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.

13th August 1926 - Women's Institute Group Meeting

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Women's Institute Group Meeting

Members Entertained at Aspenden House

It is fortunate that Aspenden House, the home of Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, contains so many spacious rooms, for one Thursday of last week some 200 members of the Buntingford Group of the Women's Institute, who were to have been entertained in the beautiful gardens, had to seek shelter indoors.

Mrs Williams, the popular Group Leader, had made all arrangements for an outdoor event, when a heavy shower sent everyone under cover.

The large rooms downstairs were cleared of furniture, and some 200 members from Buntingford, Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Westmill and Weston Institutes were entertained to tea, &c.

There was great enthusiasm throughout the afternoon, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all.

Members of the Westmill Institute gave a delightful sketch, entitled "My Man John," and later Mrs C.R. Turney, of Mardleybury Manor, gave an address on "Co-operation," in which she referred to Mrs Williams' work for the Group.

At the close Mrs May proposed a hearty vote from thanks to Mrs Williams for her hospitality, she had done wonders under such trying conditions.

Mrs E.T. Morris seconded the proposition, which was carried with great cordiality. Votes of thanks to the players and to Mrs Turney were proposed by Mrs H.C. Marshall.

Fortunate, the weather cleared up during the evening, and the company enjoyed a walk around the gardens. Photos of the members were taken on the lawn.

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.

8th October 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Group Conference at Buntingford

A Visit from Headquarters

A most successful meeting took place on Friday last at the Benson Hall, Buntingford, when members from Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Weston and Westmill joined their friends at Buntingford. Representatives from Standon and Pelham Groups were also present.

The chair was taken by Mrs H.H. Williams of Aspenden House, the Group Leader for his district.

In welcoming the members, Mrs Williams said it was a pleasure to see so many present, it showed the interest taken in the various Institutes.

Particular interest was taken in an address on "The responsibility of the individual member," given by the Hon. Miss Farrer from Headquarters.

The speaker urged the necessity for close co-operation between members and between Institutes. Each member had a most important part in the success of the Institute, and if she fulfilled her part the success of the body as a whole would be ensured.

Following her address came a charming little speech from Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, a V.C.O.

Tea was capitally arranged and served by members of the Buntingford Institute, and later much amusement was caused by a game organised by Miss Farrer.

A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mrs Vernede, Group Leader for Standon, and seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, the local President.

The singing of the National Anthem closed a very pleasant and profitable afternoon, enhanced by delightful sunshine.

Before Miss Farrer left, she said she would always remember Buntingford as being "Such a friendly meeting."

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.

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.

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.

25th June 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute Outing

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Buckland

Women's Institute Outing

The Annual Outing took place on Tuesday, June 15th, 30 members going by char-a-banc to Felixstowe.

A very happy time was spent there and everyone was unanimous in giving Mr W.J. Carter, of Royston, thanks for the splendid way in which he gave attention to the making of the journey pleasant and safe.

21st May 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The monthly meeting was again held in the school on Wednesday, May 12th, at 6.30 p.m. The members again made a good attendance, this time to enjoy the bountiful tea given by Mrs E.T. Morris, of the Bury. The hostess, with Miss P. Morris, made all feel thoroughly at home, and a very happy time was spent.

Business being over, Mrs Stapley, of Buntingford, gave a really useful demonstration in the cutting out and putting together of a dress. Mrs J. Hurry made a very good model, and it proved a very happy, yet useful, time.

Both ladies were thanked for their services, as was also Mrs G. Turney, who so kindly judged the bun competition. This proved a rather difficult task, as the judge herself said, but to everyone's satisfaction, Mrs Young, Mrs Jarman, and Mrs A. Jackson came out on top.

Voting for the summer outing took place, and "Felixstowe" won.

Whist was played, and Mrs Morris kindly acted as M.C. It was found Miss E. Coxall had gained highest number; Mrs H. Geaves lowest. Prizes were generously given by Mrs Morris. 

Before closing the meeting, Mrs T. Hurry heartily thanked Mrs and Miss Morris for so kindly giving such a splendid tea, and this was carried with applause. The meeting ended by all joining in singing God Save the King.

7th May 1926 - Buckland Fancy Dress Dance

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Buckland

Fancy Dress Dance

A Successful Event

The fancy dress dance, held at the School on Friday evening last, was quite a success, and the organisers and workers are to be congratulated on the financial result, i.e., £8.

The event was in aid of the Women's Institute Funds, and there was a croweded attendance, a large number being attired in fancy dresses. The judges were Mr and Mrs F.B. Cannon, of Hyde Hall, and they had a difficult task to fulfil.

After much deliberation the judges awarded prizes to the following: Miss L. Hurry (Indian Prince), Mrs F. Pigg (Hawker), Mrs R. Stoten (Japanese Costume), Miss R. Beale (Uncle Sam), Miss ____ (Welsh Girl), Miss M. Pigg (Chrysanthemum), Miss E. Whitby (Cigar), Mrs S. Jarman (Ryder's Seeds), and Mr R. Jackson (Tramp).

The prizes were won in the various classes. Miss P. Morris, who very effectively represented a Post Office clearing box, passed on her prize.

The fancy and other dresses mingling for the dancing which followed presented a very striking scene. The Standon Orchestra provided an excellent programme of music, and when the party dispersed it was unanimously agreed that the event was one of the best of its kind held in Buckland.

Mention should be made of the Institute Committee, who were in charge of the refreshments, which gave satisfaction. As stated, the proceeds exceeded £8.

19th Nov 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The November monthly meeting was held in the School on the 10th at 6.30 p.m.

The business having been gone over, the members received a Paper Mache Demonstration at the hands of the Hon. Miss B. Gibbs. Many members took actual part in this, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the demonstrator by the President.

A competition, "Best Xmas Present for 1/-," was won by Miss P. Morris and Mrs H. Carter, the judge (Hon. Miss Gibbs) finding it impossible to decide between the two.

Tea was served by Mrs J. Carter, Mrs J. South, Mrs Hoar, Mrs H. Carter, Miss Ellis and Miss N. Carter.

A delightful play was given by three friends from Barkway, entitled "Between the soup and the savoury."

Nomination papers for the 1927 Committee were distributed.

A very pleasant evening was closed by all singing God Save the King.

12 Oct 1928 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The usual monthly meeting was held in the School on Wednesday evening, when the President, Miss N. Pigg, was in the chair. Nearly all members were present.

The meeting opened with a demonstration on silk flower making by Mrs Codrington, of Great Hormead Bury, who exhibited a gorgeous assortment of her own making.

Envious eyes were cast upon these, and the demonstrator was cordially thanked before leaving.

Business having been dealt with, tea was enjoyed. Then followed a small "Exchange and Mart." An amusing sketch, entitled "Impossible Perkins," was given by Miss Gilbey (hon. secretary), Mrs Tott and Mrs Masters, and these ladies were also heartily thanked.

The singing of the National Anthem terminated a very pleasant evening.

[Transcriber note: The demonstrator's name is clearly spelled as Codrington, but a Mr Coddington of Hormead Bury was a speaker at Hormead WI in February 1926, so I'm not sure what the correct surname spelling is.]