23rd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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

Original image on Facebook

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.