2nd March 1928 - Wyddiall Lantern Lecture

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Wyddiall

Lantern Lecture

Mr J.W. Harvey, of Puckeridge, visited the parish of Wyddiall on Tuesday in last week, and gave an interesting lantern lecture on the subject of "True as Steel."

The connective story was read by the Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford, and there was a good number present, who were very interested in Mr Harvey's pictures.

Two favourite hymns were sung, and at the conclusion the Rector (Rev. Mc. C. Kerr) thanked the lecturer. A collection was taken on behalf of the Colportage Association.

25th January 1924 - Engagement

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Engagement

The engagement is announced between the Revd. Frederick J. Cole, Minister of Buntingford Congregational Church, and Miss C. Edith Nevill, daughter of V. St. John Nevill, Eqs., of Cottered.

The marriage will take place shortly.

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 - Pretty Wedding

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Pretty Wedding

Monk-Jones - Ashford

There was a large attendance at the Buntingford Congregational Church on Wednesday last, when the marriage took place between Miss Elizabeth Sharland Ashford, youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr H.S. Ashford, J.P., of Layston Cottage, Buntingford, and Mr Norman Monk-Jones, B.A., of Bishops Stortford College.

The officiating clergy were the Rev. H.C. Carter, M.A., of Cambridge, and the Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford.

The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr E.J. Ashford, wore a bridal dress of white crepe de chine, grey shoes and stocking, and black hat, and carried a bouquet of blue cornflowers. She was attended by her sister, Miss N.J. Ashford.

The duties of best man were ably discharged by Mr A. Monk-Jones, brother of the bridegroom.

Mr H. Cutts was at the organ, and played Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." The hymns sung were "The King of Love my Shepherd is" and "Praise my soul the King of Heaven."

A reception was held at the home of the bride, and was attended by upwards of 70 guests. Later, amid hearty congratulations, Mr and Mrs Monk-Jones left for their honeymoon, which is being spent in Brittany.

The wedding presents numbered over 100.

14th January 1927 - Funeral of Mr T. Saggers

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Funeral of Mr T. Saggers

The funeral of Mr Thomas Saggers, whose death we announced last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon.

The service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard, the lesson being read by the Revd. John Cole.

The coffin, which was of plain oak, with brass furniture, was inscribed - Thomas Saggers, Died 2nd January, 1927. Aged 76 years.

The immediate mourners were: Messrs Charles and Arthur Saggers (sons), Messrs G. and S. Saggers (brothers), Mrs G. Saggers (sister-in-law), Mrs A. Saggers (daughter-in-law).

A number of deceased's old friends and neighbours were at the Churchyard, and there were upwards of 20 floral tributes.

14th January 1927 - A Birthday Party

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A Birthday Party

A pleasing little event took place at the Poor Law Institution on Monday afternoon last, the occasion being the 93rd anniversary of the birthday of one of the inmates - Miss E. Purkiss.

The birthday was celebrated by tea in the ward, and in addition to the women inmates, the following joined in the celebrations  Mr F.W. Butler (Master), Mr J.W. Sutterby, Mr E.C. Clarke (Clerk to the Guardians) and the Revd. John. Cole, whilst the serving was very kindly carried out by the Matron (Mrs F.W. Butler), assisted by the nurses.

After tea all joined in the hymn "O God our help in ages past," followed by the offering of prayers and the benediction.

Miss Purkiss was overcome by the many congratulations and good wishes which she received. Among the presents was an iced cake, suitably inscribed, from the Buntingford Board of Guardians.

14th January 1927 - Universal Week of Prayer

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Universal Week of Prayer

Meetings in connection with the above, organised by the World's Evangelical Alliance in 1846, and which has been observed in Buntingford for the past 30 years, were held during the first week of the New Year.

The appointed subjects for prayer, which were being remembered by Christians in all parts of the world, included Thanksgiving and Humiliation, the Universal Church, Nations and Governments, Home and Foreign Missions, and our Young People.

Prayer was led on successive days by a short address from Rev. A. Howard, Rev. J. Cole, Rev. E.E. Empringham, Mr H. May, and Capt. W. Green.

The meetings were well attended, and were noticeable for an atmosphere of fellowship and unity.

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.

7th January 1927 - Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

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Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

The funeral of the late Mr Harry Woodley, licensee of "The White Hart," Buntingford, whose death was reported last week, took place on Thursday, December 30th.

The remains, encassed in a plain elm coffin, were conveyed to the Church by a Washington car.

The coffin was inscribed:

Harry Woodley, Died December 24th, 1926, Aged 65 years.

The first part of the service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard, while the lesson was read by the Rev. John Cole.

The immediate mourners were: Mrs Woodley (wife), Miss Woodley (daughter), Mrs Fox and Mrs Chapman (sisters), Messrs. F.R. and L. Woodley (brothers), Mrs F. Woodley and Mrs L. Woodley (sisters-in-law), Mr Seller, Mr F. Seller, Mr and Mrs J. Seller (nephews and niece), Mr H. Gray, Mr F. Stoten, and the Rev. John Cole.

It will be re-called that the deceased served in the Metropolian Police Force for 25 years, and a  touching reminder of this was shown by the presence at the Church and graveside of Srgt. Dean, of the Buntingford Police Station.

Amongst other townspeople present, we observed Mrs E. Law, Mrs Warner, Mrs Thody, Mrs Borsberry, Mrs Winters, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Lawrence, Mrs Crouch, Mrs Watson, Mrs Plumb, Mrs Franklin, Mr S. Saggers and others.

There were several beautiful floral tokens, which were sent by the following:

From his sorrowing wife and daughter; George and Jane; Frank and Fanny and Family; Leonard and Clara; Jack and Kate; Jack and Rose, Billy and Mill; Brother Bob, Walter and Mabel; Flo, Walt, and Jack; Fred and Birdie; Mr and Mrs Stoten and Fred; Mr and Mrs Mottram and Sid; Rev. J. Cole; Mr and Mrs H. Gray; Mr and Mrs W. Gray; Mrs Robinson; Mr and Mrs Franklin; Mr and Mrs Haddock; and Miss E. Cato.

11th March 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

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Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

We sincerely regret to record the death of Mr F.C. Furness, who was well and popularly known in the town. He was taken ill with influenza about a fortnight ago, and died from cerebral haemorrhage on Friday last.

Mr Furness, who was 66 years of age, was born in Holborn, his parents owning a large confectioner's business on the site of the new West Central Post Office. He spent many years in Cornwall, and came to live at Buntingford about three years ago. During the war he served in the Irish Fusiliers. His cheery face and happy disposition will be greatly missed by a large number of friends.

He was buried at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, amidst general signs of regret. There was a large number of floral tributes, including a wreath from the Buntingford British Legion Club, of which the deceased was a member.

The immediate mourners were:

Mr R.G. Furness, Amersham (brother), Mr H.G. Bustard, Forest Gate (nephew), Mrs Davies, Miss Davies, Mr T. Wilson, Kennington; Mr F. French, Chelmsford; Mr Reed, Hertford; and Mr J. Horner, Ware.

Among others present were Revd. John Cole; Mr H. Clarke and Mr E.C. Clarke (representing the British Legion), Messrs G. Smith, E.P. Borsberry, A. Wilson, S. Saggers, H.A. Thody, S. Waters, E. Southgate, M. Corp, Mr and Mrs J. Wilson and Mrs Houlden.

Wreaths were as follows:

From Miss Davies

Mrs Davies and Girls

Mr Furness, Mrs Bustard & Family

Ex-Service Men's Club

Mr and Mrs French

Mrs Hone, Albe and Ede

Wilder and Patsy

Will, Gert and his Godchild Ronald

Ina and Billy

Mr and Mrs C. Clark

Mr and Mrs G.B. Medland

Mr and Mrs Wilson, sen.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, jun.

Mr and Mrs Corp

Messrs Houlden

Mr and Mrs H. Handy

Mr and Mrs Plumb

Mr M. Reid

Mr and Mrs Pledger

Mrs C. Rand and Mrs Parker

Doris and Stan

Tony

"Pip"

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.

15th April 1927 - Layston Parish Council

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Layston Parish Council

A meeting of the Layston Parish Council was held on Thursday last, when Dr H.E. Dixon was elected Chairman for the year, the Revd. John Cole being elected Vice-Chairman.

A precept for £27 10s. for lighting was issued, and the annual accounts presented by the Clerk, Mr J. Boniwell; the receipts were £68 11s. 8d., and the expenditure £53 17s. 6d., leaving a balance in hand of £14 14s. 2d.

27th May 1927 - Evening Classes

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Evening Classes

At the recent examination in Pitman's Shorthand, held at the Buntingford Technical Institute, two students attending the Buntingford evening school shorthand classes were successful in gaining certificates (preliminary).

The successful candidates were Leonard Dowler and Colin Handy. Credit is due to Mr Percy A. Hanly, F.I.P.S., the instructor.

The Rev. John Cole acted as attestor.

10th June 1927 - Education Committee

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Education Committee

School Attendance

Fewer Exemptions from School to be granted

A meeting of the Buntingford Education Committee was held at the Board Room on Tuesday morning. Mr C. Hummerstone occupied the chair and others present being The Rev. F.R. Williams, the Rev. John Cole and Mr E.E. Dennis, with the clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

The most important business down for discussion related to exemptions from school in respect of children attaining the age of 14 years. In ordinary cases a child attaining the age of 14 years has to remain at school until the end of the term, but the Committee have power to grant exemptions to such scholars for the remainder of the term where cases of suitable employment has been offered the child.

The County Council have now issued instructions that in cases where exemption is granted the name of the scholar must remain on the register until the end of the term, a procedure which seriously affects the attendance average.

In view of this the Committee at their meeting on Tuesday decided that in future applications for exemption in respect of scholars attaining the age of 14 years during the currency of a term will, in future, only be granted in exceptional cases.

The Committee also decided that where applications for exemption have been made the scholars must continue to attend school until notice has been received to the effect that the applications have been granted.

The meeting expressed thanks to Mr E.E. Dennis for the way in which the evening classes had been conducted during the past session, and the chairman said they viewed with satisfaction the report of the success attained by two students in the shorthand classes, and it was decided to proceed with the arrangements for the classes to be held during the 1927-28 session, which would consist of Junior and Senior Woodwork, Shorthand and Office Routine, Book-keeping and English and Cookery.

3rd June 1927 - Death of Alfred Street

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Death

We regret to record the death of Alfred Street, of Newtown, Buntingford.

The deceased, who was only 17 years of age, was taken ill early in April. Since leaving school he has been employed by Mr W.H. Smith and by Mr C.E. Harradence, and was a willing and well-behaved lad.

His death took place at Hertford County Hospital on Satruday last, and much sympathy is extended to his widowed mother and his sister in their loss.

The deceased was conveyed home on Monday evening, and the funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Rev. John Cole.

The immediate mourners were - Mrs E. Street (mother), Mr W. Saunders, Mr E. Saunders, and Mr H.O Cooper (uncles), Mrs J. Saunders and Mrs Cooper (aunts), Miss Street (cousin), Mr A. Street (grandfather), Mrs Walsingham and Mr R. Walsingham. There was a collection of beautiful flowers.

----

Mrs Street and Family wish to return thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy shown in their great bereavement, also for flowers sent.

3rd June 1927 - Congregational Church Anniversary

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Barkway

Congregational Church Anniversary

On Thursday, May 26th, very uplifting services were held at the Barkway Congregational Church in connection with the Church Anniversary.

In the afternoon Divine Service was conducted by Rev. C.G. Thompson, B.A., of Bedford, who preached on "The meaning of Home," basing his remarks on the story of the Prodigal Son.

Tea followed.

The Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford, presided at the public meeting in the evening, and spoke on "The Church - the Body of Christ."

Mr G.C. Wilson, of Hormead, offered prayer, and a very helpful and practical lecture was delivered by Rev. C.G. Thompson on "Psychology in Everyday Life."

At the close, Rev. W.E. Mawby expressed the thanks of the Church to the speakers.

Offerings and proceeds were on behalf of the Church Funds.

16th November 1923 - Armistice Day

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Buntingford

Armistice Day

Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.

At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.

The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.

A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."

The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.

We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."

He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."

The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."

After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.

After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.

A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.

After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.

The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.

A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns. 

The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

2nd November 1923 - New Minister

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New Minister

Mr F.J. Cole commences his ministry at the Buntingford Congregational Church on Sunday next.

A very hearty invitation is extended to all friends to attend the services on that day to welcome Mr Cole.

A social evening will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8th, to give friends a further opportunity of meeting Mr Cole.

We offer our best wishes to the new minister.

4th June 1926 - School Attendance

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School Attendance

A meeting of the Buntingford Education Sub-Committee was held at the Board Room on Monday last. Present - The Rev. F.R. Williams (Chairman), The Revd. John Cole, Mrs Dimsdale, Messrs. C. Hummerstone, E.E. Dennis and W.J. May. Mr C. Hummerstone was appointed Vice-Chairman.

The School Attendance Officer presented his report which showed that there were 728 children on the books. Cases of irregular attendances were reported, and dealt with by the Committee.

The Clerk read a communication from the County Council respecting the attendances made by the Nuthampstead children, and this was fully discussed.

Mr W.J. May referred to the evening class syllabus for 1926-1927, and said he hoped that such subjects as Agriculture and Horticulture would be included in the programme. The committee were in favour of this, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council on the matter.

7th May 1926 - Tennis Club Annual General Meeting

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Tennis Club

Annual General Meeting

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

The Hon. Sec. (Mr B.E. Thody) presented his annual report, which was adopted.

The Hon. Treasurer (Mrs B.E. Thody) presented the financial statement, which showed an adverse balance of £1 15s. 5d. The expenses last year were £22 8s. 11d., and included: new nets and posts £7 18s., groundsman £4 5s. 9d., deck chairs £2 0s. 6d., rent £3, and balls £1 12s.

The receipts, which totalled £20 13s. 6d., were made up as follows: Balance from 1924 seasons £8 1s. 3d., members' subscriptions £10 10s., whist drives on courts and Foresters Hall £1 4s., vistors' fees &c, 18s. 3d.

The Chairman said he thought the accounts were very satisfactory, considering what had been spent on improvements last year.

The accounts were then adopted on the proposition of Mr L. Smith, seconded by Mrs S. Smith.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Chairman moved the re-election of the President (Mr H.C. Marshall).

Mr L. Smith seconded, and the motion was carried with acclamation.

Mr B.E. Thody was re-elected Hon. Sec. with Mrs Thody as Hon. Treasurer.

The Committee elected were - Mrs S. Smith, Mrs H. Handy, Miss Aylott, the Rev. John Cole, Messrs. S. Smith, H. Handy, H. Cutts and W. Smith. 

A Sub-Committee, consisting of Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Bush, were elected to serve as a tea committee.

On the propostion of the Chairman, Mr S. Howlett was re-elected Captain, with Mr H. Clarke as Vice-Captain.

Votes of thanks were accorded the officers for their past services, and the ladies who managed the teas so successfully.