2nd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.

As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.

Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.

Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.

John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.

It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.

2nd July 1926 - Conservative Gathering at Hatfield House

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Conservative Gathering at Hatfield House

Brilliant sunshine welcomed the members of the Conservative Association to the beautiful home of a family long famous in the annals of the Party, and Hatfield House and grounds, kindly thrown open to Major Kindersley's supporters, were greatly appreciated by about 800 guests, who gathered there on Wednesday afternoon by the kind invitation of the Marquise and Marchioness of Salisbury.

The proceedings were mainly of an informal character, and that largely contributed to the pleasure of all. The invitation was from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and omnibuses, charabancs, and all kinds and sizes of cars brought both men and women electors to enjoy roaming about the grounds and garden, and also to have the opportunity of seeing over some of the house and admiring the old pictures and other objects of interest.

Tea was served in a large marquee under shady trees, after which Major Kindersley (who, with Mrs Kindersley, had been moving about and conversing with many friends), gave a short address referring to the recent and present strikes, the Russian gold question, and this week's Labour outburst in Parliament.

Gracefully expressed words of thanks were spoken by Colonel Heaton-Ellis and by Mrs Hargreaves; and the kindly expression of welcome by Viscount Cranborne was enhanced by his hope that this happy occasion would only be the first of many similar gatherings.

Buntingford and district was well represented, and the meeting together of so many from various parts of the constituency testified not only to the strength and wellbeing of the Conservative cause, but to the happy and friendly spirit among its adherents.

2nd July 1926 - Agricultural Show

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Agricultural Show

We hear from the Hon. Sec. of the Agricultural Show that the entries are well up to expectations, and members of the Society in this district are supporting it will by sending exhibits in spite of it being held at Hertford.

We wish them every success, and feel certain that as usual the other parts of the county will find that the horses and cattle around Buntingford are very hard to beat.

Mr S.G. Lees is again in charge of the construction of the Show Yard, and is being assisted by others from Buntingford. The cattle entries are a record, and on the entertainment side the trotting and pony races should prove a very exciting event.

All people in Buntingford regret that circumstances forced a change of venue, but we are assured that the committee are very hopeful that sufficient financial success will be obtained at Hertford, so that the Society may again hold their Annual Show at Buntingford.

2nd July 1926 - Sale of Work and Fete

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Sale of Work and Fete

A sale of work and fete was held at the Puckeridge R.C. School on June 29th, 1926, in aid of the new Catholic Church which has been built opposite the school. The sale was opened at 3 o'clock by Miss Slattery in place of Lady Paget, who was unable to be present through illness.

Inside the school there were three stalls of clothing and fancy goods, two of them organised by the people of the Parish of Old Hall Green, and a third organised by the staff of the school and the children. The three stalls were very artistically arranged and very successful.

In the school playground there were numerous amusements organised by the men of the parish.

Teas, ices and other refreshments were served during the afternoon and evening. During the evening an open-air whist drive was held.

The organisers of the fete wish to thank all those who helped to make it a success, and those who generously gave prizes to be competed for.

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[Transcriber note - The Puckeridge RC school mentioned here is the St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School]