5th August 1927 - Congregational Church Garden Fete

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Buntingford

Congregational Church

Garden Fete

To those who are more immediately concerned in organising it, a garden fete is always a very anxious affair - until it is over!

The one held on Wednesday, the 27th inst., in connection with the Buntingford Congregational Church, was no exception to the rule, for the very intermittent downpours which continued throughout the day constituted and additional cause for apprehension.

But although contingent arrangements had been made for holding in the Schoolroom as many of the attractions as possible in the event of decidedly unfavourable weather, it was decided to carry on as previously intended. It is gratifying to know that both numerically (more particularly as the day wore on) and financially the event was a success.

The fete was held in the beautiful grounds of Layston Cottage, Buntingford (by the kind permissions of Mrs H.S. Ashford), and was opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs Greg, of Coles, Buntingford. Prayer was first offered by the minister, who introduced both Mrs Greg and the Rev. A.G. King, Rector of Westmill.

Mrs Greg's was a gracious and happily worded little speech, and both the opener of the fete and her supporter acknowledged the welcome extended to them. Little Nora Piggott presented Mrs Greg with a bouquet of very sweet flowers, and an expression of cordial thanks to the visitors was very heartily endorsed by those assembled for the opening.

It is practically impossible to give a complete list of all those who assist on such an occasion, by the following is as accurate a list as possible of the various helpers at the stalls, to which the friends now dispersed:

Stalls - Ladies' stall, Miss Dodd, Miss E. Dodd, Mrs Benstead, Mrs Cornwell, Mrs Scott; L.M.S. stall, Miss Edith Careless, assisted by Sunday School girl scholars; pound stall, Mrs Blaxill, Miss Doris Camp; fruit and vegetable stall, Miss Chrissie Norris, Miss Eileen Cutts; sweets stall, Mrs Halls, Miss Bolton, Mr and Mrs L. Smith; jumble stall, Mrs Baker, Mrs Ward.

Side attractions - Clock golf, Mr R.F. Dellow; weighing machine, Mr Scrivener; spinning arrow, Mr Scrivener, Mr C.L. Tutty, Mr Henry Clark; bran tub, Miss Winnie Ward.

During the afternoon, tea were very daintily served, those responsible for the catering, &c., being: Mrs C.L. Tutty, Miss Blanche Langham, Miss Edith Careless, Miss Mabel Cornwell, Miss Marjorie Cornwell, Miss Dolly Street, Mrs Hills, Miss Georgina Hills, Miss Nellie Howard, Miss Kathleen Smith, Miss Kitty Reed, and Sunday School girl scholars.

Miss Emily Benstead and Miss Dolly Street did duty at the lemonade stand. Ices, too, made a very welcome appearance, Miss Nora Ashford meeting the needs of customers.

There was again quite a number of competitions, &c., and the following is the list together with the names of those in charge (the names of the donors of the prizes are inserted in parentheses):

Stop-watch, Mr Henry Clark; cake-guessing (Mrs Mead), Miss Dorothy Saunders and S.S. scholars; duck guessing (Mr A. Dray), Leonard Saunders and Eric Halfhide; doll guessing (Mrs Squires), Miss Nora Piggott; steak and kidney pie (Mrs Peacock), Cyril Saunders; game of skill, Mr J. Cutts; jelly-eating, Miss Langham; pins guessing (Miss K. Minns), Miss Minnie Ashton and other S.S. girl scholars.

For the musical part of the proceedings, Mr A. Dray kindly lent his gramophone during the afternoon, the charge of which was undertaken by Harold Starr and Sidney Saunders; whilst in the evening the Standon Orchestra, under Mr A. Hedges, was in attendance from 6.30 p.m. and played for the dancing, which latter took place very soon after on the lower lawn, Mr Leslie Smith acting as M.C.

Mr Newson rendered great help in exacting toll at the gate, and was relieved by Mr W.H. Smith.

Just before 10 p.m., the minister announced the results of the various competitions, and the list of winners is appended:

Of lady's wrist watch, Mr Leslie Smith; of the clock golf prize, Mr S. Daniels; of the cake, the minister; of the duck, Nurse Davies; of the doll, Mrs Woods; of the pie, Miss Helen Fraser; and of the needlework box, Miss Minnie Ashton.

The minister expressed the great thanks of all to Mrs Ashford for throwing open the grounds as she had done, and this was very heartily confirmed. He said how grateful he was to all who had so willingly given any assistance whatsoever towards making the event so successful. There was a final dance, and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.

As already indicated, it is impossible to enumerate the helpers on an occasion such as this for their name is legion, but in addition to the stall-holders and those mentioned above, all of whom rendered splendid service on the grounds, mention must be made of the help given in removal of furniture, &c., both before and after the day; of the assistance rendered on the grounds by Mr Pledger; of the splendid response to the appeal for provisions and for articles for the stalls; and of the help of Mr S. Daniels (Messrs. Moss & Sons, Ltd.), the motor greatly facilitating the conveyance of furniture, &c. To each and all, as also to the Workmen's Club for hire of tables, and to the Rev. L.W. Wright for materials, grateful thanks are proffered.

As a result of the fete, it is estiamted that the gross receipts will approximate to £43, and the nett proceeds to £33. J.C.

18th March 1927 - Congregational Church Social

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Congregational Church Social

A very pleasant time was spent in the Congregational Schoolroom on Thursday in last week, the occasion being a social.

There was a very good gathering, and in an opening remark or two, the Minister referred to the various phases of Church life, including the devotional or spiritual and the social sides. The room had been attractively decorated by Mr H. Cutts.

A lengthy programme of miscellaneous items was carried through, consisting of - pianoforte solos (Miss Blanche Langham, Miss M. Ashton); solos (Miss Emily Benstead, Miss Langham, Miss Dorothy Howard); recitations and humourous readings (Mrs G. Saggers, Miss Langham, the Minister).

A sketch entitled "Our at-home day" caused much amusement, the various parts being taken by Miss Benstead, Miss Edith Careless and Miss Kitty Camp, and the item being very well performed. The introduction of Community singing marked a change in the usual programme, whilst two competitions were provocative of much fun.

The response to the appeal for refreshments was splendid, and during an interval these were now served.

At the close there was an announcement of the competition result together with an expression of thanks to all who had helped to make the evening a success. Best thanks are certainly due to the many who kindly contributed towards the refreshments; to the members of the Ladies' Committee, and other lady helpers who in many ways rendered splendid service in connection with the social; to those who assisted in the entertainment and sketch and duties relevant; to those who had worked "behind the scenes," and to all who helped to make the social so successful.

The proceeds of the evening were on behalf of the Church funds.

The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought the social to a conclusion.

15th April 1927 - Buntingford Tennis Club Annual General Meeting

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Buntingford Tennis Club

Annual General Meeting

A Change of Officers

The Annual General Meeting of the Buntingford Tennis Club was held on Monday evening. The Rev. John Cole presided, and there was a good attendance of members.

The Hon. Treasurer presented the balance sheet for 1926 season. Particulars were as follows:

Receipts

26 Members subscriptions and donations - £9 18s. 11d.

Visitors fees - 5s. 0d.

Donations from H.C. Marshall, Esq. 1925 season - £3 0s. 0d.

1926 season - £3 0s. 0d.

Total - £16 3s. 11d.

Expenditure

Balance due to Treasurer from 1925 season - £1 15s. 5d.

Groundsman Mr Handy - Cementing standard, repairing gate and pavilion, and coating with solignum - £5 0s. 0d.

Balls - £1 8s. 7d.

Repairs to mower - 16s. 6d.

Rent of courts - £3 0s. 0d.

Whitening, &c. - 1s. 6d.

Baance of donation to hospitals whist drive - 2s. 9d.

Total - £16 3s. 11d.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the accounts, and said he thought they were entirely satisfactory; the Club had had a most successful year. The Chairman also moved the re-election of Mr H.C. Marshall as President of the Club. Mr Marshall had supported them for many seasons, and it would be difficult to find a better President.

This was carried with applause.

The Chairman said the meeting would regret to learn that Mr and Mrs B.E. Thody had decided to resign the offices of secretary and treasurer respectively. Mrs Thody had been treasurer since the formation of the Club in 1914, and Mr Thody had been secretary since 1919. Both had done yeoman service for the Club, and the members regretted their resignation.

He (the Chairman) would move that a very heatry vote of thanks be accorded them for their service.

This was carried.

Mr B.E. Thody, in replying, said that they had both intimated last year that they hoped someone else would come forward this season. During the years they had held office their associations with the members had always been most pleasant, and if the spirit of good friendship that had existed in the Club up to now was continued there would be no reason to fear that they success of the Club would be continued.

There were several members who had been with the Club since its formation, and thanks were due to them, and to others who had ceased play, for the work that had been done to put the courts in such an excellent condition. In the early days of the Club they had no wire meeting or pavillion, and the members had to mow the courts themselves.

The Chairman said he quite agreed with what had been said about the good fellowship that existed between all the members. They had an excellent ground, a good pavillion, nets &c., and a very low subscription. He was not in Buntingford when the Club was formed, but he would like to record his appreciation of the work that had been done.

Election of Officers

Mr Leslie Smith was appointed as Hon. Secretary and Miss I. Aylott as Hon. Treasurer.

The Committee elected were: Mrs S. Smith, Mrs J. Aylott, Miss Careless, Miss Bush, the Rev. John Cole, Messrs. S. Smith and W. Smith. Captain - Mr S. Howlett, Vice-Captain, Mr H. Clark.

Suggestions as to the matches, ground improvements, &c., were discussed, and the annual subscription was fixed for 7/6 inclusive.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.

24th Feb 1928 - Congregational Social

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Congregational Social

A very enjoyable evening was spent on Thursday, September 16th, in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom, the occasion being a church social. 

A good number of friends gathered in the schoolroom, which had been very attractively decorated during the afternoon by Mr H. Cutts, assisted by Miss Norris, the members of Miss Careless's sewing class also having been busy to the same end.

The Rev. Tom Warren, Congregational Minister of Cheshunt, was present, and he retained the interest of his hearers for fully an hour in lecturing, in his own racy manner, on "People I have met in the Workhouse."

The Minister, in thanking Mr Warren for his kindness in coming and in lecturing, asked him to convey the greetings of the Buntingford Church to that at Cheshunt, and this suggestion was warmly endorsed in the usual manner.

During an interval refreshments were served, these having been donated by the friends in the usual very generous manner, the ladies of the Church again carrying through the necessary arrangements for the dispensing of the same.

The followed a programme of entertainment, consisting of songs, pianforte items, readings and recitations, competitions, &c., the latter causing very much merriment, prizes being awarded to the successful competitors.

The financial proceeds of the social were on behalf of Church funds, and the best thanks are due to all who in so many ways, refreshments, assistance preparatory to and during the social, &c., rendered possible such a pleasant evening.

3rd Feb 1928 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Sunday afternoon, January 29ths, a very happy little service was held in the Buntingford Congregational Church, the occasion being the annual prize distribution in connection with its Sunday School.

The meeting was in the nature of an open service, which means that the parents of the scholars and any interested in the Sunday School and its work are invited to be present.

There was a good gathering, therefore, of other adults to join the scholars and their officers and teachers. The hymns chosen were very beautiful, and the whole service was very reverently gone through.

The special part of this service was the distribution of prizes to those scholars who had mdae the requisite number of attendances in 1927, and who had deserved commendation for good conduct.

Capt. Gloyns, of the Buntingford branch of the Salvation Army, was present and kindly presented the books to the successful scholars.

Mr R.F. Dellow, S.S. Superintendent, introducted Capt. Gloyns and acknowledged her kindly interest in the school, and later offered her the warmest thanks for coming.

Though the number of book prizes was small, the Captain made a pleasing little ceremony of it, and, in a happy little speech to the scholars, urged them to "keep clear of mud." This they could do in the strength of the saviour.

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On Wednesday evening last the Congregational Church scholars met with their officers and teachers in the schoolroom for a social evening. They all enjoyed a very happy time together, and entered with great pleasure into the games and competitions, &c., which had been arranged for them. They also had refreshments served to them during the evening and, as they left at the close, an orange.

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A weekly sewing class for girls is held in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom under Miss Edith Careless, and on Thursday evening, January 12th, the class met in the schoolroom for a social evening. A very pleasant time was spent by those who came, and after the tea which was provided for them the evening's programme consisted of games, recitations, &c.

26th Feb 1926 - Social at the Congregational Church

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Social at the Congregational Church

On Thursday, February 18th, in the Congregational Church Schoolroom, a very enjoyable evening was spent, the occasion being a Church Social. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated by Mr Herbert Cutts, and presented a very pleasing appearance.

The evening commenced with a general conversazione. Then followed various musical items, &c., Miss Dorothy Howard (solo, "All Alone"); Miss Kathleen Smith (pianoforte, "Birds of Paradise," &c.); Miss Kitty Camp (pianoforte), Miss Alice Franklin (recitation, "The Key to the Situation"). 

A number of competitors took part in a previously prepared piece of unpunctuated prose. This caused great amusement, the audience being informed, e.g., that wine could be made with glycerine, special trains would be run updside down. In this competition, Mr Leonard Skipp, of Cottered, made the least number of mistakes.

Miss Emily Benstead followed with a monologue, "The Lost Golosh." She took her part well (finding in the end that this lost piece of footwear was residing serenely inside the other golosh). All these items were enthusiastically applauded.

Two sketches followed, one entitled "The Neighbours of Gooseberry Court" by Mr and Mrs Skipper ("Mrs Dobbs" and "Mrs Perkins" respectively) and Miss Gladys Mean ("Miss Amelia Copper") of the Cottered Congregational Church; and the second, entitled "Uncle Joseph" by Mr Herbert Cutts ("Mr Samuel Smith"), Miss Emily Benstead ("Mrs Selena Smith"), Mr C.L. Tutty ("Mr Dick Saunders"), Miss Edith Careless ("Miss Kitty Smith"), Mr Harry Feasey ("Mr Joe Tubb" and "Uncle Joseph," a myth), and Miss Kitty Camp ("Jane").

The artistes in both instances are to be congratulated on their excellent performance, while the amusement and merriment that accompanied their various experiences and adventures before the curtain was drawn must have been sufficient reward for all the preparation and care which they had given.

There was an interval between the two sketches for two items in which everyone took part. The members of the Ladies' Committee assisted by willing helpers, waited on the company with trays of tea, coffee and cakes, which many friends had, with their usual generosity, kindly contributed; and a collection was taken on behalf of the funds of the Church.

At the close the Minister thanked all who in any way (by gifts, time or services) had assisted towards the evening's pleasure.

The Doxology brought the evening to a close.