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."

13th May 1910 - Braughing Parish Council Meeting

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Braughing Parish Council Meeting

A special Parish Council meeting was held in the Old Boys' School on Friday evening. 

Mr H. Shepherd-Cross presided, and all the Councillors were present. The Chairman after thanking the Council for re-electing him, introduced the subject of the "Housing of the Working Classes," for which the meeting had been specially convened.

After a general discussion it was unanimously agreed that there was a great need for more cottages in the village for the labouring classes.

The Council decided to recommend the District Council to build four cottages at Braughing during the summer. It was also decided to respectfully ask the District Council to delegate their power to the Parish Council, as it was thought their local knowledge would be of great assistance in the matter.

This closed the proceedings.

13th May 1910 - Braughing, Death of King Edward

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Braughing

When the news of the death of the King was known in the village, it caused sincere regret. The flag was hosited at half-mast on the Church tower, and the bell was tolled for one hour.

At the Sunday morning and evening services at the Parish Church, there were good congregations, and the Vicar, the Rev. S.M. Stanley, referred sympathetically to the Country's great loss.

In his morning sermon, founded on the Psalmist's words "Suffer me that I may speak &c.," he dwelt on the chief characteristics of the King. Their late King was a worker, for he was the hardest worked man in England, his refined and elegant manners and courtesy in his relations with men and people, caused him to be known as the finest gentleman in Europe, and his successful efforts for peace have won him the supreme distinction and deserved title which will be enshrined in history for all time of "Edward the Peacemaker." 

The Dead March in "Saul" was played at the close of each service, while the congregation remained standing.

[Transcriber note - King Edward VII died on 6th May 1910.]