4th February 1927 - Benson Hall

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Benson Hall

Ninety-four sat down to whist at the Benson Hall last Wednesday, and over a hundred took part in the dancing.

Ten prizes were advertised for the drive, and eleven were awarded - the extra one being a dozen eggs for the "Lucky Chair," which was occupied by Mr H. Clark.

The other prizes were won by the following:

Top score (large iced cake), Mr T.H. Holden.

Ladies' prizes: 1st (set of tea knives), Mrs Case; 2nd (cushion cover) Miss Margery Cornwell; 3rd (silk tea cosy) Miss Mabel Cornwell; lowest score (chocolate babies) Mrs Leslie.

Men's prizes: 1st (hair brushes in case) Mr E. Ward; 2nd (woolly scarf) Mr E. Bruce; 3rd (fifty cigarettes) Mr J. Moule; lowest score (chocolate wireless set) Mr J. Wornham.

Lucky ticket (5/-) Mr H. Hatchett.

The prizes were presented by Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs Leslie, Miss Marriage, Miss Morgan, Mrs Philpott, and others.

Refreshments were given by Mrs Bennett, Mrs Blakiston, Mrs Coates, Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs Game, Mrs Leslie, Miss Lushington, Miss Morgan, Mrs Plumb, and Miss D. Spencer, most of whom worked indefatigately in serving the same.

The M.C.'s were Mr Clarke for the whist and Mr Blakiston for the dancing. It was largely due to the tactful methods of the former that the drive was finished in time for two hours' dancing.

Miss Blakiston was in the pay box; and Messrs. Blakiston, jun., Castle and Rowley acted as Stewards. The Hall was prepared and clearned by Messrs. Blakiston, jun., and Castle.

Music for the dancing was supplied by the "Standon Orchestra," and a highly successful and enjoyable evening terminated at midnight.

It is hoped that Miss Lushington's Whist Drive and Dance for the Nursing Fund on the 16th will also be well patronised.

25th March 1927 - Dance

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Dance

The attendance at the Benson Hall for the dance on St Patrick's night exceeded the most sanguine expectations. The organisers anticipated a hundred, but the number present was over a hundred and fifty.

Among the dangers were some who had never been in the Hall before, and they were pleasantly surprised at the excellence of the floor, which is undoubtedly the best for miles around.

The music was provided by the Standon Orchestra, who co-operated with the M.C., Mr Blakiston, in providing continuous dancing.

Among the special features were two "spot" dances, the first of which was won by Mr and Mrs Jackson, of Westmill, and the second by Mr Don Little and Miss Jordan.

Also a "Pandemonium" Dance, for which horns were issued, and the result fully justified the title!

The prize for the "lucky ticket" was won by Mr C. Smith.

The net proceeds were over £9, and the organisers are to be congratulated on the splendid success of their efforts. Hearty thanks are also due to all who provided the refreshments and prizes, and sold the former so efficiently, in addition to those who undertook the sale of tickets and prepared the Hall for the occasion. Each article of the refreshments was offered at one penny, and over 320 items were sold.

As the crowd streamed out of the Hall shortly after midnight, there were many requests for "another of the same kind" - the best proof of an enjoyable evening.

25th March 1927 - Chess Match

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Chess Match

A chess match between the Cottered Chess Club and a Buntingford team, arranged by Mr B.E. Thody, took place on Monday evening.

There were some good games, and the result was a win for Buntingford by four games to two.

The scores were as follows:

Buntingford - Cottered

Father Morgan - 1 - R.M. Hull - 0

E. Brett - 1 - E.E. Empringham - 0

B.E. Thody - 0 - R. Shepherd - 1

J. Lawrence - 1 - R. Barry - 0

H.M. Blakiston - 1 - T. Perry - 0

A.N. Other - 0 - B.A. Edwards - 1

Total - 4 - 2

At the close, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, thanked Father Morgan for placing his study at the disposal of the teams and for so kindly entertaining them.

3rd June 1927 - Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

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Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

The annual two days' bazaar, in aid of the Catholic Church funds, was held in the Benson Hall on Saturday and Monday last.

The usual throng of bargain hunters filled the Hall on both days, and the enormous stock, which had been received from far and wide, was almost sold out.

There were seven stalls replete with articles, a large jumble stall being a special attraction. There was no opening ceremony, but business commenced punctually at the advertised time.

Among the sellers and helpers were Father Morgan, Miss Morgan, Mrs Leslie, Mrs Dowdney, Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs P. Castle, Miss Mulvany, Miss Macgennis, Mrs Wignall, Mrs Boniface, Miss Hatchett, Mrs Bennett, Miss Buchanan, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs and Miss Blakiston, Miss Marriage, Mrs Fox, Miss Spencer, Mr H.M. Blakiston and Mr E.J. Sparkes, Girlie Leslie, Stella Reid, Ivy Graves and Gertie Fox.

There were a few side-shows, these being as follows: 1, silver mine, in which prizes went to Miss M. Harritt and Miss C. Anderson; guessing weight of coal, correctly guessed by Mrs Boniface and Mrs A.G. Day; 3, cake, won by Miss M. North and Miss Mulvany. A 2d. dip was cleared out on both days.

Mrs Philpott did a brisk sale of refreshments.

At the conclusion of the bazaar Father Morgan thanked all the helpers, whose hard work had ensured success.