26th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Branch of the Mothers' Union

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Buntingford Branch of the Mothers' Union

A largely attended meeting was held in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday at 6.30, which was addressed by Mrs Parkin, Central Organising Worker from the Mary Sumner House, who is visiting the Branches of the Deanery during this week.

After a hymn, Mrs Dixon (Hon. Sec.), opened the meeting with prayer, and introduced Mrs Parkin, who spoke with much power on the ideal of a Christian home which underlay the first starting of the Mothers' Union by Mary Sumner 50 years ago, and which is, or ought to be, still the aim of every member.

She emphasized each of the three objects: the sanctity of marriage, the responsibility to God for children, and the fellowship in Prayer. She also urged upon members the duty of service, either as members of a Branch Committee, or by living consistent lives.

Mrs Howard (Enrolling Member) expressed her thanks of the meeting to Mrs Parkin for her helpful address, and announced that at the January meeting it was proposed to form a Committee of Communicant members, who would greatly assist the work of the Branch.

19th Nov 1926 - Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

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Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

Mr C. Hummerstone presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians held on November 11th.

The Master of the Institution (Mr F.W. Butler), reported that the number of inmates was 38. During the month 80 casuals had been admitted.

Gifts had been received from the following: Mrs Greg (books), Mrs H. May (books), Mrs Scarborough Taylor (books), Mrs A. Dixon (cakes), Great Hormead - pre Rev. W.L. Shepherd (vegetables, jam and eggs).

Several relief cases were dealt with, and the Board decided to grant 1/- per week extra coal to persons, for a period of one month, in certain relief cases where the recipients were living solely by themselves.

The Clerk submitted the basis for County Rates for 1927, which showed an increase of £200 on the assessable value for the current year; this increase, however, compared very favourably in proportion to the increases made in other unions in the County.

COUNCIL MEETING

Capt. H.H. Williams presided at the meeting of the Rural District Council which followed.

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed. The consumption of water during the past month was 1,060,000 gallons. The work of leathering the pumps has been completed.

Complaints had been made respecting the condition in which the pavements have been left by the contractors who recently opened up the paths for the purpose of laying a telephone cable.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the County Instructor on the matter.

The other business was of a formal nature.

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.

2nd April 1926 - County Library Scheme

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County Library Scheme

A FREE LIBRARY FOR BUNTINGFORD

A meeting to discuss the question of forming a Buntingford Branch of the Herts. County Council Free Library Scheme was held at the Parish Room on Saturday evening. Mr Claud Fraser presided and was supported by the Rev. A. Howard. There were about 20 representatives from the parishes of Aspenden, Layston, Wyddiall and Throcking present.

Under the County Library Scheme libraries are formed in the various towns and villages in the County and a supply of books, normally two per member, are sent periodically. There is no charge for membership or books.

The Chairman, after reviewing the scheme, said he thought it a very good one. It involved the Committee and members in no cost and he understood the books were very useful ones. If 150 members could be enrolled, they would be entitled to 300 books.

After a discussion, the Rev. A. Howard moved, and Mr W.J. May seconded that a library be formed. The following were elected to serve on the committee:

Layston - Mrs H.L. Baker and Miss Elliott.

Aspenden - Mr H.C. Marshall and Mrs H.H. Williams.

Wyddiall - The Rev. L.W. Wright and the Rev. A. Howard.

Throcking - The Rev. A.L. Panchaud and Mrs A.W. Page.

Mrs Macklin proposed, and Mrs A. Dixon seconded that Mrs Howard be asked to take on the duties of Hon. Librarian. Mrs Howard, after enquiring what the duties entailed, said she would accept.

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Mrs Howard for her promise of assistance. (Applause).

Mr W.J. May asked whether Sub-Libraries could be formed in the various parishes connected with the scheme, and the Chairman said he thought it would not be practicable at present. If any of the parishes choose to run their own scheme in conjunction with the County Council they could do so.

Mr A.G. Day said the Committee should consider what would be a suitable day and hour for opening the library. He thought the room should be open during the evening as some members would find it difficult to change their books during the afternoon.

Mr E.E. Dennis said he had made enquiries at Hertford, and had learned that gifts of books to the library would become the sole property of the library. The librarian would, however, have to render a return of all books presented. He understood that the next supply of books would be ready for despatch in April, and if members could be enrolled at once Buntingford could get a supply then.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chairman said he hoped as many as possible would take advantage of the scheme. When they had enrolled enough members the librarian could send for a supply of books. All that was necessary was for the public to sign a membership form, and Mr Day had kindly offered to have a supply of these in his shop.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and for the interest he had taken to the scheme.

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N.B. - It is important that membership forms be completed as soon as they are available, as after the April supply of books there will be no further supply for some two or three months, and should be membership increase immediately after the first supply, enough books may not be available for some time.