26th Feb 1926 - Social at the Congregational Church

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Social at the Congregational Church

On Thursday, February 18th, in the Congregational Church Schoolroom, a very enjoyable evening was spent, the occasion being a Church Social. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated by Mr Herbert Cutts, and presented a very pleasing appearance.

The evening commenced with a general conversazione. Then followed various musical items, &c., Miss Dorothy Howard (solo, "All Alone"); Miss Kathleen Smith (pianoforte, "Birds of Paradise," &c.); Miss Kitty Camp (pianoforte), Miss Alice Franklin (recitation, "The Key to the Situation"). 

A number of competitors took part in a previously prepared piece of unpunctuated prose. This caused great amusement, the audience being informed, e.g., that wine could be made with glycerine, special trains would be run updside down. In this competition, Mr Leonard Skipp, of Cottered, made the least number of mistakes.

Miss Emily Benstead followed with a monologue, "The Lost Golosh." She took her part well (finding in the end that this lost piece of footwear was residing serenely inside the other golosh). All these items were enthusiastically applauded.

Two sketches followed, one entitled "The Neighbours of Gooseberry Court" by Mr and Mrs Skipper ("Mrs Dobbs" and "Mrs Perkins" respectively) and Miss Gladys Mean ("Miss Amelia Copper") of the Cottered Congregational Church; and the second, entitled "Uncle Joseph" by Mr Herbert Cutts ("Mr Samuel Smith"), Miss Emily Benstead ("Mrs Selena Smith"), Mr C.L. Tutty ("Mr Dick Saunders"), Miss Edith Careless ("Miss Kitty Smith"), Mr Harry Feasey ("Mr Joe Tubb" and "Uncle Joseph," a myth), and Miss Kitty Camp ("Jane").

The artistes in both instances are to be congratulated on their excellent performance, while the amusement and merriment that accompanied their various experiences and adventures before the curtain was drawn must have been sufficient reward for all the preparation and care which they had given.

There was an interval between the two sketches for two items in which everyone took part. The members of the Ladies' Committee assisted by willing helpers, waited on the company with trays of tea, coffee and cakes, which many friends had, with their usual generosity, kindly contributed; and a collection was taken on behalf of the funds of the Church.

At the close the Minister thanked all who in any way (by gifts, time or services) had assisted towards the evening's pleasure.

The Doxology brought the evening to a close.

26th Feb 1926 - Boys' Club

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Boys' Club

A whist drive and dance, in aid of the funds of the Buntingford Boys' Club, was held at the George Hotel on Tuesday evening in last week.

There were 14 tables in use for whist, and Mr E.E. Dennis carried out the duties of M.C. The prize winners were: Ladies - 1 Mrs W. Jackson (biscuit barrel), 2 Mrs Smith (jam dish), 3 Mrs Hummerstone (jam dish). Gents - 1 Mr Mannox (clock), 2 Mr A. Mayes (tobacco pouch and pipe), 3 Mr A. Coxall (cut-glass bowl).

Following the whist, dancing was indulged in until midnight, Mr E.E. Dennis acting as accompanish and Mr J. Wall as M.C.

26th Feb 1926 - National Institute for the Blind

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National Institute for the Blind

Successful Whist Drive at the Benson Hall

A successful whist drive, in aid of the funds of the above institution, was held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening.

Twenty tables were occupied, and Mr H. Clarke kindly acted as M.C. The scoring was fairly high, and four ladies had to cut for prizes.

Mrs Stapley and Miss I. Aylott both scored 180, and winning the cut Mrs Stapley took first prize - a case of tea knives, Miss Aylott being second with a cake knife. Mrs Corp and Miss Mean both scored 176, and on the cut Miss Mean took third prize - a fancy jam dish.

For the gents prizes Mr F.C. Nash was first with a score of 180 - prize, a clock. Mr T. Pledger, who was second, chose a cigarette tray and matchbox; and Mr H. Clark, with a score of 175, was third - prize, a leather purse and wallet.

Father Morgan kindly presented a pack of cards for the player with the highest score at the first-half, and this prize was won by Mr A. Coxall.

Mrs H. Clarke distributed the prizes.

At the close, Mr B.E. Thody, who organised the drive, returned thanks to Mr Clarke and the helpers.

19th Feb 1926 - Women's Constitutional Association

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Women's Constitutional Association

An Excellent Meeting

What the Vote has done for Women

There was a crowded meeting of members and friends of the Buntingford and District Women's Constitutional Association held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Wednesday afternoon.

The President (Mrs H.H. Williams) presided, and was supported by Mrs G. Coutts-Deacon (Hon. Treas.) and Mrs Holman.

The President introduced Mrs Holman, who gave a most interesting address on "What the vote has done for women." In a well-prepared address, the speaker alluded to the fact that since the beginning of time women took a wonderful part in the life of the world. Christ himself put woman on a level with man, and many of his best friends were women. Referring to more recent years, the speaker said that some of the queens of England had done as much for our country as the kings.

Mrs Holman dealt at some length with the League of Nations and the excellent work carried out for the cause by Lord Robert Cecil. Dealing with the suffrage movement, the speaker said it was about 1906 when women began to think about the vote, and after the long years of the great war, when women did so much for their country, they were given a say in matters of state.

Instead of being just a political thing, the vote was one of the greatest milestones in the history of woman. For the first time they were real citizens of their country. It was a great milestone on the journey through the ages towards better conditions, and it was the duty of all women to use the vote right, and to carry on and go further and further until they felt they were doing their very best for their homes and country. Some men had said when the women were allowed a vote "You have it for all we care. It has not done us much good." The speaker hoped that women had not looked upon the vote in that light.It was a great thing to have a say in the affairs of state and to be able to help in the share of the country's work.

Several other points of interest were ably dealt with, and at the close Mrs Holman was accorded very hearty applause.

After tea, which was served to nearly 100 present, songs were rendered by Mrs Scarborough Taylor, and songs and recitations by Mrs G. Coutts-Deacon.

Both were heartily applauded and thanked for adding to the success of the meeting, which concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.