17th September 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Tributes To The Late Mr Edward Pigg

The monthly meeting of the above board was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, A.W. Page, A.J. Hayes, W.J. May, G.C. Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler) and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

The Late Mr Edward Pigg

The Chairman said that before proceeding with the business of the meeting he had to refer with deep regret to the passing of one, who for many years was an active and honoured member of the Buntingford Board of Guardians.

Mr Edward Pigg was Chairman of the Board up to the time of his retirement, and his unfailing kindness and courtesy to all would be long remembered. He (the Chairman) felt sure it would be the wish of the Board that the Clerk convey to Mrs Pigg and family the deepest symapthy of the Board in their sad bereavement.

The motion was carried in silence.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 17, women 16, children 2. Total 35.

Number admitted to Casual Wards during past week - men 24.

During the month gifts of books have been received from Mr Leake, Sunny Hill, Buntingford, and Mrs Laird, Coles Hill, Westmill.

During the past month 89 casuals have been admitted, against 19 last year.

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The House Committee reported as follows:

The House Committee visited the House today, and found all in order, the contract work was completed and was very satisfactory.

We recommended the sale of old iron by the Master, we also recommend that the two children now in the house be sent to the National Children's Home.

Signed - G.C. Wilson, L.W. Wright.

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The Board decided to send the two children to the National Children's Home. The Chairman said he understood the thanks of the Board had been conveyed to the donors of the gifts to the inmates. The Board were very grateful for their kindness.

Half-Yearly Estimates

The Clerk presented the half-yearly estimates for the period ending 31st March 1927.

The estimated receipts were £2,093 and expenditure £5,880.

£4,387 was required to ensure a working balance which was a decrease od £180 compared with the corresponding period last year.

The Chairman said he thought the figures were very satisfactory, and the Clerk added that it represented a decease in the rates of 2d. in the £ as compared with the corresponding period of last year.

In reply to a question from the Chairman, the Clerk stated that there was a number of calls still outstanding, and approximately £600 was due from one parish alone.

Tenders

Tenders for the supply of goods to the Institution were opened, and the following accepted:

Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Haircutting and shaving - Mr C. Miles.

Milk - Mr C.H. Poulton, 1/4 per gallon.

There was no tender for bread, and the matter was left over.

Rating and Valuation Act

Capt. H.H. Williams gave a very lucid explanation of the amended scheme for the constitution of assessment areas under the New Act.

He said it was previously arranged that Buntingford should amalgamate with Royston and Ashwell, but as the county was to be divided into seven areas instead of 12 it was proposed to amalgamate Buntingford with Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, and Hadham.

Under the old scheme there were 15 representatives appointed, Buntingford having three representatives from the Council and two from the Guardians. The new scheme provided for 20 representatives and allowed the Buntingford Union one representative only, but the Council's representation of three remained unaltered.

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Capt. Williams for attending the meeting in London and for his explanation of the new scheme. He (the Chairman) thought it would be appropriate if the Board appointed their representatives forthwith.

The following were appointed:

Mr C. Hummerstone (representing the Board of Guardians); Captain H.H. Williams, Mr G.C. Wilson and Mr F.B. Cannon (representing the Rural District Council).

Relief

Several cases of relief were dealt with, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

Other Business

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

10th December 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

The Annual Meeting was held in the Village Hall on Wednesday, December 8th, 1926. The President was in the chair, supported by Mrs Hummerstone and Mrs Laird. The Tellers appointed were Messrs. Harvey and Pratt.

The report of the last annual meeting was read and signed. An interesting report of this year's work was given by Mrs Hummerstone, and the balance sheet presented by Mrs Laird, duly audited, showed a balance in hand of £3 18s. 2d.

The President introduced various matters of interest in a brief speech before moving the adoption of report and balance sheet, including the suggestion of adopting a "Village Flowers," and a Resolution to be sent up to the N.F.W.I. Annual Meeting.

Balloting for the new Committee took place, including officers and delegate. The 1927 Committee comprises: Mrs Bright, Mrs Deacon, Mrs Guinness, Mrs Harvey, Mrs C. Hummerstone, Mrs Lee, Mrs A. Pegram, Mrs H. Pegram, Mrs Read and Miss Woodward.

The President is Mrs Guinness, Vice-President Mrs C. Hummerstone, Delegate Mrs Deacon.

Votes of thanks were proposed and duly seconded and passed heartily to the Tellers, and Mr Bright, the Auditor, to Mrs C. Hummerstone as Hon. Sec., to Mrs Laird as Hon. Treas., and to Mrs Deacon as President 1926.

The meeting closed with the singing of England and the National Anthem.

10th December 1926 - Westmill Mothers' Union

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Westmill

Mothers' Union

There was a good gathering of women in the Church on Tuesday, December 7th, when six new members were admitted by the Rev. A.G. King.

A very helpful address was given by the Rev. F.S. Holmes, of Furneaux Pelham.

After the service members adjourned to the Village Hall to ballot for a Committee for 1927, to have tea given by a number of members, and to listen to piano solos and songs by Rev. and Mrs Holmes.

Rev. A.G. King expressed the thanks of all to Rev. and Mrs Holmes, both for taking part in the service and for the music.

Mrs Laing, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Laird and Mrs Wren were elected as the Committee.

11th February 1927 - Annual Vestry Meeting and Parochial Church Council

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Westmill

Annual Vestry Meeting

The Annual Vestry Meeting, postponed from January 17th, was held at the Village Hall on Monday evening last. There was a scarce attendance owing to the prevalence of influenza.

The chair was taken by the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King, who proposed a vote of thanks to both the Churchwardens for their work during the past year. This was seconded by Mr F. Harvey.

Mr Laird was re-elected People's Warden, on the proposition of Mrs Coutts-Deacon, seconded by Mr Harvey. The Rectory nominated Mrs Greg as Rector's Warden.

Parochial Church Council

The first meeting of the newly elected Council was held on Monday evening last, the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King presiding. Mr Harvey was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman.

Mrs Coutts-Deacon's resignation as Hon. Secretary was received with regret, and after expressions of thanks to her, Mrs Bright was unanimously elected in her stead.

Mr J. Laird was elected Hon. Treasurer and Mrs Coutts-Deacon, Mr Harvey and Mr Laird as representatives to the Ruri-Decanal Conference.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

25th March 1927 - Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

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Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

The last meeting of the 1926-27 season of the above Society took place at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Tuesday evening.

The chair was taken by Mr A. Macarthur, who introduced the principal speaker (Mr J.W. Reid, of Oaklands).

The subject down for discussion was "The business side of Farming," and, as the speaker said, it was one for wide consideration.

In farming it was often necessary to lose on one branch in order to gain on another. Sheep farming, he said, often failed as a business proposition, but its value in manuring the land could not be reckoned in £ s d.

In many cases economies could be effected in labour, it had been proved that the average proportion of labour to the expenditure of a farm was 28 per cent, and while to try and effect economy in labour would mean disaster in many cases, it had been found that quite a number of farms were under-staffed.

Economy in horse labour could often be effected. There was also the question of economy in manures by purchasing the right kind. It had been found that 12,000 acres in Hertfordshire were deficient in lime. Economy in feeding stuffs should also be practised.

The speaker then dealt with the question of increased receipts, and dealt with such matters as dairy farming, poultry and store cattle.

Mr Macarthur, Mr Scarborough Taylor and Mr S. Pigg took part in the discussion which followed, and at the close Mr Macarthur, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Reid, said he wished, on behalf of the Society, to thanks Mr Hunter-Smith for the help he had given them. He regretted that some of the meetings had been poorly attended, and he hoped that if the Society carried on next year they would have an increased membership.

Mr S. Pigg seconded the vote of thanks, and Mr J. Laird, in supporting the vote, said he thought there were many who did not realise what Oaklands was doing for them.

The vote was carried with acclamation.

Mr J.W. Reid and Mr J. Hunter-Smith replied, and said that if it was decided to carry on next year they would be pleased to help.

23rd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The July meeting was held on Wednesday, the 21st inst., at Knight's Hill, by kind invitation of Mrs Laird.

The usual proceedings took place and one new member elected at the business meeting, which was at 6.30.

A whist drive followed, prizes for which were given by six members, and the bountiful tea was given by Mrs Laird. There were eleven tables, Mrs Laird acting as M.C. It was a very stormy evening, so the proceedings were conducted under cover.

For the prizes, Mrs Darton and Mrs Lee tied for the first lady's; Mrs Pegram was awarded consolation, while an extra prize was won by Mr G. Warner (playing as lady).

Mr W. Jackson and Mr W. Baker won first and second gents' prizes respectively, Miss Bright (playing as gent) being awarded consolation prize.

Mr Harvey, for the visitors, proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the hostess.

In spite of the weather, a very cheerful evening was spent.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Whist Drive and Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Dance

A successful whist drive and dance was held on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals, and, by the kind permission of Mr Bright, on his lawn.

Commencing at 7.30, the whist drive continued until 9.15, the results of which were: Ladies- 1, Miss V. Miller; 2, Mrs Taylor; 3, Miss Hardey. Gentlemen - 1, Mr Warner; 2, Mr Marvell; 3, Mr Lee. Lucky chair - Mrs Hummerstone.

After the refreshments had been served by several ladies, dancing was carried on till 11, to the strains of the Buntingford Town Band under the able conductorship of Mr Smith. This much increased the enjoyment and success of the evening.

The gardens and laws were now illuminated by many fairy lights which Mr Bright had previously arranged, and which gave a charming and striking effect.

All the prizes had been most generously provided by the following kind donors: Mrs Greg, Mrs Guiness, Lady Furniss, Mrs Howard, Mrs Laird, Mr Deacon, Mr Coates and Mr Russell.

A very happy evening was terminated with the National Anthem by the band.

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.