25th January 1924 - British Legion Annual Meeting

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British Legion

(Buntingford Branch)

Annual Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the members of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion was held at the Ex-Service Men's Club Room on Wednesday evening.

The chair was occupied by the President, Captain H.H. Williams, and there was a good attendance of members, including a strong contingent from the Hormead Branch.

Balance Sheet

The Hon. Treasurer, Mr F.W. Butler, presented the balance sheet of 1923.

Receipts were: Subscriptions £5 18s. 4d., Donations 7s. 6d., Sale of Badges 15s., Poppy Day £64 14s. Total £71 14s. 10d.

Expenditure - Membership cards 10s. 6d., Club funds £1 5s., Badges £1 4s., Poppy Day fund £64 14s., Fees £1 16s. 9d. 

The balance in hand amounted to £2 8s. 7d. The balance sheet was adopted.

Secretary's Report

The Hon. Secretary, Mr G.H. Maughan, gave a satisfactory report of the working of the organisation.

Since February, 1923, 57 members had been enrolled, and 17 new applications for membership had been accepted for 1924.

The amount forwarded to the Headquarters in respect of Armistice Day was £66 1s. 4d., and after deducting the cost of the poppies, 85 per cent. of this was returnable to the branch for relief.

During the year several pension questions had been dealt with.

It was proposed to hold a public meeting next month, and Colonel Crossfield, D.S.O., had consented to address the meeting.

The report was passed as satisfactory.

Election of Officers

Capt. H.H. Williams was unanimously elected President and re-elected Chairman, Capt. G. Scarborough Taylor being elected Vice-Chairman.

The Chairman said that he would like to move that the Hon. Secretary, Mr G.H. Maughan, and the Hon. Treasurer, Mr F.W. Butler, be re-elected. They had both performed their duties in an excellent manner. The proposition was seconded by Capt. G. Scarborough Taylor and unanimously carried.

The election of the Committee was carried out by ballot, and resulted as follows: The Rev. H.L. Sheppard, Messrs. P. Woollard, H. Piper, A.E. Mayes, E. Totman, H. Cutts, G. Coleman, A. Dray and E. Crane.

Captain H.H. Williams and the Rev. H.L. Sheppard were elected as delegates on the area Council.

The formation of a sub-branch at Great Hormead was confirmed.

Thanks

The Secretary was instructed to write to the Secretary of the Buntingford Ex-Service Men's Club thanking the Committee for the use of the Club Room for the Legion meetings.

It was announced that subscriptions for 1924 were now due.

20th August 1926 - A Happy Party

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A Happy Party

Some 300 children who were on an outing from the Stoke Newington Branch of the British Legion passed through Buntingford on Saturday last.

The party, which occupied eleven charaabancs made a halt near the Benson Hall where each child was supplied with half-a-pint of new milk.

The arrangements for the distribution of the milk were made by Mr E.C. Clarke, the Local Secretary of the Buntingford Branch, and the milk was kindly given by Mr C.H. Poulton, of Aspenden.

The children were delighted with the treat and left with happy memories of their short stay in Buntingford.

10th December 1926 - British Legion Buntingford and District Branch

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British Legion

Buntingford and District Branch

The following is a Statement of the amounts raised and collected on Remembrance Day, 1926.

Donations

C. Fraser, Esq. - £1 1s. 0d.

Mrs Nevett - £1 1s. 0d.

Mrs Greg - £1 1s. 0d

Mrs J.R. Russell - 10s. 0d.

Mrs Codrington - 10s. 0d.

Miss Gruner - 5s. 0d.

Mr Sutterby - 2s. 0d.

Total - £4 10s. 0d.

Poppy Sales - Buntingford

Miss M. Crane and Miss Armstrong - £1 13s. 4 and half pence.

Mrs L. Smith and Miss Cutts - £1 15s. 8d.

Miss Lushington - £1 13s. 0d.

Masters John and Georgie Taylor - £1 6s. 11d.

Miss M. Fell - £1 5s. 0d.

Miss Scrivener and Miss Wilkerson - £1 11s. 4d.

Miss E. Smith - £1 2s. 6d.

Mrs J. Aylott - £1 4s. 10d.

Miss P Mayes - 14s. 1d.

Mrs Marshall - 8s. 6d.

Mr H. Fry - 7s. 6d.

Total - £12 2s. 8 and a half pence.

Anstey - per Miss Buckwell - £1 8s. 1d.

Wyddiall - per Lady Heaton-Ellis - £1 17s. 3d.

Aspenden - per Miss Grace Phillips - £1 14s. 6d.

Buckland - per Miss Morris - £2 13s. 8 and a half pence.

Cottered - per Miss Wilderspin - £2 6s. 3d.

Furneaux Pelham (part) - per Mrs Holmes - £1 8s. 2 and a half pence.

Westmill - per Mrs Coutts-Deacon - £4 0s. 4 and a half pence.

Meesden - per Mrs Kerr - £1 6s. 0d.

Great and Little Hormead - per Mrs Dimsdale - £4 0s. 0d.

Rushden - per Mr E.J. Marchal - £3 16s. 6d.

Ardeley - per Mr J.H. Thorpe - £2 3s. 6d.

Brent Pelham - per Mrs Barclay - £2 10s. 0d.

Wallington - per Miss Cragg - £2 0s. 0d.

Total - £31 4s. 4 and a half pence.

British Legion (Branch and Club) Poppies for Wreath - £1 0s. 0d.

Proceeds of Rummage Sale - £10 3s. 8d.

Trail of Pennies - £7 10s. 0d.

Proceeds of Concert, including Sale of Programmes (£1 2s. 1d.) and auction sale of Baby's Comforter (£1 0s. 9d.) - £22 7s. 4d.

Church collections

St Richard's R.C. Church, Buntingford - £1 1s. 2d.

Anstey - £2 1s. 7d.

Buntingford Congregational Church - 17s. 0d.

Total - £3 19s. 9d.

Grand total - £93 17s. 10d.

The above figure of £93 17s. 10d. represents the Gross Receipts up to the 7th December, and there is a further amount to be included in respect of the Church Collections, which has not yet come to hand.

The Gross Receipts for Poppy Day, 1925, amounted to £91 11s. 8d.

E.C. Clarke, Hon. Sec., Buntingford and District Branch British Legion.

Buntingford, 7th December, 1926.

7th January 1927 - Ex-service men entertain the children

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Ex-service men entertain the children

That nothing appeals to the heart more than a group of happy children was amply demonstrated on Monday evening, when the children of the members of the Buntingford British Legion Club were the guests at the annual party.

The arrangements for the treat were made by Mr H. Clarke (Sec. of the Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Hon. Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

The room, with its attractive decorations was much admired. A great attraction was the huge Xmas Tree (given by Mr C.H. Poulton). The tree was heavily laden with toys and gifts selected by Mrs H. Clarke.

Some 50 children responded to the invitation to be present, and judging by the enthusiasm displayed this party exceeded all predecessors.

The whole party sat down to tea at 4.30, assistance at the tables being given by Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs E.C. Clarke, Mrs Starr, Mrs Warren, Mrs White, Mrs S. Smith, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Miss Mayes.

Mrs Hall, the stewardess at the Club, also lent valuable assistance. Visitors included Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, Mrs, Miss and Master C. Fell, Messrs G. Scarborough Taylor, E.C. Clarke, H. Clarke, E.J. Crane, E.E. Dennis, B.E. Thody, F. White, T. Pledger, A. Coxall, S. Daniels and W. Hall.

During tea Mr H. Clarke installed a powerful wireless set, and the music was much enjoyed.

Following tea, games and songs were indulged in until 7p.m. when the arrival of "Father Christmas" was the signal for three hearty cheers.

Mrs H.H. Williams then presented each child with a gift from the tree, and a National Savings' Card with two sixpenny stamps attached.

Mr H. Clarke called for cheers for the members of the Club and numerous friends who had made the treat possible.

Cheers were also given for the ladies, the New Year and Messrs. H. and E.C. Clarke. On leaving each child was given two oranges, a bag of sweets and a small gifts, and a thoroughly successful treat ended with the singing of God Save the King.

11th March 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

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Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

We sincerely regret to record the death of Mr F.C. Furness, who was well and popularly known in the town. He was taken ill with influenza about a fortnight ago, and died from cerebral haemorrhage on Friday last.

Mr Furness, who was 66 years of age, was born in Holborn, his parents owning a large confectioner's business on the site of the new West Central Post Office. He spent many years in Cornwall, and came to live at Buntingford about three years ago. During the war he served in the Irish Fusiliers. His cheery face and happy disposition will be greatly missed by a large number of friends.

He was buried at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, amidst general signs of regret. There was a large number of floral tributes, including a wreath from the Buntingford British Legion Club, of which the deceased was a member.

The immediate mourners were:

Mr R.G. Furness, Amersham (brother), Mr H.G. Bustard, Forest Gate (nephew), Mrs Davies, Miss Davies, Mr T. Wilson, Kennington; Mr F. French, Chelmsford; Mr Reed, Hertford; and Mr J. Horner, Ware.

Among others present were Revd. John Cole; Mr H. Clarke and Mr E.C. Clarke (representing the British Legion), Messrs G. Smith, E.P. Borsberry, A. Wilson, S. Saggers, H.A. Thody, S. Waters, E. Southgate, M. Corp, Mr and Mrs J. Wilson and Mrs Houlden.

Wreaths were as follows:

From Miss Davies

Mrs Davies and Girls

Mr Furness, Mrs Bustard & Family

Ex-Service Men's Club

Mr and Mrs French

Mrs Hone, Albe and Ede

Wilder and Patsy

Will, Gert and his Godchild Ronald

Ina and Billy

Mr and Mrs C. Clark

Mr and Mrs G.B. Medland

Mr and Mrs Wilson, sen.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, jun.

Mr and Mrs Corp

Messrs Houlden

Mr and Mrs H. Handy

Mr and Mrs Plumb

Mr M. Reid

Mr and Mrs Pledger

Mrs C. Rand and Mrs Parker

Doris and Stan

Tony

"Pip"

8th April 1927 - British Legion Annual General Meeting

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British Legion

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion was held at the Club Room on Thursday evening of last week. The chair was taken by the President (Captain H.H. Williams), who was supported by the Chairman of the branch (Mr G. Scarborough Taylor), Mr G.H. Maughan, and the hon. secretary and treasurer (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Mr H. Clarke was elected Chairman pro tem.

Mr F.W. Butler moved the re-election of Capt. H.H. Williams as President of the branch. They all knew the keen interest their President took in all matters related to Ex-service men. (Applause).

This was seconded by Mr H. Clarke and carried with acclamation.

Capt. Williams then took the chair. He said that although the branch may not have seemed to have done much during the past year it had carried out the work it had been asked to, and he hoped they would go on. As far as he (the Chairman) was concerned, he would do his best for the Ex-service men and for the Legion. (Applause).

The Chairman moved the re-election of Mr Scarborough Taylor as Chairman and Mr E.E. Dennis as Vice-Chairman.

Mr E.C. Clarke was re-elected secretary with Mr F.W. Butler as treasurer. The Committee was re-elected en bloc, with the addition of Mr A. Coxall. The Committee was also appointed to act as the Unity Relief Committee.

Mr E.C. Clarke presented his annual report. during the year five new members were admitted, bringing the total to 42. Business loans had been granted to two members, and several Ex-service men had received assistance from the Relief Fund, the total amount distributed being £24 7s. 2d.

The balance sheet showed total receipts £13 12. 5d. and expenditure £5 19s. 6d., leaving a balance in hand of £7 12s. 11. The Poppy Day receipts were reported as being £102 13s. 10d., which was considered very satisfactory.

Mr Scaborough Taylor, who said the accounts were in a very satisfactory condition, moved their adoption.

This was unanimously carried.

The Chairman said he regretted that out of 19 who received assistance from the Relief Fund only three were members; he hoped that all Ex-service men would realise that the membership was only 2 and a half pence per month. It was rather disappointing to find that men did not join the Legion after being helped.

The secretary stated that nominations were required for one member to attend the Whitsuntide Conference in London, and the name of the President was submitted.

Mr Scarborough Taylor brought up the question of games fixtures with neighbouring branches, and it was decided to challenge Barkway to a shooting match.

A sincere vote of thanks to the Secretary (Mr E.C. Clarke) for the able manner in which he had managed the branch during the year concluded the meeting.

16th November 1923 - Armistice Day

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Buntingford

Armistice Day

Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.

At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.

The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.

A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."

The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.

We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."

He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."

The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."

After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.

After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.

A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.

After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.

The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.

A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns. 

The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

16th November 1923 - Poppy Day

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Poppy Day

Saturday last was "Poppy Day" and the workers are to be congratulated on the success attained.

Monday's Collection and Sale

On Monday, workers were still busy, this time the town collection was on behalf of the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

Quite early the collection of yards of pennies began, and Mr Butler, Miss Ward, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Robinson, Mr G.H. Maughan, Mrs H.H. Williams, Miss Lushington, Miss Porter, the Misses Rand, and other helpers consolidated their position in the narrow High Street.

Their appeal, and the liberal way in which passers by gave their support, is shown by the fact that the pennies reached 65 yards (£8 3s. 2d.) on the east side (in charge of Miss Ward), and 44 yards (£5 10s. 5d.) on the west side (in charge of Mr F.W. Butler).

At 12.30, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor conducted a sale of miscellaneous gifts on the Mkarket Hill, which produced £11 for the fund.

2nd November 1923 - British Legion

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British Legion

A special general meeting of the Buntingford Branch was held at the Ex-Service Men's Club on Monday last.

Capt. H.H. Williams presided. Mr H.G. Maughan was unanimously elected Hon. Secretary, and the following resolution, which has since been forwarded to the Prime Minister and to the Local Member of Parliament, was unanimously carried:

"That this meeting of the Buntingford and District Brnch of the British Legion assembled on the 29th October, 1923, hereby confirms and supports the Manifesto issued by the National Executive Council of the British Legion, with regard to Unemployment, and demands that a National Employment Committee be established, and that immediate steps be taken to float a National Work Loan in accordance with the said Manifesto."

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

I should be glad if you could spare me a short space in the columns of your Paper to thank, on behalf of the members and Committee of the Buntingford and District Branch of the British Legion, all those who so willingly assisted in various ways to raise money for Earl Haig's British Legion Appeal Fund on Remembrance Day, and to express the Committee's high appreciation of the services rendered for such a good cause.

There are some items still to be received, and as soon as these come to hand a detailed account will be published.

Yours faithfully,

E.C. Clarke

Buntingford, 18th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Congregational Church Armistice Sunday

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Armistice Sunday

On Sunday evening last a special Armistice Remembrance Service was held at the Buntingford Congregational Church, and was attended by a large congregation.

The Town Silver Band (under the able direction of the Bandmaster, Mr E.J. Smith), the members of which are always willing to give their assistance, was present, and preceded the Remembrance Service with the following musical items: Handel's "Hosanna," "Jerusalem, my glorious home," and "a hymn of the homeland."

The Remembrance Service following. At the organ, Mrss Blanche Langham played for the singing of the hymns, "Oh Lord of heaven, and earth, and sea," "My God, my Father, while I stray," and "O God, our help in ages past"; the offertory voluntary and for the vesper following the Benediction; whilst the Band led the singing of John S. Arkwright's hymn, "The Supreme Sacrifice."

A large Union Jack covered the pulpit desk and the communion table below. The Lesson was from Deut. vi., and the Litany of Commemoration from "The Book of Congregational Worship," as also were the remaining prayers and appropriate invocatory sentences. The offerings were on behalf of the Church and the British Legion.

The Minister based his remarks on Deut. vi. 6-7 "And these words...thou shalt teach...diligently unto thy children." Memory in the individual life was one of the possessions of us all. There was also such a thing as a national memory. The Israelites, e.g., had been brought by God out of Egypt, and in those early days of the Hebrew race there were frequent appeals made to them keep fresh the memory of the Divine providence towards them, to "teach diligently (i.e., with constant repeptition) thy children" the history of their wonderful preservation. The stones set up after the crossing of Jordan were to be "for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."

The communion service - "This do in remembrance of Me" - is also an act of commemmoration. With the occurance of Remembrance Day our own national memory is touched, and as a nation we call to mind once more the years of the Great War, especially remembering those who laid down their lives in a great cause. The two minutes' silence have been set apart that in the midst of our work in the world we might remember such men (and not suffer their memory to perish from the earth), give renewed thanks for the end of the conflict, and (leaving not their work unfinished) reconsecrate ourselves in service to our fellowmen and to God.

The motto to be writ large upon our hearts is "Lest we forget, lest we forget" (Kipling).

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." (Laurence Binyon).

A generation is growing up to whom the war is but a name; they will ask, "What meaneth this Day, this service at the Cenotaph, at the memorial on the gill?" Remembering the injunction to "teach diligently," it must be ours to give the explanation, and to foster a spirit which will never cease is agitations until war as a means of settling international disputes is abolished from off the face of the earth."

After the service the Band again played selections, viz - the anthems "I will arise," "Lead, kindly light," and "The mighty Lord"; "The lost chord," "Sweet and low," Handel's "Largo in G" and "Abide with me," the latter including the "echo".

The Minister expressed thanks to Miss Langham and to the Band thanks and warm appreciation for their very helpful services, and the National Anthem, led by the Band, brought the whole exercises of observance and remembrance to a close.

23rd April 1926 - Help the Hospitals

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Help the Hospitals

The Whist Drive and Dance at the Benson Hall on Wednesday, April 14th, was an unqualified success. The total proceeds came to £31 3s. 1d., against which the only charge was £5 for prizes, leaving £26 3s. 1d. to be divided between the Hertford and Royston Hospitals. Each hospital has already received its half share of £13 1s. 7d.

This splendid result could not have been achieved if Father Morgan's efforts had not been so cordially and generously supported by all the Clubs and Societies of the district. The Town Band gave their services free of charge, and the Women's Institute (under the capable leadership of Mrs Fell) organised and sold the refreshments.

Also the following Clubs gave time and labour freely, besides subscribing these amounts:

Aspenden Sports' Club (and friends) £3 10s.; Boys' Club, 10/-; British Legion, £1 1s.; Bowls Club, £1 12s.; Football Club, £1; Musical Society, £1; Tennis Club, £1; Women's Institute, 15/-; Workmen's Club, 10/-.

Special thanks are also due to Mr Wilkerson, who made no charge for printing window bills, tickets, and advertisements in the Gazette. And to Father Morgan for giving the use of the Benson Hall and doing the secretarial work and general organisation. 

Mrs Leslie gave an extra prize for the "lucky chair," and tables and cards were lent by the British Legion and Boys' Club.

Refreshments were provided by Mrs Stubbings, Mrs Wyman, Miss Parker, Mrs Leslie, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Williams, Mrs Fletcher, Mrs Blakiston, Miss Morgan, Mrs Philpott, Mrs Dixon, Miss Lushington, Mrs Coates, Mrs M.K. Smith, Mrs Croslegh, Mrs Fell, and the Convent.

The following helped to serve the refreshments: Mrs Aylott, Miss I. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith, Misses Camp, Mrs Feasey, Miss Ward, Misses Cornwell, Miss Blakiston, Mr Blakiston, Miss Parker, Miss Saunders, Mrs Leslie, Miss Leslie, Miss Lushington, Miss L. Graves, Mrs Thody. Messrs Moss lent china, glass, spoons, &c.

Mr P. Castle prepared the hall and cleaned up afterwards, assisted by Father and Miss Morgan.

At the whist, Mr Dennis was M.C. The prize winners were:

Ladies - 1 Miss Bower, 2 Miss M. Cornwell, 3 Miss Woodley; Consolation, Miss A. Deards.

Men - 1 Mr T. Martin, 2 Mr A. Francis, 3 Mr E. Ward; Consolation, Mr E. Moule.

Highest score, first half, Mr A. Moule; lucky ticket, Mrs Bedford; lucky chair, Mr E. Scrivener.

The prizes were presented by Dr Fell; and two hours' dancing to music supplied by the Town Band and Mrs Stapley wound up a successful and enjoyable evening. Mr L. Smith, as M.C., officiated in his usual tactful and efficient manner.

10th Feb 1928 - British Legion - Service for Earl Haig

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British Legion

While the funeral procession of Earl Haig was taking place in London on Friday, Mr E.C. Clarke, hon. secretary of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, placed a wreath of evergreens and Flanders poppies on the Town War Memorial.

The wreath was inscribed: "In memory of our leader and a great soldier; from the members of the Buntingford and district branch of the British Legion." The town bell was tolled at minute intervals from 12.30 to 1 p.m.

On Sunday there was a memorial service to the late Field Marshall at St Peter's, Buntingford. A party of about thirty ex-service men, many wearing the familiar Flanders poppy, attended, and the service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev A. Howard.

The Communion Table was draped with the Union Jack, and the order of service was similar to that held at Westminster Abbey on the previous Friday. Captain Lionel Tollemache read the Lessons.

Taking for his text the words "After he had served his own generation by the will of God, he fell asleep and was laid with his fathers," the Vicar paid a high tribute to Earl Haig. The British Legion was the outcome of his efforts and is a monument of his affectionate care for his soldiers. His great characteristics were thoroughness and co-operation, and if Earl Haig ranked side by side with Wellington he had many more troubles than Wellington.

The impressive service closed with the Dead March by Saul, played by the organist, Miss Boniwell.

The offertory was devoted to the British Legion Fund.

3rd Feb 1928 - British Legion

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British Legion

At a meeting of the Committee of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion on Monday evening, the President, Captain H.H. Williams, feelingly referred to the death of Earl Haig, and as a token of respect the members stood in silence for a few moments.

The hon. secretary was instructed to send a letter of condolence to the Headquarters of the British Legion.

19th Oct 1928 - Arrangements for Armistice Day

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Arrangements for Armistice Day

Armistice Day is rapidly approaching, and the arrangements for its observance were discussed at a meeting of the Committee of the Local Branch of the British Legion at the Club Room last Friday evening. Captain H.H. Williams was in the chair.

It was decided to adopt as far as possible the procedure of last year. It was announced that the usual sale of poppies would, of course, be held on Saturday, November 10th, as this year's Armistice falls upon Sunday.

A whist drive, jumble sale and a dance were also arranged to be held on the Saturday. The parade of ex-service men and other bodies on the Sunday was also arranged. 

Further information concerning the observance will appear in our columns in due course.

19th Feb 1926 - Help the Hospitals

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Help the Hospitals

Last night a further meeting was held at the Presbytery of the "Help the Hospitals" Committee, who are organising a giant Whist Drive and Dance on Wednesday, April 14th, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals. 

Representatives of the various Clubs and Societies in the district were present with the exception of Mrs Fell (Women's Institute), Mr Clarke (British Legion), and Mr Dennis (Boys' Club), who sent apologies for unavoidable absence.

It was decided that the price of tickets for the Whist Drive and Dance should be 2/- each, with a ten shillings "lucky" prize for the bought on or before Monday, April 12th. The winner of the lucky ticket need not necessarily be present in order to win the lucky prize.

Nine valuable prizes will be awarded at the Whist Drive, besides the lucky ticket prize.

The interest already taken by the public in this event is an augury of a record attendance.