7th January 1927 - New Year's Treat

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New Year's Treat

Following her annual custom, Mrs F.J. Robinson, of the Manor House gave a sausage dinner on New Year's Day to the whole of the Poor Law Institution. She also supplied minerals, beer, and tobacco.

In the large dining hall assistance was given at the tables by Mr E.C. Clarke (Clerk to the Guardians), Mr H.H. Macklin, Mr F.W. Butler (the Master) and Mrs Butler (the Matron). The treat delighted all and was thoroughly enjoyed.

After dinner the Master passed a hearty vote of thanks, and called for cheers for Mrs Robinson for her kindness, and on behalf of the inmates sent a message wishing her a Happy New Year.

Later a few songs were contributed by some of the inmates, after which comfortable chairs were drawn round the fire, pipes were filled, and the afternoon was spent in rest.

7th January 1927 - Board of Guardians Monthly Meeting

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday.

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, A.H. Hayes, A.W. Page, G.C. Wilson, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin) and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

House Committee

The House Committee reported as follows:

"The House Committee visited the House today and found everything in a satisfactory condition.

"The inmates expressed their pleasure in having spent a very Happy Christmas.

"The work required to be done in renewing kitchen floor has not been commenced, and we suggest that the contractor should be written to to put this work in hand immediately."

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 20, women 15, children 3. Total 38.

Corresponding period last year - 41.

During the month 1 male and 1 female have been admitted.

The Christmas Festivities passed off well and all had a happy time. The inmates wish me to thank the Board for the liberal fare provided.

Through the kindness of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, I do not ask for a collection from the Board, as there is no deficit to meet on the Christmas party. Of the £2 sent by Hertford, I handed 10 of their inmates 2/6 each.

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The Chairman expressed the thanks of the Board to all those who had sent gifts, &c., to the Institution.

Mr W.J. May, in associating himself with the Chairman's remarks said that the as there was no necessity for a collection amongst the Guardians towards the Christmas festivities, he would like to say that there was an old lady, an inmate of the Institution, who would attain the age of 93 years next Monday, and he thought that if any of the members chose to give a small donation it would be handed to her for the purpose of holding a birthday party in the Sick Ward.

This was agreed.

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

A letter was received from the Rev. L.W. Wright, stating that he was unable to attend the meeting owing to illness.

The Chairman expressed a hope that the Rev. Wright would soon be better.

important letters regarding the payment of National Health Insurance benefits to persons while inames of a Poor Law Institution were read, and these will appear in our next issue.

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

18th February 1927 - Charity Commission

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Charity Commission

In the matter of the charities of Henry Skynner and Sir John Watts for the benefit of the Poor of the Town of Buntingford, in the County of Hertford, and of the share of the charity of Joan Sandback applicable for the benefit of the said Town; and In the Matter of "The Charitable Trusts Acts, 1853, to 1925."

By direction of the Board of Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Trustees of these Charities propose to accept a surrender of the Existing Lease expiring at Midsummer, 1932, and to grant a new LEASE of the Property mentioned in the subjoined Schedule for a term of 21 years (determinable at the option of the Lessees on the expiration of 7 or 14 years of the said term) at an annual rent of £52, the Lessees agreeing to expend not less than £125 in effecting improvements to the said Property.

Further particulars may be ascertained from H.H. Macklin, Esq., of Buntingford.

Any higher offer, objection or suggestion relative to the proposed Lease may be transmitted to the Commissioners in writing before the 12th March, 1927, addressed to "The Secretary, Charity Commission, Ryder Street, St James' London, S.W.1."

H.D.S. Leake, Secretary.

Schedule

Messuage and Premises known as "The Angel Inn" Public House, situate in High Street, Buntingford.

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Transcriber note: Henry Skynner's charity is now known as The Buntingford Relief in Need Charity (charity number 262264).

4th February 1927 - Buntingford & District Musical Society

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Buntingford & District Musical Society

Present "The Pied Piper of Hamelin"

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"Rats! They fought the dogs and killed the cats, And bit the babies in their cradles"

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On Wednesday evening of last week Buntingford and District Musical Society preseted Parry's "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" at the Benson Hall, Buntingford. This is one of the most difficult works the Society has yet dealt with, and their production is worthy of the highest praise.

There was a well-balanced orchestra, the members of which came from Hertford, Letchworth, and Hitchin, while the soloists were Mr Ralph Williams, L.R.A.M. (tenor) and Mr Rintoul Johnson (baritone). These two soloists were heard at their best, their style of singing being charming and arresting.

The story goes that after the Pied Piper had cleared the town of the rats the Mayor and Corporation tried to evade payment of the thousand guilders previously offered him, and then the Piper stepped into the street,

"And to his lips again, Laid his long pipe of smooth, straight cane, And out came the children running."

Then they were led away by the Pipe to a hill, in which a caverna was suddenly hollowed. And when they were all in the door in the mountain-side shut fast,

"And Piper and dancers were gone for ever."

Although the piece had been so effectively set to music by C. Hubert Parry, the words are, of course, by Robert Browning, and if it is one of the most difficult works the Society has touched it is remarkably short, lasting little more than half-an-hour.

It was therefore necessary to fill up the programme with other items, and Mr E.E. Dennis , the conductor to the Society, git on a novel idea when he introduced Community Singing into the programme. The second part of the programme was therefore taken up with Community Singing, and after a little instruction from the conductor, the whole audience were joining heartily in the singing of such well-known songs as "John Peel," "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag," and "Tipperary."

"Buntingford's Burning" was a special favourite, with "Shenandoah" a close second.

Mr E.E. Dennis, who has worked so assiduously for the Society, conducted the whole programme. Mention must also be made of the valuable services rendered by the pianist, Miss Macklin; Mrs Fell, Mrs Butler and Mrs H. Feasey were in charge of the catering arrangements; while Messrs H. Clarke, F.W. Butler, E.C. Clarke, and E. Martin kindly acted as stewards.