18th January 1924 - Buntingford Rural District Council

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Note: The last column of the article seems to be one that actually belongs in the middle, before the column that starts "Cottered". I have transcribed this with the text in the correct place to prevent any confusion with screen readers.

Buntingford Rural District Council

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held in the Board Room on Thursday of last week.

The Chairman (Mr H.C. Marshall) presided, others present being Messrs. E.T. Morris, F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G.C. Wilson, H.H. Williams, C. Hummerstone, W.J. May, F. Prime, J. Bygrave and G. Graves, Mrs C.R. Dimsdale, the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke) and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

Isolation Hospital

The Surveyor reported that no cases of infectious disease had been notified during the past month, and that the Hospital was closed.

Waterworks

The consumption of water during the past month was reported as follows:

1st week 207,000 gallons

2nd week 214,000 gallons

3rd week 190,000 gallons

4th week 208,000 gallons

The water level has risen a further two feet and the rest level is now 33 feet, being 2ft. 6ins. higher than in January 1923.

A supply of 400 gallons of paraffin had recently been procured.

Buckland House Scheme

The Surveyor reported that a sample of water taken from the bore hole had been submitted for analyst [sic].

The report stated that the water was distinctly hard, but in all respects it was quite good.

It was considered a wholesome water, and the turbidity would disappear with use.

Electric Light Discussed

It was notified that the North Metropolitan Electric Company proposed applying for powers to supply energy to include the Rural Districts of Buntingford, Ashwell, Hadham and Hitchin.

The Chairman explained the purport of the Bill, and said that he thought the Board would approved of it, but at the same time he thought that a public meeting should be called to discuss the matter.

He hoped that the proposed charge of 10d. per unit would be revised as early as possible.

The Chairman then made the following observations on Clauses 7 and 8 of the Bill:

Clause 7. Under this clause as drawn, the Company can exercise their powers without the consent of the Local Authority where such authority were not authorised distributors at the time of pass the Act. Should the Company obtain the consent of the Council before exercising their powers in the district?

Clause 8. The maximum charge of 10d. per unit, which is to remain in force for a period of three years from the passing of the Act. Under this clause as drawn, a revision of prices cannot take place until after a period of three years. A revision of prices should be permitted to take place any time after the passing of the Act.

It is suggested that Clause 7 should be amended so that the Council would be protected in regard to the Company exercising their powers in the District, and the County Council should consult those Councillors representing the district and ascertain their views before giving their consent.

The following resolution was then unanimously carried:

"That this Council having examined and considered the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Bill 1924 are of opinion that Clause 7 should be amended to the effect that the Company shall not exercise their powers to supply in the District except without the previous consent under seal of the County Council, after consultation with representatives of the Local Authorities.

That Clause 8 should be amended so as to permit a revision of charges taking place at any time after the passing of the Act, and not post-poned for a period of three years."

The Chairman, who said that the Hertfordshire Council had the matter in hand, said he would be seeing Sir James Devonshire on the 23rd of January, and that no doubt if the public were willing, and could guarantee a certain number of consumers, the Company would expedite facilities.

Captain E.T. Morris asked if the service would pass through Buckland, and the Chairman said he understood it would.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the Clerk of the Hertfordshire County Council respecting the points raised.

Cottered

The Surveyor stated that owing to carelessness on the part of those drawing water, the elevator was broken on the 8th. The cost of repairs would be £2.

Ardeley

It was reported that the contractor was proceeding with the well-boring, and was down 210 feet. There was 50 feet head of water, and testing was being commenced that day.

A Nuisance at Cromer

The Surveyor reported that a considerable quantity of sewage matter discharged into an open ditch running through the village street. It appeared that the sewage flowed from several properties.

The Surveyor was instructed to interview the owners of the properties with a view to devising a scheme whereby the sewage could be dealt with.

Condemned Cottages

Four cottages situate in Little Lane, which had previously been condemned as unfit for human habitation, were reported to be vacated and closed.

Westmill Cottages

One of the tenants of the Council Cottages at Westmill reported that the mantel shelf in the parlour collapsed, and that his clock and sundry ornaments were thrown to the floor and broken. The tenant had estimated the damage to be about £5.

One of the Councillors caused laughter by saying that he thought mantel shelves should have a notice similar to that on brides, showing what weight they could take.

21st December 1928 - Buckland Women's Institute Annual Meeting

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W.I. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Buckland Women's Institute was held in the School on Wednesday in last week, when the President (Miss N. Pigg) was in the chair.

Following the singing of the National Anthem and the reading of the minutes, Mrs C.R. Turney, of Mardley Bury, gave an excellent talk on the co-operative spirit which is essential for the working of every Institute.

Mrs Turney afterwards gave a papier machie [sic] demonstration, and all members heartily endorsed a vote of thanks accorded her at the conclusion.

The affairs of the Institute were afterwards dealt with, the President introducing this business by her annual speech. The report of the secretary and the treasurer's balance sheet were also submitted, their adoption being duly proposed, seconded and carried.

The balance sheet showed a satisfactory balance in hand of about £10. The thanking of the officers for their past services caused much fun, each being individually thanked by members.

During tea, voting took place for the officers and Committee for the ensuing year, the result of the election being:

Secretary, Miss Gilby; President, Miss N. Pigg; Vice-Preisdent, Miss P. Morris; Committee: Mrs F. Pigg (Barkway), Miss F. Pigg, Miss G. Pigg, Mrs J. Carter, Mrs H. Carter, Miss N. Carter, Mrs R. Stoten, Mrs J. White, Mrs C. Jackson, Mrs J. Hurry, Miss R. Beale (Royston) and Miss M. Gilby.

A small jumble sale was held during the evening, following which games were indulged in. Songs were contributed by Miss P. Morris.

The prize for the best Christmas gift for 1/6 was awarded to Mrs Chris Whitby, of Reed, for raffia tea cosy and egg cosies. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought a pleasant evening to a close.

21st December 1928 - Buckland Whist Drive and Dance

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Buckland

Whist Drive and Dance

A whist drive and dance was held in the School on Friday, December 14, in aid of a children's treat. The attendance was small, no doubt owing to the very sharp frost.

The winners of prizes for whist were as follows:

Ladies - 1 Mrs R. Tott, 2 Mr F. Stoten (playing as lady);

Gents: 1 Mr E. Bruce, 2 Mr F. Stoten; booby, Miss N. Carter.

The prizes were presented by Miss F. Pigg. Fancy dress for the dance was optional, and prizes were offered for this. Miss F. Pigg and Miss P. Morris kindly judged the competitors.

The adult's prize was tken by Mrs Dommett, as Father Christmas, who caused much amusement.

The children's prizes were gained as follows: 1 Frances Cole (Ace of Hearts), 2 Joan Dommett (Early Victorian Lady), 3 Daisy Clayton (Knight).

A large iced cake was competed for, the winner being Mr Hudgell, of the Mavis Dance Band.

Excellent refreshments were served by members of the W.I. Committee, and the Mavis Dance Band played splendidly. A jolly evening ended with the National Anthem.

The teachers wish to thank all those who contributed in any way to the evening's enjoyment.

6th August 1926 - Cricket - Wyddiall v. Buckland

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Cricket

Wyddiall v. Buckland

The above match was played at Wyddiall on Saturday last, resulting in a win for Wyddiall by 22 runs.

Not one batsman in either innings scored double figures - R. May and S. Pledger dismissing Buckland for only 9 runs.

Wyddiall scored a few more runs, but were quickly dismissed by the two Shepherd's for Buckland - A. claiming 6 and W. 4.

17th September 1926 - Death of Mr Edward Pigg

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Buckland

Death of Mr Edward Pigg

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mr Edward Pigg, of Buckland, Buntingford, a well-known Alderman of the County of Hertford, and a man admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr Pigg had been in failing health for nearly a year, and recently he had been seriously ill. He passed away on Monday morning last at his residence at Buckland.

Mr Pigg, who was born at Barkway, belonged to an old agricultural family. He farmed Chipping Hall Farm for many years, and was one of the best known breeders of Shire Horses in the County, his collection of silver cups, &c., being very fine.

He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Herts in 1902. A staunch Conservative, he was a generous supporter of the cause, and took a particular interest in the Buntingford Branch of the Hitchin Conservative Association.

He was elected a Guardian of the Buntingford Union, and a member of the Buntingford Rural District Council in 1890, and held the chairmanship for some time. He was also chairman of the Ashwell Board of Guardians and a member of the Ashwell Rural District Council.

Besides County matters, he took a deep interest in all affairs connected with his village. He was a particularly good farmer and his men had great affection for him; his own quiet enthusiasm working wonders among them.

His wife, three daughters, and three sons survive him, and much sympathy is felt for them and other relatives in their great loss.

The funeral will take place at Barkway Church today (Friday), a report of which will appear in our next issue.

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Transcribers note: A copy of the following weeks paper does not appear to have been saved.

29th October 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The monthly meeting for October was held on the 13th inst., in the School, and a very good attendance of members had another nice evening.

Business dispensed with, Mr C. Bullard (Letchworth), gave a very good demonstration on basket-making, a hearty vote of thanks being passed to him by Mrs J. Carter.

A memory competition was entered into by quite a large number, Mrs Jarman, Miss N. Carter, and Mrs H. Carter having to cut for the prize, the latter then winning.

Tea was served by Mrs J. Bishop, Mrs Geaves, Mrs Beadle, Mrs Masters, Mrs A. Gilby, and Mrs W. Hagger.

Exchange and Mart (jumble sale) was keenly entered into, and the saleswomen were kept fairly busy for quite a little time.

At the previous monthly meeting, Mrs E.T. Morris, Miss P. Morris, Mrs Masters, Mrs C. Jackson and Mrs H. Carter entertained the members with recitations, singing and music. 

Many jolly meetings are looked forward to as a Women's Institute singing class has been formed, and is in the capable hands of Mrs Edridge, of Furneaux Pelham.

24th December 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The monthly meeting was held in the school on December 8th.

Besides the ordinary Women's Institute business, the treasurer and secretary put their annual reports before the members, both being passed with hearty applause.

Voting for the 1927 Committee was carried out, and Mrs C.R. Turney (always a welcome visitor) with Mrs Kingsley kindly acted as tellers. Miss N. Pigg and Mrs Morris were again re-elected president and vice-president respectively.

Miss Coleman needed no introduction, having been to this Institute before, and her subject, "Icing a cake," proved very interesting, and Mrs Hill moved a vote of thanks to her on behalf of those present.

Two competitions, "Best bowl in papier mache," "Best darned sock," were won by Miss N. Carter and Mrs F. Pigg.

Miss G. Pigg, Mrs Mildren, Mrs F. Pigg, Mrs Stoton sen., Mrs Shepherd and Miss P. Malyon were hostesses for tea.

Recitations were given by Mrs Morris, Miss P. Morris, and Miss G. Gilby, with songs from Mrs Stoton and Mrs C. Jackson were much appreciated.

10th December 1926 - Puckeridge Hounds at Corney Bury

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Puckeridge Hounds at Corney Bury

The Puckeridge Hounds in full cry was a sight afforded a number of football spectators on Saturday, when a fox, found near Harestreet, ran to the top of the park, and later to Corney Bury House.

The huntsmen dismounted and searched the rooms and the roof, and it was while the hounds were inside the house, that Reynard slipped from his hiding place and made off towards Capons Wood.

The hounds soon picked up the scent and ran towards Capons before turning left, and crossing the High Road near Buckland finally losing their fox at Faulk Leys.

Earlier in the day they killed a fox at Harestreet.

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.

3rd December 1926 - Local Wills

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Local Wills

Will of the late Mr Edward Pigg - Mr Edward Pigg (82), farmer, of Buckland, who died recently, left £32,100, with net personalty £25,316.

Will of the late Sir James Cantlie - The following extract, relating to the Will of the late Sir James Cantlie of Cottered, was taken from a London Daily Paper - Net personalty nil. Gross value £721.

3rd December 1926 - The Puckeridge Hounds

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The Puckeridge Hounds

On Saturday, Nov 20th, the Puckeridge Hounds met at Buckland. They led off from Buckland to Reed Wood.

When about a hundred yards south of the entrance to the wood a motor car travelling from Royston towards Buckland unfortunately ran into the pack.

Four of the hounds sustained injuries.

Read the court case.

28th January 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Cambridge Undergraduate Fined for Dangerous Driving

Foxhounds Injured by Motorist

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis C.B.E., and Captain H.H. Williams.

John Daniel Hawthorn (21), of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, appeared on a charge of drivinga motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland, on 20th November.

The defendant, who was represented by Mr Grafton Pryor, Barrister, of Cambridge, pleaded not guilty.

Mr G. Passingham, Solicitor of Hitchen, outlined the case for the prosecution. On November 20th (the case had been adjourned till now, because of the defendant's absence in America), the Puckeridge Hounds had just drawn a wood, and were on the highway between Buntingford and Royston, when a car, driven by the defendant, appeared two or three hundred yards away.

The car was travelling at a very fast pace, and the huntsman held up his hands as a signal for the driver to slow down. The drive did nothing till he was within 20 yards of the pack when he put on his brakes and skidded into the hounds, injuring three couples.

Robert Gardner, the Huntsman of the Puckeridge Hunt, said he was in charge of the pack on the day in question. The hounds were on the road when he saw a car about 200 yards away, and put up his hand as a signal to the drive to slow down. The driver did not try to stop till he got within 15 to 20 yards, when he put the brakes on, and the car skidded into the pack. Three or more couples were knocked over, one hound being pinned under the car.

Cross-examined by Mr Grafton Pryor: It was a wet day and the road was greasy.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said that the width of the road at the point of collision was 17ft. 6in.

James Hewins, 1st Whip, corroborated the evidence of the Huntsman. While the hounds were being extricated from under the car, the defendant admitted that he saw the huntsman hold up his hand.

Arthur W. Griffin, the seocnd whip, also gave evidence.

Mrs E. Hargreaves, of Royston, said she was riding directly behind the pack on the day in question, when she saw a large motor car coming down the road at great speed. The came right on top of the pack, and the hounds were howling and screaming, some being pinned under the car. Some of the hounds were carried along on the front axle.

The defendant, in a statement made from the witness box, said he was the owner of the car, which was a 30-98 Vauxhall. It had four-wheel brakes, and was known as a "super-sports" model. On the date of the accident he was driving from Royston to Ware, and his speed was about 35 m.p.h.

As he came over the rise, he saw a man on horseback and thought he was meeting a detachment of soldiers. He put on his brakes, but the car kept going as the brakes would not hold. The hounds took up all the road, and there was no room for the car to pass. As soon as he realised what he had done, he jumped out and apologised. He had been driving a car for nine years, and had never been charged before.

Anthony Patrick Adamson, of Jesus College, who was riding in the front seat with the defendant at the time of the accident, also gave evidence. He said that the defendant did all in his power to pull the car up.

Jeffrey Thomas, another undergraduate, of Trinity Hall, who was sitting at the back of the car, said the defendant applied his brakes as soon as he saw the Huntsman raise his hand.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Pryor said that no one regretted the accident more than Mr Hawthorn. The defendant was not in the habit of driving at great speed and, as the Bench had heard, he had been driving a car for nine years, and had not been previously charged. The brakes of the car were defective and the weather conditions were bad. He (Mr Pryor) hoped that the Bench would "temper the wind of the defendant because of his clean sheet."

The Bench retired for ten minutes, and on returning, the Chairman said the charge against defendant had been proved. He wished to say that it was a very serious offence indeed to drive a high-powered car on a slightly foggy day down hill at the excessive speed of 35 miles per hour, whether there were sheep or hounds on the road.

The Bench had very seriously considered whether to suspect the defendant's licence for a considerable period but after what his Solicitor had said they had decided to inflict a fine of £5 and £3 7s. 0d. cost.

The defendant's licence would also be endorsed.

Ardeley Fowl Stealing Charge

H.G. Stroud, of Wood End, Ardeley, appeared on a charge of fowl stealing at Ardeley. The defendant, an Ex-Sergt. of the Garrison Artillery, had an excellent record, which saved him from prison, the Magistrates imposing a fine of £5 and 15/- costs.

Evidence was given by William H. Livings, a farmer of Gt. Munden, who said that on January 12th he received information that his fowlhouse at Orange End had been broken into. He saw footmarks near the house, and later found that 28 fowls were missing. These he valued at 10/- each. The defendant had previously been to him and asked for work.

P.S. Dean gave evidence of interviewing the defendant in company with Inspector Herbert.

Defendant at first denied all knowledge of the matter, but later told the Sergeant that he had taken 12 fowls, and hearing that the police were making enquiries as to their loss, he took them to a field and released them. The Sergeant and the Inspector went to the field, but there was no trace of the fowls.

Supt. Wright said the defendant had served 11 years in the Army, having served in France from 1915 to the end of the war. After the war he obtained work as a temporary postman, and later was employed at Woolwich Arsenal, where he was discharged in September, 1925, with a good character. He was a married man with two children.

The Chairman said it was a dreadful thing to see a man in defendant's position. Here was a man with a excellent character stooping to petty foggy stealing. He, the Chairman, saw no reason why the defendant should not go to prison.

Mr Livings said he was prepared to assist the defendant, whereupon the Chairman said that defendant would have to pay Mr Livings £5 and the Court costs 15/-, further than that the defendant would be placed on probation for 12 months.

"Mr Livings has treated you very leniently," said the Chairman to the defendant.

28th January 1927 - Buckland Concert

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Buckland

Concert

On Friday, January 14th, in the School, a concert organised by the Rev. Phillips and Miss N. Pigg was a huge success, the amount taken, with the sale of programmes, being £9.

This amount is to be handed over to the Clothing Clubs &c., and the Nursing Fund. The room was crowded, quite a few having to stand.

A long and varied programme was arranged, and it would indeed be very difficult to pick out any item for particular mention, the piano solos, recitations, songs, violin solos, dance and ventriloquial performances being of the highest character.

Pretty and dainty indeed was the song and dance, "The red, red robin," by Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Edridge, Mrs Lanyon and Rev. Circuit gave songs, which were heartily encored, and by allowing the audience to join in the choruses it was a very happy time for all.

Mr Symes' violin solos were greatly appreciated. This gentleman, like Mr Daniels (ventriloquist) was not hitherto known to a Buckland audience. The latter gentleman caused roars of laughter, especially by making reference to the village Women's Institute and its choir.

Miss Hall's recitations were beautifully and feelingly rendered, and the play by Mrs Bailey and Mrs Seymour was very amusing and well played.

The Rev. F.B. Phillips thanked the audience for coming in such a number, whilst Miss N. Pigg passed a hearty vote of thanks to the performers.

A 6d. dance followed, from which the sum of £1 17s. 0d. was realised, and this is to be used for paying the expenses of the above.

A very enjoyable time for both young and old was brought to a close at 12.30 a.m.

Mr Bishop was at the piano for dancing.

14th January 1927 - Buckland

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Buckland

Past and present scholars of Buckland School were entertained to tea by the Rev. and Mrs Phillips of Buckland Rectory, on Friday, January 7th, in the school.

About 60 partook of a splendid tea, followed by songs by the Rev. and Mrs Phillips, and by the children, also recitations by the latter.

Various games were then played, which produced a great deal of fun.

The great feature of the evening was a large Christmas Tree, laden with presents and brilliantly lighted. Each child received two useful presents.

Afterwards those who wished to do so, indulged in dancing, and a very enjoyable evening ended with the singing of the National Anthem, and a call for three cheers by Francis Cole, one of the scholars, to which a hearty response was made.

As the children went out, each was given a bun, an orange and a packet of sweets.

18th February 1927 - Car v. Bullock

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Car v. Bullock

On Monday afternoon, during a thick fog, an Essex Six Motor Car, being driven in the direction of Buntingford by Mr Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, collided with a bullock between Chipping and Buckland.

The bullock was one of four being driven to Mr E. Mildren's farm, and the car hit it with such force that the animal was carried along on the bonnet; it received very bad injuries and had to be destroyed.

The driver of the car was unhurt, but the lamps and front of the car were badly smashed.

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Read the Petty Sessions report about this accident.

11th March 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the Chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Sequal to a Fog Mishap [original article]

Eric Lancelot Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, was summoned by the Police for driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland on 14th February, 1927.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr Walter Frampton, jun., instructed by Messrs. Lloyd and Armstrong, of London, W.C.

Edward Ellis Mildren, of Buckland House, Buckland, said on 14th February he took four bullocks to Buntingford Market, he drove them back to Buckland during the afternoon, leaving Buntingford at 2.45 p.m.

Between Chipping and Buckland he heard a car approaching from the direction of Buckland. There was a thick fog at the time, and he was unable to see more than 20 or 30 yards. He put up his hands for the car to stop, and called out to a boy who was ahead of the bullocks to do the same.

The witness then tried to get the bullocks on one side, but as the car did not appear to pull up, he jumped into the hedge; as he did so he heard the car crash into one of the bullocks which was carried down the road about 40 yards.

Witness went down and helped to get the bullock from underneath the car, and after staggering for some yards, the bullock fell down and had to be slaughtered.

In answer to Supt. Wright witness said the weight of the bullock was approximately 12 cwt. It was foggy all the way from Buntingford.

Cross-examined by Mr Frampton: The car was on its right side.

William A. Sell, a lad of 15, in the employ of Mr Mildren, said he was in front of the bullocks when he heard a car approaching. He saw a car through the fog, and the next instant it hit one of the bullocks and knocked it along the ground. It was a very foggy afternoon.

Police Constable Williams said he received a message to the effect that a car had collided with a bullock in Chipping. He went to the scene of the accident where he saw an Essex Six car on the near-side of the road. He measured a skid mark which was 156 feet long. The width of the road at the spot where the car was alleged to have hit the bullock was 20 feet.

Cross-examined: The car too up about 9ft. 9in. of the road, leaving 10ft. 3in. to the good.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said the defendant reported to him that he had hit a bullock on the road near Chipping; the defendant stated at the time that his speed was about 20 m.p.h.

The defendant, an Ex-Army Capt. with the M.C. and bar, said he was returning from Huntingdon on 14th February. As he was nearing Chipping, he ran into a mist which grew thicker.

He saw some cattle ahead, and instantly applied his brakes; he felt the front wheels of the car skid, and he found that it was impossible to avoid hitting one of the beasts which strayed across the road. His speed at the time was between 20 and 30 m.p.h. He paid a man to tow the car off the bullock.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Frampton said it was most difficult to judge the speed of a car coming towards you. There was a bank about 2 ft. high on the near-side of the road, and had Capt. Routh chosen this instead of the bullock, it might have led to more disastrous results. The owner of the bullock had been compensated for its loss.

The magistrates retired, and on returning, the Chairman said in their opinion it was a suitable case for the police to have brought forward; the evidence, however, did not lead them to the conclusion that there was sufficient evidence to convict.

The Bench wished to say that proper precautions were taken by the driver of the bullocks. It was one of those deplorable accidents which were difficult to evade in a thick fog.

School Attendance

Charles Glasscock, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, was summoned for not causing Joseph Wick to attend school regularly.

The attendance officer, Mr B.E. Thody, stated that the child had made 81 out of 96 attendances. The chairman said that an attendance order would be made.

Dog Licenses

Applications for exemption from dog licenses were considered and granted.

A Lady and Justice

The Chairman said that a letter had been received from Mrs Edis to the effect that she wished to speak from the Market Hill on the subject of Justice.

The Chairman said he was afraid it was not a matter for the magistrates to deal with, but perhaps the Police would look into the lady's request.

4th March 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr H. Gilby

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Buckland

Death and Funeral of Mr H. Gilby

Quite a gloom was cast over the village on Sunday, February 20th, when it became known that Henry Gilby (Nenny) had passed peacefully away the previous night. Though in failing health for some time, his end was sudden, at the age of 61 years.

Much sympathy has been expressed with his wife and two daughters in their sad loss. Always ready with a word and a joke - he will be missed by many.

The funeral took place on 24th February (Thursday) at 3 o'clock.

Beautiful floral tributes were as follows - "For Dad" from Mum and the girls; From Brother Albert, Liza and Nephew Harry; For dear dear Grandpa from little Daphne; With sincere sympathy from Mrs and Miss Mitchell; In loving memory of Uncle Henry from Nieces Agnes and Addie; With deep sympathy from all members of the Women's Institute and friends; With deepest sympathy from friends of the Football and Cricket Clubs.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Wilson, of Barkway.

15th April 1927 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, April 6th, the monthly meeting was held in the School at 6.30 p.m. This was arranged and very successfully carried through by members, the 1927 committee having a complete rest.

Mrs S. Pigg took the chair as President, Mrs F. Pigg was Vice-President, Mrs T. Pigg Secretary, and with the help of other members they are to be congratulated on such a successful and happy meeting.

Rather a lengthy business programme was gone through, and then Mrs Whiteside, of Barkway, gave a very interesting demonstration on sealing wax work.

The vote of thanks passed to this lady was very heartily carried.

Tea was a very pleasant time. The refreshments had been given by members, and thus the three-pences charged were clear profit, and these, with the pennies taken from those who would neither sing nor say, amounted to 15/9, which went to the Outing Fund.

Much fun was derived from the "Roll Call," as also from a play by four members, Mrs Young, Mrs Jarman, Mrs Tott and Miss M. Gilby, entitled "The Jumble Sale." It was well acted, and it is to be hoped will spur members on to thus entertain each other.

After a set of Musical Chairs, and Miss N. Pigg's congratulations on this well arranged meeting, the singing of God save the King brought another pleasent time to a close.

10th June 1927 - Cricket - Buckland v. Wyddiall

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Cricket

Buckland v. Wyddiall

A match between the above teams was played on Saturday last, Wyddiall winning by 20 runs on the first innings. Score:

Buckland

W. Jackson, c S, b H. Pledger - 6

C. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 0

A. Shepherd, b S. Pledger - 0

F. Hurry, run out - 10

F. Stoten, c and b S. Pledger - 4

F. Barker, c H. Hatchett, b Bonfield - 11

W. Shepherd, c Bonfield, b H. Pledger - 7

R. Whitby, b H. Pledger - 0

S. Whitby, b S. Pledger - 0

R. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 4

F. Hurry, no out - 0

Extras - 5

Total - 47.

Wyddiall

R. Reed, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 24

H. Hatchett, c Barker, b A. Shepherd - 0

E. Bonfield, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 5

T. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 6

H. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 13

C. Hatchett, c Barker - 0

S. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 0

H. May, c Hurry, b W. Jackson - 1

F. Hatchett, c R. Whitby, b A. Shepherd - 2

E. May, not out - 4

J. Martin, c and b W. Jackson - 2

Extras - 10

Total - 67

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H. Pledger's XI. v. Wyddiall Church Choir

This match resulted in an easy win for the Choir by 36 runs, due mainly to the good score of 43 set by R. Reed.

2nd November 1923 - An Accident

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An Accident

Whilst acting as a beater at a Shoot at Buckland, on Saturday last, Mr Ernest McNulty was shot in the knee.

The unfortunate man was at once removed to the Royston Cottage Hospital, where he was detained.

On enquiry this (Friday) morning, we learn that he is going on satisfactorily.