27th August 1926 - Horticultural Society Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

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Horticultural Society

Open-Air Whist Drive and Dance

Fairyland Scene at West View

The spell which has cast itself on any garden function arranged at West View during recent years has at last been broken, and for a pleasant change fine weather prevailed for a Whist Drive and Dance held in the pretty grounds, by kind permission of Mrs Wyman, on Wednesday evening last.

Early in the afternoon there was a slight shower, but the weather turned out fine later.

There was not such a large company present as was expected, due perhaps to the harvest operations; sixteen tables were occupied for whist, and several persons came in later for the dancing.

The Illuminations

By the time the whist had finished, the grounds had quite a fairyland resemblance; some 600-700 fairy lights and Chinese lanterns of various colours casting a beautiful glow over the lawns and the flower-beds. It was a charming sight.

The Standon Orchestra provided an excellent programme of dance music, and Mr Little (who presided at the piano) won admiration for the way he filled the post of pianist. The other members of the orchestra were Mr A.H. Hedges, Mr Hunter and Mr G. Wilmont, who also acted very efficiently.

Thanks

The Committee desire (through the medium of the Buntingford "Gazette") to thank Mrs Wyman for so kindly placing her grounds at the disposal of the Society.

Best thanks are also due to Capt. and Mrs Denny, of Little Court, and Miss Lushington, for prizes; to Mrs E.G. Thody and Miss Thody for managing the refreshments; to Mr H. Clarke, who was a very efficient M.C.; Mr C. Miles and Mr E.C. Clarke, gate stewards; Mrs Stapley for the use of piano; Mr A.G. Day and Mr B.E. Thody for arrangements; Mr E.J. Crane, carting; Mr J. Holmes and the Ex-Service Men's Club, use of tables and chairs; Mrs Coates, gift of cakes; and to the Hon. Sec. (Mr E.G. Thody) for the illuminators. Mr A. Coxall also lent valuable assitance.

The Prizes

Prizes for whist were won by the following:

Ladies - 1 Miss Cornwell 160, 2 Miss Lushington 157, 3 Mrs Day 156.

Gents - 1 Mr Nash 165, 2 Mr S. Howlett 162, 3 Mr H. Cutts 157.

19th Feb 1926 - Nursing Fund Whist Drive

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Nursing Fund Whist Drive and Dance

The annual whist drive, in aid of the Cottered Nursing Fund, was held in the hall, by kind permission of Mr Herbert Goode, on Tuesday evening.

The arrangements were well made by a band of workers, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present. The beautiful decorations were admired by all, and at the close, thanks were accorded Mr Goode for placing the hall at the disposal of the committee.

As usual, there was quite a large number present, and twenty-three table [sic] were in use for whist. Several non-whist players came later for the dancing which was indulged in until the early hours of the morning, the excellent dance programme being enjoyed to the full.

Mrs T.J. Stick, who for some time has carried out the duties of Hon. Treasurer, presented the prizes to the most successful players. She said she was pleased that so many were in sympathy with the Association, and she hoped that now Mrs Tapper had come to take over the duties of Treasurer, the Association would go on even more successfully (Applause).

Mrs W.J. Tapper said she was sure they were all grateful to Mrs Stick for what she had done for the Association. They were all sorry that Mrs Stick was unable to carry on as Treasurer, but they knew that the Association would receive her whole support (Applause).

For whist, Mr A. Beadle efficiently acted as M.C., and the prize-winners were:

Ladies - 1, Mrs Hull (clock); 2, Mrs A. Beadle (hot-water jug). Consolation - Miss Bastard.

Gents - 1, Mr J. Cannon (shaving set); 2, Mr C. Hills (ash tray and cigarettes). Consolation - Mr D. Pinnock.

Mr William Tapper acted as M.C. for the dancing, and the music was provided by Mr R. Brabrook (piano) and Mr G. Hunter (violin).

A special word of praise is due to the ladies of the Committee, who had charge of the refreshments, which gave satisfaction to all. Mention must also be made of the helpers who rendered their services as doorkeeps &c.

The sum of £9 0s. 9d. was realised.