28th May 1926 - Hertfordshire County Library

Original image on Facebook

Hertfordshire County Library

The Local Committee of the Buntingford Centre met on Tuesday at the Parish Room, the Rev. A. Howard presiding in the absence of the Chairman (Mr C. Fraser).

The other members present were Mrs H. Williams, Mrs Page, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Mrs Baker and the Local Librarian (Mrs Howard).

It was decided to open the Library weekly on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., commencing with a formal opening on Tuesday next (June 1st), when those who have signed the membership cards will be able to select a book.

28th May 1926 - Garden Fete at Layston Court

Original image on Facebook

Garden Fete at Layston Court

In Aid Of The Women's Institute

The long-talked of Garden Fete was held on Whit-Monday, May 24th, in the grounds of Layston Court (kindly lent by Miss Woods), and was a huge success in every way. The members of the Fete Committee, supplemented by many willing helpers, spared no pains to make the affair successful. Preparations had been going on for several months, with a result that there were several well-stocked stalls.

The weather was on its best behaviour until 9 p.m., when rain fell just as dancing commenced. Financially, the fete was a great success, but the sum actually realised is not yet available.

The fete was opened at 2.30 p.m. by Lady Hunsdon. The ceremony took place under a large tree in the grounds, where were assembled about 150 people, including the President of the Institute (Mrs H.C. Marshall), Mrs H.H. Williams and Miss Woods.

Mrs H.C. Marshall, after introducing Lady Hunsdon, said that as it was Empire Day she thought it would be appropriate if the company sang "Rule Brittania." Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang the verse, and all present joined in the chorus.

Lady Hunsdon expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present and enjoy the hospitality of her friend (Miss Woods) in such charming surroundings. Buntingford always did things well and that afternoon they had turned on most wonderful weather for the fete. She would like to refer too the late Mrs  Woods, with whom she had discussed the question of a Women's Institute in Buntingford.

Lady Hunsdon then formally declared the fete open.

Mrs H.H. Williams returned thanks to Lady Hunsdon for opening the fete.

Miss Sheila Armstrong handed Lady Hunsdon a beautiful bouquet and the Band struck up God Save the King.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with gifts. The stalls comprised the following: general, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Armstrong and Miss Ward; Aspenden, Mrs Williams and Mrs Croslegh; fancy, Mr and Mrs Roberson; pound, Mrs Squires and Miss Sambels; sweets, Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Aylott; needlework, Mrs Feasey and Mrs Coleman; produce, Mrs H. May; Miss Olive Poulton, dressed as an Irish girl, sold Coleen soaps; and Miss Joan Roberson had charge of the doll competition; Miss Thwaites being in charge of the cake guessing.

A delightful feature of the Fete was the parade of children in fancy dress. The first prize was awarded to Soe White, the second prize going to Joan Roberson. All the children were delightfully dressed.

The side-shows comprised: hoop-la, Mr H.C. Marshall, Miss Marshall, Mr F. Fraser and Mrs Scarborough Taylor; bowls competition, Mr F.W. Butler (winner Mr W. May); clock golf, Mr W.J. May (winner Miss Marshall); lucky arrow, Mr E.J. Totman; and fortune-telling, Mr E. Mildren, jun. Miss Woods was in charge of the hidden treasure, the four half-crowns behind won by Miss Scrivener, Mr Chapman, Mr Lees, and Miss Boniwell.

Mrs Robinson, the Gypsy Fortune Teller, spent a busy afternoon and handed over her takings (£5) to the Treasurer.

Mrs White's drawings were much admired by visitors and members alike.

The tea enclosure did a capital business under the capable management of Mrs Fell, assisted by Mrs Clarke, Mrs Houlden, Mrs Darton, Mrs Pateman, Mrs Dellow, Mrs Warren, Mrs C. Clarke, Mrs Geaves, Mrs A. Smith, Mrs Rand, Miss Fell, and Miss Crane.

For the tennis tournament, arranged by Miss Porter, there were 30 entries, and in addition to the court at Layston Court, Mrs Ashford kindly placed her court at the disposal of the Committee.

A concert was given on the lawn during the afternoon where an excellent programme was well recieved by an enthusiastic audience. The programme was as follows: Scene from "As you like it," the W.I. Dramatic Section; two dances by Miss Olive Poulton; song "Devonshire Cream and Cider," Mr J.T. White; two-part songs by W.I. Choir, "The Seekers" and "Pam's Holiday." Mrs Armstrong acted as accompanist.

Later in the evening, country folk dancing took place on the lawn, when there was again an appreciative audience.

The Buntingford Town Silver Band were in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon and evening, also for dancing later in the evening.

There were so many helpers that we have probably omitted to mention some names. We are asked, however, to state that the committee are very grateful to all who assisted in any way to make the event such a success.

28th May 1926 - Ruri-Decanal Conference

Original image on Facebook

Ruri-Decanal Conference

The World Call To The Church

A meeting of representatives of the Ruri-Decanal Conference for the Rural Deanery of Buntingford, took place at the Assembly Rooms, the George Hotel, Buntingford, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rev. F.R. Williams (Rural Dean), of Anstey, presided, being supported by the new Secretary (The Rev. W.L. Shepherd). The Clergy present were: The Rev. F.B. Philips, The Rev. A.G. Langdon, Rev. A. McKerr, Rev. L.W. Wright, Rev. A. Howard and Rev. F. Jobson. There were about 30 lay representatives present.

In opening the meeting the Rural Dean referred to the departure of the Rev. Stubbs and said The Rev. Web Bowen had been appointed Vicar of Barkway. The Conference extended a hearty welcome to the new Rector of Braughing, The Rev. F. Jobson.

The Rural Dean then alluded to the death of the Rev. W.J. Tapper, of Cottered, and said he was sure the conference would extend its deep sympathy with Mrs Tapper and her family. The Rev. Tapper had only been at Cottered about eight months, but he had made his mark there, and his excellent work would not be forgotten.

The Secretaries of the various committees then presented their annual reports. The Rev. Stubbs reporting on the Finance Committee, The Rev. A. Howard on the Missionary Committee, and The Rev A.G. Langdon on the Education Committee, after which an address on "The World Call to the Church" was given by the Rev. G.P. Winter, Association Secretary of the C.M.S.

The World Call, he said, is no single call, it comes from every section of the Church Overseas. Many and varied are the needs which lie behind the call, but the voice of the fiels is unanimous that the whole church should see the world situation as it really is.

The speaker dealt fully with the matter, and at the close of the address explained the proposals of the Bishop to hold meetings in almost every parish in the Diocese when special speakers would address the Parochial Electors.

At the close of his address, The Rev. Winter was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the proposition of the Rural Dean.

The Rural Dean's Retirement

The Hon. Baron Dimsdale said he had heard that they were likely to lose the most essential services of their Rural Dean, The Rev. F.R. Williams. if this was correct he hoped that some small testimonial would be raised to mark the gratitude of the representatives on the Conference for the work he has done. (Applause).

Col. Heaton-Ellis associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks, and said he would like to echo every word that had been said. He hoped that a gift would be made to their Rural Dean, not so much for its intrinsic value but as very real proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held.

The Rev. A. Howard also associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks.

The Rural Dean said he was exceedingly grateful for what had been said. In this Diocese one was only supposed to hold the office of Rural Dean for five years, but he had held the office for seven years, and was acting Rural Dean three years before that.

During his term of office, he had been on most friendly terms with everyone, and it was through the kindness of those with whom he had to work that his term of office had been such a pleasant one. (Applause).

The Conference then closed with the Grace, after which tea was served to the representatives present.

28th May 1926 - Motor Cycle v. Motor Car

Original image in Facebook

Buckland

Motor Cycle v. Motor Car

A motor cycle ridden by Mr A. Clark, of Sandon, came into collision with a car being driven by Mr F.M. Warren, of St Ives, at Buckland on Whit-Monday.

The accident took place near the sharp turning from Buckland to Barkway. Mr Clark received injuries and had to be conveyed to his home, his machine being badly damaged.

The owner of the car was able to proceed after minor adjustments.

Another Smash

Another motor cycle accident is reported from Buckland. Two motor cyclists were on Monday proceeding to Edmonton, when one of them took the wrong turning at the foot of Whitby Lane and was thrown from his machine.

He received severe head injuries, and after medical attention was removed to Royston Hospital by Mr T.R. Carter.