14th May 1926 - Meeting of Grocers at Buntingford

Original image on Facebook

Meeting of Grocers at Buntingford

A meeting of grocers of the Buntingford district was held at Buntingford on Monday evening, May 10th, 1926.

Present: Messrs. G.C. Wilson (Hormead), J.Smith, S. Daniels, C. Tottman, and E. Bayman (Buntingford), T. Barklem (Anstey), S. Lyon (Rushden), J. Carter (Buckland), A. Crowe (Puckeridge), B.A. Edwards (Cottered), E. Bedford (Harestreet), M. Hammond (Great Hormead), E. Taylor (Westmill), G. Ashton and E. Law, of Buntingford.

Mr G.C. Wilson was appointed Chairman.

The Chairman read a letter from the Buntingford Rural District Council, and outlined the scheme for transport of foodstuffs in the district. He then asked for particulars as to what stock were held for traders.

Mr E. Bayman (Messrs. Forrest Stores) said he had seen most of the grocers in the district on Sunday, and the general position was that there appeared to be enough supplies in the district for the next 14 days.

The Chairman asked whether the traders would like to form a small committee in order that any orders could be dealt with by that body. Mr S. Daniels moved, and Mr E. Bayman seconded that the whole of the traders for the committee. This was carried unanimously.

Mr B.A. Edwards (Cottered and Buntingford), said it appeared to him that while the traders might have sufficient stocks for the next 10 or 14 days, there would be a certain amount of difficulty in replenishing stocks should the strike continue. He thought that it would be wise to secure further stocks as early as possible. The matter was fully discussed, and several traders reported that they had received notification from their wholesale dealers that normal supplies would be delivered this week.

One of the traders stated that he was short of a certain commodity, whereupon another trader promised to let him have a supply. The Chairman said this was the spirit that was required, and he felt sure that co-operation such as this would help them to overcome difficulties.

The Chairman said the Buntingford Rural District Council were meeting on Tuesday morning, and he thought it would be wise to let Mr Scarborough Taylor know before the Council met, the exact position of the grocers.

The following resolution was then carried unanimously:

"In view of the fact that several wholesalers have promised delivery of supplies this week, this meeting of traders, while appreciating the action of the Buntingford Rural District Council, feel that for the present their stocks are sufficient to meet the demands of the public.

The traders wish to state that they are keeping a close view of the situation from day to day, and should the necessity of transport arise they will appeal to the Buntingford Rural District Council for such help as is considered necessary to ensure the replenishment of their stocks."

A further resolution was passed to the effect that the daily returns called for by the Council should be supplemented for weekly returns. It was also agreed that should any trader run short of supplies he would get into touch with Mr Scarborough Taylor.

The possibility of forming a Grocers' Association was discussed, and it was decided to leave the matter over until the present crisis was over.

The next meeting of the traders was arranged for Monday evening, May 17th.

5th Feb 1926 - Death of Mr George Pepper

Original photo on Facebook

Chipping

Death of Mr George Pepper

Respected and esteemed by all who knew him, Mr George Pepper, who has resided at Chipping since he retired from farming five years ago, passed away at the advanced age of 86 on the 20th ult [sic].

For over 50 years he was tenant of Southfield Farm, Sandon, and was greatly respected in the village, and regarded as a kind and considerate employer and a generous friend.

The funeral took place at Throcking Churchyard on Saturday afternoon. The remains, encased in an unpolished oak coffin which had brass furniture, were conveyed to the church on a Washington car.

There were two motor-coaches, the immeadiate mourners being Mrs Jones (sister-in-law), Mr Walter Pepper, (nephew), Mr Bedford, Mr Hugh Bedford, Mrs Rowlatt, Mrs Scarf, and Mrs Oakley.

The Rev. A. Howard (Vicar of Layston) officiated, and in his short address referred to the simple Christian faith of the deceased, so abundantly exeplified in his long life.

There was a large number of friends present at the funeral to show their respect to the memory of the deceased. Amonst them were the Rev A.L. Panchaud (Throcking), the Rev. John Cole (Buntingford), Mr and Mrs A.W. Page, Mrs T.J. Stick, Mrs Cordell, Mrs Field, Mr and Mrs Norman Chalmers-Hunt, Mr Rand (of Southfield Farm), Mr Russell Pigg, Mr A.C. Bartlett, Mr James Cooper, Mr and Mrs Tofts, Mrs Turner, Mr Woodman etc.

There was a number of floral tributes.