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.

10th June 1927 - 2nd Annual Sports Day

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Buntingford and District School Sports Association

2nd Annual Sports Day

The 2nd Annual Sports Day in connection with the above Association took place at the Buntingford Town Football Ground (by kind permission of the Football Club) on Wednesday, June 1st.

Teams came from the following schools - Anstey, Ardeley, Barkway, Braughing, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Cottered, Great Hormead, Meesden, Great Munden, Puckeridge C. of E., Furneaux Pelham, Reed, Sandon, Standon, Walkern and Westmill.

The competitors numbered 250.

Teachers and children showed great enthusiasm, and some really good material was discovered.

At the conclusion of the sports, Miss G. Cotton-Browne, of Walkern, kindly presented the three shields and prizes.

Mr E.E. Dennis (hon. sec. and treasurer) thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the very great interest she takes in the work of the association and also for so kindly coming to present the trophies. He called for hearty cheers, which were enthusiastically given.

Miss Cotton-Browne, replying, said she was only too pleased to be able to come. She was sure the Sports Assocation was doing sound work. She was proud of the boys from Walkern, who had once again won the boys' shield. She also wished to thank Mr Dennis for the amount of work he had put in to make the association and sports day a success.

This was enthusiastically received.

Mr Dennis, replying, thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the kind things said, and stated that the results obtained fully compensated him for the work put in. He wished to thank once again the teachers and children for their hearty co-operation, also those who had again sent subscriptions.

He was sorry that Sir Charles (the President) and Lady Heaton-Ellis were unable to be present. They wished the association every success. He felt sure this year that Buntingford and district would be able to provide a good team to compete at the County Sports, to be held at Letchworth on June 15th. 

He congratulated Walkern, Braughing and Great Hormead on winning the shields, and thanked the Band for once again helping.

The children and assembly then sang the National Anthem.

The hon. sec. and treasurer thanks the following for their ready help:

Materials - Buntingford Football Club (ground), Congregational S.S., Letchworth Boys' Club, British Legion Club, Brent and Furneaux Pelham Scouts, Walkern C.C. School, Capt. J. Denny, Father Morgan, Messrs G. Handy, J. Holmes, E.G. Thody, F. Rand, H. May, P. Hamilton, W.H. Smith, - Burrows, J. Ireland, G. Aylott and G. Maughan.

Helpers and Officials - Revs. A.G. Langdon, W.L. Shepherd, F. Holmes, Major M.E. Barclay, Miss L.M. Baker, Messrs J. Russell, H. Richardson, A. Lake, H. Mannox, J. Bishop, H. Cutts, S. Daniels, A. Clark, H. Clark, F. Fraser, R. Graves, B.E. Thody, E.H. Roberson, E.J. Totman, A.E. Mayes, H.E. Stickland, W.E. Cooper, A.G. Jenkins, F. Harvey, J. Thorp, J. Sherlock, E.C. Clarke, W.G. Bonness, B. Nichols, C. Miles, F.W. Butler, S and L. Dowler.

Ladies' Committee - Mesdames A.E.P. Baker, W.R. Corp, A.E. Pateman, E.H. Roberson, H. Feasey, H. Clarke, A.E. Mayes, Ambrose, Coxall, Warren, Geaves, Starr, Butler, Misses L.M. Davies, Anthony, B. Langham, K. Smith, D. Howard, and W. Walsingham.

Results

Championship Events

Boys

100 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 L. Burr (Standon), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

220 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 J. Clarke (Walkern), 3 G. Hamilton (Braughing), 4 E. Dear (Ardeley).

440 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Warner (Buntingford), 3 J. Clarke (Braughing), 4 R. Scripps (Hormead).

880 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Field (Walkern), 3 R. Baldock (Walkern), 4 A. Camp (Ardeley).

Hurdles - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 S. Savage (Walkern), 3 W. Warner (Buntingford), 4 L. George (Meesden).

High Jump - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 F. Gilbert (Walkern), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 W. Warner (Buntingford).

Long Jump - 1 L. Burr (Standon), 2 W. Warner (Buntingford), 3 A. Springham (Braughing), 4 C Dowler (Buntingford).

Team Race - 1 Walkern, 2 Buntingford, 3 Standon, 4 Braughing.

Winners of Buntingford Shield - Walkern C.C. (34 points); Runners up - Buntingford C of E. (25 points).

Girls

100 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Wilson (Great Hormead), 3 G. Young (Walkern), 4 E. Prior (Braughing).

150 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Prior (Braughing), 3 M. Coxall (Buntingford), 4 E. Knight (Brent Pelham).

Long Jump - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 V. Carter (Walkern), 3 E. Prior (Braughing), 4 E. Miles (Walkern).

High Jump - 1 E. Ruskin (Gt. Hormead), 2 E. Miles (Walkern), 3 O. Martin (Buntingford), 4 M. Clark (Braughing).

Hurdles - 1 M. Brand (Gt Hormead), 2 H. Baldock (Walkern), 3 J. McLeod (Meesden), 4 M. Baker (Westmill).

Team Race - 1 Braughing, 2 Walkern, 3 Gt. Hormead, 4 Standon.

Winners of Walkern Shield - Braughing C.C. (23 points); Runners up - Walkern C.C. (15 points).

Winners for Cottered Shield (for schools less than 100 on books) - Great Hormead C of E. (14 points); Runners up - Standon (10 points).

Other events

Boys

Throwing cricket ball - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

Obstacle race - 1 G. Warner (Buntingford), 2 J. Clarke (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 C. Prior (Braughing), 2 A. Ambrose (Buntingford).

Driving race - 1, boy,  H. Darton, girl, M. Coxall (Buntingford), 2, F. Milton, N. Clements (Walkern).

Girls

Skipping Race - 1 L. Stacey (Braughing), 2 M. Barker (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Oakley (Standon).

Egg and Spoon Race - 1 J. McLeod (Meesden), 2 P. Tott (Braughing).

Flower Pot Race - 1 M Barker (Braughing), 2 D. Woodley (Standon).

10th June 1927 - Fatal Holiday Accident

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Fatal Holiday Accident

Motor-Cyclist Collides with Cart

Whilst motor cycling for [from?] Chatham, where he was stationed, to West Riding, on Friday last, Flagman Ernest A. Shoobridge collided with a farm cart at a dangerous corner in Cottered and was killed instantly.

There is a sign post on the corner and it is thought that the deceased, who had lost his correct route, looked up at the sign post and failed to notice the approach of a farm cart.

The district coroner, Mr H.F. J. Banham, conducted the inquest, which was held at the Cottered Rectory on Saturday evening last, when the following were sworn on the jury: Messrs. W.N. Sanders (foreman), J. Smith, J. Darton, W. Hills, C. Smith, W. Deards, W. Hummerstone, B.A. Edwards, T. Kingsley, J. Warner, H. Sheppard, G. Fenner, and F. Hummerstone.

Eric Sellers, a leading seaman in the Royal Navy, who was accompanying the deceased on another motor-cycle, said "We left Chatham on Friday morning at 6.30 for Nessborough, Yorks. The deceased was riding a 3 and a half h.p. Norton motorcycle. I was riding in front of my friend, and as I passed the corner I noticed a cart on the right side of the road, but I had no difficulty in getting by.

I happened to glance round and saw the deceased looking at the sign post; he turned his head back, and as he did so I saw a surprised look on his face as though he had noticed the cart and did not know what to do. I then heard a crash, and on going back found my friend lying across the road. He appeared to be dead. His speed at the time of the accident would be about 12-15 miles per hour."

Sidney Andrews, a carter, of Moor Green, Ardeley, said "On Friday, 3rd June, I was in charge of a horse and cart on the road from Cottered to Buntingford. As the horse approached the corner a motor-cycle passed, and immediately afterwards came another in the same direction. The second cyclist crashed into the hose, which was only moving at walking pace.

Part of the horse's harness was broken, and when I went to deceased he was lying in the road by the wheel. When the accident occurred I was about one yard from the near side of the road."

James Fuller, a roadman employed by the H.C.C., said "I was working near the corner in question on Friday, June 3rd, when I noticed two motor-cycles coming from the direction of Buntingford. The first one passed me all right, but the second one, which came on about 15-20 yards behind, took a big sweep; the rider shut off the engine and put out his right foot as if to save himself.

The cycle swayed, and I saw the rider strike the horse and then fall into the road. I went round the cart, but the deceased appeared to be dead."

Frederick James Savage, of High Street, Walkern, a labourer, also working on the corner, gave similar evidence.

Alfred James Ives, a police constable, stationed at Cottered, said "On Friday, 3rd June, about 10.15 a.m., I received a report that a motor-cycle accident had occurred on the Buntingford road. I went to the scene of the accident and saw a Norton motor-cycle lying close to the wheel of a cart which was standing on the north side of the road and facing north-east.

I found that the rider of the motor-cycle was lying with his right leg over his machine. His skull was crushed, and he was quite dead. The machine was slightly damaged. The width of the road at the particular point was 18ft. 6ins. There was 9ft. 6 ins. between the offside wheel of the cart and the other side of the road."

Dr R.W. Fell, of Buntingford, said "On arriving at the scene of the accident I saw the deceased lying on his back across the road. There was a lot of blood in the road and the deceased was dead. On examining the body I came to the conclusion that he must have struck his head on the shaft of the cart, and have died instantly."

The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," the foreman requested the coroner to repot on the dangerous corner to the Herts. County Council.

30th July 1926 - Cricket - Aspenden v. Cottered

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Cricket

Aspenden v. Cottered

The above teams met at Cottered on Saturday last, and resulted in Cottered just managing to win by one run - a very exciting finish.

Only two batsmen managed to score double figures for Aspenden, and for Cottered, A. Gravestock made the highest score of the match (21), and to him lies the honour of Cottered's win. Scores:

Aspenden

W. Manning, b J. Gravestock - 0

J. Holmes, lbw, b Parker - 8

F. Stoten, run out - 12

K. Rayment, b J. Gravestock - 1

H Mannox, b Parker - 0

C. Ward, b J. Gravestock - 4

A.E. Mayes, b J. Gravestock - 0

T. Pledger, c J. Gravestock, b Parker - 0

H.W. Parker, b J. Gravestock - 11

L. Skipp, not out - 4

S. Oakley, b J. Gravestock - 0

Extras - 7

Total - 47

Cottered

H. Hearn, lbw, b Rayment - 1

W. Reed, lbw, b Manning - 4

F. Parker, b Manning - 8

A. Gravestock, c Mannox, b Manning - 21

F. Darton, c Skipp, b Rayment - 3

J. Gravestock, c Mannox, b Manning - 5

T. Newman, b Manning - 1

J. Pinnock, b Parker - 0

E. Draper, b Parker - 0

T. Kingsley, b Manning - 2

W. Patmore, not out - 2

Extras - 1

Total - 48.

23rd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The July meeting was held on Wednesday, the 21st inst., at Knight's Hill, by kind invitation of Mrs Laird.

The usual proceedings took place and one new member elected at the business meeting, which was at 6.30.

A whist drive followed, prizes for which were given by six members, and the bountiful tea was given by Mrs Laird. There were eleven tables, Mrs Laird acting as M.C. It was a very stormy evening, so the proceedings were conducted under cover.

For the prizes, Mrs Darton and Mrs Lee tied for the first lady's; Mrs Pegram was awarded consolation, while an extra prize was won by Mr G. Warner (playing as lady).

Mr W. Jackson and Mr W. Baker won first and second gents' prizes respectively, Miss Bright (playing as gent) being awarded consolation prize.

Mr Harvey, for the visitors, proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the hostess.

In spite of the weather, a very cheerful evening was spent.

3rd Feb 1928 - Hare Street, Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

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Hare Street

Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

The second funeral in the new Catholic Cemetery at Hare Street took place last Saturday, when the body of Mr Thomas Bardwell, of Hare Street, was laid to rest.

The death occured the previous Wednesday, January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. Mr Bardwell had been ailing for some days, but his death was unexpectedly sudden.

A large number of relatives and friends were present at the Service in Hare Street Chapel, and many went to the grave-side also in spite of a heavy downpour of rain. In the Chapel, the Choir from the Buntingford Convent sang a hymn beloved by the deceased, "Jesu, the very thought of Thee with sweetness fills my breast"; and the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus was then said for the repose of his soul, as well as the psalm used for the departed through all the ages of Christianity, "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord."

Father Morgan, in a short address, commented on Mr Bardwell's intense love for our Blessed Lord, which he was able to satisfy so perfectly in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Presence of our Divine Lord on the Altars of the Church was a great joy to him; he came and talked to Jesus as to a death Friend. In the Holy Mass also he found his Redeemer, for Christ is the Great High Priest Who offers every Mass, using the human priest as His tool or instrument. And the magnet that drew Mr Bardwell to undertake his long walks to Buntingford Church was the Sacred Host, veiling the presence of Jesus, and raised above the Altar for the adoration of the faithful. 

The Holy Name of Jesus also was constantly on his lips; he often repeated the Divine Praises, taught by the Catholic Church to her children, "Blessed be Jesus Chris, Blessed be the Name of Jesus." And that Holy Name was the last word ever uttered by the deceased, for he died saying "Dear Jesus." He has seen his saviour now, for on Wednesday morning he met Him face to face. To His gracious mercy we commit our departed friend. May he rest in peace.

It was intended to sing at the grave-side another favourite hymn of the deceased, "Oh Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord," but the inclement weather prevented a lengthy stay in he Cemetery; the priest merely blessed the grave in the accustomed manner with incense and holy water, and said the brief prayers which accompany the committal of the body to the grave.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered at Buntingford Church for the repose of Mr Bardwell's soul on the day of the burial; and at Benediction on Sunday afternoon the congregation sang the hymn omitted at the grave-side and said once more the Litany of the Holy Name, offering it for the deceased.

All who knew Mr Bardwell will long remember him for his simple and unaffected piety. R.I.P.

The immediate mourners were: Miss Emily Bardwell (daughter), Mr N. Bardwell (brother), Mrs D. Bardwell and Mrs W. King (sisters-in-law), Mr and Mrs H.E. Bardwell (nephew and niece), Mr and Mrs Player and Mrs Darton (brother-in-law and sisters-in-law) and Mrs Norris (niece).

Others present included Miss Lyall, Mrs Waterton, the Misses Marriott, Mr and Mrs S. Wick, Mrs Gillett, Mr Reg. Wilson, Mr Corbett, and Miss L. Norris.

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.

20th Jan 1928 - Young Britons Entertained

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Young Britons Entertained

The members of the Buntingford Branch of "Young Britons" were entertained to a treat by the President, Mrs H.H. Williams, on Saturday last.

Long before 4.30 - the hour arranged for tea - there was a strong muster of Young Britons waiting admission to Foresters' Hall, where the treat was held. A bountiful tea was provided, and the sixty children present appeared to have good appetites.

After tea, bon-bons were distributed, and after a few games there was a lantern lecture given by Mr B.E. Thody and Mr R. Butler. In addition to many local slides, there were several showing various British possessions overseas, and these were explained to the children by Mrs Williams.

Before leaving, very hearty cheers were given for Mrs Williams for her kindness in entertaining such a large gathering, and to all the helpers. After the National Anthem had been sung, each child received gifts of chocolate, cake or oranges.

The arrangements throughout were excellent, Mrs Williams being assisted by Mrs Bonness, Mrs Darton, Mrs Parker, and Miss Olive Poulton. The two monitors, Horace Darton and Cyril Kimpton, were very much in evidence; their chief task was to call the roll - not a very easy one under the circumstances.

19th Feb 1926 - Women's Institute Monthly Meeting

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the George Hotel on Wednesday of last week. The President (Mrs H.C. Marshall) presided, and there was a good attendance of members.

Miss Ouless gave an interesting address on Village Dramatic Societies. The lecturer referred to Shakespearian plays, and dealth especially with Shakespeare's "As you like it."

Tea was served by Mrs Dellow and Mrs Squires, and the hostesses were able to hand over the sum of 10/7 to the funds.

The first competition of the year drew over 20 entries. The prize for the best cake, made from a given recipe, was divided between Mrs E.G. Thody and Mrs J. Crane. The next best cakes were those made by Mrs Houlden, Mrs Warner, Mrs Darton.