2nd November 1923 - Buntingford Rural Deanery

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Buntingford Rural Deanery

Meeting of the Conference at Buntingford

A meeting of the members of the Buntingford Ruri-Decanal Conference was held at the Foresters' Hall, Buntingford, on Friday afternoon last.

The Rural Dean (the Rev. F.R. Williams) presided, and was supported by the Secretary (Rev. W.T. Stubbs.) Representatives were present from the parishes of Aspenden, Layston, Wyddiall, Throcking, Cottered, Anstey, Hormead, Meesden and Barley. A goodly number of lay members were present.

The chairman said they were pleased to welcome the Rev. Carr, of Meesden, and the Rev. W.L. Sheppard, of Great Hormead.

The chairman announced that he had received a letter with reference to the Diocesan Board of Finance. At Michaelmas there was a debit balance of £2459, and it was hoped that all parishes would forward their contributions as soon as they were due.

Ruri-Decanal Education Committee

The chairman said that the Bishop thought that an education committee was most important, and he would ask the meeting to elect representatives.

The following were elected: The Rev. H.E. Langdon (secretary), the Rev. F.E. Harton, Mr E.E. Dennis, Mrs C. Johnson, and Mrs North.

18th June 1926 - Notes of the Week

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Notes of the Week

Encouraging the Youngsters

The School Sports held on Thursday of last week were a step in the right direction. Perhaps one of our local schools will turn out an English champion.

The way to the top of the ladder is easy through the School Sports Association for any lad with the right stuff in him.

The Weather

The weather conditions were decidedly bad for a sports meeting, competitors and spectators alike being driven to cover by the heavy showers which fell during the afternoon and evening.

Every available nook and corner seemed to be taken up when the rain came on, and two boys were seen taking shelter under a motor car crowded with children.

The Ladies

Once again that wonderful band of "helpers" rose to the occasion and did their very best in the management of the teas.

Under a roughly made shelter, which threatened to collapse at any minute, they worked untiringly for some six hours under trying conditions.

The Officials

The excellent arrangements for the sports were made by Mr E.E. Dennis, who was assisted on the day by a band of workers. Of these, Mr Roberson and Mr E.C. Clarke deserve special mention.

Mr Clarke spent the whole of the afternoon and evening in a bell tent recording and tabulating the results of the various events. His task was made more difficult by the competitors themselves - some thirty of them crowding into the little tent during the heavy showers.

More Difficulties

The sports were originally arranged for Wednesday, June 2nd, but had to be postponed on account of the wet weather. On Wednesday of last week most of the arrangements were complete and a large marquee was erected to serve as a tea tent and a shelter combined.

The gale of Wednesday night brought the tent down and damaged the poles so much that it was impossible to erect it again. In addition some cattle broke through the sports enclosure during the night and badly damaged the running tapes and pegs.

Another tent received such bad treatment from the elements that it had to be pulled down just before the competitors began to arrive.

4th June 1926 - Sports

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Sports

Weather conditions were so bad on Wednesday that the first annual school sports, arranged to be held at Buntingford, had to be postponed.

Mr E.E. Dennis and several helpers had made excellent arrangements, and the Town Band were to have been in attendance. The number of entries was very gratifying, and had the weather been fine the meeting would have been a great success.

At present it has been arranged to hold the event on Thursday next, June 10th, when it is hoped that a large number of people from the town and district will be present to support the cause.

4th June 1926 - School Attendance

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School Attendance

A meeting of the Buntingford Education Sub-Committee was held at the Board Room on Monday last. Present - The Rev. F.R. Williams (Chairman), The Revd. John Cole, Mrs Dimsdale, Messrs. C. Hummerstone, E.E. Dennis and W.J. May. Mr C. Hummerstone was appointed Vice-Chairman.

The School Attendance Officer presented his report which showed that there were 728 children on the books. Cases of irregular attendances were reported, and dealt with by the Committee.

The Clerk read a communication from the County Council respecting the attendances made by the Nuthampstead children, and this was fully discussed.

Mr W.J. May referred to the evening class syllabus for 1926-1927, and said he hoped that such subjects as Agriculture and Horticulture would be included in the programme. The committee were in favour of this, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the County Council on the matter.