13th May 1910 - Standon, Death of King Edward

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Standon

The news of the King's death was not known here until the arrival of the morning papers on Saturday. It caused a painful shock, and cast a gloom over the village.

The Union Jack was hoisted at half-mast on the Church tower, and a like sign of mourning was shown at Messrs. Chapman's Mills. In the afternoon the Church bell was tolled.

The service at the Parish Church on Sunday morning was of an impressive character. The Rev. S.F.O. Huddy read special prayers and announced that a memorial service would be held in the Church for the late King as appointed by authority. Preaching from the words "For death is come up into our windows and is entered into our palaces" he spoke of the deep mystery of death which had entered into the palace and removed their beloved King, who was so very human in the sympathetic welfare of his people, and who in the cause of peace with foreign nations had earned in his all too brief reign the glorious name of "Peace-maker." Their great King's work was done, and he was at peace, for God's finger touched him and he slept.

After the hymn "Lord of the world above" had been sung, the Benediction was pronounced, and then the organist, Mr J. Chapman, played Handel's "Dead March in Saul" while the congregation stood.

There was a large congregation, and nearly everybody wore mourning. The "Dead March in Saul" was also played at the evening service.

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, Resignation of the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott

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Buntingford

Resignation of the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott

We understand that the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott has resigned the pastorate of the Buntingford Congregational Church, and concludes his ministry at the end of June. 

For nearly 13 years he has actively and faithfully discharged his duties as Pastor. It is generally hoped that he will not be leaving the neighbourhood. Only recently the Layston Parish Council re-appointed him one of the Layston School Managers, and he is also a representative trustee of the Buntingford Charities.

During his pastorate in the town Mrs Elliott has been of the greatest help to him in varied and useful work as a minister's wife. She has conducted during the past ten years a Coal Club for the benefit of the working classes, which has been much appreciated, and has had an average of 50 members. Other useful institutions which she established in connection with the Congregational Church, and which have flourished under her special care, have been the Girls' Guild and Magazine Society. 

The Rev. G. Fraser Elliott has had a lengthy experience in the ministry, and can look back to no less than 36 years' strenuous work as a Congregational minister.

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, death of King Edward

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Buntingford

As soon as the sad news of the King's death was known at Buntingford it caused the most profound sorrow.

The ancient town bell was tolled. On Sunday, at St Peter's, besides the morning and evening services, there was a children's service, and also one for men. At every service the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, feelingly alluded to the passing away of the good King. 

In the morning he preached from the words, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He showed it was a time of personal trouble, family trouble, trouble for the Church of England which had lost its head, trouble for the Nation, which could ill spare such a wise ruler at the present time, and also trouble to our Empire, States, and people over the seas, which looked to King Edward as their guiding friend.

Of the King's charactertistics he dwelt mainly upon his tender love for the poor and feeble and his consistent endeavours to promote peace within the borders of his dominions and among the great powers of the world. The sorrow of the national was truly genuine and heartfelt for their noble monarch, whose end was peace.

"O God our help in ages past" was fervently sung at the services. The "Dead March" in Saul was played by Miss Woods at the end of each service while the congregation stood, most of whom were in mourning. 

- At both services at the Congregational Church, the Rev G. Fraser Elliott referred sympathetically to the death of the King, and prayers were offered for the bereaved Queen. At each service too Mrs Sutterby played the "Dead March" while the congregation stood.

The School flag was hoisted at half-mast. On Sunday two patrols of the Buntingford and District Boy Scouts, numbering in all 21, and each wearing on the left arm an armlet of crepe, paraded at their headquarters in High Street and marched to St Peter's to attend the morning service. To see these orderly well-behaved lads grieving with their elders was a touch tribute of reverential respect and esteem for the dead King, who took such a warm interest in the Scout movement.

13th May 1910 - Braughing Parish Council Meeting

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Braughing Parish Council Meeting

A special Parish Council meeting was held in the Old Boys' School on Friday evening. 

Mr H. Shepherd-Cross presided, and all the Councillors were present. The Chairman after thanking the Council for re-electing him, introduced the subject of the "Housing of the Working Classes," for which the meeting had been specially convened.

After a general discussion it was unanimously agreed that there was a great need for more cottages in the village for the labouring classes.

The Council decided to recommend the District Council to build four cottages at Braughing during the summer. It was also decided to respectfully ask the District Council to delegate their power to the Parish Council, as it was thought their local knowledge would be of great assistance in the matter.

This closed the proceedings.