5th Oct 1928 - Death and Funeral of Mrs (Ida) Smith

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Death and Funeral of Mrs Smith

Yet another of Buntingford's old inhabitants has been removed by the death of Mrs Smith, of Norfolk Road, who passed away on Friday last.

The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had been ill for several weeks. Mrs Smith came to reside in the town about thirty years ago, and shortly afterwards her husband passed away at the age of 42. Mrs Smith therefore outlived her husband by over twenty years. The deceased leaves a grown-up family, to whom sympathy is extended.

The funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. A. Howard officiating. The immediate mourners were Messrs. J. And G. Smith (sons), Mrs T. Perry, Mrs Baker, Mrs Macallen and Mrs Piggott (daughters), Mr and Mrs J. Ginn (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs E. Ginn (sister-in-law), Mr Piggott and Mr C. Baker (sons-in-law), Mr and Mrs John Swallow (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Crook and Mrs Story (neices), and Reginald Smith and John Turk (grandson).

There were several beautiful wreathes, including one from the neighbours in Norfolk Road. The coffin was of plain elm with brass furniture, and bore a name plate inscribed: "Ida Smith, died September 28th, 1928, aged 67 years."

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, death of King Edward

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Buntingford

As soon as the sad news of the King's death was known at Buntingford it caused the most profound sorrow.

The ancient town bell was tolled. On Sunday, at St Peter's, besides the morning and evening services, there was a children's service, and also one for men. At every service the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, feelingly alluded to the passing away of the good King. 

In the morning he preached from the words, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He showed it was a time of personal trouble, family trouble, trouble for the Church of England which had lost its head, trouble for the Nation, which could ill spare such a wise ruler at the present time, and also trouble to our Empire, States, and people over the seas, which looked to King Edward as their guiding friend.

Of the King's charactertistics he dwelt mainly upon his tender love for the poor and feeble and his consistent endeavours to promote peace within the borders of his dominions and among the great powers of the world. The sorrow of the national was truly genuine and heartfelt for their noble monarch, whose end was peace.

"O God our help in ages past" was fervently sung at the services. The "Dead March" in Saul was played by Miss Woods at the end of each service while the congregation stood, most of whom were in mourning. 

- At both services at the Congregational Church, the Rev G. Fraser Elliott referred sympathetically to the death of the King, and prayers were offered for the bereaved Queen. At each service too Mrs Sutterby played the "Dead March" while the congregation stood.

The School flag was hoisted at half-mast. On Sunday two patrols of the Buntingford and District Boy Scouts, numbering in all 21, and each wearing on the left arm an armlet of crepe, paraded at their headquarters in High Street and marched to St Peter's to attend the morning service. To see these orderly well-behaved lads grieving with their elders was a touch tribute of reverential respect and esteem for the dead King, who took such a warm interest in the Scout movement.

26th Feb 1926 - Layston Church Sunday School

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Layston Church Sunday School

Annual Prize-giving

The annual prize-giving to the Layston Church Sunday School scholars took place at the George Hotel on Friday evening last.

There was a crowded audience, which consisted of scholars, parents and friends. The Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard presided, and handed the prize books to the boys and girls. He also referred to the good work of the teachers.

After this, Mr B.E. Thody gave a lantern lecture which was much enjoyed by all. The subjects were - A visit to the Zoo, Fairy tales, British wild birds and their nest, and views of Winchester. Several local slides, lent the Rev A. Howard and Mr Thody, were very interesting.

At the close, the Vicar proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer and also to Mrs Alexander Dixon who was present and gave each child an orange.

The very happy evening concluded with the National Anthem.

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.