18th January 1924 - Wyddiall - An Enjoyable Concert

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[Transcriber note: To save everyone's eyes I've turned the collections of names at the end into bullet pointed lists]

Wyddiall

An Enjoyable Concert

The concert given in the schoolroom on Tuesday last attracted a crowded audience, that spent a delightful time.

Mr H. May was the chief organiser, and Mr R. May presided at the piano.

No charge was made for admission, but during the interval a collection was made in aid of the Men's Club, the satisfactory sum of 30s. being collected.

At the close Mr H. Pigg congratulated the artistes on the excellent programme, and called for three cheers, which were heartily given.

On behalf of the performers, Mr H. May thanked the audience for their support, and the liberal way they had subscribed to the Club funds.

The programme was as follows:

Part 1 -

• Pianoforte Solo, Mr R. May;
• song, "Maryland," Mr B. Hatchett;
• song, "Mary Ann and Jack," Mr H. Money;
• duet, "Barbara Allen," Misses N. Hatchett and R. Marshall;
• recitation, "From the wreck," Mr E. Searle;
• song, "Passing by," Mr W. May;
• song, "The old armchair," Mr W. Searle;
• dialogue, Messrs B. Hatchett and E. Martin;
• song, "I passed by your window," N. Hatchett, Miss L. Pledger and R. Marshall;
• song, "Whispering," Mr H. Pledger;
• song, "I shall have to ask my mother if she'll let me," Mr C. Hatchett;
• song, "That old fashioned mother," Miss L. Pledger;
• song, "God send you back to me," Mr W. Watson.

Part 2 -

• Song, "Annie Laurie," Mrs W. Mead;
• song, "Light of her life went out," Mr H. Money;
• song, "Bubbles," E. Bonfield, R. Reed and C. Hatchett;
• song, "Bells of St Mary's," Mr H. Pledger;
• duet, "The old rustic bridge," Miss N. and Mr B. Hatchett;
• recitation, "A great fit," Mr E. Searle;
• song, "My meatless day," Mr C. Hatchett;
• song, "Mate of mine," Mr W. May;
• song, "Poor ole' Joe," Mr W. Searle;
• reading, "Our village," Mr J. Searle;
• song, "Touch the harp gently," Mr W. Watson;
• song, "Amazon," Mr B. Hatchett;
• "Auld Lang Syne," concert party.

8th October 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Group Conference at Buntingford

A Visit from Headquarters

A most successful meeting took place on Friday last at the Benson Hall, Buntingford, when members from Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Weston and Westmill joined their friends at Buntingford. Representatives from Standon and Pelham Groups were also present.

The chair was taken by Mrs H.H. Williams of Aspenden House, the Group Leader for his district.

In welcoming the members, Mrs Williams said it was a pleasure to see so many present, it showed the interest taken in the various Institutes.

Particular interest was taken in an address on "The responsibility of the individual member," given by the Hon. Miss Farrer from Headquarters.

The speaker urged the necessity for close co-operation between members and between Institutes. Each member had a most important part in the success of the Institute, and if she fulfilled her part the success of the body as a whole would be ensured.

Following her address came a charming little speech from Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, a V.C.O.

Tea was capitally arranged and served by members of the Buntingford Institute, and later much amusement was caused by a game organised by Miss Farrer.

A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mrs Vernede, Group Leader for Standon, and seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, the local President.

The singing of the National Anthem closed a very pleasant and profitable afternoon, enhanced by delightful sunshine.

Before Miss Farrer left, she said she would always remember Buntingford as being "Such a friendly meeting."

8th October 1926 - Aspenden Football Club

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Aspenden Football Club

To raise funds for the Aspenden Football Club, a whist drive took place at the George Assembly Room on Wednesday last.

Nine tables were occupied, with Mr Dennis as M.C.

Prizes were won by the following:

Ladies - 1 Mr R. Pledger (playing as lady), 176 (7/-); 2 Mr G. Holmes (playing as lady), 170 (4/-).

Gents - 1 Mr T. Martin, 171 (7/-); 2 Mr A. Clark, 170 (4/-).

Refreshments were served at the interval, and a pleasant time was spent.

28th January 1927 - Cards and Dancing

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Cards and Dancing

Ten prizes for whist in well-warmed and commodious surroundings, and two hours' dancing on the best floor in the neighbourhood, is good value for 1/6! And this may be obtained at the Whist Drive and Dance next Wednesday, February 2nd, at the Benson Hall, Buntingford.

Tickets may be had from Mr Castle, Mrs Coates, Mr Fry, Mrs Leslie, Miss Marriage (Aspenden), Mr Martin (Wyddiall), Mrs Philpott and others.

Tickets bought before the day carry a chance of a "Lucky Prize." Those wanting Whist or Dance only can pay 1/0 at the door.

Play will start at 7.30 sharp in order to ensure two hours' dancing, and patrons are respectfully asked to be punctual.

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.

25th March 1927 - Adverts and Workmen's Club

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Buntingford

Fire Insurance - A claim from Buntingford was submitted on Monday and paid in full on Thursday. Local Agent for Sun Insurance Company, B.E. Thody, Buntingford. - Advt.

Suits Made To Measure in a few days. Over 200 of the latest designs and new spring colouring to select from. Prices range from £2 15s. to £7 7s. - E.B. Haddock, Buntingford - Advt.

E.Browne is now showing latest models in Ladies', Gents' and Children's spring footwear. Agent for Yvonne, Mascot, Norvic, Mocassin, and "K" brands. High street, Buntingford, Herts - Advt.

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Workmen's Club

The following were the successful players at the whist drive held at the club room last week:

Ladies - 1 Miss Cornwell, 2 Mr A. Martin (playing as lady).

Gents - 1 Mr H. Clark, 2 Mr W. Watson.

18th March 1927 - Whist

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Whist

At the weekly whist drive, in aid of the Town Silver Band, the prize-winners were:

Ladies - 1 Mr E. Ward (playing as lady), 2 Mrs J. Aylott. Lowest score  Mr C. Smith (playing as lady).

Gents - 1 Mr Hiddel, 2 Mr E. Martin. Lowest score - Mr J. Philpott.

Lucky chair prize - Miss Marshall.

Over 100 were present for dancing, which terminated at midnight.

This week's winners of the spot dance competition were Mr Dowler and Mrs Case.

11th March 1927 - Town Band Whist

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Town Band

There must have been somewhere about 120 dancers at the George Assembly Room on Saturday, on the occasion of the weekly whist drive and dance organised by the town silver band.

Mr T. Wornham acted as M.C., and the whist prizes went to the following:

Ladies - 1 Mrs Aylott, 2 Mrs Turrell. Booby - Mrs S. Smith.

Gents - 1 Mr H. Handy, 2 Mr W. Budd. Booby - Mr A. Martin.

With so many dancing, it is a wonder that not more than four persons shared the spot dance prize.

As it was two couples were adjudged to be dancing on the spot previously selected by the judges, and the prize was shared between - Miss Philpott and Mr S. Warren and Mr Cannon and partner.

22nd April 1927 - Town Band

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Town Band

The Town Silver Band took advantage of the holiday by arranging two whist drives and dances in aid of the new instrument fund. Both proved successful.

At the Saturday evening event prizes were won by Mrs Nash and Mrs Goodwin, Mr Cook and Mr E. Martin for whist, and by Mrs Handy and partner for the dancing competition.

On Monday there was again an excellent company present, when whist prizes went to the following:

Ladies - 1 Mrs Bishop, 2 Mrs Dray, 3 Miss Hatchett.

Gents - 1 Mr J. Wornham, 2 Mr S. Dowler, 3 Mr S. Smith.

Lucky ticket, Mr Humbly.

Spot dance winners - Miss M. Cornwell and Mr P. Wright.

Mr T. Wornham ably carried out the duties of M.C. at both events.

20th May 1927 - Wyddiall Cricket - Anstey v. Wyddiall

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Wyddiall

Cricket

Anstey v. Wyddiall

A match between the above teams was played at Wyddiall on Saturday last, May 14th, resulting in an easy win for the home team by 48 runs.

Anstey batted first, and were quickly dismissed for a 42 - F. Phillips (not out 11) and "Mr Extras" (10) being the only double-figured totals. S. Pledger took 4 wickets for 14 runs, and H. Pledger 3 for 9.

On Wyddiall going in to bat, the result hung in the balance until after the fall of the sixth wicket (which fell at 33 runs), but after that H. May (25) and R. Reed (18) put the result beyond doubt, Wyddiall winning as stated. E. Bonfield also made a capital 16 when runs were badly needed.

Scores:

Anstey

E. Abrams, c Bonfield, b S. Pledger - 0

B. Catley, b R. Pledger - 3

C. Phillips, b S. Pledger - 1

W. Strange, b S. Pledger - 1

E. Dodkin, c H.Hatchett, b S. Pledger - 6

A. Bentley, c Bonfield, b H. Pledger - 2

F. Phillips, not out - 11

S. Danes, c May, b R. Reed - 2

H. Phillips, c C. Hatchett, b H. Pledger - 0

F. Chappel, run out - 3

A. Phillips, c R. Reed, b H. Pledger - 3

Extras - 10

Total - 42

Wyddiall

C. Hatchett, b Abrams - 8

S. Pledger, b Abrams - 0

H. Pledger, c Phillips, b Abrams - 5

E. Bonfield, c Chappel, b Abrams - 16

R. Pledger, b E. Phillips - 1

F. Hatchett, c H., b A. Phillips - 2

H. May, c Strange, b Abrams - 25

R. Reed, b A. Phillips - 18

H. Hatchett, b A. Phillips - 5

J. Martin, run out - 5

S. Reed, not out - 0

Extras - 5

Total - 90

10th June 1927 - Cricket - Buckland v. Wyddiall

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Cricket

Buckland v. Wyddiall

A match between the above teams was played on Saturday last, Wyddiall winning by 20 runs on the first innings. Score:

Buckland

W. Jackson, c S, b H. Pledger - 6

C. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 0

A. Shepherd, b S. Pledger - 0

F. Hurry, run out - 10

F. Stoten, c and b S. Pledger - 4

F. Barker, c H. Hatchett, b Bonfield - 11

W. Shepherd, c Bonfield, b H. Pledger - 7

R. Whitby, b H. Pledger - 0

S. Whitby, b S. Pledger - 0

R. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 4

F. Hurry, no out - 0

Extras - 5

Total - 47.

Wyddiall

R. Reed, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 24

H. Hatchett, c Barker, b A. Shepherd - 0

E. Bonfield, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 5

T. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 6

H. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 13

C. Hatchett, c Barker - 0

S. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 0

H. May, c Hurry, b W. Jackson - 1

F. Hatchett, c R. Whitby, b A. Shepherd - 2

E. May, not out - 4

J. Martin, c and b W. Jackson - 2

Extras - 10

Total - 67

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H. Pledger's XI. v. Wyddiall Church Choir

This match resulted in an easy win for the Choir by 36 runs, due mainly to the good score of 43 set by R. Reed.

3rd June 1927 - Cricket - Wyddiall v. Mr T. Pledger's XI

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Cricket

Wyddiall v. Mr T. Pledger's XI

A match between these teams was played on Saturday last, Wyddiall winning by an innings and 50 runs.

Mr Pledger's XI batted first, and were quickly dismissed for 27 runs, Cooze being the only batsman to reach double figures. Cooze, however, was rather lucky - being bowled with a no-ball the first ball he received.

Wyddiall very promptly passed their opponents score, and after making 100 runs for 6 wickets declared their innings closed.

With 73 runs to get to avoid an inning's defeat, Mr Pledger's XI fared even worse than at their first attempt, scoring only 23.

Score:

Mr T. Pledger's XI

S. Oakley, b H. Pledger - 0

H. Parker, c F. Hatchett, b S. Pledger - 4

T. Pledger, b H. Pledger - 0

W. Neale, b H. Pledger - 7

J. Holmes, b S. Pledger - 0

W. Cooze, b S. Pledger - 12

A. Martin, c H. May, b S. Pledger - 0

- Dowler, b H. Pledger - 3

W. Leathers, not out - 0

- Rayment, b H. Pledger - 0

J. Martin, b H. Pledger - 1

Extra - 1

Total - 27

Wyddiall

W. Hatchett, b Holmes - 1

H. Pledger, b Neale - 29

E. Bonfield, lbw, b Pledger - 8

R. Reed, b Pledger - 16

H. Hatchett, not out - 14

F. Hatchett, c Oakley, b Pledger - 2

H. May, c Holmes, b Pledger - 17

C. Hatchett, not out - 7

S. Pledger - did not bat

C. May - did not bat

S. Reed - did not bat

Extras - 6

*100

*Innings declared closed.

Mr T. Pledger's XI

T. Pledger, c R. Reed, b Bonfield - 2

H. Parker, c W. Hatchett, b Bonfield - 5

J. Holmes, stumped H. May - 5

W. Neale, b Bonfield - 5

W. Cooze, b Bonfield - 1

S. Oakley, b C. Hatchett - 1

W. Leathers, b H. May - 0

A. Martin, not out - 5

- Rayment, did not bat

- Dowler, c S. Pledger, b C. Hatchett - 0

J. Martin, c E. May, b C. Hatchett - 3

Extra - 1

Total - 23

30th July 1926 - Cricket - Wyddiall v. Hamels Park

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Cricket

Wyddiall v. Hamels Park

The above match was playing at Hamels Park on Saturday last, resulting in a win for Wyddiall by 37 runs.

Wyddiall batted first - F. Hatchett being top-scorer with 18 (not out). Hamels scored only moderately against the bowling of S. and H. Pledger, and were dismissed just on time for 44 runs, W. Wallace and R. Drevuit making 30 between them. S. Pledger was the most successful bowler, taking six wickets at a small cost.

Scores:

Wyddiall

C. Hatchett, b W. Wallace - 5

S. Pledger, b Drevuit - 7

W. Hatchett, b Drevuit - 2

H. Pledger, c S., b W. Wallace - 13

R. Pledger, b W. Wallace - 2

H. May, c C., b W. Wallace - 5

F. Hatchett, not out - 18

E. Bonfield, W. Wallace - 12

H. Hatchett, c W., b S. Wallace - 1

R. Reed, c Bysouth, b S. Wallace - 4

A. Martin, b Drevuit - 6

T. Mole, run out - 2

Extras - 6

Total - 81

Hamels Park

W. Gruss, b S. Pledger - 3

C. Bysouth, b S. Pledger - 2

S. Wallace, b S. Pledger - 0

R. Drevuit, run out - 14

W. Wallace, b H. Pledger - 16

F. Green, b H. Pledger - 0

V. Roberts, b S. Pledger - 2

H. Clarke, c H. Hatchett, b H. Pledger - 1

B. Allen, b H. Pledger - 0

F. Clements, b S. Pledger - 1

T. Rayreen, not out - 1

Extras - 5

Total - 44

23rd July 1926 - Football Club Annual General Meeting

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Football Club

Annual General Meeting

A Successful Year

The Annual General Meeting of the Buntingford Town Football Club was held on Tuesday evening. Mr A.G. Day presided, and was supported by the Hon. Sec. (Mr W. Budd).

Committee's Report

The folowing report was unanimously adopted:

The Buntingford Town Football Club has experienced one of the most successful seasons in its career.

In the field the 1st XI entered the Greg Cup, the Herts. Junior Cup, and the 2nd Division of the North Herts League.

Although being beaten in the 1st round of the Greg Cup by Royston by the odd goal in nine, they reached the semi-final of the Herts Junior Cup. This is a record for the club, the previous best being the 6th round. They were beaten three goals to two in the semi-final by Walsworth, a Senior team who eventually won the Senior Division of the North Herts League.

In the North Herts League the team finished fourth, playing 22 matches, winning 15 and losing 8.

During the season, altogether 38 matches were played: 20 won, 16 lost and 2 drawn. Total goals scored 130, against 98.

The leading goal scorers were: H. May 30, E. Pledger 24, H. Clark 20, H. Birkett 16, S. Thorogood 12, and W. May 11.

The 2nd XI, who at one time appeared to have a good chance of winning the Buntingford and District League, eventually finished fourth, playing 20 games: winning 10, drawing 2 and losing 8. Goals scored 43, against 46.

The leading scorers were: R. Reed 9, V. Cooze 8, A. Martin 6, A. Clark 4, C. Smith 4, and S. Rayment 4.

Financially the Club is in a perfectly sound condition, for after spending the sum of £43 17s. 9d. in the erection of a grand stand, £4 2s. 5d. is still in hand.

Supporters' subscriptions are practically the same as last season, while the gate money shows a welcome increase of £13, this being due to the fine play of the 1st XI in the Jnuior Cup, these gates alone bringing in £14.

Expenditure - The chief item here is the £43 17s. 9d. already referred to. Referees' fees show an increase of £2 10s., and transport of £6 10s., this being due to the Club playing more matches this season than last. Other items are practically the same as last season.

On the actual year's working the Club shows a profit of £6 19s. 9d. This is a most satisfactory state of affairs, and it is hoped, with the continued help of supporters and friends, to do even better in the coming season.

The Balance Sheet

The balance sheet, produced by the Hon. Treasurer, showed a profit of £4 2s. 5d., which was considered very satisfactory.

The accounts were duly passed.

Election of Officers

The election of offers resulted as follows: President, H.C. Marshall, Esq.; the Vice-Presidents were re-elected en bloc; Hon. Secretary, Mr W. Budd; Hon. Treasurer, Mr S. Howlett; Team Sec., Mr W. Cooze; Captain, Mr W. Hatchett; Vice-Captain, Mr H.E. Birkett; Committee - Messrs. J. Bishop, B. Nicholls, E. Smith, H. Clark, A. Clark, W. Reed, E. Pledger and F. Camp.

Votes of thanks to the President and Vice-President, the Officers and the Chairman, concluded the business of the meeting.

23rd July 1926 - Cricket - Brent Pelham v. Wyddiall

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Cricket

Brent Pelham v. Wyddiall

The above teams met at Pelham on Saturday last, and a good game resulted.

Pelham batted first, and ran up a respectable score of 83 - P. Saunders playing a good innings of 34 (not out). On Wyddiall going in to bat, the Pelham bowlers were soon mastered, and when time was called had made 137 runs for 6 wickets.

H. Pledger played a splendid innings of 53 (not out) and also took six wickets (so it could be said it was his match).

S. Pledger (27), W. Hatchett (23), and C. Hatchett (17) also helped splendidly to raise such a good total.

Scores:

Brent Pelham

H. Martin, c Hatchett, b R. Pledger - 10

W. George, b R. Pledger - 8

C. Whiffin, c T., b H. Pledger - 10

P. Saunders, not out - 34

W. Dodkin, b H. Pledger - 1

R. Coxall, b H. Pledger - 6

W. Bailey, c Hatchett, b May - 1

S. Bentley, b H. Pledger - 3

H. Brett, c Hatchett, b H. Pledger - 2

C. Westwood, run out - 1

Byes - 5

Total - 83

Wyddiall

C. Hatchett, c and b Saunders - 17

S. Pledger, c George, b Dodkin - 27

W. Hatchett, c and b Coxall - 23

H. Pledger, not out - 53

T. Pledger, b Whiffin - 0

R. Pledger, b Whiffin - 1

H. May, c Dodkin, b Coxall - 3

F. Hatchett, not out - 4

H. Hatchett - did not bat

S. Stubbs - did not bat

F. Camp - did not bat

Byes - 9

Total (for 6 wkts.) - 137

2nd November 1923 - Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

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Death and Funeral of Mrs E.J. Crane

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mrs Ernest J. Crane, of Buntingford.

Mrs Crane, before her marriage was an assistant mistress in the Barkway Council Schools, a post she held with some distinction until her marriage in 1917. She was much esteemed by all her pupils on account of her kind disposition, and was greatly respected by a large circle of friends in Barkway and Buntingford.

After a short illness the end came on Sunday last, and much sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband and her six months' old child.

On Wednesday afternoon the remains were conveyed by motor hearse to the deceased's old home at Barkway, where she was born. The funeral took place at Barkway yesterday (Thursday).

The Rev. W.T. Stubbs very impressively officiated at the service, and a large number of friends were present to pay their last respects.

Mrs Bowman presided at the organ, and the hymn sung was "On the Resurrection Morning." As the cortege left the church the organist played Mendelssohn's "Oh Rest in the Lord."

The plain oak coffin bore a breast plated inscribed:

Jessie R. Crane, Died October 28th, 1923, Aged 36 years.

The immediate mourners were Mr E.J. Crane (husband), Mr and Mrs Copeland (father and mother), Mr and Mrs C. Copeland (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs J. Crane (mother-in-law), Mrs H. Beeton (sister-in-law), Mr H. Beeton, Mrs E. Martin and Mrs Knife (cousins), Mrs F.G. Crane (aunt), Mrs Gray and the seven employees of the firm.

Amongst the 54 beautiful floral tokens were the following:

To dear Jessie, from her loving husband and little John - "A devoted wife and loving mother."

To our loving daughter, from her affectionate father and mother.

In loving memory, from Mother and Mary.

In loving remembrance, from the old Barkway scholars.

With heartfelt sympathy, from the Organist and Choir of Barkway Church.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Ex-Service Men's Club.

With deepest sympathy, from the Buntingford Women's Institute.

With deepest sympathy, from the tradesmen of Buntingford.

With sincere sympathy, from the teachers of Barkway School.

In loving remembrance from Harold and Millie.

In affectionate remembrance, from uncle, aunt and Cyril.

With deepest sympathy, from Harry.

With loving sympathy, from auntie Gray.

With sincere sympathy, from Barney, Bert and Harry.

With deepest sympathy from Castle, Clark, Parker and Clark sen.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr George Saggers.

21st May 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The April monthly meeting was a great success. There was a good attendance to hear a talk on gardens by Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, which was thoroughly instructive and amusing.

It was followed by a most successful exchange of bedding and pot plants; and an egg collection for Royston Hospital amounted to 156 in number.

Mrs Deacon (the President) was in the chair. Hostesses were Mrs Pratt, Mrs J. Rayment, Miss F. Rayment, Mrs Read, Miss Read and Mrs T. Russell.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Xmas Fat Stock Show and Sale

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Buntingford Xmas Fat Stock Show and Sale

A RECORD CATTLE ENTRY

The Annual Christmas Fat Stock Show and Sale was held on Monday last in cold but fine weather. There was a large attendance of people from a very wide area, and the judging, which took a considerable time, was completed under the most agreeable circumstances.

As was to be expected, there was a record entry and the normal standard of merit for the district was credibly maintained. The principle feature of the show was a fine array of bullocks - some 80 beasts forming two long lines on the Market Hill. The sheep and pigs were also penned on the Market Hill, the pig entries being larger than last year, while the sheep classes were well filled. There was a noticeable drop in the number and quality of the poultry entries, which were staged in the old Tanyard.

The premier award again went to Mr E. Mildren, of Buckland, whose 15 cwt. roan shorthorn won five prizes. The champion was purchased by Mr V. Pledger, of Barkway, for £56.

The arrangements for the show were in the hands of a committee, who worked well before and on the day itself. Mr E.G. Thody again carried out the duties of hon. secretary in his usual efficient manner.

The following were the judges: Cattle - Mr J. Treacher (Enfield), sheep - Mr F. Fowler (Bishops Stortford) and Mr G. Ripley (Waltham Cross), pigs - Mr H. Reed (Hertford) and Mr R.E. Clark (Clapton), poultry and eggs - Mr W. Nicholls (Hoddesdon) and Mr E. Hankin (Ware).

The following acted as stewards: Cattles - Messrs V. Pledger, H.E. Dudley, F. Cannon, S. Pigg and R. Pigg; sheep - Messrs. W.N. Sanders and F. Rand; pigs - Messrs S. Lees, W. Kittow, W. Page and B. Thody; poultry - Messrs. F. Butler, E.C. Clarke and W.G. Bonness.

THE AWARDS

The following is a list of awards:

Best beast in the show, entered by a farmer residing within Puckeridge Hunt - E. Mildren.

Best beast (open) - E. Mildren.

Silver cup for pen of fat pigs fed on Messrs. Dixon & Son's pig meal - F. Vigus.

Best bullock or heifer bred by exhibitor - J. May.

Best beast fed on Messrs. J. Bibby's cake - S. Pigg.

Silver plate for best beast fed on "Thorleys" - E. Mildren.

Silver plate for best pen of sheep or lambs fed on "Thorleys" - F. Vigus.

Best beast fed on "Molassine" - S. Pigg.

Best fat pig fed on "Molassine" - W. George.

Largest consignor of stock to Market during 1927 - S. Hoy.

Largest purchaser during 1927 - J. Treacher.

Best bullock - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J.R. Child.

Best heifer - 1 J. May, 2 S. Pigg.

Best bullock not more than two years old - 1 J.R. Child, 2 Messrs J.R. Russell & Son.

Fat cow - 1 Messrs W.H. Kittow and Son, 2 H. Martin.

Best beast in classes 13 to 16 - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J. May.

SHEEP

Five fat tegs - 1 F. Virgus, 2 H.E. Dudley.

Five fat ewes - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Brown.

Best pen of sheep, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £500 value of stock in Buntingford Market during 1927 - 1 H.E. Dudley, 2 F. Vigus.

PIGS

Three fat pigs - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.

Two fat pigs, the property of a tenant farmer - 1 N. Cannon, 2 W.N. Sanders.

Two fat pigs, not exceeding 120 pounds - 1 J.T. White, 2 J. Osborne.

Five fat porkers - 1 T. Virgus, 2 Messrs W.H. Kittow.

Two pigs, most suitable for bacon - 1 T. Virgus, 2 J. May.

Fat pig - 1 J.T. White, 2 E. Mildren, jun.

Fat sow - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Aylott.

Fat pig, the property of a smallholder - 1 W. Parker, 2 - Hatchett. 

Best pen of fat pigs, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £300 value of stock in the Market during 1927 - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.

POULTRY

Three cock turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Three hen turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Killing cock turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Killing hen turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Four geese - 1 L. Cannon, 2 J. Chapman.

Four cockerels - 1 J. May, 2 J. May. [transcriber note - I don't know if that's two different men with a shared initial]

Four hens - 1 C. Tottman, 2 E. Martin.

Four ducks - 1 L. Cannon, 2 G. Aylott.

EGGS

Three score, white - 1 E. Mildren, 2 E.H. Tweed.

Three score (brown or tinted) - 1 E. Brett, 2 Mrs J.S. Howe.

THE SALE

The sale of the exhibits was carried out by Mr G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr C.S. Knowles, and particulars of the prices are given in our market report.

24th Feb 1928 - Girl Guide Movement

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Girl Guide Movement

In connection with the Girl Guide Movement, a troop of which will shortly be formed in Buntingford, there was a social gathering at the Congregational Schoolroom last Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs Martin was the speaker, and Mrs Fraser, Miss Gibbs, and Miss Elliott were also present. There was an attendance of about thirty.

In the course of a very interesting address on the aims and objects of the Guide Movement, Mrs Martin said the principal object was that of impressing upon the girls the necessity of teaching themselves, in order to make them practical and useful wives when they had homes of their own.

One other object was the teaching of common sense, which seemed to be omitted from the education given at school. The speaker said she thought that a girl who had received such instruction as home and sick nursing, ambulance, first aid and such like, would make a far better housewife than one who had only been taught such subjects as writing, arithmetic, &c.

Mrs Martin gave several illustrations of the courage displayed by guides, and said she hoped the Buntingford troop would be quite a successful one.

Refreshments were served to the company present, and the meeting then closed.

24th Feb 1928 - Braughing, An Interesting Will Case

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Braughing

An Interesting Will Case

The hearing of the Probate action in the matter of the estate of Ezekiel Walter Martin, late of North View, Braughing, Near Ware, retired farmer, who died on February 17, 1927, came on for hearing before Mr Justice Hill in the Probate Court on Tuesday, the 7th inst., and it related to the question as to whether the last will of the deceased, date September 23, 1924, was duly executed.

The will referred to, of Ezekiel Walter Martin, was made by him on a printed will form.

Mr W.O. Willis, K.C., and Mr Noel Middleton (instructed by Messrs. Hare and Son, of Much Hadham) were the council for the plaintiffs, the children of the late Ezekiel Walter Martin, who claimed that the Court should pronounce against the will and that the deceased died intestate; and Mr Cotes-Preedy, K.C., and Mr T. Bucknill (instructed by Messrs. S.J. and S.T. Miller, of Cambridge) were the counsel for the defendants, three of the grandchildren of the deceased, Walter, Arthur and Neva (children of Mr Harry Martin), who benefited [sic] under the will of the deceased.

The gross value of the estate of the deceased was stated to be £12,426 7s. 3.d

Mr Justice Hill said: This is a case very near the line, and of some difficulty. The document which was executed as a will bears date September 23, 1924. On the face of it, it is unimpeachable, and, indeed, if both witnesses were dead it would be impossible to impeach it. It is on a printed form. The writing throughout is that of the testator, with a number of paragraphs. There is no signature at the end of the last paragraph, but a little further down appears, in print, the formal attestation clause, with a bracket against it and against that bracket, on the first two lines, appear the signature and description of the testator, on the next two lines the first witness, and below that the second witness. It looks like a properly executed will. The presumption in law therefore arises, and is strong, that this was the duly executed will of the testator.

But, on the other hand, the two witnesses are alive, and they have both been called. To the recollection of the first witness, Miss Ashdown, I do not attach much importance, because she was evidently an elderly lady; she was extremely nervous in giving her evidence, and it is not so clear as it otherwise would be; and her recollection is, I think, not entirely to be relied upon.

So far as it goes, she said this: That the will was folded, leaving only the lower half of the second page upwards as the will lay on the table, and nearly all the space above the printed attestation clause was covered over with a bit of paper; and she says that when she put her name to that bit of paper, as she did, the name of the testator was not upon it. I have pointed out that in those circumstances it is odd that she should have begun to write her signature as a witness, not on the first line abreast the bracket of the attestation clause, but on the third line; and as it now appears the first line is occupied by "Ezekiel Walter Martin, retired farmer," and the second line by the village where he lived. Still, that is her definitive statement, that there was no signature.

Mr Simpson, the other witness, is much younger, and he is quite positive upon it that there was no other writing when he signed: "There was no other writing that I saw."  He again says that the bit of paper was put across the will, bringing it down to about the fold of the document as it then stood, that is to say, an inch or two above the attestation clause, and that when he signed there was no writing upon what was opened to him, except what Miss Ashdown had written.

He said his memory was quite clear. He is giving evidence now at the beginning of 1928 with reference to something that happened in September, 1924, but he had in an affidavit sworn in April, 1927, said the same thing; so that his recollection is the same throughout - it is not so very long ago.

In face of that evidence I feel bound to say that the presumption is rebutted, and it has been proved that this signature of Mr Martin's was not on the document at the time when the two witnesses signed, but has been put upon it at some later time. In coming to this conclusion, I am not ignoring the fact that Mr Martin had made wills before and that on a later occasion when he witnessed a will it was all done in proper order; but I cannot - I wish I could but I cannot; my sympathies are the other way - do other than find that this will was not properly executed.

I think it is the greatest possible misfortune, because it seems that so far as most of the members of this family are concerned, the thing has been driven to this legal decision. The costs will come out of the estate.

Mr Willis: Your Lordship, for the moment will pronounce against the testamentary papers of September 23, 1924?

Mr Justice Hill: Yes.

Mr Bucknill. I do not know whether your Lordship would say in this case that the costs should come out of the estate as between solicitor and client?

Mr Justice Hill: Certainly.

Mr Bucknill: It is a case where the matter has had to come to the Court.

Mr Jusitce Hill: I think so. I think that is fair.

Mr Willis: If your Lordship pleases.