2nd March 1928 - Leap Year Dance

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Leap Year Dance

There were 110 dancers present at the leap year invitation dance on Wednesday evening, which took place in the Benson Hall.

The whole of the necessary arrangements were made entirely by Mrs Philpott, who is to be congratulated on the success achieved. Mrs Philpott not only issued the invitations, but also sold the admission tickets, besides contributing in no small way to the excellent assortment of refreshments which were served during the evening.

Refreshments were also given and served by Mrs Bishop, Mrs McGuinness, Mrs Blakiston, Mrs Plumb, Mrs W. Watson, Miss Mulvany and Miss Spencer. The duties of M.C. were undertaken by Mr Blakiston, who spared no pains to add merriment to the evening's enjoyment.

A special feature was the lighting effects, which were greatly admired by the energetic company present. The music, which added still greater pleasure to the proceedings, was supplied by the "Mavis" Dance Band, the members of which did their utmost to provide a programme to meet with the popularity of all. Their programme was excellent.

A Spot Dance Competition was won by Miss Philpott and Mr B. Howard, the former receiving a pound of chocolates for a prize and her partner a box of cigarettes. A Novelty Dance was also greatly enjoyed.

Mrs Whitehouse, of Sunny Hill, kindly lent her piano, and Mr W. Budd acted as door-keeper throughout the evening.

The proceeds, which were for the purpose of installing new electric light wiring in the hall, were very satisfactory, but the actual amount taken is not yet known.

It was generally agreed that this was one of the jolliest dances ever held in Buntingford.

28th December 1928 - Old Boys' Club

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Old Boys' Club

While rain descended in torrents on Saturday evening last, a fine goose was drawing dancers to the Benson Hall for an evening's dancing and to participate in the chance to secure the fine bird for a Christmas dinner.

The event, which was in aid of the Old Boys' Club, was most enjoyable, and what gave the dance that atmosphere of Yuletide was the decorations in the hall; these looked remarkably well, holly, ivy and other evergreens being lavishly displayed.

Mr Blakiston again won admiration as M.C., and so did the goose, which had been offered as a lucky ticket prize, and which went to Mr T. Hummerstone, of Westmill.

The Mavis Dance Band played some spirited selections, and one of the members, Mr Whitehouse, secured the bottle of port which was raffled for during an interval.

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.

4th February 1927 - Whist (again)

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Whist

In response to several requests, the Town Silver Band held another Whist Drive at the George Hotel on Saturday evening.

There was a good company present and prizes, which were vouchers for goods to be purchased in the town, were won by the following:

Ladies - 1, Miss Marshall; 2, Miss E. Cutts.

Gents - 1, Mr H. Pledger; 2, Mr S. Pledger.

A Waltz competition was won by Mr A.B. Wallis and Miss G. Mean, while a Fox-trot competition was won by Mr J. Bishop and partner.

An excellent programme of music was provided by the Band, assisted by Mr J. Bishop (piano).

Mr Henry Clark for whist and Mr A.B. Wallis for dancing were the two efficient M.C.'s.

The judging of the dancing competitions was kindly undertaken by Mr H.M. Blakiston.