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.

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.