20th May 1927 - Mrs Merryweather - Buntingford Fire Engine

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In a certain quarter of the town there is so much reference to the Buntingford Fire Engine that a few remarks here may satisfy a number of persons that Mrs Merryweather, as the engine has come to be affectionately known, is very well indeed.

The old lady looks quite smart in her freshly varnished coat, which has been edged with jet black. (Not a sign of mourning; oh, no).

A recent test showed that the pump was in good working order, and that everything was as good in many respects as it was in the day when the old engine was doing duty in London for the London Fire Brigade.

A new concrete floor has been put down in the engine house, and everything is now spick and span.

There is one eyesore. On the freshly-painted door the unguided hand of some mischievous schoolboy has written "B.F.B." - Buntingford Froth Blowers.

It is understood that an official denial of this accusation is to be issued by the Brigade.

At any rate, Mrs Merryweather says she has not blown much froth lately.

There is some consolation in that.

Think of the waste!!!

20th May 1927 - Electric light installation

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There seems a sudden lull in the battle of pick-axes and shovels carried out by men of the North Metropolitan Electric Light Company, the reason, it is believed, being the shortage of cable.

Early this week there was a thump, bang, bang, thumb, of workmen, who were having a glorious time in Church Street. They were playfully wrenching up pavement slabs and pebbles and throwing them to the four winds, while other humorists followed with brick rubble and tar-mac.

The result is that there is now a decent path for part of one side of the street, and we shall now be able to call and pay our water rate without getting wet feet.

The Electric Light Company have certainly "made good" the paths and roads in a more satisfactory manner than the firm that recently put down the telephone cable.

Working for the Electric Light Company must be a delighful occupation. The men are served with tea (for which they have to pay 6d. per week) three times a day. They all seem happy, for occasionally they burst into song, and all the time they are at work there is light-hearted chatter going on.

20th May 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr W.A. Gilbert

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Death and Funeral of Mr W.A. Gilbert

The death took place at Herne Bay, on Saturday, May 14th, of Mr W.A. Gilbert, who, for a number of years carried on the watchmaker's and jeweller's business in High Street, Buntingford (now carried on by Mr Lawrence).

On leaving Buntingford Mr Gilbert went to reside at Finchley Road, Hampstead, where he carried on business for a number of years.

The deceased, who had been in failing health for about two years, retired from business about three years ago, and after a few days' illness passed away at his residence at Herne Bay. He leaves a widow and one daughter, to whom much sympathy is extended.

The Funeral

The funeral took place at Herne Bay on Wednesday last. The remains were conveyed to the cemetery by Washington car, and followed by five mourning coaches.

The coffin was of waxed oak, and bore the inscription:

William Adam Gilbert, Died May 14th, 1927, Aged 54 years.

The immediate mourners were: Mrs W.A. Gilbert (widow), Miss M. Gilbert (daughter), Mr H. Gilbert (brother), Mr and Mrs E. Gilbert (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs J. Wilson, Mr and Mrs C. Pearman, Mr and Mrs A.W. Wilson, Mr and Mrs P. Wilson, Mr and Mrs Sydney Constable, Mrs Hobrough, Mr and Mrs Hurst, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Ross and Nurse Griffiths.

There was also many others present, and the beautiful and numerous floral tributes were conveyed to the cemetery by a special coach.

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Mrs Gilbert and Muriel desire to acknowledge gratefully the kind expressions of sympathy, which have been a consolation to them in their great sorrow.

3, The Myrtles, Sea Street, Herne Bay.

20th May 1927 - St Peter's

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St Peter's

On Sunday last, sympathetic reference was amde both morning and evening by the vicar (Rev. A. Howard) to the loss sustained by the parish and congregation in the death of Mrs Coleman, who had for some years been an active Church worker, a member of the Parochial Church Council, and a regular communicant at S. Peters, and one who would be greatly missed.

The deepest sympathy was felt by all with those most nearly concerned.