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.
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.
Death of Mrs Newling
A kind and cheerful old lady passed away on Saturday afternoon in the person of Mrs Elizabeth Newling, who was well-known and familiar among many people of the town.
Seventy-nine years of age, Mrs Newling had been in ill-health for a long time, in fact had not been well since her husband passed away some three years ago.
Mrs Newling was a friend of children, and it gave her great pleasure to hold little conversations with children on their way to and from school. She took every interest in local affairs during her more active days, but was scarcely seen out other than within the precincts of her cottage in Union Terrace.
Gifted with that remarkable old-fashioned disposition, the deceased was fond of speaking of the bygone days and events. A feeble figure for some time, many will remember her by her keen sense of sympathy, her affectionate friendship and her cheery smile.
The deceased was laid to rest at Layston on Thursday afternoon.
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.
St Peter's Church
Last Sunday was to have been the last service at Layston this autumn, but owing to the weather and darkness, the Parish Church was not used, and is now closed for the winter.
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.
Layston Church Sunday School
The annual prizegiving took place in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday evening, and was much enjoyed by children, parents, teachers and friends. After the singing of well-known choruses, Miss M. Macklin kindly acting as accompanist.
Rev. A. Howard spoke with appreciation of the work of the teachers, and alluded to the loss the Sunday School had sustained in the departure of Miss E. Howard, who with the help of several young teachers, had done much to improve the infant Sunday School.
He expressed sympathy with Miss Woodley in the loss of her father, and urged the parents present to encourage the children in regular attendance.
The prizegiving followed, after which Mr B. Thody most kindly gave a lantern lecture combining amusement, interest and instructions, which was greatly appreciated by all, the local touches raising peals of laughter.
The following is the list of prizewinners:
Boys I - Eric Nichols, W. Warner, A. Howard.
Boys II - L. Fiddaman, Charlie Scrivener, Horace Darton, Jack Crouch.
Girls I - Ethel Winters, A. Coxall.
Girls II - Vera Dowding, D. Warner.
Very regular - W. Winters, Vera Nichols.
Boys III - Christopher Hurry, Cyril Kimpton, Percy Scrivener.
Infants I - Very regular. R. Winters, Maud Hurry, Gladys Butler, C. Woods, T. Fiddaman.
Infants II - Very regular. K. Warner, S. Hurry, Doris Butler, F. Darton.
Infants III - G. Kimpton, Ben Crouch.
Class IV - Albert Butler, Joan Woods.
Funeral of Mr T. Saggers
The funeral of Mr Thomas Saggers, whose death we announced last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon.
The service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard, the lesson being read by the Revd. John Cole.
The coffin, which was of plain oak, with brass furniture, was inscribed - Thomas Saggers, Died 2nd January, 1927. Aged 76 years.
The immediate mourners were: Messrs Charles and Arthur Saggers (sons), Messrs G. and S. Saggers (brothers), Mrs G. Saggers (sister-in-law), Mrs A. Saggers (daughter-in-law).
A number of deceased's old friends and neighbours were at the Churchyard, and there were upwards of 20 floral tributes.
Death of Mrs E. Newman
We regret to record the death of Mrs E. Newman, of Union Row, Buntingford.
The deceased, who had been ill for some time, died on Sunday last at the advanced age of 78.
Mrs Newman has lived in the town for some years and was greatly respected. She leaves a husband and one daughter, for whom much sympathy is felt.
At the funeral, which took place at Layston on Thursday, the immediate mourners were:
Mr E. Newman (husband), Mrs Rayment (daughter), Mr and Mrs F. Newman, from Royston, Mrs L. Edwards (neice), and George Rayment (son-in-law).
There were some beautiful floral tokens.
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Death of Mr T. Saggers
Buntingford has lost another of its old inhabitants by the death of Mr Thomas Saggers, of High Street.
The deceased, who was in his 77th year, has been suffering from a very painful illness for some weeks. It was found necessary to remove him to Tottenham Hospital where he died on Sunday evening.
Mr Saggers was well-known and greatly respected in the town, having lived in Buntingford all his life.
He was the eldest son of the late Mr Benjamin Saggers, who carried on a builder's business in the town.
The funeral takes place at Layston Church on Saturday (tomorrow).
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Death of Mrs R. Nelson
The death of Mrs Rebecca Nelson, at the advanced age of 86, took place at "The Angel " Inn on Thursday last.
The deceased, who had been living in Buntingford with her daughter, Mrs W. Hale, for about a year, was one of the oldest inhabitants of Blankney, Lincs., where she was well-known and greatly respected. She was a cheerful old lady, and one who had a kind word for everyone.
The funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, when a number of townspeople were present.
The service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, and the immediate mourners were:
Mr and Mrs W. Hale (son-in-law and daughter), Miss Counsell and Mr Barnett.
The deceased was a widow, her husband having died about a year ago.
Layston Annual Church Meeting
This meeting, which has been held annually in St Peter's in accordance with the Enabling Bill (1919), and which is open to all on the Electoral Roll, and which has in the past been very poorly attended, was this year made the occasion of a social gathering at "The George" Assembly Room on Wednesday night.
Over 60 responded to the invitation sent in the name of the Vicar and Churchwardens to every elector, and undoubtedly the number would have been considerably larger but for the prevailing influenza, from which many electors and their families are suffering, including several of the Parochial Church Councillors.
From 6.30 to 7.30 the business meeting of the year was held, enabling many of the first time to understand what lies behind the regular working and provision of the Church's services, which many look upon as a matter of course.
After the opening prayer, the Vicar welcomed those present, reminding them that it was at the suggestion of Mr Claud Fraser, who was really the "host" of the evening, that the meeting was taking its present form.
Mr Maughan, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer to the P.C.C., read the minutes, and then presented his financial report for the year, which, with additional help from an appeal to electors who did not regularly attend church, and a jumble sale, showed a balance of 6/9 on the right side.
The report of the Churchyard Committee was also read, and the Free-will Offering Fund was shown to have contributed £25 17s. 9d. during the year to the Parochial quota to the Diocesan Board of Finance, new subscribers being invited to join. Subscribers were asked to come and hear Canon Shorting, who is preaching on the subject at St Peter's on the evening of February 27th.
The financial report having been passed, the next business was the election of four representatives to the Ruri-Decanal Conference: Mrs Butler, Mrs Macklin, Mrs Howard and Mr C. Fraser; the election of Mr C. Fraser to represent Layston on the Diocesan Conference, and the election of the Parochial Church Council for the ensuring year, which resulted in last year's Council being re-elected en bloc.
Rev A. Howard then informed the electors of the urgent necessity of having the organ at St Peter's thoroughly cleaned for the first time in its life of 25 years, which would involved from £45 to £50, and asked for united effort to meet this need.
Mr Fraser emphasised another expense which would have to be met in the near future, namely, that involved in the proposed addition to the Churchyard. The ground had been given by the Vicar, but fencing, fees and other outlay would arise, but this would be a matter affecting the whole town.
The business meeting having been closed with prayers, the guests were served by the ladies of the P.C.C., in whose hands Mr Fraser had left this part of the entertainment, and others, with tea and refreshments, and a pleasant social time was spent, after which a programme of music and singing was greatly enjoyed, of which the programme is appended.
Every item was appreciated, and at the close very hearty thanks were given by the Vicar to all who had helped to make this new departure a thorough success.
Piano duet, Misses Macklin; song, "The Little Hero," Mr Henry May; part song, "The Gardener"; song, "My Hope," Miss Bartlett; Community Singing, Mr E.E. Dennis; Piano, Miss M. Macklin; song, "Orpheus with his Lute," Mrs Scarborough Taylor; part song, "Music when soft voices die"; song, "The Bonny Blue Kerchief," Mrs Armstrong; Community Singing, Mr E.E. Dennis; God Save the King.
Funeral of Mr Stanley F. Keen
The funeral of Stanley F. Keen, whose death at the early age of 18 years was reported in this Paper last week, took place at Layston Church on Saturday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard.
Members of the Buntingford Independent Foresters' Society carried out the duty of bearers, the deceased being a junior member of that Society. His employer, Mr A. Jackson, kindly lent his car, and the evidences of sorrow were marked by the number of people present and the beautiful floral tributes.
Mr and Mrs C.F. Keen (father and mother), Mrs W. Whiting and Mrs P. Deards (sisters), Mrs R. Saunders (aunt), Mr P. Deards and Mr J. Gibbs (brothers-in-law), and Miss Jackson.
The wreaths were as follows:
From Mum and Dad
Maggie and Will
Nellie and Percy
Vera and Phyllis
Mr and Mrs A. Jackson and Family
Mr and Mrs and H. Jackson and Mrs James Harradence.
Mr G. Hagger
Mr L. Bradford
His pals - J. and L. Plumb, C. and B. King, R. Fish, J. Ward, J. Oakley, C. and M. Worboys
Mrs Parker
Mr and Mrs French
Mr and Mrs A. Dray
Mr and Mrs Arthur Dray
Miss E. Cutts
Mr and Mrs L. Smith
Mrs Patmore and Mr Hummerstone
Mrs Pateman and Family
Mr and Mrs Haddock
Mrs Brewington
Mrs Prior and Family
Mrs Horth and Reg
Mrs G. Bradford
Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness
We sincerely regret to record the death of Mr F.C. Furness, who was well and popularly known in the town. He was taken ill with influenza about a fortnight ago, and died from cerebral haemorrhage on Friday last.
Mr Furness, who was 66 years of age, was born in Holborn, his parents owning a large confectioner's business on the site of the new West Central Post Office. He spent many years in Cornwall, and came to live at Buntingford about three years ago. During the war he served in the Irish Fusiliers. His cheery face and happy disposition will be greatly missed by a large number of friends.
He was buried at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, amidst general signs of regret. There was a large number of floral tributes, including a wreath from the Buntingford British Legion Club, of which the deceased was a member.
The immediate mourners were:
Mr R.G. Furness, Amersham (brother), Mr H.G. Bustard, Forest Gate (nephew), Mrs Davies, Miss Davies, Mr T. Wilson, Kennington; Mr F. French, Chelmsford; Mr Reed, Hertford; and Mr J. Horner, Ware.
Among others present were Revd. John Cole; Mr H. Clarke and Mr E.C. Clarke (representing the British Legion), Messrs G. Smith, E.P. Borsberry, A. Wilson, S. Saggers, H.A. Thody, S. Waters, E. Southgate, M. Corp, Mr and Mrs J. Wilson and Mrs Houlden.
Wreaths were as follows:
From Miss Davies
Mrs Davies and Girls
Mr Furness, Mrs Bustard & Family
Ex-Service Men's Club
Mr and Mrs French
Mrs Hone, Albe and Ede
Wilder and Patsy
Will, Gert and his Godchild Ronald
Ina and Billy
Mr and Mrs C. Clark
Mr and Mrs G.B. Medland
Mr and Mrs Wilson, sen.
Mr and Mrs Wilson, jun.
Mr and Mrs Corp
Messrs Houlden
Mr and Mrs H. Handy
Mr and Mrs Plumb
Mr M. Reid
Mr and Mrs Pledger
Mrs C. Rand and Mrs Parker
Doris and Stan
Tony
"Pip"
Wedding
Hatchett-Deards
A pretty wedding was solemnized at Layston Parish Church, on Saturday last, February 26th, the contracting parties being Mr William Hatchett and Miss Annie Gertrude Deards, both of Buntingford. The Rev. A. Howard, Vicar of Layston Parish Church, officiated.
Mr Hatchett has been captain of the Buntingford Football Club for four seasons. He has played for the town club since being demobilized from the Army, and has always set a standard of clean sporting play.
The bride, who was attired in cream silk moracain with veil and orange blossom, was attended by two bridesmaids - Miss Hatchett, sister of the bridegroom (who was dressed in Wedgewood blue silk moracain, with hat to match); and Miss Renie Randall, a niece of the bride (who wore a dress of pale blue crepe-de-chine, with pink rose-buds.) She was given away by her father, and the duties of best man were carried by her brother (Mr Leonard Deards).
On leaving the Church, the happy pair arrived at the home of the bridegroom, to receive congratulations from his father and invalid mother, and after the reception - which was held at the home of the bride - journeyed to London for a short honeymoon.
The presents numbered between 40 and 50.
St Peter's
Canon Shorting, of St Albans, Secretary of the Diocesan Board of Finance, preached on Sunday evening.
He pleaded for the observance of the Bishop's week of prayer and self-denial, which is being held this year from March 6th to 13th. The money contributed in this way yearly, is used to relieve cases of urgent necessity amongst the clergy and their widows, of which he gave instances.
The remaining part of his address was an explanation of what is done with the parochial quota, which in the case of Layston, is raised by the Freewill Offering Scheme. He specially emphasised the help given by their means towards the training of promising young men, who feel the call of the ministry, but whose parents could not afford the long and necessary training for Holy Orders.
As there are now 5,000 less clergy than there were some years ago, the number ordained not making up the yearly wastage by death and retirement, this help is an urgent matter, supplementing the help already given by the C.P.A. and other societies.
It is hoped that new Free-will Offeringsubscribers may come forward as a result of the Canon's visit.
Death
We regret to record the death of Alfred Street, of Newtown, Buntingford.
The deceased, who was only 17 years of age, was taken ill early in April. Since leaving school he has been employed by Mr W.H. Smith and by Mr C.E. Harradence, and was a willing and well-behaved lad.
His death took place at Hertford County Hospital on Satruday last, and much sympathy is extended to his widowed mother and his sister in their loss.
The deceased was conveyed home on Monday evening, and the funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Rev. John Cole.
The immediate mourners were - Mrs E. Street (mother), Mr W. Saunders, Mr E. Saunders, and Mr H.O Cooper (uncles), Mrs J. Saunders and Mrs Cooper (aunts), Miss Street (cousin), Mr A. Street (grandfather), Mrs Walsingham and Mr R. Walsingham. There was a collection of beautiful flowers.
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Mrs Street and Family wish to return thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy shown in their great bereavement, also for flowers sent.
Layston Sunday School Festival
The annual festival in connection with the Layston Church Sunday School was held on Saturday last.
After a short service in St Peter's, the children, accompanied by Rev. A. and Mrs Howard, the teachers, mothers and other helpers, proceeded to Aspenden House at the kind invitation of Captain and Mrs Williams, who not only welcomed the Sunday School to their beautiful grounds, but provided a bountiful tea for all on the lawn.
After tea a well-planned programme of sports was carried out by Mr Albert Freeman and Mr George Hill, the races causing much interest and amusement to the lookers-on. Bucket ball was popular with all, including the mothers and teachers.
Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser and Miss H. Fraser and Mr and Mrs R.H. Hardy and their children were also present.
When the programme ended prizes were distributed to the winners, but by this time the rain, which had threatened to fall during the afternoon, became persistent, and after cheers for Capt. and Mrs Williams and the National Anthem the company broke up after a very enjoyable afternoon.
Church Pastoral Aid
Sermons were preached on Sunday last in St Peter's and in the evening at Layston on behalf of the Church Pastoral Aid Society by the Rev. C.P. Newell, Curate of Christ Church, Ware, who effectually aroused the interest of his hearers in the cause he was advocating.
In the morning he preached from Micah vii, 3, "With both hands earnestly," contrasting the zeal and earnestness usually displayed in the search for this world's advancement and gain with the half-heartedness of even professing members of the Church in carrying on God's business.
In the evening his text was from Proverbs xxiii. 23, insisting on the value of truth, the cost of truth, and the paramount duty of not selling it, but sharing it with those who have it not.
This, he said, was the main object of the C.P.A. which assists the clergy in crowded parishes, provides them with assistant clergy and lady workers, and also helped to train for Holy Orders men who are otherwise fitted, but are unable to pay for their own training.
The offertories during the day amounted to £3 5s. 4d.
Death of Mr C. Newman
It is with much regret that we announce the death of Mr Cornelius Newman, formerly of Buntingford, who passed away on the 4th inst. after a long illness, patiently borne.
The deceased resided in Buntingford for many years, and was greatly respected. He leaves a grown-up family.
The funeral took place at Layston Church on Thursday of last week, the service being conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. A. Howard). There were some beautiful flowers.