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Buntingford Bowls Club
Annual Dinner
The annual dinner, in connection with the Buntingford Bowls Club, was held at the George Hotel on Wednesday evening in last week, when a company of about 60 spent a very happy time.
The chair was taken by Mr H.C. Marshall, the President of the Club, who was supported by Mr George Aston, Mr Claud Fraser, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr W. Chapman-Wood and others.
An excellent four-course menu was provided by the Host and Hostess, Mr and Mrs J. Holmes, after which the loyal toast was enthusiastically honoured on the proposition of the Chairman.
"The Club"
Mr Claud Fraser said he had the privilege of proposing the toast of the evening, "The Buntingford Bowls Club." The Club had been making history, and it was a great pleasure to the inhabitants of the town to see the Buntingford Club at the end of the East Herts League Table.
The members had played with a spirit of sportsmanship, and they had just cause to be proud of their achievements. The speaker then referred to the new green, and the prospects it held out for the future; it was situate near his house, and he would regard himself as a kind of guardian. He hoped that Buntingford Bowls Club would flourish by root and branch forever. (Applause).
In responding, Mr W.J. May, the popular captain of the Club, said the Club had many friends in Buntingford and in the district.
During the season, the Club had won 12 out of 18 matches, and had carried off the George Aston Challenge Cup. Everyone felt greatly indebted to Mr Aston who had done so much for the game of bowls. (Applause).
Others he would like specially to mention were the President, who had found the money for the new ground, and Mr Thody who had again come forward and lent them plants and decorations for the room that evening. (Applause).
Mr J. Boniwell, the veteran of the Club, also responded. He said he started the Club himself in 1913, and it was a pleasure to him to see the Club had reach [sic] such a high level. Their Captain, Mr May, had done a lot to bring success. (Hear, hear). It had become the habit of his (Mr Boniwell's) friends not only of the Buntingford Club, but also of all the other Clubs in the league to call him "Dad," and after matches the Buntingford Club members invariably said "Well Dad, what do you think of us now."
To one and all of them he would now say "You have done well, and I hope you will keep up the record." (Applause).
"The League"
Captain H.H. Williams, who rose to propose the toast of the "East Herts Bowls League," said he always remembered being taught at school that the whole of a thing is larger than its parts; he would say, therefore, that but for the East Herts Bowls League there would be no competition or Challenge Cup.
It was a pleasure to have Mr Aston with them that evening. There was little doubt that the League owed its success to the harmonious way in which the clubs worked, and to the excellent organisation. The speaker then paid a tribute to the Executive of the League and to Mr Chapman-Wood, and referred to "that extraordinary good publication" - the League Handbook. (Applause).
Mr George Aston, who was applauded on rising, congratulated the Buntingford Club on winning the Challenge Cup; he also thought they were very lucky in getting the support they did from their President and others.
The whole success of the league was due to the Executive, to Mr Chapman-Wood, and to all the affiliated clubs who had all played the game as it should be played. (Hear, hear).
Continuing, Mr Aston said that since he had been in Herts. nothing had given him greater pleasure than to be President of the East Herts. Bowls League, which he hoped would go on for many years. (Applause).
A replica of the cup was then presented to Mr W.J. May, who suitably replied.
Mr G. Scarborough Taylor, who proposed the toast of "The Guests," said that amongst others, they had Mr Chapman-Wood with them that evening. Both through the press and on the executive, Mr Chapman-Wood had done an enormous amount of work for the game. They were also delighted to have Dr Dixon with them once again. (Applause).
Mr Chapman-Wood and Dr H.E. Dixon both esponded. The former said that although the Buntingford Club lived on the outskirts of the leagure area, and had to travel the farthest they had won through.
He was afraid that he did not know much about the actual game of bowls, although he knew the bias side of a wood - (laughter) - and some day he hoped to play the game. The speaker then made some humourous remarks and concluded by expressing his pleasure at being present that evening, and thanking them for the cordial way in which they had received the toast.
Dr H.E. Dixon said the ancient game had been played in the true spirit of sport by several able bodied men of the town, and he was pleased to be amongst such a happy company.
The toast of the "Vice-Presidents" was proposed by the Rev. L.W. Wright, who said that no club could get on with the aid of its Vice-Presidents. To the members of the Club he would say that now they have ascended to the pinnacle of success they needed a little more caution than before. They had set themselves a great task, as the town looked forward to them to retain the title they had won. (Applause).
Mr E.E. Dennis replied, and said that the Vice-Presidents were especially pleased at the honour the Club had won they wished the Club success next year, and in the years to come.
"The Chairman"
Mr C.H. Poulton proposed the toast of "The Chairman." No club in Herts, he said, could boast of a better president.
Mr Marshall gave so much away that he would probably find one day that he had no money left. (Laughter). They had to thank Mr Marshall for many things in Buntingford, and without doubt he had proved himself to be a worthy son of a worthy father. (Applause).
The Chairman, in replying, said it was a pleasure to be President of any club in Buntingford. He thought it was communism in the best sense of the word, because everyone worked together so splendidly. He thought himself very fortunate to be amongest them, as when he came to Buntingford some 17 years ago, he did not think he would even find so many good friends. (Applause).
Dr R.W. Fell proposed a vote of thanks to the Artistes. Music was one of the most essentials of life, and the artistes that evening were excellent. Mr Jack Pierce responded.
Presentation of Prizes
During the evening the Chairman presented a Silver Challenge Cup to Mr E.R. Brett and a gold medal to Mr E.J. Totman.
The music items were rendered by The Rev. L.W. Wright, Mr J. Pierce, Mr A. May and Mr V. Pledger, and were very much enjoyed.
After thanks to Mr and Mrs J. Holmes, the Secretary (Mr J. Lawrence) and his dinner committee the evening concluded with the National Anthem.
