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Armistice Day
Arrangements are now well in hand for the observance of Remembrance Day, Thursday, November 11th.
The Concert Committee met at Longmead this week and drew up arrangements for the concert to be given at the Benson Hall during the evening.
Mr Harry Gibbs, who gave great satisfaction last year is bringing 'The Gossips,' a novel concert party from London.
Tickets will be on sale at Mr H. Fry's.
Funeral of Mr Stanley F. Keen
The funeral of Stanley F. Keen, whose death at the early age of 18 years was reported in this Paper last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard.
Members of the Buntingford Independent Foresters' Society carried out the duty of bearers, the deceased being a junior member of that Society. His employer, Mr A. Jackson, kindly lent his car, and the evidences of sorrow were marked by the number of people present and the beautiful floral tributes.
Mr and Mrs C.F. Keen (father and mother), Mrs W. Whiting and Mrs P. Deards (sisters), Mrs R. Saunders (aunt), Mr P. Deards and Mr J. Gibbs (brothers-in-law), and Miss Jackson.
The wreaths were as follows:
From Mum and Dad
Maggie and Will
Nellie and Percy
Vera and Phyllis
Mr and Mrs A. Jackson and Family
Mr and Mrs and H. Jackson and Mrs James Harradence.
Mr G. Hagger
Mr L. Bradford
His pals - J. and L. Plumb, C. and B. King, R. Fish, J. Ward, J. Oakley, C. and M. Worboys
Mrs Parker
Mr and Mrs French
Mr and Mrs A. Dray
Mr and Mrs Arthur Dray
Miss E. Cutts
Mr and Mrs L. Smith
Mrs Patmore and Mr Hummerstone
Mrs Pateman and Family
Mr and Mrs Haddock
Mrs Brewington
Mrs Prior and Family
Mrs Horth and Reg
Mrs G. Bradford
Cottered
Death of Sir James Cantlie
The Funeral
We regret to record the death of Sir James Cantlie, the eminent surgeon, which took place in a London Nursing Home on Friday last. The deceased, who had been in failing health for about two years, was 75 years of age.
Sir James, who founded the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, which later became the Royal Army Medical Corps, was an apostle of physical fitness. He possessed the fine gift of a true sense of humour, and was noted for his outspoken manner. He was knighted for his services in connection with Red Cross work during the war, and he worked untiringly for months in training V.A. detachments. He will be long remembered for the prominent part he took in securing the release of Sun Yat Sen, who organised a plot to seize Canton in 1895.
Sir James' connections with Cottered have extended over the past 30 years. He took up farming in the village as a hobby, and spent many happy days in his residence "The Kennels." He took a keen interest in all local matters, and an hour's chat with neighbouring farmers gave him great pleasure.
Following an impressive service at St Peter's, Vere Street, London, on Tuesday the commital portion of the funeral service was held at Cottered. The coffin, covered with a naval ensign, was borne to the grave by men who had been employed by the deceased, among these was John Parker, an old servant of the deceased's, who dug the ivy-lined grave.
There were nearly 100 beautiful wreathes from various organisations and institutions with which the deceased was connected. Among these were tribute from the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (of which the deceased was the founder), The School of Hygiene (London), The Union of Chinese Associations, The College of Working Women, The Governors of the Polytechnic, The Council and members of the London and Banff and Kncardine Association, 56th Detachment of V.A.D., The London Morayshire Club, The Knomuntong Association, The Hospitallers Club, The A.D.M.S., and Officers of the Medical Units of the 56th London Territorial Division, The 210th Division V.A.D., No. 2 British Red Cross, The British Red Cross Society, Old V.A.D. Members, No. 1 V.A.D., The Grand Principal of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, and thhe Chinese Students of Great Britain and Ireland.
Mourners from a wide area were present, and the service was conducted by the Rev. F.A. Gibbs, of Walkern. The immediate mourners were Commander C.E. Cantlie, R.D.S.C., R.N. (son), Capt. N. Cantlie, R.A.M.C., M.C., M.R.C.S. (son), Miss Allan, Miss Janet Allan, Mr and Mrs Ingall, Mr I. Ingall, Miss M. Roos, Mr Usher, and Nurse Brisley.
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Braughing
New Vicar Instituted and Inducted
The institution and induction of the newly appointed Vicar, the Rev. Frederick William Baron Jobson, B.A., to the living at Braughing took place at the Parish Church on the 28th ult. A good congregation assembled.
The St George's Flag waved from the church tower, and both before and after the service the bells pealed out joyously. The Bishop of St Albans instituted the incumbent, and the Ven. Archdeacon Kenneth Gibbs carried out the induction ceremony.
In both cases the little procession was preceded by Mr W.B. Minton (vicar's warden) and Mr W.F. Boards (acting for the parish warden). The Rev. F.S. Holmes (Furneux Pelham) acted as Bishop's Chaplain, and the other clergy present were the Revs. F.R. Williams (Anstey), W.L. Shepherd (Hormead), and A.L. Panchaud (Throcking).
The Bishop gave the congregation a motto for the new chapter that had begun that day in the history of Braughing. On this motto, "We are labourers together with God," he discoursed eloquently showing the relationship between the parish priest and people welded together by the spirit of fellowship. The latter was produced by witness, and power, strength and life from God, resulting in love to their neighbour.
He concluded by exhorting them that the best place to speak to a person was straight to his face, and the worse possible place behind his back. Telling the story of the cavalry regiment who on dismounting always gave three pats on the back to their horses, he said, to get the best of their parson they must give him three pats occasionally, a bit of encouragement so that he might be cheered along in his work, remembering always the motto from God's Book that they were all working together with God.
Buckland
Women's Institute
The November monthly meeting was held in the School on the 10th at 6.30 p.m.
The business having been gone over, the members received a Paper Mache Demonstration at the hands of the Hon. Miss B. Gibbs. Many members took actual part in this, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the demonstrator by the President.
A competition, "Best Xmas Present for 1/-," was won by Miss P. Morris and Mrs H. Carter, the judge (Hon. Miss Gibbs) finding it impossible to decide between the two.
Tea was served by Mrs J. Carter, Mrs J. South, Mrs Hoar, Mrs H. Carter, Miss Ellis and Miss N. Carter.
A delightful play was given by three friends from Barkway, entitled "Between the soup and the savoury."
Nomination papers for the 1927 Committee were distributed.
A very pleasant evening was closed by all singing God Save the King.
Armistice Day in Buntingford
Excellent Arrangements
Armistice Day was commemorated in a very solemn manner, the local branch of the British Legion, which made all the arrangements, following in a large measure the order of procedure to that so admirably carried out last year.
"Revellie" was sounded at 6 a.m. by Mr J. Gibbs.
Shortly before 11 a.m. a procession was formed opposite the Ex-Service Men's Club. It comprised Ex-Service Men, Boy Scouts (under the command of Ex-Scoutmaster C. Miles), and Special Constables. The procession marched to the Town War Memorial, where the townspeople and a number of Rural District Councillors were assembled.
The introductory portion of the service was read by the Rev. A. Howard, M.A. A stirring address was given by the Rev. W.L. Shepherd, of Great Hormead, after which the two minutes' silence was observed. Then came the singing of the beautiful hymn "The Supremem Sacrifice," after which Capt. H.H. Williams, the President of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, read out the names of the heroic dead whose names are inscribed on the War Memorial.
The Rev. John Cole read a portion of the scripture, and prayers were offered by Captain Green of the Salvation Army. The Blessing was pronounced by the Rev. L.W. Wright.
Following the singing of the National Anthem each of the bodies represented placed a wreath at the base of the Memorial. Mr E.J. Smith sounded "The Last Post" and the parade reformed and marched to Church Street and dismissed.
YARDS OF PENNIES
The usual collection of pennies in the High Street was conducted by Mr F.W. Butler and Miss Ward, who were assisted by Miss Porter, Miss Lushington, Miss Fell, Miss Mary Feasey and Miss Mary Crane.
JUMBLE SALE
During the afternoon a jumble sale was held at the George Hotel. Mr Crane kindly collected the goods, which were being sold by Mrs Fell, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs Coleman, Mrs Squires and Mrs Camp. The Ex-Service men are grateful to these ladies, and to all others who assisted with the day's arrangements.
THE CONCERT
The annual concert was held in the Benson Hall during the evening, when a first-class programme was given by "The Gossips," as well-known London Concert Party.
There was a crowded audience, some 200 persons having to be turned away. The platform was decorated with pot plants, kindly lent by Mr E.G. Thody. The programme fittingly opened with the singing of Kipling's Recessional by the Buntingford and District Musical Society, conducted by Mr E.E. Dennis. Altogether the concert was an outstanding success.
Valuable assistance in connection with the concert and the arrangements for the service at the War Memorial was rendered by Captain H.H. Williams, Mr H. Clarke (Secretary of the British Legion Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).
SALE OF POPPIES
The arrangements for the sale of poppies were again undertaken by Mrs H.C. Marshall, who was assisted in the sale by Miss M. Fell, Mrs J. Aylott, Miss P. Mayes, Miss Scrivener, Miss Wilkerson, Miss E. Smith, Miss M. Crane, Miss Armstrong, Mrs L. Smith, Miss Cutts, Miss Lushington, and Masters John and George Taylor.
The villages also assisted, the representatives being: Anstey, Miss Buckwell; Wyddiall, Lady Heaton-Ellis; Aspenden, Miss G. Phillips; Buckland, Miss P. Morris; Westmill, Mrs Coutts-Deacon; Cottered, Miss Wilderspin; part Furneaux Pelham, Mrs Holmes; Meesden, Mrs Kerr; Great and Little Hormead, Mrs Dimsdale; Rushden, Mr E.J. Marchal; Ardeley, Mr J.H. Thorpe.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E. (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Claud Fraser, William Steel, and G.W. Pepper, Esqs.
NEIGHBOURS DISAGREE
Ernest Newman, of 15, Council Cottages, Cottered, brought a charge of common assault against his neighbour, Jack Gravestock. Gravestock pleaded "not guilty."
The plaintiff said that on Saturday, 7th January, he returned to his home shortly after 9 p.m. After he had been indoors some minutes he heard someone at the front door. He went to the door and the defendant took hold of him and tried to pull him out. Some men were standing at the front gate, and the plaintiff went down the path to enquire what was the matter. Jack Gravestock then took hold of him and pushed him on the village green, and dumped him in the mud two or three times. He afterwards reported the matter to the police.
Edith Newman, wife of the complainant, said she was having a few words with her husband on the night in question when the defendant came to the front door and tried to pull her husband outside. Later her husband went outside and was pushed in some mud by defendant.
Cross-examined, witness stated that her husband was not drunk that night.
The defendant, in giving evidence, said that at about 10.20 p.m. on the Saturday night in question he was indoors with his parents when he heard screams of "murder" and "help." He went to the front door, where he saw Mrs Newman, who asked him to hit her husband.
Newman then came out of the house and witness said to him "I want to see you; come on to the green." Newman walked over to the green and slipped down in the mud, where he laid for some minutes.
Mrs Hearne, of 14, Council Cottages, said that at 10.30 p.m. on the day in question she heard someone screaming. She ran outside, and saw Mrs Newman lying in the path. When Newman came out of the house she asked him to go to his wife's assistance, and he replied "She is only putting it on."
Harry Gravestock, the defendant's father, gave evidence, and said that when he went outside Mrs Newman was shouting "murder" and asking for protection. When Newman came out into the road he walked on to the green, and slipped and fell in the mud.
Harry Hearn and Joseph Pepper said they stood in the road and saw Newman fall down in the mud. The defendant did not push him down.
Mrs Gravestock, the defendant's mother, said there was an awful row outside, and when she went out Mrs Newman told her that Newman would kill her son. The witness went out on to the green where she saw her son (the defendant) standing with another man. She went up to the man, and, thinking he was Newman, smacked his face. She then discovered it was Mr Pepper she had struck. (Laughter). The witness added she helped Newman up and pushed him indoors.
The Chairman said the Bench were of the opinion that the assault had not been proved. The case would be dismissed.
ALLEGED CRUELTY TO A CHILD
Mrs K. Goss, a married woman, of Buntingford, was summoned by John E. Gibbs, of Buntingford, for alleged cruelty to his child, Frederick Gibbs, aged three years.
The plaintiff, in a lengthy statement to the Bench, said that while his wife was in hospital his three children were placed in the care of Mrs Goss. He paid her £1 per week for their maintenance.
On Tuesday, 20th December, Mr Goss brought the boy, Frederick, home, stating that the child had misbehaved himself. The complainant found that the child complained, and on examining him it appeared as though the child had been struck. He took the child to the Police Station, where he was examined by Police Officers. He also saw Mrs Goss, who denied thrashing the boy.
Mrs Goss, in giving evidence, said that when she took the children into her care they had chicken-pox. In consequence they had marks on their bodies.
On the morning of December 20th she attended to the boy, Frederick, as usual. When she went to dress him at 7.30 a.m. she found he had misbehaved himself, so she gave him a smacking. She did not smack his head, and the child seemed all right at breakfast. She had three children of her own, and would have treated any of them just the same.
Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs Chalmers Hunt & Co., defended, and pointed out that a person who has charge of a child is legally entitled to administer such punishment as is necessary. There were times when corporal punishment was necessary, and this occasion had been one of them.
The complainant then called his daughter (Barbara) to give evidence and further evidence for the defendant was given by her husband and daughter.
The Chairman, in addressing the complainant, said that the Bench had listened with great patience to all the evidence. They were impressed by the fact that the complainant had called no medical evidence to support his case.
They further noted, from the evidence, that although an officer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had his attention called to the matter, there was some significance in the fact that he did not intervene in the case.
The Bench were of the unanimous opinion that the case must be dismissed.
POSSESSION CASE
The case in which Mrs Page applied for the possession of a cottage in the occupation of Jonah Brown, and which, as reported in our issue of 10th February, was adjourned for the Magistrates to inspect the alternative accommodation offered the tenant, again came before the Bench.
In dismissing the application for possession, the Chairman said that the alternative accommodation offered the tenant was, in the opinion of the Bench, unsuitable.
Girl Guide Movement
In connection with the Girl Guide Movement, a troop of which will shortly be formed in Buntingford, there was a social gathering at the Congregational Schoolroom last Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Martin was the speaker, and Mrs Fraser, Miss Gibbs, and Miss Elliott were also present. There was an attendance of about thirty.
In the course of a very interesting address on the aims and objects of the Guide Movement, Mrs Martin said the principal object was that of impressing upon the girls the necessity of teaching themselves, in order to make them practical and useful wives when they had homes of their own.
One other object was the teaching of common sense, which seemed to be omitted from the education given at school. The speaker said she thought that a girl who had received such instruction as home and sick nursing, ambulance, first aid and such like, would make a far better housewife than one who had only been taught such subjects as writing, arithmetic, &c.
Mrs Martin gave several illustrations of the courage displayed by guides, and said she hoped the Buntingford troop would be quite a successful one.
Refreshments were served to the company present, and the meeting then closed.