Funeral
The funeral of Mr Arthur Robert Franklin, an account of whose death was recorded in this paper last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon last.
The immediate mourners comprised members of the family and a few friends, and the Rev. A. Howard was the officiating clergyman.
Several beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave.
Leap Year Dance
There were 110 dancers present at the leap year invitation dance on Wednesday evening, which took place in the Benson Hall.
The whole of the necessary arrangements were made entirely by Mrs Philpott, who is to be congratulated on the success achieved. Mrs Philpott not only issued the invitations, but also sold the admission tickets, besides contributing in no small way to the excellent assortment of refreshments which were served during the evening.
Refreshments were also given and served by Mrs Bishop, Mrs McGuinness, Mrs Blakiston, Mrs Plumb, Mrs W. Watson, Miss Mulvany and Miss Spencer. The duties of M.C. were undertaken by Mr Blakiston, who spared no pains to add merriment to the evening's enjoyment.
A special feature was the lighting effects, which were greatly admired by the energetic company present. The music, which added still greater pleasure to the proceedings, was supplied by the "Mavis" Dance Band, the members of which did their utmost to provide a programme to meet with the popularity of all. Their programme was excellent.
A Spot Dance Competition was won by Miss Philpott and Mr B. Howard, the former receiving a pound of chocolates for a prize and her partner a box of cigarettes. A Novelty Dance was also greatly enjoyed.
Mrs Whitehouse, of Sunny Hill, kindly lent her piano, and Mr W. Budd acted as door-keeper throughout the evening.
The proceeds, which were for the purpose of installing new electric light wiring in the hall, were very satisfactory, but the actual amount taken is not yet known.
It was generally agreed that this was one of the jolliest dances ever held in Buntingford.
St Peter's
There was a fairly good congregation at St Peter's on Thursday in last week, when the first of a series of Lenten services was conducted by the vicar (Rev. A. Howard).
The Rector of Wyddiall (the Rev. W. Mc C. Kerr) had intended to preach, but was prevented from attending owing to indisposition.
Buntingford Board of Guardians
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday morning, when there were present Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Messrs. F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Claud Fraser, W.J. May, G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, T.J. Stick, H.H. Williams, A.W. Page, and G.C. Wilson, with the Master (Mr F.B. Butler), the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).
Master's Report
The Master presented his monthly report, which showed that 2 inmates had been admitted, 2 discharged, and one had died. The number now in the Institution was 45.
During the month 388 casuals had been admitted, against 189 for the corresponding period last year.
The Master reported that the copper in the laundry was worn out, and a new one was needed.
The Rev. Howard is holding a service at the Institution on Sunday next, and the Master asked for sanction to purchase some chairs and hassocks, which a tradesman is willing to supply at cost price.
The Master also reported the receipt of the following gifts: Books from Mrs Brian Laing and Mrs Clark, and cakes from Miss Lushington and the secretary of the Buntingford Football Club.
House Committee Report
The House Committee reported that they had considered the suggestion of furnishing one of the rooms as a chapel, but had left the matter over for a month.
A new copper was essential in the wash-house, as also was a wire cage for the stove and pipe, which had been recommended by the Insurance Company.
The Committee also stated that the milk supplied to the Institution had not been of a good quality, and the sanitary inspector had submitted a report thereon.
The patients in the hospital and the inmates of the House were visited, and found to be comfortable and proceeding satisfactorily.
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The Chairman said he was sure the Board was very grateful to those who had sent gifts to the Institution.
With regard to the equipping of a room for the religious services, the matter was left in Mr Thody's hands to enable him to find out that amount of money would be required to meet the cost. The Board thought £5 or £6 would pay for the chairs and hassocks.
Mr Hayes asked whether it would not be possible to use the chairs of other rooms, but the Master replied the only ones available were those in the Board Room, and he thought some difficulty would be experienced in carrying the chairs about.
A tender for the provision of a new copper was received, but it was agreed to invite other tenders before carrying out the work.
The Clerk read Mr Thody's report of his inspection of the milk supplied to the Institution, in which he stated the reason for the milk turning sour was lack of cleanliness. The Contractor (Mr Smith) sent a letter to the Board, stating that he could not understand what caused the milk to curdle in so short a time.
Mr Page said that new milk supplied at 5 o'clock in the evening should remain fresh for twenty-four hours, and the Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Smith.
Relief
Several cases were dealt with, and instructions issued.
Appointment of Relieving Officers
The Clerk read a letter from the Ministry of Health, stating that the Ministry had assented to the appointment of Mr B.E. Thody as successor to Mr Macklin.
The Clerk also read a letter from the Ministry agreeing to allow two years to be added to the late Relieving Officer's actual years of service for the purposes of superannuation.
The Clerk read copies of resolutions which had been passed by other unions in the country.
Estimates
The Clerk presented his estimates for the half-year ending 30th September, from which is appeared that the amount required for Common Fund Charges would be £2144, as against £2073 for the corresponding period last year.
The Clerk stated that the increase was accounted for by the increased cost of in-maintenance due to the large number of casuals.
A Guardian's Resignation
A letter was read from Capt. E.T. Morris, tendering his resignation as a Guardian and Rural District Councillor.
Capt. Morris stated that his other engagements did not allow him to attend the meetings, and he sincerely thanked the members of the Board and their officers for the help they had given him in the past.
The Chairman, in moving that a letter be sent Capt. Morris expressing the Board's regret at his resignation, said Capt. Morris had done a great amount of work in the past and his services would be greatly missed.
Capt. Williams, the Chairman of the Rural District Council, endorsed Mr Hummerstone's remarks, and this concluded the business.
Layston Parochial Church Council
Annual Accounts Submitted
The Layston Parochial Church Council met at Mrs A. Dixon's house on Monday last.
The Chairman (the Rev. A. Howard) was supported by Mrs A. Dixon, Mrs Howard, Mrs F.W. Butler, Miss Boniwell, Mr J. Pateman and Mr F.W. Butler (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer).
Accounts
The balance sheet for the past year was submitted.
Receipts showed a total of £143, and expenditure £142 19s. 11d.
During the year the Church contributed £21 3s. 3d. to various Missionary Societies, and £25 16s. 9d. to Hospitals, Nursing Funds and Home Societies.
The balance sheet was adopted.
On the Burial Ground account the receipts showed a total of £65 6s. 10d., which was made up as follows: Church members, £59 17s. 10d.; Congregational Church and members, £5 4s.; Catholic Church member, 5s.
The total expenditure had been £70 8s. 0d., making a defecit of £5 1s. 6d. due to the Treasurer.
The Council considered the accounts very satisfactory.
Garden Fete
It was decided to hold a garden fete in June. Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser had kindly offered the grounds of the Red House for the occasion, and it was hoped that sufficient funds would be raised to wipe out the defecit, and to ensure that the present tidy appearance of the grave yard be kept up. The graveyard had previously been a disgrace to the Town, on account of shortage of funds.
The following were elected to serve on the Fete Committee: Mr and Mrs C. Fraser, the Rev. and Mrs A. Howard, Mrs A. Dixon, Miss Boniwell, Mrs Maughan, Miss Woods, Mrs F.W. Butler, Mr J. Pateman, Mr C. Miles.
Free-Will Offering
The Hon. Treasurer, Mrs A. Howard, reported that the sum of £35 12s. 11d. had been contributed to the Diocesan Board of Finance.
The quota for the year was £50.
The Council felt that the quota was too high, and after discussion it was decided that the amount which the Church would endeavour to contribute this year would be £35.
Thanks
Mrs Howard was thanked for the interest she had taken in the Free-Will Offering Fund, and Mr F.W. Butler was cordially thanked for his services as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer to the Council.
The next meeting to revise the Electorial Roll was fixed for February 11th, and the Annual Church Meeting on March 10th.
St Peter's
The interior of the church was prettily decorated with evergreens in profusion, interspersed with chrysanthemums, and at Holy Communion on Christmas Day, which was administered by the Vicar (Rev. A. Howard) to over thirty communicants, the lights from the gas enhanced considerably the decorations.
At the morning service, at which the Vicar spoke to a good congregation on the joy which the first Christmas Day brought to the earth, touching upon the same happy lot which might be ours if it could be realised that the Babe Who was born in the manger at Bethlehem was sent as the Saviour of man. The season of Christmas could only be enjoyed in the heart by knowing the relationship of Him Who was born in the manger in the fields while the shepherds were watching their sheep because there was no place to accomodate for Joseph and his espoused wife Mary when the time came for her to be delivered.
Appropriate hymns were used, and the Holy Communion was also celebrated after the service.
On the Sunday preceding Christmas Day there was a special carol service during the afternoon. Thanks to the excellent training of Mrs Pateman, who accompanied singing on the organ, the children sang exceptionally well, some of the carols being "O little town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," "Good King Wencelas" and "A Child this day is born," Mrs Fiddaman delivering the air for the latter and the children singing the chorus.
A further carol service will be held on Sunday next.
Festivities at the Poor Law Institution
Through the untiring efforts of the Master and Matron (Mr and Mrs F.W. Butler), who neglect nothing that will prevent the inmates from spending a merry Christmas, and to the generosity of many kindly donors, all the inmates spent a happy time in the Institution one of the happiest in the real sense of the adjective.
On the 16th inst. Miss E.N. Davies sent sponge sandwiches for tea.
On the 18th inst. Miss Lushington provided cake for tea and distributed sweets and tobacco, for which, one leaving, she was loudly cheered.
On the same day Miss Baker took her pupils to the sick wards, where they sang carols, and these were greatly appreciated by the sick inmates.
On the 21st inst. the Rev. and Miss Shepherd, of Great Hormead, visited the wards, and left parcels for the inmates from that parish.
The wards and dining hall had been tastefully decorated by the staff with evergreens and paper chains, which gave a festive appearance. Breakfast on Christmas Day consisted of ham, and each inmate received a new shilling as a gift from Mr Claud Fraser, a member of the Board of Guardians. Parcels and other gifts were handed round, the kindly donors of which are below mentioned.
For dinner there was a liberal supply of roast beef, roast pork, chicken, parsnips and potatoes, plum pudding, ale and minerals, and after Grace had been said by Rev. A. Howard, Hon. Chaplain to the Institution, the inmates did full justice to these viands, and ate and drank to their hearts' content. The Master was assisted with the carving by Mr B. Thody (Relieving Officer), Mr H.H. Macklin, Mr W. Bonness and Mr F.J. Butler. Mr H.C. Marshall, another Guardian, provided nuts and fruit for dessert.
During the meal the Misses Olive and Marion Macklin rendered pianoforte selections, and visitors to the wards included Mrs A. Dixon, Dr., Mrs and Miss Fell and Master S. Howard. Capt. and Mrs H.H. Williams provided iced and fruit cake for tea, and also distributed sweets. Cheers by the inmates followed, and in replying Mrs Williams wished all a happy time. She also referred to the King's health, and afterwards all sang the National Anthem.
In the evening an entertainment was held, the inmates being chief performers. The Matron and Master R. Butler were at the piano.
It is impossible to single out any performer, as all showed fine talent for the music hall. Sweets, nuts, cake and tobacco were again handed round, also coffee and ale, and all went well until 10 p.m., when the merry day was brought to a close.
The Master called for cheers for the Guardians and other kind donors of gifts, and cheers were also given, with musical honours, for the Master, Matron and staff. The National Anthem followed.
The following are gifts, together with the kindly donors, besides those already mentioned:
Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman of the Guardians), 10s;
Hertford Board of Guardians - per Dimsdale Fund - 3/- each Hertford inmate;
Mrs and Mr E.C. Clarke (Clerk to the Guardians), sweets and tobacco;
Miss Lushington, Christmas cards;
Mrs A. Dixon, parcels for women, tobacco for men;
Mrs Goode, parcels for Cottered women;
Mrs Fell, sweets for sick women;
Mrs F.R. Williams (Standon), biscuits for sick women;
Miss E.N. Davies, sweets for inmates and casuals;
Messrs. Moss & Sons - per Mr Daniels - bon-bons;
Mr and Mrs A.G. Day, bon-bons;
Mrs Joobins (Reigate), Xmas greetings;
Mrs H. Clarke (Newtown), books;
Mrs Wheeler (Ware), books;
Captain Salvation Army, books;
National Institute for Blind - per Mrs Scarborough Taylor - parcel of groceries, sweets, &c.
Christmas Show and Sale of Poultry and Eggs
The Christmas Show and Sale of Poultry and Eggs took place on the Market Hill on Monday last, this being the first occasion that the show has been held separate from the fat stock show.
There was an excellent display of birds, the pens of turkeys being particularly fine, and numbered 57 in all. Some of the best birds realised £1 11s., the lowest prices ranging from 14/- apiece. As will be seen from our list of awards (which is appended), Mr T. Vigus secured the first prizes in each case for the best pen of three cock turkeys, three hen turkeys and the best killing cock bird. These exhibits were some of the best birds in the district.
The supplies of hens and cockerels more than exceeded those of previous years, the number of birds penned being 355, of which 195 were cockerels. These made a fine show as their crowed out their last notes, and the majority will be heard no more, but seen in another guise during next week!
There was a good all-round trade for the birds, some of the cockerels realising 12/6 each, the hens being knocked down at 7/. The geese numbered 45, the highest price which these realised being 10/-. There were also a good many ducks and rabbits penned, the latter being for sale purposes only. The eggs classes were also well filled.
The judge of the poultry was Mr G.H. Hankin, of High Cross, the well-known local expert.
List of Awards
Three cock turkeys - 1 T. Vigus, 2 J.H. Glascock, 3 J.H. Glascock
Three hen tukeys - 1 T. Vigus, 2 T. Vigus.
Killing cock turkey - 1 T. Vigus, 2 T. Vigus, 3 C. Warren.
Killing hen turkey - 1 J.H. Glascock
Four geese - 1 E. Howard, 2 J. Poulton, 3 A.W. Gray.
Four killing cockerels - 1 H. Piggott, 2 C. Chappell, 3 W. Burrow.
Four killing hens - 1 J. Cogan, 2 J. Hale, 3 J. Russell.
Four killing ducks - 1 F.W. Gatward, 2 F.W. Gatward, 3 A. Macarthur.
Three score hens eggs - 1 E. Brett, 2 E. Brett.
Women's Institute
Although the housewife finds a hundred and one jobs to be done at Christmas time, like Christmas shopping, making everywhere spic and span for the visitors, and furnishing the larder with all good things, the majority of members of Buntingford Women's Institute were present at the monthly meeting held in the Hall on Wednesday in last week.
The President (Mrs H.C. Marshall) was in the their, and after the singing of "England," a representative from the Hertfordshire Institute of Agriculture gave a lecture on salads and herbs, fully describing the procedure necessary for the growth of herbs. It was most interesting, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer.
There were several entrants in the competition for the four best mince-pies, and the prize for this was won by Mrs Dellow.
The tea hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Butler and Mrs Howard.
The meeting concluded with country dancing.
Layston Church Expenses
Layston Church is faced with a heavy deficit, and the Parochial Church Council are making every effort to wipe this out as soon as possible.
On Saturday a successful sale of clothing and other articles took place in the Women's Institute Hall in this connection, when a sum of over £8 was realised.
Mr F.W. Butler kindly made all arrangements for collecting and conveying the articles (given by parishioners and others) to the Hall, and the following assisted with the selling:
Mesdames Boniwell, Bonness, Brodie, Butler, Clarke, Corp, Dixon, Davies, Feasey, Geaves, Howard, Woodley and Mr G. Hill.
The organisers are very grateful to all who assisted.
Sunday School Treat
Not quite the usual number of scholars attending Layston Sunday School were present at the annual treat, several of them having gone away for the summer holidays.
The scholars, accompanied by teachers and a few mothers, assembled early on Saturday afternoon last at St Peter's for a short service, and from there made their way to Aspenden House (the infants being taken by car) at the kind invitation of Capt. and Mrs Williams.
Games whirled away the time until the bountiful tea was served on the lawn. Following this, the usual programme of races was carried out, bucket ball for mothers and teachers concluding the events.
After the distribution of prizes, the Vicar (Rev. A. Howard) expressed his thanks to all who had helped to make the treat so enjoyable, and called for cheers, which were heartily given.
The National Anthem concluded the proceedings.
Buntingford Bowls Club
Garden Fete at the Red House
By the kind permission of Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser, a Garden Fete was held at the Red House, Buntingford, on Bank Holiday, in aid of the Buntingford Bowls Club.
It was organised by the committee, the hon. sec. (Mr J. Lawrence) being ably assisted by Mr H. Clarke. Favoured with a brilliant summer's day, the 600 people who attended the Fete entered with zest into the pleasures, and spent indeed a very happy time.
At the opening ceremony of the Fete, Mr W.J. May, the Chairman of the Committee, said Mr Marshall, the President of the Club, who was to open the Fete, was so well known that he needed no introduction.
The Club especially wished to thank Mr and Mrs Fraser for the kindness in placing their beautiful gardens at the disposal of the committee. The Club had hitherto been somewhat handicapped by the use of a green that was slightly below the ordinary standard size, and this had affected their play. The opportunity had arisen of acquiring a suitable piece of land in Wyddiall Road, which was in course of construction as a bowling green.
Mr H.C. Marshall endorsed the remarks of Mr May, and in declaring the Fete open said the Bowls Club had every cause to be grateful to Mr and Mrs Fraser (Applause).
There was a very big choice of attractions, and all were fairly well patronised.
Messrs. Barratt's Jazz Band and Concert Party from Bedford besides playing selections and for dancing on the lawn up to 10 o'clock in th evening, gave two excellent concerts that were greatly appreciated. The humourous items on the programme deserve special mention.
Upwards of a hundred persons tried their skill at the treasure hunt, the treasure being won by Mr H.C. Marshall, whose success highly pleased the visitors. In guessing the weight of a lump of coal, actually weighing 89lbs. 6ozs., Mr E.J. Totman was the winner, his estimate being 90lbs.
Two, Miss Bartrop and Mr C. Fraser, guessed the weight of a cake (4lbs. 3 and three quarts ozs.), and the latter resigned his right, and the cake was handed to Miss Bartrop.
For the bowls competition, Mr F. Boniwell won premier honours with a score of 25, and in clock golf Mr C. Fraser with a score of 23. No less than six tied in hitting the target for a prime ham, which was eventually won by Mr Howard. This was superintended by Mr W.J. May.
The greatest novelty was the pig in a poke, the pig being presented by Mr Mannox, who managed this competition. There were numerous entries, and five tied, the winner being Mr Skipper.
For the stop-watch competition, Mr J.P. Hill, of the Bengeo Club, Hertford, was the winner with only a minute out. He gave the time 3.27, but it actually stopped a minute earlier, 3.26.
The flying arrow pastime in charge of Messrs. E.J. Totman and A. Mayes proved very popular, as also did Mr F.W. Butler's offer of 2s. for a penny, but the anticipations of those who participated in this feat were not altogether realised. A good prize was set apart for the lucky ticket. It turned out to be 126, and the possessor of this ticket has not yet claimed the prize.
It was just the evening for an open air whist drive, and the prizes were won as follows:
Ladies - 1 Miss Boniwell, 2 Mrs Stepley, lowest score Miss Wilds.
Gents - 1 Mr Walsingham, 2 Mr Watson, lowest score Mr Ward.
Teas and refreshments were in great request, and this part of the Fete arrangements was in the capable hands of a ladies' committee, which won high praise for the dainty way the teas were served on the lawn.
At the gate Mr J.L. Cornwell and Mr J. Boniwell, two of the oldest members of the Bowls Club, had charge.
For such a well-arranged Fete, to uphold a good old sport reaching back centuries, the promoters certainly deserved every success, and it is pleasing to record that the proceeds amounted to about £60.
Lantern Lecture
On Thursday evening in last week, Miss Rose Box, of the Colonial and Continental Church Society (Juvenile Branch), gave an interesting lantern lecture at St Peter's.
The lecturer gave an account of the Society's work in Kenya Colony, and the 80 slides were photos of the conditions in that Country.
The Rev. A. Howard opened and closed the service with prayer, and Miss L.M. Davies presided at the organ for the two hymns which were heartily sung.
Mr B.E. Thody kindly operated the lantern.
Harvest Festival at St Peter's
The Harvest Festival services were held on Thursday in last week and were continued over the following Sunday.
The church was beautifully decorated with a profusion of corn, flowers, fruit and vegetables, which had been brought as thankofferings.
The corn had previously been weathered at the Parish Room by Mrs Pateman, Mrs Corp, Miss Woodley, Mrs H. Clark, Miss V. Feasey, Mrs Howard and Miss Brodie, the actual decorations being tastefully carried out by Miss Boniwell, Mrs Butler, Mrs Coleman, Mrs White, Miss M. Howard, Miss Lushington, Mrs Ambrose, Mrs J. Pateman and Mr H.L. Baker.
The Rev. H.B. Webb-Bowen, R.N., Vicar of Barkway, preached on Thursday evening to a large and attentive congregation. The anthem "Song to the Lord of the Harvest," was well rendered by the choir, and the whole service was a hearty and happy one.
On Sunday, in addition to the morning and evening services, a Flower Service was held in the afternoon.
The church was well filled, and many generous offerings were brought by the children of flowers, fruit and eggs, accompanied by appropriate texts, which been warmly appreciated by the sick and needy. The Festival closed with a very hearty service on Sunday night.
Owing to the special fuel and lighting difficulties, the offertories were for that object, over £6 being received, but in addition nearly £3 was given for the hospitals.
Board of Guardians
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held on Thursday (yesterday).
Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, The Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, H.E. Dudley, T.J. Stick, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler) and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).
House Committee
The following report was submitted.
The House Committee visited the House today, the work of distempering the male casual ward has been completed, and the condition of the building is very satisfactory.
The committee have no suggests to make involving further expenditure.
Katherine J. Dimsdale, Harold H. Williams, G.C. Wilson.
Master's Report
The Master reported as follows:
Number of inmates - men 15, women 15, children 2. Total 32.
Number admitted to casual wards 16.
Corresponding figures for last year - men 20, women 16, children 2. Total 38.
Tramps 2.
Two females, aged 70 and 92 respectively, have been admitted during the month.
A committee of the Hertford Guardians paid a visit on September 5th, and left a report in the visitors book.
Gifts
The following gifts have been received and much appreciated by the inmates.
Cheque £2 - Hertford Guardians.
Eggs - Salvation Army.
Papers - Mrs Dixon
Fruit and vegetables - Westmill Harvest Thanksgiving per Rev. A.G. King.
Fruit, vegetables and eggs - Meesden Harvest Thanksgiving per Rev. W. McKerr
Grapes and fruit - Layston Harvest Thanksgiving, per Mrs Howard
Daily Mail for past year - Mrs Anderson
Weekly Mail for Blind - Mr H.C. Marshall
Books and magazines - British Red Cross Library
Mrs L.M. Baker brought her pupils and sang Harvest Hymns in the sick wards and distributed tea, eggs, fruit &c.
Casuals
During the past month 78 have been relieved, against 13 last year.
Labour Master
Mr R. Budd, the labour master, has been appointed porter at Luton. Would the Board kindly give Mr Budd a testimonial.
The Chairman said it was pleasing to note the number of gifts received during the month. The Board were very grateful to the donors and especially to Miss Baker and her pupils for giving the aged inmates a share in the thanksgiving of Harvest.
It was decided to give Mr Budd a testimonial and the Chairman was authorised to sign it.
Fire Protection
The Minimax Co. reported that the fire extinguishers at the Institution had been recently inspected and found to be in order.
Books
Mrs Dimsdale stated that the Hormead School Library Committee had several books which they would be pleased to hand over to the Guardians for the use of the inmates of the Institution.
The Chairman said he thought the books would be very acceptable, and no doubt the Master could put up some shelves.
Captain Williams and the Rev. Wright expressed their thanks to Mrs Dimsdale for the offer.
The Late Mr E. Pigg
The Clerk read a letter from the family of the late Mr Edward Pigg expressing their thanks for the expression of sympathy passed at the last Board meeting and for the wreath sent.
Hertford Boarders
A letter was read from the Hetford Union authorising the continuance of relief to persons resident in the Buntingford Union and relieved on behalf of the Hertford Union, for a further period of 14 weeks.
Visitors
The following remarks were entered in the House Committee register by visitors from the Hertford House Committee:
"We visited the Institution and found the inmates most comfortable and happy.
The Master and Matron are particularly patient and kind to all. The Box girls are greatly improved. With regard to the Dimsdale Charity, any surplus money might be used on 'bus rides or little outings in any way the Matron and Master think best."
The Conservative Fete and Carnival at Hitchin
Buntingford & District Represented
The Empire Fete and Carnival, held at the New Town Hall, Hitchin, on Wednesday and Thursday in last week, was an outstanding success, the numbers attending and the trade carried out exceeding all expectations.
The Stalls were beautifully arranged, and comprised: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, West Indies, and New Zealand.
The Stall for this district, which was presented by Buntingford, Great and Little Hormead, Westmill, Buckland, Cottered, Ardeley, Wyddiall, Aspenden, and Layston, was managed by Lady Heaton-Ellis, Mrs Beadle, Mrs Bolton, Mrs Cavendish, Mrs Codrington, Mrs Crane, Mrs Croslegh, Mrs Deacon, Mrs Dimsdale, Mrs Howard, Mrs May, Miss May, Mrs Mildren, Mrs Page, Mrs Thody, Miss Wall and Mrs Williams.
On Wednesday the Fete was opened by Major G.M. Kindersley, and on Thursday by the Countess of Strathmore.
There was character dancing, Scotch reels, sword dancing, and selections by the Kitchin Symphonic Society Orchestra.
The illustrated 16-page programmes were sold by Miss Kindersley and helpers who were dressed in red, white and blue.
Towards the close of the second evening crowds began to assemble for the announcement of the result of the competition in which a motor car, motor cycle, and a fur coat were offered as prizes. The results were as follows:
Motor car, Mrs E. McCormick, St Ives Hotel, Maidenhead (No. 5612).
Motor cycle, Lady Jane Van Koughnet, Aston (No. 15680).
Fur coat, E. Gray, 43 Gentlemen's Row, Enfield (No. 23251).
The Buntingford effort was well supported, and at the time of going to press the excellent sum of £52 15s. 10d. has been paid to Col. Tyrrell by Mrs Deacon. This amount includes donations, and proceeds of sale of gifts both in Buntingford at the Women's Annual Meeting and at Hitchin on 1st and 2nd December.
It is hoped to hold a stall at a garden meeting in the summer to dispose of rest of goods not sold.
Women's Conservative Association
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Women's Branch of the Conservative Association was held in the George Assembly Room, Buntingford, a 6.30 p.m., on Friday, November 19th.
The President (Lady Heaton-Ellis) was present, also Mrs Williams (as Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale (the Vice-President), Mrs Baker (the hon. treasurer), and also the hon. secretary. There were over 100 members of the Association present.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed.
The hon. secretary's report was read, which showed the meetings had been well attended, as also had the Committee meetings.
The number of members on the books up to the end of October, 1926, was 244, which, in spite of removals and resignations, showed an increase of 26 members on last year's total.
A financial report was read by Mrs Baker, showing a small balance in hand.
Mrs Howard proposed, and Mrs Henry May seconded, that the officers be re-elected en bloc.
This was carried unanimously.
New names were added to the Committee, proposed by the hon. secretary and seconded by the hon. treasurer.
Mrs Howard, of Watford House, Westmill, gave a most excellent address on the danger of apathy on the part of women voters, and emphasised the responsibility that the vote had given to women.
There was an exhibition and sale of goods sent by members for the Buntingford stall at the Hitchin Fete, and the hon. sec. would like to take this opportunity of thanking all in the villages who have so generously contributed.
Tea was served most expeditiously by Mrs Thody and a band of helpers.
Buntingford Town Band
Whist Drive and Dance
A whist drive and dance, in aid of the Buntingford Town Silver Band funds, was held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening last.
Sixteen tables were in use for whist, Mr T. Wornham officiating as M.C.
Scoring was not very high. Mrs B.E. Thody took first lady's prize - Half a tea set - with a score of 172. The second prize, a pretty floating bowl, was won by Miss Norman, Mr W. Watson (playing as lady) securing third prize - a pair of glass candlesticks.
In the gents section, Mr H. Howard was first, winning half-dozen stainless steel knives. Mr Budd took second prize (a tobacco jar), and Mr Leslie Smith third - a hot water bottle.
The Rev. Fr. Morgan gave a beaded girdle as a lucky number prize, which was won by Mrs Bishop.
The prizes were presented by Miss Lushington, who made a few well-chosen remarks.
Later dancing was indulged in till midnight - the music being supplied by members of the Town Band.
Women's Institute
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Wednesday in last week.
The meeting took the form of a social, and, as was expected, the room was crowded.
The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided.
Refreshments were served to all present, after which games, &c., were indulged in. Mrs Howard was applauded for a recitation, and some folk dancing by the members was also much enjoyed. Throughout the evening, Mrs Stapley and Mrs G. Armstrong presided at the piano.
The successful meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne.
St Peter's Annual Social
The annual social for the adult members of the Layston Choir and Sunday School Teachers, given by the Vicar and Mrs Howard, was held at the Vicarage on Thursday, January 13th.
A splendid repast of refreshments was served, and indoor games of every description were indulged in.
Songs were also sung by Mr H. May (the Lay Reader), and Mrs May, Mrs Corp, and Mr C. Miles. Miss M. Macklin presided at the piano.
At the close, Mr Miles proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Vicar and Mrs Howard for their kindness in entertaining the party who had all spent a most enjoyable evening, this was seconded by Mr Pateman.
The party broke up at 11.30.