5th August 1927 - Buntingford & District Horticultural Society

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Buntingford & District Horticultural Society

A Fine Exhibition

"A fine exhibition, especially in the vegetable classes. The root classes and the pea classes were excellent, and we have seldom seen such fine potatoes."

The above was the comment passed by the judge at the Buntingford Flower Show, held yesterday.

The venue was once again Corney Bury Park, kindly lent by Mr W.J. Wedd, and when one entered the gate it seemed impossible that the pre-war shows, for which Buntingford was famous, were held in the small meadow adjoining.

The weather was on its best behaviour, brilliant sunshine prevailing throughout the day. There were few umbrellas seen in the show ground - what there were appeared to be in use as sunshades.

The Officials

The President of the Society is Mr H.C. Marshall, who was a successful competitor at yesterday's Show.

The Hon. Secretary, Mr Ernest G. Thody, once again spared no efforts to make the show a success; he was also a very successful exhibitor, his cut flowers being a specially fine exhibit.

The Committee worked assiduously throughout the day.

Trade Exhibits

There were four trade exhibits, Messrs. Chaplin's of Waltham Cross, taking first prize for a wonderful display of roses and gladioli; the display was staged on a platform 24ft. long by 4th. 6ins. wide.

Other trade exhibits included Messrs. Goodliffe's and Mr W. Keep's displays of herbaceous and rock plants, and Mr H.A. Thody's exhibit of fruit.

Exhibits

The entries numbered over 1,000, and were staged in three large tents.

As stated, there was an excellent entry in the root classes, the judges remarking that they had seldom seen better potatoes.

There were ten table decorations, Miss Thody taking first prize with a pretty single rose, "K of K" and "Waltham Cross." Major Douglas Crossman, M.F.H., (Mr Dibben, gardener) took first prize for best arrangement of pot plants; he had a fine colour scheme of pink and mauve hydrangeas with ferns.

The Judges

The following kindly acted as judges:

Trade exhibitors and amateurs classes, Messrs. A. Jeffries (Hertford) and J.A. Gates (Ardeley); cottagers' classes, Messrs. J. Friend (Stansted) and W. Ring (Puckeridge); table decorations, Messrs. Keep, Chaplin and Goodliffe; bread, Mr R.F. Dellow; honey, Mr C.H. Poulton; cooked potatoes, Mr C. North; bottled fruit, Mr S. Daniels.

The tea tent was very capably managed by the Buntingford Women's Institute.

It was found impossible to manage the teas on the same lines as last year, so the Institute kindly came to the assistance of the Society, and their services were greatly appreciated by the large numbers who patronised the tea tent during the afternoon.

Attractions

There was an attractive programme of amusements, &.

Thirty boys from the William Baker Technical School at Hertford (Dr. Barnardo's Homes) gave two excellent gymnastic displays during the afternoon and evening, and were accorded a very warm welcome.

Through the kindness of several ladies and gentlemen, the boys, together with their Band, were entertained to tea. Dr Barnardo's Boys' Band was also in attendance, and played selections throughout the afternoon and evening for the displays, and later for dancing.

A balloon race, organised by the Committee, drew several competitors. The prizes - vouchers value 15/- and 7/6 - will be awarded to the competitors whose balloons travel farthest.

Thurston's amalgamation of amusements drew a large crowd, especially towards the close. The day's events concluded with a grand display of fireworks by Messrs. J.R. Wells, of London.

A further report, together with a complete list of awards, will appear in our next issue.

Large numbers flocked to the ground during the evening, and the gate receipts exceeded £80.

18th February 1927 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

On the 9th inst., the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel.

The president, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided, and considering the prevalence of influenza, there was a good company present.

The feature of the meeting was an address on Women Police by a lady from London. Her address was listened to very attentively, and at the close she was accorded a very enthusiastic vote of thanks on the proposition of the Chairman.

A competition for ginger biscuits was won by Mrs Squires.

Tea, served by Mrs Squires and Mrs Dellow, brought the afternoon's proceedings to a close.

10th June 1927 - Organ Recital

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Organ Recital

Last Sunday evening and organ recital was given in the Buntingford Congregational Church by Mr W.S. Dellow, of Roydon.

Mr Dellow played a number of selections, and the recital, which lasted for half-an-hour, was very much enjoyed.

The Minister expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Church, and an offering was taken for organ expenses.

23rd April 1926 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

Parade of Shawls

The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday in last week.

A demonstration on basket and cane work was given by Mr R.A. Bunn, of the H.C.C., and was watched very attentively by the members. Mr Bunn afterwards raffled the tray he made and gave the proceeds of the draw to the Teachers' Benevolent Society. The tray was won by Mrs T. Dellow.

On the proposition of the President, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bunn for his very interesting demonstration.

There were 30 entrants for the parade of shawls, and some beautiful specimens were seen. Mrs T. Dellow was awarded first prize, Mrs Mottram second, and Mrs Scarborough Taylor third.

Votes of condolence were accorded Mrs H.J. Fordham, whose husband was killed at the Puckeridge Races, and Mrs Tapper, of Cottered.

The question of the summer outing was discussed, and it was suggested that an historical place such as Hampton Court be visited this year. The matter was left over for discussion.

Tea was served by Mrs H., Mrs W.J. and Mrs J May, of Wyddiall.

23rd April 1926 - Layston Parish Council

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Buntingford

Layston Parish Council

The annual meeting of the Layston Parish Council was held in the Board Room on the 8th inst. Dr H.E. Dixon, who was re-elected chairman, presided. Owing to new legislation, this was the last occasion for the appointment of overseers.

The Council elected Messrs. A.G. Day and R.F. Dellow to act in this capacity for the ensuing year. The two vacancies on the Council were filled by the election of the Rev. F.J. Cole and Mr J. Lawrence, as councillors.

The Clerk submitted the Parish Council Accounts for the year. They showed receipts amounting to £54 10s. 0d. and an expenditure of £52 9s. 8d. They were unanimously passed, and there was no further business.

3rd Feb 1928 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Sunday afternoon, January 29ths, a very happy little service was held in the Buntingford Congregational Church, the occasion being the annual prize distribution in connection with its Sunday School.

The meeting was in the nature of an open service, which means that the parents of the scholars and any interested in the Sunday School and its work are invited to be present.

There was a good gathering, therefore, of other adults to join the scholars and their officers and teachers. The hymns chosen were very beautiful, and the whole service was very reverently gone through.

The special part of this service was the distribution of prizes to those scholars who had mdae the requisite number of attendances in 1927, and who had deserved commendation for good conduct.

Capt. Gloyns, of the Buntingford branch of the Salvation Army, was present and kindly presented the books to the successful scholars.

Mr R.F. Dellow, S.S. Superintendent, introducted Capt. Gloyns and acknowledged her kindly interest in the school, and later offered her the warmest thanks for coming.

Though the number of book prizes was small, the Captain made a pleasing little ceremony of it, and, in a happy little speech to the scholars, urged them to "keep clear of mud." This they could do in the strength of the saviour.

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On Wednesday evening last the Congregational Church scholars met with their officers and teachers in the schoolroom for a social evening. They all enjoyed a very happy time together, and entered with great pleasure into the games and competitions, &c., which had been arranged for them. They also had refreshments served to them during the evening and, as they left at the close, an orange.

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A weekly sewing class for girls is held in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom under Miss Edith Careless, and on Thursday evening, January 12th, the class met in the schoolroom for a social evening. A very pleasant time was spent by those who came, and after the tea which was provided for them the evening's programme consisted of games, recitations, &c.

26th Oct 1928 - Buntingford Congregational Church

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Silver Tree & Entertainment

On Tuesday evening, October 16th, a large company assembled in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom for a social evening, the chief features of which were a "Silver Tree" and an entertainment by members of the Buntingford Women's Institute.

In his opening remarks the Minister said that whilst the idea of a Silver Tree was by no means new in itself, having been carried out with marked success in neighbouring Churches, it was certainly an innovation where the question of raising funds for the Buntingford Congregational Church was concerned.

He explained the idea, which briefly was as follows: Fancy paper bags having been made, they are distributed to the friends, who, by contributions of silver, &c. (notes not being unwelcome) from themselves, their own friends and relatives, do their best to fill them. These are returned on the day when the "tree" is to be held, each containing a quotation, either from the Bible, or from a hymn, prose or poetry (sometimes the sender's favourite text or motto), and hung on a tree or trees. The bags are opened, the verses, &c., read out together with the individual amounts, the whole constituting a very interesting item in an evening's social programme or a pleasing part of an afternoon's outdoor event.

The Minister remarked also that they had now installed the electric light in the Church, vestry and schoolroom, at a cost of some £30 to £36. A certain number of subscriptions had in the summer been forthcoming in connection with that part of the Special Appeal Fund, and he was hoping that the proceeds of this social evening, which was in aid of this fund, would result in the balance of the money being obtained. The bags had been taken not only by the friends at the Congregational Church, but also by others in the town and country who were interested in its work; and for this wider response to the appeals also he expressed his warm thanks.

The bags were then opened by Mr H. Cutts and Mr R.F. Dellow, and the reading of the amounts of the contributions and the quotations, &c., by the Minister was proceeded with. Though this item took some time, it was nevertheless followed with much interest by all who were present, many Biblical texts referring to the "light." The tree was kindly loaned by Mrs Squires.

During a short interval refreshments were served, Mrs Camp and Mrs Blaxill being in charge of this stall, they and their helpers being kept quite busy satisfying their customers' hunger and thirst.

The Minister then welcomed Mrs Ralph Scott and Mrs B.E. Thody, who, together with a number of fellow members of the Women's Institute, had in response to his request, very willingly come along to help in the evening's entertainment. Their contribution to the programme was the acting of a charade, the word taken being "Institute" in its three syllables. This was provocative of much amusement, was exceedingly well done, and included, on a minor scale, an admirable representation of Madame Tussaud's Exhibition. A number of miscellaneous items of entertainment by the same ladies followed, their entire programme being very much appreciated.

During the evening there was also a Jumble and Work Stall, Mrs Benstead and Mrs Cornwell being in charge, and they and their assistants did very good business. Mr Anderson did duty at the door, exacting toll of all comers.

The Minister, at the close, expressed his thanks to the members of the Women's Institute; to all who had sent along gifts towards the refreshments; and to one and all who had in any way, by time, service, &c., before and during the evening, helped to make it so successful.

The results of such an occasion are always two-fold - a social: it was "a very enjoyable evening"; and a financial: this too was very satisfactory, for the tree proved to be of a very productive nature, and has continued to yield "fruit" to the value now of £16 4s. The total proceeds from the evening's effort to date amount to £20 19s. 8d., and it is expected that by the end of the present week they will amount to £22 10s (approximately). It is gratifying to note that the electric light account has been settled, and is now a thing of the past.

The singing of the Doxology brought to a close a very pleasant and very delightful evening.

Dec 1910 - Notice: Buntingford Bakers and Christmas Boxes

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Notice

Buntingford Bakers and Christmas Boxes

The undersigned bakers of Buntingford beg to give notice that they have decided to discontinue the giving of Christmas Boxes.

Herbert T. Baker, High Street,

John Crane, High Street,

Robert F. Dellow, High Street,

Fred Moule, High Street,

David Westwood, High Street.

November 30th, 1910.

[Note - this is from the Herts and Cambs Reporter]

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.