28th December 1928 - Catholic Church

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Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is more beautifully decorated than in any previous year, owing to the exceptionally large number of flowers presented for the purpose. White chrysanthemums and narcissi predominate, and there is a profusion of holly and other evergreen.

The Church was packed for the Midnight Mass which ushered in the Feast of Christmas, and many were unable to get seats.

Father Morgan, in a short sermon, spoke of the "Good Tidings of Great Joy" announced to the Shepherds by the Angel, pointing out that the Source of that joy is our Blessed Lord. Our Lady and St. Joseph, in spite of their poverty and homelessness, were far happier than any of those who were comfortable housed and well-fed in Bethelehem, because they had Him with them. He alone can give us that happiness which thrills the heart and the very core of our being. By living for Him, doing everything for Him, with the object of pleasing Him, we can have Him perpetually in our hearts. And this gives the truly Joyful Christmas and the Happy New Year.

The organist, Mrs Castle, was unfortunately unable to be present, and was much missed by all. But a deputy accompanied the singing, which was tasteful and enjoyable.

The choir rendered the Kyrie from Turner's Mass of St. John the Baptist, the Adeste as an Offertory piece, a Benedictus by Terry, and all joined in the hymn "O Bread of Heaven" after receiving Holy Communion.

Carols were sung before and after the Mass - "Silent Night," "Angelic Messenger," and "A Child this day is born."

The Christmas Mass at the Convent was at 8 a.m., at which appropriate music was beautifully sung by the Sisters and boys; and the third Mass of Christmas was at the Church at 9 a.m.

It was announced that the first Mass was offered for all living in the parish, the second for the Convent, and the third for all who have in any way showed kindness to the parish priest.

In the Lady Chapel is the "Crib" or representation of the Cave in the hill-side, with figures of the Divine Baby, our Lady, St Joseph, the Shepherds and some of the sheep tended by the latter.

It is illuminated with a glow of red, and tends to aid the devotion of all who visit it, helping them to realise the scene at Bethlehem. This "Crib" remains till after the Epiphany, at which Feast the Wise Men are added to the company.

28th January 1927 - Cards and Dancing

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Cards and Dancing

Ten prizes for whist in well-warmed and commodious surroundings, and two hours' dancing on the best floor in the neighbourhood, is good value for 1/6! And this may be obtained at the Whist Drive and Dance next Wednesday, February 2nd, at the Benson Hall, Buntingford.

Tickets may be had from Mr Castle, Mrs Coates, Mr Fry, Mrs Leslie, Miss Marriage (Aspenden), Mr Martin (Wyddiall), Mrs Philpott and others.

Tickets bought before the day carry a chance of a "Lucky Prize." Those wanting Whist or Dance only can pay 1/0 at the door.

Play will start at 7.30 sharp in order to ensure two hours' dancing, and patrons are respectfully asked to be punctual.

4th February 1927 - Benson Hall

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Benson Hall

Ninety-four sat down to whist at the Benson Hall last Wednesday, and over a hundred took part in the dancing.

Ten prizes were advertised for the drive, and eleven were awarded - the extra one being a dozen eggs for the "Lucky Chair," which was occupied by Mr H. Clark.

The other prizes were won by the following:

Top score (large iced cake), Mr T.H. Holden.

Ladies' prizes: 1st (set of tea knives), Mrs Case; 2nd (cushion cover) Miss Margery Cornwell; 3rd (silk tea cosy) Miss Mabel Cornwell; lowest score (chocolate babies) Mrs Leslie.

Men's prizes: 1st (hair brushes in case) Mr E. Ward; 2nd (woolly scarf) Mr E. Bruce; 3rd (fifty cigarettes) Mr J. Moule; lowest score (chocolate wireless set) Mr J. Wornham.

Lucky ticket (5/-) Mr H. Hatchett.

The prizes were presented by Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs Leslie, Miss Marriage, Miss Morgan, Mrs Philpott, and others.

Refreshments were given by Mrs Bennett, Mrs Blakiston, Mrs Coates, Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs Game, Mrs Leslie, Miss Lushington, Miss Morgan, Mrs Plumb, and Miss D. Spencer, most of whom worked indefatigately in serving the same.

The M.C.'s were Mr Clarke for the whist and Mr Blakiston for the dancing. It was largely due to the tactful methods of the former that the drive was finished in time for two hours' dancing.

Miss Blakiston was in the pay box; and Messrs. Blakiston, jun., Castle and Rowley acted as Stewards. The Hall was prepared and clearned by Messrs. Blakiston, jun., and Castle.

Music for the dancing was supplied by the "Standon Orchestra," and a highly successful and enjoyable evening terminated at midnight.

It is hoped that Miss Lushington's Whist Drive and Dance for the Nursing Fund on the 16th will also be well patronised.

3rd June 1927 - Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

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Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

The annual two days' bazaar, in aid of the Catholic Church funds, was held in the Benson Hall on Saturday and Monday last.

The usual throng of bargain hunters filled the Hall on both days, and the enormous stock, which had been received from far and wide, was almost sold out.

There were seven stalls replete with articles, a large jumble stall being a special attraction. There was no opening ceremony, but business commenced punctually at the advertised time.

Among the sellers and helpers were Father Morgan, Miss Morgan, Mrs Leslie, Mrs Dowdney, Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs P. Castle, Miss Mulvany, Miss Macgennis, Mrs Wignall, Mrs Boniface, Miss Hatchett, Mrs Bennett, Miss Buchanan, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs and Miss Blakiston, Miss Marriage, Mrs Fox, Miss Spencer, Mr H.M. Blakiston and Mr E.J. Sparkes, Girlie Leslie, Stella Reid, Ivy Graves and Gertie Fox.

There were a few side-shows, these being as follows: 1, silver mine, in which prizes went to Miss M. Harritt and Miss C. Anderson; guessing weight of coal, correctly guessed by Mrs Boniface and Mrs A.G. Day; 3, cake, won by Miss M. North and Miss Mulvany. A 2d. dip was cleared out on both days.

Mrs Philpott did a brisk sale of refreshments.

At the conclusion of the bazaar Father Morgan thanked all the helpers, whose hard work had ensured success.

2nd November 1923 - Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

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Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mrs Ernest J. Crane, of Buntingford.

Mrs Crane, before her marriage was an assistant mistress in the Barkway Council Schools, a post she held with some distinction until her marriage in 1917. She was much esteemed by all her pupils on account of her kind disposition, and was greatly respected by a large circle of friends in Barkway and Buntingford.

After a short illness the end came on Sunday last, and much sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband and her six months' old child.

On Wednesday afternoon the remains were conveyed by motor hearse to the deceased's old home at Barkway, where she was born. The funeral took place at Barkway yesterday (Thursday).

The Rev. W.T. Stubbs very impressively officiated at the service, and a large number of friends were present to pay their last respects.

Mrs Bowman presided at the organ, and the hymn sung was "On the Resurrection Morning." As the cortege left the church the organist played Mendelssohn's "Oh Rest in the Lord."

The plain oak coffin bore a breast plated inscribed:

Jessie R. Crane, Died October 28th, 1923, Aged 36 years.

The immediate mourners were Mr E.J. Crane (husband), Mr and Mrs Copeland (father and mother), Mr and Mrs C. Copeland (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs J. Crane (mother-in-law), Mrs H. Beeton (sister-in-law), Mr H. Beeton, Mrs E. Martin and Mrs Knife (cousins), Mrs F.G. Crane (aunt), Mrs Gray and the seven employees of the firm.

Amongst the 54 beautiful floral tokens were the following:

To dear Jessie, from her loving husband and little John - "A devoted wife and loving mother."

To our loving daughter, from her affectionate father and mother.

In loving memory, from Mother and Mary.

In loving remembrance, from the old Barkway scholars.

With heartfelt sympathy, from the Organist and Choir of Barkway Church.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Ex-Service Men's Club.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Women's Institute.

With deepest sympathy, from the tradesmen of Buntingford.

With sincere sympathy, from the teachers of Barkway School.

In loving remembrance from Harold and Millie.

In affectionate remembrance, from uncle, aunt and Cyril.

With deepest sympathy, from Harry.

With loving sympathy, from auntie Gray.

With sincere sympathy, from Barney, Bert and Harry.

With deepest sympathy from Castle, Clark, Parker and Clark sen.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr George Saggers.

11th June 1926 - The Bazaar

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The Bazaar

The Bazaar in the Benson Hall on June 5th and 7th was a great success. The exact amoung of the takings is not yet known, but will be about £120. Large numbers filled the Hall on both days, and hearty appreciation was expressed at the price of the goods offered. The enormous stock was almost sold out.

There were eight stalls - fancy goods, coats and skirts, jumpers and blouses, underclothing, men's clothes, boots and shoes, refreshments, and a "Woolworths" stall at which every article was 6d. or less.

Among the sellers were the Rev. Mother and Sisters from the Convent, Mesdames Bennett, Castle, Dowding, Gabbitas sen., Gabbitas jun., Game, Leslie, Plumb, Watson; Misses Blakiston, Day, Graves, Knight, Leslie, Marriage, McCarthy, Morgan, Spencer, Wilkerson; Messrs. Castle, Charles Gabbitas, Fred Gabbitas, Rowley.

Among the side-shows were - 1, silver mine, in which the prizes went to Miss D. Spencer and Mr P. Castle; 2, guessing weight of lump of coal (113 and a half lbs.), correctly guessed by Mr M. Blakiston; 3, cake, won by Miss Marriott; 4, basket of eggs, won by Mrs Knight; 5, dinner (chicken, vegetables, sweets), won by Mr Balls; 6, table-centre, won by Mrs Leslie.

Father Owen, the former parish priest, gave great pleasure to his old friends, by motoring down from town with his brother and mother on the Monday afternoon.

At the conclusion of the Bazaar, Father Morgan thanked all the helpers, whose hard work had ensured this great success.

Bazaar Items

Parcels for the Bazaar came from all over England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The promoters intended to keep a record of the number of parcels and boxes, but lost count after two hundred.

It took hundreds of hours to mark the goods.

One stall was marked "Here we are - Woolworths," every article being 6d. or less.

Buyers were five deep round some of the stalls. 

A big trade was done in hot tea and ices. No, the ices were not hot.

The weight of a lump of coal could be guessed for 1d. It was 113 and a half lbs.

Competitors were allowed to pick it up, but did not.

One of the guessers asked "Would it be a ton?" The frivolous custodian replied "It would be if it could, but it can't."

The coal was won (of course) by a man who uses no coal in his house.

A silver mine contained silver coins, the position of which could be guessed for 1d.

There was no strike of miners.

Guessing was popular. The weight of a cake could be guess for 6d, and the number of eggs in a closed basket for 3d.

Brigands in pretty dresses and bobbed tresses recorded the guesses.

Father Morgan guessed 19 lbs. for the cake. This was considered uncomplimentary.

Nobody said a cross word all through the Bazaar, and everybody seemed pleased with everything. There were many wonderful bargains.

14th May 1926 - Funeral of Mrs J. Matthews

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Rushden

Funeral of Mrs J. Matthews

On Tuesday afternoon, the moral remains of Mrs J. Matthews, widow of the late Rev. J. Matthews, were laid to rest in a corner of the little Churchyard.

Many old residents of the village were present to pay their last respects to one whose long life was given to the Kingdom of God. The Rev. Matthews was for 47 years vicar of Rushden, and since his death, his widow has resided at Felixstowe, where she passed away last week at the advanced ago of 80 years.

The remains were brought by road and were carried in to the Church by village men, most of whom had been members of the choir under deceased. The Vicar and the Rev. A. Howard, of Layston, conducted the service, which was fully choral, and quite in keeping with such an one as deceased.

There was a large number present at the Church, including the parishioners to do honour to her memory. Beside the immediate mourners we noticed: Dr and Mrs Fell, Mrs A. Dixon, Miss Woods, Mrs B. Cannon, Mrs Dudley, sen., Mrs H.E. Dudley, Mrs W. Sale, Mrs Tweed, Mrs Beadle, Mr and Mrs F.B. Cannon, Mr B. Cannon, Mrs Newland, Mrs P. Castle, Miss Field, and many others.

There was a large number of floral tributes, including a beautiful wreath from the old parishioners.