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