27th August 1926 - Horticultural Society Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

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Horticultural Society

Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

Fairyland Scene at West View

The spell which has cast itself on any garden function arranged at West View during recent years has at last been broken, and for a pleasant change fine weather prevailed for a Whist Drive and Dance held in the pretty grounds, by kind permission of Mrs Wyman, on Wednesday evening last.

Early in the afternoon there was a slight shower, but the weather turned out fine later.

There was not such a large company present as was expected, due perhaps to the harvest operations; sixteen tables were occupied for whist, and several persons came in later for the dancing.

The Illuminations

By the time the whist had finished, the grounds had quite a fairyland resemblance; some 600-700 fairy lights and Chinese lanterns of various colours casting a beautiful glow over the lawns and the flower-beds. It was a charming sight.

The Standon Orchestra provided an excellent programme of dance music, and Mr Little (who presided at the piano) won admiration for the way he filled the post of pianist. The other members of the orchestra were Mr A.H. Hedges, Mr Hunter and Mr G. Wilmont, who also acted very efficiently.

Thanks

The Committee desire (through the medium of the Buntingford "Gazette") to thank Mrs Wyman for so kindly placing her grounds at the disposal of the Society.

Best thanks are also due to Capt. and Mrs Denny, of Little Court, and Miss Lushington, for prizes; to Mrs E.G. Thody and Miss Thody for managing the refreshments; to Mr H. Clarke, who was a very efficient M.C.; Mr C. Miles and Mr E.C. Clarke, gate stewards; Mrs Stapley for the use of piano; Mr A.G. Day and Mr B.E. Thody for arrangements; Mr E.J. Crane, carting; Mr J. Holmes and the Ex-Service Men's Club, use of tables and chairs; Mrs Coates, gift of cakes; and to the Hon. Sec. (Mr E.G. Thody) for the illuminators. Mr A. Coxall also lent valuable assitance.

The Prizes

Prizes for whist were won by the following:

Ladies - 1 Miss Cornwell 160, 2 Miss Lushington 157, 3 Mrs Day 156.

Gents - 1 Mr Nash 165, 2 Mr S. Howlett 162, 3 Mr H. Cutts 157.

19th Nov 1926 - Disastrous Fire at Little Court

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Disastrous Fire at Little Court

A disastrous fire broke out at Little Court, Buntingford, the residence of Captain J.A. Denny, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning. The buildings involved were a few yards from the house and comprised stables, garage, engine room and store.

Shortly after 3 a.m. Major Keeble, who is staying at the house, heard a crash and looking out of his window saw that the garage was in flames. He gave the alarm, but by the time any helpers were on the scene the flames were spreading with alarming speed.

A call was sent to the Ware Fire Brigade, but by the time they arrived the roof had collapsed. Mr G.E. Thody and other members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade were also informed and using every length of hose available - 200 yards - soon had a jet of water playing on the wood shed which was saved.

The damage is extensive. Two motor cars - a 10 h.p. Humber and a 14 h.p. Armstrong Siddley - besides a motor lawn mower and a practically new Petter Electric Lighting Set, being totally destroyed. The lofts were stacked with garden produce and utensils, all of which were destroyed. Two ferrets in a locker were burned to death.

The cause of the fire is unknown.