Layston Parish Council
A meeting of the Layston Parish Council was held on Thursday last, when Dr H.E. Dixon was elected Chairman for the year, the Revd. John Cole being elected Vice-Chairman.
A precept for £27 10s. for lighting was issued, and the annual accounts presented by the Clerk, Mr J. Boniwell; the receipts were £68 11s. 8d., and the expenditure £53 17s. 6d., leaving a balance in hand of £14 14s. 2d.
Nursing Association
The Committee of this beneficient Association have just issued their thirtieth annual report and balance sheet. Both will be perused with general interest.
The Committee acknowledge the generosity of the subscribers and their kindly thoughts in providing, in so many different ways, such substantial assistance to the funds of the Association, and beg to thank sincerely, "The Bunties" for their talented entertainment; Miss Lushington for another successful whist drive; all those who managed and collected on flag day; to the Foresters,' Mr Fry, and those who took collecting boxes; to Miss Pigg for her concert; to Mr Hedges for the time and skill he gives to the motorcycle; to Mr Jeff Smith for finding the accommodation for it; and to Mr E.C. Clarke for auditing the accounts.
There is also a reference in the report to the death of Mrs Elliott, who for many years helped and supported the Association.
The report refers to the popularity of Nurse Davies and Nurse Tunwell, whose excellent work and kind attention has been a boon to the patients and a satisfaction to the Committee. Nurse Davies paid 2,480 visits during the year, and Nurse Tunwell 1,379.
The balance sheet, including a balance in hand at the beginning of the year, shows total receipts £341 14s. 5d., and a credit balance of £20 2s. 9d.
The chief items on the receipt side are: Subscriptions £78 18s. 6d., donations £68 7s. 11d., collections in Churches £8 18s. 9d., collecting boxes £3 4s., cottage monthly subscriptions £15 2s. 1d., maternity fees £25 7s., health and maternity grants £18 15s. 6d., contributions from Cottered £41 12s. 9d., from Rushden £18 8s. 8d., and from Westmill £28 2s. 7d.
Thanks from the town and district is accorded to the Committee and district representatives for their valuable services, and sincere gratitude is accorded Mrs Alex Dixon, the Chairman and Hon. Sec. Her devoted services for many years have been invaluable to the wellbeing of the Association.
Mothers' Union
A large number of members of the Buntingford branch of the Mothers' Union assembled at St Peter's on Thursday afternoon of last week to hear an address on the work of the Ladies' Home Mission.
Mrs Alex Dixon presided, being supported by Mrs Howard.
Mrs Mould, who gave a very interesting address, referred to the work the Mission was doing at Spitalfields, and showed some very interesting photographs depicting the home life of some of the poorer people.
Part of the Mothers' Union service was used, and hymns taken from Mothers' Union sheet.
At the close a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Mould, and a collection for the Mission Funds amounted to £1 10s.
Whit-Monday Fete
Opening Ceremony by Lady Salisbury
In favourable weather, a garden fete was held in the grounds of Layston Court (by kind permission of Miss E.M.A. Woods), on Whit-Monday. The fete was in aid of the Buntingford and District Nursing Association and the Buntingford Women's Institute.
The fete was opened at 3 p.m. by Lady Salisbury, who was introduced by Dr R.W. Fell.
Lady Salisbury, in a delightful speech, expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present in such charming surroundings. The object of the fete was an excellent one. The Buntingford Nursing Association did an excellent service to the community and was a boon to the villages. The Women's Institute was also deserving of assistance, for it did an enormous amount of good. (Applause).
Lady Salisbury was then presented with a bouquet by Anne Veasey, a pretty girl of four years.
The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with articles, while adjoining were numerous side-shows and attractions. A tennis tournament drew several entries. Teas were served under a large tree, the committee being assisted by a number of helpers.
Mrs Dixon proposed a vote of thanks to Lady Salisbury for so kindly opening the fete and this was seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, and carried with applause.
A programme of dances, with music supplied by the Band, concluded a very successful day.
There were so many helpers both before the day itself that we withhold the lengthy list, but mention should be made of the services of the fete Hon. Sec. Mr G.H. Maughan, who had been preparing for the event for some weeks.