badly smashed.

The motor lorry belonged to Messrs. Jeff & Bigly, of Letchworth, and was being driven by Mr Frank Kingham, of Mons Avenue, Baldock, from the direction of Barkway. The injured motor cyclist was Mr Ronald Cranwell, of Chrishall.

It was not quite clear how the accident happened. It was raining, and it was thought the cyclist may have had his head down and failed to see the motor lorry until too late. They both turned to avoid the other, but crashed with unfortunate results.

17th September 1926 - Death of Mr Edward Pigg

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Buckland

Death of Mr Edward Pigg

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mr Edward Pigg, of Buckland, Buntingford, a well-known Alderman of the County of Hertford, and a man admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr Pigg had been in failing health for nearly a year, and recently he had been seriously ill. He passed away on Monday morning last at his residence at Buckland.

Mr Pigg, who was born at Barkway, belonged to an old agricultural family. He farmed Chipping Hall Farm for many years, and was one of the best known breeders of Shire Horses in the County, his collection of silver cups, &c., being very fine.

He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Herts in 1902. A staunch Conservative, he was a generous supporter of the cause, and took a particular interest in the Buntingford Branch of the Hitchin Conservative Association.

He was elected a Guardian of the Buntingford Union, and a member of the Buntingford Rural District Council in 1890, and held the chairmanship for some time. He was also chairman of the Ashwell Board of Guardians and a member of the Ashwell Rural District Council.

Besides County matters, he took a deep interest in all affairs connected with his village. He was a particularly good farmer and his men had great affection for him; his own quiet enthusiasm working wonders among them.

His wife, three daughters, and three sons survive him, and much sympathy is felt for them and other relatives in their great loss.

The funeral will take place at Barkway Church today (Friday), a report of which will appear in our next issue.

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Transcribers note: A copy of the following weeks paper does not appear to have been saved.

17th September 1926 - Auction at Newsells Park, Barkway

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Thursday Next.

Newsells Park, Barkway, Royston, Herts.

G. Scarborough Taylor, P.A.S.I., has been instructed by V.C. Vickers, Esq., to Sell by Auction at the above on Thursday next, September 23rd, 1926, at 10 o'clock sharp, the whole of the live & dead farming stock, comprising 86 breeding ewes, 85 store lambs, 3 horses, 3 sows & litters, agricultural implements, estate and garden effects, including New Dennis 3 and a half h.p. and one other motor lawn mower and Wade's motor power saw, Albion 32 h.p. 3-ton Lorry (in excellent condition), blacksmith's & bricklayer's tools, anvil, bricks, tiles, slates and piping, carpenter's tools and paints.

Drills, lathes and dynamo, garden tools and effects, and a large quantity of converted oak and deal, equipment of laundry, poultry and applicanes, viz., 32 stock and young pedigree buff turkeys, 80 head of poultry, turkey and poultry houses, coops and wire netting.

Catalogues of Mr W. Watkins, Estate Offices, Newsells Park; or of the auctioneer, Auction Offices, Buntingford (Tel. 20); Baldock (Tel. 62); Welwyn (Tel. 98); and Hatfield (Tel. 16).

15th October 1926 - Harvest Festival at St Peter's

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Harvest Festival at St Peter's

The Harvest Festival services were held on Thursday in last week and were continued over the following Sunday.

The church was beautifully decorated with a profusion of corn, flowers, fruit and vegetables, which had been brought as thankofferings.

The corn had previously been weathered at the Parish Room by Mrs Pateman, Mrs Corp, Miss Woodley, Mrs H. Clark, Miss V. Feasey, Mrs Howard and Miss Brodie, the actual decorations being tastefully carried out by Miss Boniwell, Mrs Butler, Mrs Coleman, Mrs White, Miss M. Howard, Miss Lushington, Mrs Ambrose, Mrs J. Pateman and Mr H.L. Baker.

The Rev. H.B. Webb-Bowen, R.N., Vicar of Barkway, preached on Thursday evening to a large and attentive congregation. The anthem "Song to the Lord of the Harvest," was well rendered by the choir, and the whole service was a hearty and happy one.

On Sunday, in addition to the morning and evening services, a Flower Service was held in the afternoon.

The church was well filled, and many generous offerings were brought by the children of flowers, fruit and eggs, accompanied by appropriate texts, which been warmly appreciated by the sick and needy. The Festival closed with a very hearty service on Sunday night.

Owing to the special fuel and lighting difficulties, the offertories were for that object, over £6 being received, but in addition nearly £3 was given for the hospitals.

11th February 1927 - Death of Mrs E.J. Sparkes

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Death of Mrs E.J. Sparkes

We regret to record the death of Mrs Gertrude Sparks, wife of Mr E.J. Sparkes, a well-known tradesman of the town.

The deceased, who had only been ill for a short while, passed away on Wednesday morning last, despite every care and attention.

Mrs Sparkes, who was 44 years of age, was for some years head teacher at Barkway Council Schools, where she was much esteemed by her pupils.

Much symapthy is extended to the husband and other members of the family.

15th April 1927 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, April 6th, the monthly meeting was held in the School at 6.30 p.m. This was arranged and very successfully carried through by members, the 1927 committee having a complete rest.

Mrs S. Pigg took the chair as President, Mrs F. Pigg was Vice-President, Mrs T. Pigg Secretary, and with the help of other members they are to be congratulated on such a successful and happy meeting.

Rather a lengthy business programme was gone through, and then Mrs Whiteside, of Barkway, gave a very interesting demonstration on sealing wax work.

The vote of thanks passed to this lady was very heartily carried.

Tea was a very pleasant time. The refreshments had been given by members, and thus the three-pences charged were clear profit, and these, with the pennies taken from those who would neither sing nor say, amounted to 15/9, which went to the Outing Fund.

Much fun was derived from the "Roll Call," as also from a play by four members, Mrs Young, Mrs Jarman, Mrs Tott and Miss M. Gilby, entitled "The Jumble Sale." It was well acted, and it is to be hoped will spur members on to thus entertain each other.

After a set of Musical Chairs, and Miss N. Pigg's congratulations on this well arranged meeting, the singing of God save the King brought another pleasent time to a close.

3rd June 1927 - Congregational Church Anniversary

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Barkway

Congregational Church Anniversary

On Thursday, May 26th, very uplifting services were held at the Barkway Congregational Church in connection with the Church Anniversary.

In the afternoon Divine Service was conducted by Rev. C.G. Thompson, B.A., of Bedford, who preached on "The meaning of Home," basing his remarks on the story of the Prodigal Son.

Tea followed.

The Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford, presided at the public meeting in the evening, and spoke on "The Church - the Body of Christ."

Mr G.C. Wilson, of Hormead, offered prayer, and a very helpful and practical lecture was delivered by Rev. C.G. Thompson on "Psychology in Everyday Life."

At the close, Rev. W.E. Mawby expressed the thanks of the Church to the speakers.

Offerings and proceeds were on behalf of the Church Funds.

2nd July 1926 - Puckeridge Motor-Cycle Accident

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Puckeridge

Motor-Cycle Accident

A serious accident occurred on Wednesday morning last to Mr Ted Roberts, of Barkway, as he was cycling towards Ware.

It appears that a motor lorry, belonging to Mr Page, of Braughing, was being turned round, when Roberts' motor-cycle ran into the lorry.

He was rather badly injured, and at the time of going to press we learn that he is still unconscious.

2nd November 1923 - Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

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Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mrs Ernest J. Crane, of Buntingford.

Mrs Crane, before her marriage was an assistant mistress in the Barkway Council Schools, a post she held with some distinction until her marriage in 1917. She was much esteemed by all her pupils on account of her kind disposition, and was greatly respected by a large circle of friends in Barkway and Buntingford.

After a short illness the end came on Sunday last, and much sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband and her six months' old child.

On Wednesday afternoon the remains were conveyed by motor hearse to the deceased's old home at Barkway, where she was born. The funeral took place at Barkway yesterday (Thursday).

The Rev. W.T. Stubbs very impressively officiated at the service, and a large number of friends were present to pay their last respects.

Mrs Bowman presided at the organ, and the hymn sung was "On the Resurrection Morning." As the cortege left the church the organist played Mendelssohn's "Oh Rest in the Lord."

The plain oak coffin bore a breast plated inscribed:

Jessie R. Crane, Died October 28th, 1923, Aged 36 years.

The immediate mourners were Mr E.J. Crane (husband), Mr and Mrs Copeland (father and mother), Mr and Mrs C. Copeland (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs J. Crane (mother-in-law), Mrs H. Beeton (sister-in-law), Mr H. Beeton, Mrs E. Martin and Mrs Knife (cousins), Mrs F.G. Crane (aunt), Mrs Gray and the seven employees of the firm.

Amongst the 54 beautiful floral tokens were the following:

To dear Jessie, from her loving husband and little John - "A devoted wife and loving mother."

To our loving daughter, from her affectionate father and mother.

In loving memory, from Mother and Mary.

In loving remembrance, from the old Barkway scholars.

With heartfelt sympathy, from the Organist and Choir of Barkway Church.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Ex-Service Men's Club.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Women's Institute.

With deepest sympathy, from the tradesmen of Buntingford.

With sincere sympathy, from the teachers of Barkway School.

In loving remembrance from Harold and Millie.

In affectionate remembrance, from uncle, aunt and Cyril.

With deepest sympathy, from Harry.

With loving sympathy, from auntie Gray.

With sincere sympathy, from Barney, Bert and Harry.

With deepest sympathy from Castle, Clark, Parker and Clark sen.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr George Saggers.

18th June 1926 - Buntingford and District School Sports Association

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Buntingford and District School Sports Association

1st Annual Sports Day

The 1st Annual Sports Day in connection with the above Association took place at Chapel End, Buntingford (by kind permission of Mr C. Smith), on Thursday in last week.

Teams came from the following schools: Anstey, Barkway, Braughing, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Cottered, Great Hormead, Meesden, Great Munden, Puckeridge C. of E., Puckeridge R.C., Reed, Sandon, Standon, and Walkern. The competitors numbered 250.

The Sports Day was first arranged for Wednesday, June 2nd. It rained all day. This necessitated postponing the event until June 10th. It was again wet, but the programme was successfully carried out, although the bad weather increased the difficulties of rearrangements.

Teachers and children were very enthusiastic, and some really good material was discovered.

The team races were especially interesting, and the full results will be found below.

Mr E.E. Dennis, Hon. Sec. and Treas., explained the objects of the Association, and stated that Buntingford and District could now send a representative team to compete at the County School Sports to be held at Ware on Saturday, July 3rd.

He thanked all those who had helped to make the meeting a success, particularly the teachers in the schools in the district for their splendid co-operation. It was very pleasing to record that some of the smaller schools had supplied winners in the different events.

The Hon. Sec. and Treasurer thanked the Preisdent (Lieut.-Col. C.H.B. Heaton-Ellis) and the Hon. Baron Dimsdale for kindly giving a Shield for the Boys, also the Walkern School Managers for the Shield for the Girls, ad the C.E.M.S. (per Mr Pitcher, Cottered), for the Shield for the smaller schools. On behalf of the Association, he also thanked all those ladies and gentlemen in the district who had supported the movement, and Mr C. Smith for kindly placing the meadow at the disposal of the Association. He specially thanked Mr E.H. Roberson and Mr E.G. Thody for much help given prior to the day.

Mr H.E. Stickland (Braughing C.C. School) then thanked Mr E.E. Dennis for all the good work he had done, and said that he felt sure the Association would prosper. Enthusiastic cheers from the children followed.

Mr E.E. Dennis then called for cheers for the Band. The children and assembly then sang the National Anthem. The Hon. Sec. and Treasurer wishes to thank the following for their assistance:

Materials - Messrs. E.G. Thody, P. Hamilton, J. Holmes, G. Handy, B. Nicholls, S. Daniels, W.H. Smith, G. Aylott, T. Hummerstone, E.J. Crane, F. Rand, H. May, M. Smith, Burrows (Hitchin), J. Ireland, A. Bardwell, R. Dellow, E. Leak, E. Borsberry, Letchworth Boys' Club, Hitchen and District School Sports Association (per Mr F.W. Bunn), Buntingford Congregational Church, The Rev. A. Howard, and Miss E.M.A. Woods.

Workers - Messrs. E.G. Thody, E.H. Roberson, Marshal; B.E. Thody, A.G. Day, H. Cutts, A.E. Mayes, E. Martin, J. Thody, G. Bedford, H. Mannox, W. Graves, Clerks of the Course; F. Butler, J.W. Sutterby, A.C. Bartlett, H.E. Stickland, A.G. Jenkins, W. Cooper, Stewards; The Rev. W.L. Sheppard, The Rev. John Cole, The Rev. A.G. King, Mr W.J. May, Mr F. Cannon, Judges; Mr Harry Clarke, Mr F. Fraser, Starters; Mr E.C. Clarke, Miss Gardner, Recorders; Mr G.H. Maughan, Timekeeper.

Ladies' Committee for Refreshments - Mesdames H.L. Baker, W. Corp, J. Pateman, H. Clarke, E.H. Roberson, H. Feasey, J. Warren, A.E. Mayes, G. Geaves, F.W. Butler, A. Coxall, Misses Anthony, L.M. Davies, M. Mayes, H. Walsingham, E.G.W. Howard. Mr J.A. Anthony.

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RESULTS

Championship Events

Boys

100 yds. - 1 L. Thompson (Reed) 13 secs., 2 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 3 G. Alder (Walkern), 4 S. Savage (Walkern).

220 yds. - 1 R. Graves (Buntingford) 34 secs., 2 S. Savage (Walkern), 3 F. Edwards (Walkern), 4 A. Ives (Puckeridge R.C.).

440 yds. - 1 C. King (Walkern), 1 and one third mins., 2 G. Warner (Buntingford), 3 N. McLeod (Meesden), 4 L. Poulton (Buntingford).

880 yds. - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford) 3 mins. 12 secs., 2 C. King (Walkern), 3 W. Garland (Gt. Hormead), 4 G. Jackson (Puckeridge R.C.)

Hurdles - 1 R. Graves (Buntingford), 2 H. George (Meesden), 3 C. Cook (Braughing), 4 N. Birch (Brent Pelham).

Long Jump - 1 L. Gray (Walkern), 13 ft. 6 ins., 2 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 3 J. Miles (Walkern), 4 E. Ginn (Braughing).

High Jump - 1 G. Adler (Walkern), 3 ft. 11 ins., 2 W. Hummerstone (Braughing), 3 E. Chalkley (Walkern), 4 P. South (Sandon).

Team Race - 1 G. Adler, C. King, F. Edwards, S. Savage (Walkern); 2 C. Dowler, R. Graves, A. Rose, C. Clarke (Buntingford); 3 R. Jennings, H. George, L. George, N. McLeod (Meesden); 4 W. Hummerstone, A. Springham, E. Ginn, C. Cook (Braughing).

Winning School - WALKERN C.C. (31 points). Challenge Shield for Boys presented by Lieut.-Col. C. Heaton-Ellis and Hon. Baron Dimsdale. Runners up - Buntingford Senior C. of E. (25 points).

Girls

100 yds. - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 13 secs., 2 L. Dye (Sandon), 3 J. Bysouth (Braughing), 4 e. Ruskin (Gt. Hormead).

150 yds. - 1 G. Copeland (Anstey), 23 secs., 2 E. Searle (Buntingford), 3 N. Bonfield (Buntingford), 4 H. Arnold (Braughing).

Hurdles - 1 L. Hill (Buntingford), 2 M. Wornham (Buntingford), 3 D. Skipp (Cottered), 4 G. Roper (Standon).

Long jump - 1 H. Arnold (Braughing) 11ft. 3ins., 2 M. Barker (Braughing), 3 L. Dye (Sandon), 4 A. Coxall (Buntingford).

High jump - 1 L. Hill (Buntingford), 3fts. 6ins., 2 E. Ruskin (Gt. Hormead), 3 M. Wornham (Buntingford), 4 W. Hummerstone (Braughing).

Team Race - 1 E. Searle, O. Martin, N. Bonfield, A Coxall (Buntingford), 2 H. Arnold, J. Bysouth, M. Barker, W. Hummerstone (Braughing), 3 M. Brand, L. Taylor, E. Ruskin, G. Hummerstone (Gt. Hormead), 4 G. Copeland, P. Bentley, L. Martin, F. Sapsed (Anstey).

Winning School - BUNTINGFORD SENIOR C. of. E. (23 points). Challenge Shield for Girls, presented by Managers of Walkern C.C. School. Runners up - Braughing C.C. (18 points).

Winners of Shield (for schools with less than 100 on books), presented by C.E.M.S. per Mr Pitcher, Cottered, Gt. Hormead C. of E. (8 points). Runners up - Meesden C. of E. (7 points).

OTHER EVENTS

Egg and Spoon Race (girls) - 1 G. Gravestock (Cottered), 2 E. Gray (Walkern).

Sack Race (girls) - 1 P. Bentley (Anstey), 2 E. Prior (Braughing).

Flower Pot Race (girls) - 1 E. Prior (Braughing), 2 M. Newbound (Braughing).

Skipping Race (girls) - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 H. Arnold (Braughing).

Driving Race (girls and boys) - 1 A. Wallace, S. Cox (Standon), 2 A. Rose, R. King (Buntingford).

Sack Race (boys) - 1 C. Prior (Braughing), 2 H. Webb (Braughing).

Throwing Cricket Ball (Boys) - 1 S. Savage, 2 E. Chalkley (both of Walkern).

Obstacle Race (Boys) - 1 A. Ives (Puckeridge R.C.), 2 R. Cannon (Sandon).

18th June 1926 - Buntingford Congregational Church

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Church Anniversary Services

Very successful and encouraging services were held on Wednesday week at the Congregational Church in connection with the Church Anniversary. There were very good congregations, including visitors from the neighbouring Churches.

Rev. W.T. Hailstone (Braughing), Rev. W.E. Mawby (Barkway) and Mr J.W. Harvey (Wood End) were also present. Mr Herbert Cutts was at the organ.

In the afternoon Divine Service was conducted by the Rev. T.H. Cooper, M.A., of Bushey, Herts., and Chairman of the Herts Congregational Union. Taking the texts, Rom. xiv. 7, "None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself," and Genesis xxxii. 24, "And Jacob was left alone," Mr Cooper preached on the following lines: One of the greatest reasons for attending church services is that we may see life in its proper setting and proportion.

Day by day we are confronted with whatever makes our life's work. But we have spirits to be trained, and a real kinship with God Himself; then it is necessary that we start apart from life and look at it from the standpoint of Eternity and of God.

We go into the House of God that we may look at life from that deeper standpoint which makes us aware of ourselves also to those Churches which, in the wider Congregational life of the county, he would visit as Chairman. He extended a cordial welcome to Mr I. Bell, of Puckeridge, who was to be the Chairman for the evening meeting; and to the Ministers and other friends from the surrounding churches.

At the evening public meeting Mr Bell made an excellent chairman, and though he contended that speaking in public was not his strong point yet he carried out the duties of his office very ably.

Mr Mawby produced a deep impression by his earnest address, which was along the lines of the Ministry and the Pew. The Ministry was a life of continual discovery; there should be a "Fellowship" existing between Pulpit and Pew. He appealed for life to be lived from the supreme standpoint of Christ. We must never lose our place in the visible Church, and since we are the salt of the earth we must see to it that the salt never loses its savour.

Mr Cooper said that an anniversary occasion ought to be a time for a retrogression to Jesus Christ, so that we might maintain the purity of the tone of our lives, and be reminded again that to serve Him is the most inspiring thing in life.

Sometimes amid the problems of life, we seem to be making no impression, but we must take heart and courage and keep plodding on where God has placed us. As we get back to Christ we shall be more fruitful in service and more loyally His followers...The Christian Church rightly understood is none other than the Body of Christ; of this Body Christ makes use; He wants to do through the Church the same kind of thing that He did when He was here in the flesh.

The Church's concern will be primarily the spiritual interest of the community; she is also called upon to bear witness for her Lord, and it is in so far as the witness of everyone is added together that the music of life rises to God in sweetness. So we must keep the tone of our Christian service pure by caring for the things Jesus Christ cared for. So shall the Church be a true Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

During the meeting the Minister reported on the work of the Church and Sunday School, and at the close expressed the deep thanks of the Church to Mr Cooper, Mr Mawby and Mr Bell for their most helpful services and inspiring messages; to the Ladies' Committee, and whose who had assisted them in the preparations for the tea; to Mr Cutts, and to all who by time, service or gifts had contributed to the success of the occasion.

Offerings were taken during the day, and the financial results were also very satisfactory. The Benediction brought a most uplifting and encouraging Anniversary to a close.

18th June 1926 - Auction, The Red House, Barkway

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The Red House, Barkway, Royston, Herts.

G. Scarborough Taylor, P.A.S.I, has received instructions to sell by auction on the premises on Tuesday, June 29th, 1926, at 11 p.m.,

the antique and other furniture & effects, including,

Contents of bedrooms, including dressing tables, chests of drawers, beds and bedding, washstands, toilet ware, wardrobes, &c.,

Antique Mahogany Commode,

Dining chairs and tables,

Three antique oak coffers,

Harmonium by Alexandra in oak case, oil paintings and water colours, set of Chippendale dining room chairs, an antique oak dowry chest, a walnut burr circular table, carpets and rugs, sideboards, bookcases, armchairs,

Very fine Genoese kneehole writing desk (veneered and painted panels),

A Sheraton satin wood inlaid oval work table, overmantels, engravings, pictures, glass, china, books & prints.

Further particulars of the Auctioneers, Auction officers, Buntingford (Tel. 20); Welwyn (Tel. 98); Baldock (Tel. 62); and at Hatfield (Tel. 16).

19th Nov 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The November monthly meeting was held in the School on the 10th at 6.30 p.m.

The business having been gone over, the members received a Paper Mache Demonstration at the hands of the Hon. Miss B. Gibbs. Many members took actual part in this, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the demonstrator by the President.

A competition, "Best Xmas Present for 1/-," was won by Miss P. Morris and Mrs H. Carter, the judge (Hon. Miss Gibbs) finding it impossible to decide between the two.

Tea was served by Mrs J. Carter, Mrs J. South, Mrs Hoar, Mrs H. Carter, Miss Ellis and Miss N. Carter.

A delightful play was given by three friends from Barkway, entitled "Between the soup and the savoury."

Nomination papers for the 1927 Committee were distributed.

A very pleasant evening was closed by all singing God Save the King.

30th April 1926 - Sale

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Sale

At Royston on Wednesday last, Mr G. Scarborough Taylor conducted a sale of freehold properties and land situate [sic] at Reed.

Lot 1 - an enclosure with arable land, with an area of 4 acres, was sold to Messrs. Tott Bros., of Reed, for £120.

Lot 2 - comprising five brick built cottages, was sold to Mr Harling, of "The Bull" Hotel, Royston, for £200.

Lot 3 - seven acres of pasture land and buildings, was sold to Mr J. Sworder, of Barkway, for £400.

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.

27th Jan 1928 - Wyddiall, The New Rector

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Wyddiall - The New Rector

Induction of the Rev. W. Mc C. Kerr

The Institution and Induction of the Rev W. Mc C. Kerr as Rector of Wyddiall was conducted by the Lord Bishop of St Albans on Monday afternoon last. The new Rector was formerly Rector of Meesden and is Rural Dean for the Buntingford Deanery. There was a large congregation present at the service.

The visiting Clergy were the Rev. A. Howard (Layston), the Rev. E.E. Empringham (Cottered), the Rev. F.R. Williams (Anstey), the Rev. H. Shepherd (Gt. Hormead), the Rev. A.G. Langdon (Munden), the Rev. A.G. King (Westmill), the Rev. H.F. Webb-Bowen (Barkway), the Rev. F.W.B. Jobson (Braughing), the Rev. A.J. McKinney (Buckland), Canon Shorting (St Albans), and the Rev. W.J. Stewart (Langley). The Rev. Dr H.V.S. Eck, of Ardeley, acted as the Bishop's Chaplain.

Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., the Patron of the living, presented the new Rector to the Bishop in the following words: "Reverend Father in God, I present you this meet and proper person to be insitituted to the cure of souls in this parish."

The new Rector, standing before the Bishop, then took the various oaths required, after which there was silent prayer. The Bishop then took the new incumbant by the hand and, preceded by the Rev. A.G. Langdon (who acted for the Archdeacon) and the Patron (Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis) he conducted him to the five principal parts of the Church - the Font, the Prayer Desk, the Lectern, the Pulpit, and lastly to the Altar, during which appropriate verses of the hymn, "We love the place, O God," were sung, and certain questions were put to the incumbent, at each place to which he answered "I will do so, the Lord being my Helper."

The incumbent then knelt before the Bishop at Altar rails, and after prayers the hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" was sung, the Bishop sung the first and third lines and the congregation the second and fourth of each verse. The Bishop then read the letters of Institution, and afterwards, with his hand on the head of the incumbent, pronounced a Benediction.

The incumbent was then led by the hand to the Church door and to the belfry, where he tolled the bell to signify to the parishioners that he had taken possession.

The Bishop then delivered a very stirring address. He said with the institution of their new Rector they were beginning a new chapter in the history of that parish. The great object in every parish, county and country was that men should have life and have it more abundantly. Christ's work goes on through us. Our Lord used a human body to make God known to us, and men came to know that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God because they looked at Him in the face. No man could mistrust a Man with a look like His. It is a terrible thing when a man loses his grip on life, and when we hear of men committing suicide we say they are temporarily insane, because normal people want to live.

We must get back to God and find out the laws governing human life. We have seen tremendous progress in many things. Wireless, for instance, and even greater things than that were spoken of. There was a talk of television; so in addition to people ringing you up on the 'phone and talking to you, there was a prospect of them actually seeing what you were doing. A few years ago a man who could drive a motor car was considered a kind of super man.

All material progress has come from study and research, and by following the laws of nature; all theories respecting farming woud "go west" if the laws of nature were not obeyed. 

Fellowship is one of the laws of God and those who belonged to large families knew what that meant. If there were any present who were members of a large family let them thank God for it, for they had received their education, especially if they happened to be the youngest member of the family, for their elder brothers and sisters would see to it that they roughed it.

God had given us parents, brothers and sisters, and we had to learn to live together - sometimes with people we did not like, but all had a common job to do for God, and without Him we can do nothing.

During the singing of the last hymn a collection was taken for the Ordination Candidates Fund, and the service concluded with the Blessing pronounced by the Bishop.

After the service the Bishop, the Clergy, and members of the congregation were entertained at Wyddiall Hall by Sir Charles and Lady Heaton-Ellis.

Miss Marion Macklin, L.R.A.M., presided at the organ.

13th May 1910 - Puckeridge, Death of King Edward

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Puckeridge

The Rev. J.F.R. Pledger, of Barkway, preached at Braughing Chapel on Sunday morning. He also was the special preacher at Puckeridge Chapel in the afternoon, and at the Century Hall in the evening. 

At each service he spoke of the sad news of the death of the King, the great good he had done for the country, and the effect of his wisdom on the rulers and governments of the world. To Nonconformists he was always a genuine friend.

At the Century Hall service, the congregation sang the well-chosen hymn for the occasion, "Till He come."

12 Feb 1926 - Buckland measles epidemic

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Buckland

EPIDEMIC - Several fresh cases of measles occurred in the village last week, and the attendance at school dropped to below 50 per cent.

It was agreed to close the school for a fortnight.

There is an epidemic of measles at Barkway, and several adults are affected.