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

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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.