10th December 1926 - Correspondence - Mrs Merryweather

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Dear Sir,

I was deeply moved by the letter from Mrs Merryweather appearing in your columns last week, and I herewith enclose a small donation wherewith to buy here a pair of stockings, as I understand this is what the good lady was sadly in need of when paying her last visit, and it certainly must have been very distressing to her friends when they became away of the fact that she was short of this necessity in a civilised country.

I trust my small donation may be the nucleus of a fund to be raised for the purpose of providing a good friend, whose services have been much appreciated in the past, with the necessities of life in order that she may still continue to be of service to the community.

From the letter it is assumed that the house in which the good lady resides is her own property, but is badly in need of repair, and if such is the case, I am of opinion that if the various builders in the town could see their way to execute such repairs as are necessary, the cost of such to rank as a contribution to the fund, it would be greately appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

"A Mother's Son."

Buntingford, Dec. 7th, 1926.

Evidently the pair of stockings mentioned above means two feet of hose, and we have handed over the donation to the Captain - [Ed.]

10th December 1926 - Correspondence - Buntingford Fire Brigade

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Buntingford Fire Brigade

Sir,

From the letter appearing in your columns of the last week by "Mrs Merryweather," it is evident that others beside the Brigade are interested in the "Lady," who although of the Victorian age and born in the 60's, is yet good for a real hard day's work, provided that she has her whack of water and is provided with fairly decent lodgings.

A few pounds would improve her lodging accommodation, would secure the necessary operation being perfom upon her lungs, and would provide her with a further supply of hose.

A gentleman resident of the town has kindly forwarded a cheque for the sum of £3, and suggests that a fund be raised to improve the Engine and Equipment, further particulars of which we hope to publish shortly together with a brief history of the Engine and the work that it has accomplished.

Meanwhile donations to the fund would be thankfully received, and should be made payable to Messrs. Barclays Bank, Buntingford Branch, a/c Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Yours faithfully,

Ernest G. Thody

Captain of the Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Buntingford.

10th December, 1926.

3rd December 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

At this time of the year there is always a number of residents of the town of Buntingford who think they are forgotten.

The distribution of Charity coals and bread is the signal for many outbursts of dissatisfaction, and if I may be allowed to voice my little trouble now, I know that on Christmas Day I shall not have been forgotten again.

I have lived by myself for many years, and it is only on rare occasions that I have met my own kith and kin, and even at such meetings there has been little time for discussion between us, as immediately my work is finished I have been rushed back to my home.

It is some years now since I was last in the High Street, and it is through overhearing the conversation of persons passing my house, that I learn of the changes that have taken place in our old town.

When I first came to Buntingford - some 30 years ago - I was the talk of the town; persons from the district would call at my house to see and admire me. In those days I was able to work well, and when my services were required I set an example of thoroughness and reliability.

My family of eight grew older and some left the town, leaving me to share my modest home alone. My eldest son, a Captain, is the only one of my family who ever calls upon me, and as he leaves the house I can see that he views my position with regret, and thinks of the times when I was "one of best."

Little boys stoned my windows early last year, and the broken windows and rotten door post have all helped the weather to enter my house and make me look a wreck.

I think I could work now, except that my lungs are a bit congested, and perhaps this letter will be the means of my receiving a little attention from those who remember me in the past, and of those, who although they have never seen me, may be glad to call upon my services in the future.

Yours faithfully,

(Mrs.) Merryweather

Fire Engine House, Buntingford

29th Nov. 1926