10th December 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

The Annual Meeting was held in the Village Hall on Wednesday, December 8th, 1926. The President was in the chair, supported by Mrs Hummerstone and Mrs Laird. The Tellers appointed were Messrs. Harvey and Pratt.

The report of the last annual meeting was read and signed. An interesting report of this year's work was given by Mrs Hummerstone, and the balance sheet presented by Mrs Laird, duly audited, showed a balance in hand of £3 18s. 2d.

The President introduced various matters of interest in a brief speech before moving the adoption of report and balance sheet, including the suggestion of adopting a "Village Flowers," and a Resolution to be sent up to the N.F.W.I. Annual Meeting.

Balloting for the new Committee took place, including officers and delegate. The 1927 Committee comprises: Mrs Bright, Mrs Deacon, Mrs Guinness, Mrs Harvey, Mrs C. Hummerstone, Mrs Lee, Mrs A. Pegram, Mrs H. Pegram, Mrs Read and Miss Woodward.

The President is Mrs Guinness, Vice-President Mrs C. Hummerstone, Delegate Mrs Deacon.

Votes of thanks were proposed and duly seconded and passed heartily to the Tellers, and Mr Bright, the Auditor, to Mrs C. Hummerstone as Hon. Sec., to Mrs Laird as Hon. Treas., and to Mrs Deacon as President 1926.

The meeting closed with the singing of England and the National Anthem.

10th December 1926 - The Conservative Fete and Carnival at Hitchin

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The Conservative Fete and Carnival at Hitchin

Buntingford & District Represented

The Empire Fete and Carnival, held at the New Town Hall, Hitchin, on Wednesday and Thursday in last week, was an outstanding success, the numbers attending and the trade carried out exceeding all expectations.

The Stalls were beautifully arranged, and comprised: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, West Indies, and New Zealand.

The Stall for this district, which was presented by Buntingford, Great and Little Hormead, Westmill, Buckland, Cottered, Ardeley, Wyddiall, Aspenden, and Layston, was managed by Lady Heaton-Ellis, Mrs Beadle, Mrs Bolton, Mrs Cavendish, Mrs Codrington, Mrs Crane, Mrs Croslegh, Mrs Deacon, Mrs Dimsdale, Mrs Howard, Mrs May, Miss May, Mrs Mildren, Mrs Page, Mrs Thody, Miss Wall and Mrs Williams.

On Wednesday the Fete was opened by Major G.M. Kindersley, and on Thursday by the Countess of Strathmore.

There was character dancing, Scotch reels, sword dancing, and selections by the Kitchin Symphonic Society Orchestra.

The illustrated 16-page programmes were sold by Miss Kindersley and helpers who were dressed in red, white and blue.

Towards the close of the second evening crowds began to assemble for the announcement of the result of the competition in which a motor car, motor cycle, and a fur coat were offered as prizes. The results were as follows:

Motor car, Mrs E. McCormick, St Ives Hotel, Maidenhead (No. 5612).

Motor cycle, Lady Jane Van Koughnet, Aston (No. 15680).

Fur coat, E. Gray, 43 Gentlemen's Row, Enfield (No. 23251).

The Buntingford effort was well supported, and at the time of going to press the excellent sum of £52 15s. 10d. has been paid to Col. Tyrrell by Mrs Deacon. This amount includes donations, and proceeds of sale of gifts both in Buntingford at the Women's Annual Meeting and at Hitchin on 1st and 2nd December.

It is hoped to hold a stall at a garden meeting in the summer to dispose of rest of goods not sold.

7th January 1927 - Westmill Christmas Party

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Westmill

Christmas Party

The Westmill Women's Institute had a very successful Christmas Party on Wednesday evening, 29th December.

The Village Hall was looking very festive, being decorated with holly and other evergreens.

In a corner on a table stood a little Christmas tree, round which bright coloured candles were burining.

A gay march was played as the guests entered at 7 o'clock, and then all joined in the Women's Institute song, "England."

During the evening there were musical solos, games and recitations, and carols sung by the members.

A sketch, called "The Allotment," was acted by Mrs Guinness and her sister, Mrs Barclay. It was most amusing, and peals of laughter from the audience showed how much it was enjoyed.

One quite forgot that Christmas was really over, for a true Christmas spirit seemed present, while crackers went off and mince pies were handed round.

There were about 90 people there, counting the children, whose unself-conscious charm helped to make the gathering cheerful and informal.

At the end of the party Mrs Deacon, who has been a most successful and untiring president, handed her badge to Mrs Guinness, the new president.

All felt very grateful to Mrs Deacon for what she had done, and welcome Mrs Guinness.

25th February 1927 - Situations Vacant

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Situations Vacant

Between-maid for Baldock, 2 in family; £20 to £28. Write, Miss Brown, 136 Tenison Road, Cambridge.

Wanted, at once, for 2 or 3 weeks, a temporary House-parlourmaid. Apply, Mrs Deacon, Knights Hill, Buntingford.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Whist Drive and Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Dance

A successful whist drive and dance was held on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals, and, by the kind permission of Mr Bright, on his lawn.

Commencing at 7.30, the whist drive continued until 9.15, the results of which were: Ladies- 1, Miss V. Miller; 2, Mrs Taylor; 3, Miss Hardey. Gentlemen - 1, Mr Warner; 2, Mr Marvell; 3, Mr Lee. Lucky chair - Mrs Hummerstone.

After the refreshments had been served by several ladies, dancing was carried on till 11, to the strains of the Buntingford Town Band under the able conductorship of Mr Smith. This much increased the enjoyment and success of the evening.

The gardens and laws were now illuminated by many fairy lights which Mr Bright had previously arranged, and which gave a charming and striking effect.

All the prizes had been most generously provided by the following kind donors: Mrs Greg, Mrs Guiness, Lady Furniss, Mrs Howard, Mrs Laird, Mr Deacon, Mr Coates and Mr Russell.

A very happy evening was terminated with the National Anthem by the band.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.

As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.

Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.

Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.

John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.

It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.

21st May 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The April monthly meeting was a great success. There was a good attendance to hear a talk on gardens by Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, which was thoroughly instructive and amusing.

It was followed by a most successful exchange of bedding and pot plants; and an egg collection for Royston Hospital amounted to 156 in number.

Mrs Deacon (the President) was in the chair. Hostesses were Mrs Pratt, Mrs J. Rayment, Miss F. Rayment, Mrs Read, Miss Read and Mrs T. Russell.

9th April 1926 - Westmill - Whist Drive and Fancy Dress Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Fancy Dress Dance

The attendance at the whist drive and dance held at the Village Hall on Tuesday evening exceeded all expectations. The event was an entire success, and the promoters are to be congratulated on the result. The proceeds are being devoted to the Social Club.

Fifteen tables were in use for whist, and the following were the successful players:

Ladies - 1 Miss Hilda Reed (umbrella), 2 Mrs Barnes (chocolates); consolation, Miss Dora Jackson (handkerchiefs).

Gents - 1 Master T. Hummerstone (walking stick), 2 Mr L. Pegram (cigarettes); consolation, Mr Alec Pratt (handkerchiefs).

There were several entries for the fancy dress competition. Mr Hugh Holmes as "John Bull" won first prize (fountain pen), Miss Theakston as a "Dutch Boy" second (box of chocolates), while the prize (a clock) for the most original design was won by Miss Deacon, her "scarecrow" costume being very striking.

The prizes were presented to the winners by Mrs H.H. Williams who congratulated the recipients.

An excellent programme of up-to-date dance music was provided by Mr C. Little. Mr H. Bright very ably acted as M.C. throughout the evening.

12th Feb 1926 - Westmill - Church Renovation Fund Concert

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Westmill

CHURCH RENOVATION FUND CONCERT

A concert, in aid of the above fund, was given at the Village Hall, Westmill, on Wednesday evening last.

The preliminary arrangements were ably carried out by Mrs Deacon (of Knight's Hill), and Mr F. Anthony (Buntingford), and a lengthy programme was gone through - most of the items being encored.

Previous to the first item on the programme, Mrs Deacon referred to the church being over 800 years old, and that repairs, of course, were necessary from time to time, and also that as it was a heritage to us, said it was only right we should keep it in good condition.

The concert was thoroughly enjoyed, and the room packed to overflowing. All the artists gave there [sic] services free.

A substantial sum was realized [sic], and will be given to the fund.

Before the close, the Rev. A.G. King thanked the promoters, and also everyone who has assisted in making the entertainment such a success.