21st January 1927 - Layston Church Sunday School

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Layston Church Sunday School

The annual prizegiving took place in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday evening, and was much enjoyed by children, parents, teachers and friends. After the singing of well-known choruses, Miss M. Macklin kindly acting as accompanist.

Rev. A. Howard spoke with appreciation of the work of the teachers, and alluded to the loss the Sunday School had sustained in the departure of Miss E. Howard, who with the help of several young teachers, had done much to improve the infant Sunday School.

He expressed sympathy with Miss Woodley in the loss of her father, and urged the parents present to encourage the children in regular attendance.

The prizegiving followed, after which Mr B. Thody most kindly gave a lantern lecture combining amusement, interest and instructions, which was greatly appreciated by all, the local touches raising peals of laughter.

The following is the list of prizewinners:

Boys I - Eric Nichols, W. Warner, A. Howard.

Boys II - L. Fiddaman, Charlie Scrivener, Horace Darton, Jack Crouch.

Girls I - Ethel Winters, A. Coxall.

Girls II - Vera Dowding, D. Warner.

Very regular - W. Winters, Vera Nichols.

Boys III - Christopher Hurry, Cyril Kimpton, Percy Scrivener.

Infants I - Very regular. R. Winters, Maud Hurry, Gladys Butler, C. Woods, T. Fiddaman.

Infants II - Very regular. K. Warner, S. Hurry, Doris Butler, F. Darton.

Infants III - G. Kimpton, Ben Crouch.

Class IV - Albert Butler, Joan Woods.

3rd June 1927 - Bowls

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Bowls

Buntingford played their first League match of the season on Saturday last, when they journeyed to Rosedale (Cheshunt).

A very enjoyable game resulted in a win for Buntingford by 4 points. Scores:

Rink 1

Buntingford

F. Crouch, J. Boniwell, H. Mannox, W.J. May - 21

Rosedale

W. Garand, A. Odwell, W. Kirby, F. Baker - 18

Rink 2

Buntingford

E.R. Brett, L. Hagger, H.E. Birkett, F.W. Butler - 24

Rosedale

W. Giffen, F. Traveller, A. Fuller, F. Maules - 23

Total

Buntingford - 45

Rosedale - 41

12th Nov 1926 - Aspenden Parish Council

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Aspenden

Parish Council

On the 27th ult., a Parish Council meeting was held at Aspenden School.

Captain H.H. Williams, the vice-chairman, was in the chair, and there were also present, Messrs. F. Camp, F. Crouch and J. Boniwell (clerk).

The main business was the receiving of the rents from the allotment holders, who attended for this object.

A precept was drawn on the Overseers to defray the cost of street lighting for the current half-year ending March 31st next.

A small cheque for 5s. 6d. was drawn for payment of tithe.

There were no further agenda items.

24th Feb 1928 - Aspenden Fire

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Aspenden

Fire

There was a blaze in the village last evening, when two straw stacks, the property of Mr Crouch, were completely destroyed by fire.

The outbreak occured at about 8 o'clock, and the reflection of thethe flames attracted many persons from neighbouring villages to a field opposite the Sports Ground, where the fire occurred.

The cause of the outbreak is unknown.

10th Feb 1928 - Joint Parish Council's Meeting

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Joint Parish Council's Meeting

STREET LIGHTING

A joint meeting of the Aspenden and Layston Parish Councils was held at the Board Room, Buntingford, on Wednesday evening, when there were present: Mr H.C. Marshall (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. H.G. Stearn, C.H. Poulton, F. Camp, A.W. Wilson, G. Scarborough Taylor, P. Hamilton, J. Lawrence, H. Clarke, F. Crouch, and the Clerk (Mr J. Boniwell).

The chief business was the discussion of the question of street lighting in Buntingford and to receive a tender from the North Metropolitan Electric Supply Company for lighting the streets by electricity.

The tender submitted by the Company amounted to £131 17s. for twenty-three lights - viz., ten suspended lights, eleven mast lights and two bracket lights. The scheme included the lighting of Newtown.

The Chairman said the present system of gas lighting was costing £100 per year.

The meeting discussed the matter fully, and then decided to ask Mr Dixon-Browne, engineer-in-charge for the Buntingford district of the North Metropolitan Electric Company, to give the meeting further details in connection with the tender submitted.

Mr Scarborough Taylor asked if it would be practicable to reduce the number of suspended lights by increasing the power of the lamps.

Mr Dixon-Browne, replying, said the ten suspension lamps of 100 watts could be reduced to six suspended lamps of 300 watts. This would be cheaper than the scheme submitted.

Asked if the Company would reduce the term of years specified in their tender, from ten years to seven years, Mr Dixon-Browne said he was prepared to make the tender for seven years. He was afraid he could not hold out any hope of a lower tender than for the amount submitted, less the allowance in respect of the reduction in the number of suspended lights, as the price quoted was only just at working cost. The Company was bearing the entire cost of installing the necessary fittings and lamps, and in addition would have to bear all replacements.

Mr Wilson asked whether the lighting of Hare Street Road was included in the tender. Sunny Hill was as important as Newtown, and a lamp was badly needed.

The Chairman said he was afraid that Sunny Hill was not included, as it was not in the lighting area.

Capt. Williams then moved that the tender of the North Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. be accepted, on the understanding that the number of suspended lights be reduced to six, the tender to be for seven years, and that the lights be extinguished at 10.30 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. as mentioned in the tender.

In consequence of the amendments, the tender was reduced to £122 11s.

Mr Scarborough Taylor seconded the proposition, which was carried.

Mr Poulton asked why the parish of Wyddiall was not represented at the meeting. Wyddiall at present had one lamp in the High Street, and if the parishioners chose to keep out of the present scheme they could do so.

Mr Wilson asked what the position would be if the parishioners of Wyddiall refused to come into the scheme they had just adopted. They would be getting their light at the expense of Aspenden and Layston.

The Chairman said he thought the matter would be met if a small sub-committee be appointed to go into the matter with the North Met. with regard to the fixing of the lighting points. He would suggest that one or two of the Wyddiall parishioners who resided in Buntingford be asked to serve on the committee.

This was agreed, the following being appointed: Aspenden, Capt. H.H. Williams and Mr A. Wilson; Layston, Mr G. Scarborough-Taylor and Mr J. Lawrence; Wyddiall, Mr Claud Fraser and Mr Ernest G. Thody.

Mr Clarke raised the question of the apportionment of the cost. He thought Aspenden and Layston should divide their share equally.

It was finally agreed to leave this matter to the sub-committee to report on.

The Chairman thanked Mr Dixon-Browne for attending and for his explanations, and in reply Mr Dixon-Browne said that when they matter was settled and points fixed his Company would start with the work straight away.

3rd Feb 1928 - Buntingford Bowls Club

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Buntingford Bowls Club

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Buntingford Bowls Club was held at the Headquarters of the Club on Wednesday evening last, Mr H.C. Marshall, the President of the Club presided, being supported by Mr W.J. May (Captain) and Mr J. Lawrence (Hon. Sec.)

The Hon. Secretary presented his annual report. During the season the Club played 20 league matches, of which 14 were won and six lost. In addition to again winning the Aston Challenge Cup the Club created a record  in defeating the Rest of the League for the first time in the history of the League.

In presenting the balance sheet Mr Lawrence said a large amount of money had been expended on the new green, and further expense was necessary. He wished to make it known that in the event of the Club being wound up the new Green would become the property of the Buntingford Nursing Association.

He hoped, therefore, that the inhabitants of Buntingford and district would support the Bowls club as they had done in the past. The Club would then go on to further successes, and would possess one of the best Greens in the County.

[Transcriber note - There's two sets of accounts on the original image that I won't transcribe here, see the original image for the information]

In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet Mr W.J. May said he did so with much pleasure. He was sure they could not find a more energetic secretary than Mr Lawrence, who gave a great deal of his time to the Club, and the members appreciated his services.

Mr F.W. Butler seconded, and the accounts and reports were unanimously adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Captain H.H. Williams moved the re-election of Mr H.C. Marshall as president. They all knew what Mr Marshall had done for the Club, and the manner in which he entertained them on winning the Challenge Cup. (Applause).

Mr A.C. Bartlett seconded, and the vote was carried with acclamation.

Mr H.A. Mannox moved the re-election of the Vice-Presidents, with the addition of Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis. 

This was seconded by Mr J. Lawrence, and carried unanimously.

Mr Lawrence was re-elected Hon. Sec. and Treas., with Mr Mannox as Assistant Secretary.

Mr W.J. May said he would be leaving the district this spring, but hoped he would not sever his connection with the Club for some time. His years of office with the Club had been most pleasant. (Applause). He had much pleasure in proposing that Mr Butler be elected Captain.

Captain Williams, in seconding Mr May's proposition, said how much the members would regret Mr May's departure. Mr May had brought to the Club a measure of success which was at one time never to be expected. (Applause).

The meeting unanimously agreed to make Mr May a Honorary Life Member of the Club.

Mr E.G. Thody proposed, and Mr C.H. Poulton seconded, that the following be elected to serve on the General Committee: Messrs E.J. Totman, J. Boniwell, F.B. Sharp, J.L. Cornwell, H.E. Birkett, F. Crouch, E.R. Brett, H.A. Mannox, J. Bishop, J. Cutts, E.P. Borsberry, and L. Hagger.

OTHER BUSINESS

Business in connection with the new Green, and a suggested match with Luton Town on the date of the opening of the new Green, was discussed, after which a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, concluded the meeting.

27th Jan 1928 - Layston Sunday School Annual Prize Distribution

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Buntingford

Layston Sunday School

Annual Prize Distribution

The Prize-giving and Entertainment to the Church Sunday School scholars took place at the Women's Institute Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a large number of scholars, parents and friends present.

The Vicar (the Rev. A. Howard) handed Bibles, Prayer Books or story books to the successful boys and girls. Each child was applauded on receiving his or her prize, Cyril Kimpton coming in for a special hand-clap for not having missed attendance once.

After the prize distribution Mr B.E. Thody gave a lantern lecture on "The Wonders of London," "The Tower of London," "Waterloo" and "A visit to the Zoo."

At the close thanks were accorded the Rev and Mrs Howard, the teachers, Mr B.E. Thody, and all those who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment. 

Before dispersing, the National Anthem was heartily sung and each child was handed an orange, the gift of Mrs Alex. Dixon.

The following is a list of those who recieved prize books:

Girls

Class 2- 1 W. Winters, V. Dowding, 2 D. Warner, 3 Vera Nicholls. Class 3 - 1 Gladys Butler, 2 Maud Hurry, 3 D. Harradance.

Boys

Class 1 - 1 Eric Nicholls, 2 W Warner, 3 L. Fiddaman. Class 2 - 1 Cyril Kimpton, 2 R Nicholls, 3 C. Hurry. Class 3 - 1 R. Winters, 2 C. Woods, 3 T. Fiddaman, H. Smith.

Infants

Class 1 - 1 Kitty Warner, 2 Joyce Woods, Doris Butler, 3 F. Darton. Class 2 - 1 George Kimpton, 2 Ben Crouch. 3 - 1 Joan Woods, 2 Mary Hurry.

19th Feb 1926 - Buntingford Bowls Club

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Buntingford Bowls Club

Annual General Meeting

PROPOSED NEW GREEN

The annual general meeting of the members of the Buntingford Bowls Club was held at the George Hotel on Thursday evening in last week. Mr G. Scarborough Taylor presided, and was supported by the Captain (Mr W.J. May) and the Hon. Sec. and Treas. (Mr J.L. Cornwell).

After the minutes of the last general meeting had been read and confirmed, the Chairman read a letter from Mr H.C. Marshall (the President of the Club), who said he regretted being unable to be present that evening.

REPORTS

Mr J.L. Cornwell read his annual report. During the past season the club had played 34 matches, and had entered for the various competitions in the East Herts. Bowls League. In this League they had scored 767 points against their opponents 606.

Mr W.J. May and Mr J. Lawrence had kindly presented gold and silver medals for a club competition, which was most successful. The Captain's Cup had not been won outright, as owing to bad weather the competition was not finished.

The finances of the club were satisfactory; on last year's workings there was a small adverse balance of 1/5, which had been defrayed that evening. (Applause).

The Chairman said he considered the report and accounts very satisfactory. In passing, he would like to add that the annual dinner, at which he had the pleasure of being present, was a most successful affair; he was sure everyone present spent a very happy evening.

The accounts and report were then passed, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr F.B. Sharp.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Mr W.J. May moved the re-election of the President (Mr H.C. Marshall). Mr Marshall was a true sport and was always willing to do his utmost for the club. He (Mr May) hoped that their president would find pleasure in supporting the ancient game of Bowls (applause)

This was seconded by Mr F.W. Butler and carried.

Mr J. Lawrence moved the re-election of the Vice-Presidents en bloc with the addition of Mr George Aston and Mr Chapman-Wood. The club was very grateful to the Vice-Presidents for their support and interest.

Mr E.J. Totman seconded.

Mr C.H. Poulton replied on behalf of the Vice-Presidents, and said he was pleased the club was going successfully.

Mr W.J. May, who has been Captain for three seasons, proposed that Mr F.W. Butler be asked to be Captain for 1926.

Mr Butler moved an amendment that Mr May be re-appointed, and this being seconded by Mr J. Lawrence was carried unanimously. The Chairman said he was pleased Mr May had reconsidered the matter. He was a man of keenness and enthusiasm, coupled with tact.

Mr F.W. Butler was unanimously appointed Vice-Captain on the proposition of Mr E.J. Totman, seconded by Mr Cornwell.

Mr Cornwell then intimated that he was no longer able to carry out the duties of Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. Mr Butler then proposed that Mr J. Lawrence be appointed. In moving this, he (Mr Butler) would like to say that the members were very grateful to Mr Cornwell for the way he had carried out the combined duties (Applause).

Mr Lawrence agreed to take over the post, and said he would do his best.

The general committee elected were as follows: Messrs W.J. May, F.W. Butler, J. Lawrence, E.J. Totman, J. Pateman, J. Boniwell, E. Birkett, F. Crouch, J.L. Cornwell, and H. Clarke.

The green committee elected were - Messrs F.W. Butler, E. Brett, J.L. Cornwell, W.J. May, E.J. Totman, and J. Lawrence.

Selection committee - The Capt. and Vice-Captain, and Messrs E.J. Totman, J. Lawrence, J. Boniwell, and F.B. Sharp.

OTHER BUSINESS

It was decided to enter the East Herts. Bowls League and the Rinks and Pairs Competitions.

The Captain said the question of a new green was on the agenda. As a matter of fact the new green did not exist, but the [sic] hoped something could be done to get a longer green than the one they had at present. When the club visited other clubs in the League, they had to play on full dized greens, and it was some time before the Buntingford players could get accustomed to the length. Mrs Ashford had kindly offered the club another site, and if the members agree a small committee might be formed to go in to the question of cost, &c. 

Various suggestions were put forward, and it was eventually decided to appoint a small sub-committee to discuss the matter and report later. The committee appointed were Messrs. G. Scarborough Taylor, W.J. May, F.W. Butler, C.H. Poulton, E.J. Totman and J. Lawrence.

THANKS

A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close.