2nd March 1928 - Death and Funeral of an Old Resident

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Death and Funeral of an Old Resident

The death of Mrs E. Plumb, wife of Mr William Plumb, occurred at the Hertford County Hospital on Saturday in last week.

Mrs Plumb was born in the village close on seventy years ago, where she was greatly respected by the inhabitants. The mortal remains were brought to Aspenden the following Wednesday, and rested in the deceased's home throughout the night before burial on Thursday afternoon.

The Rev. A.G. King, Rector of Westmill, conducted the service, and the family mourners included: Mr W. Plumb (husband), Mrs Savage (daughter), Messrs. William and Fred Plumb (sons), Mrs Tolts (sister), Mrs Gooch (sister-in-law), Mr Arthur Plumb and Miss Annie Plumb (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs W. Plumb (daughter-in-law), Mr John Plumb (brother-in-law), Mrs Bunn, Mrs Morly, Mrs Waters and Miss L. Plumb (nieces), and Mrs Miller (grand-daughter).

There was also a large number present at the Church to pay their last respects to the memory of the deceased, and there was a collection of beautiful floral tokens, and included wreaths from Mrs Steel, Mrs A. Wilson, Mrs H. Poulton, Mrs Fletcher, Captain and Mrs Williams; a small posy was also sent by Master Leslie Moule, who showed many little kindnesses to the deceased in her old age.

The Rev. King, preaching at the Parish Church on Sunday morning, referred to the deceassd's [sic] life and her simple faith. Much symyathy [sic] is extended to the family in their bereavement.

5th August 1927 - Cricket - Aspenden v. North Met

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Cricket

Aspenden v. North Met

The above teams met at Aspenden on Monday last (Bank Holiday), and although very wet, and enoyable game was witnessed - Aspenden winning by 28 runs.

The North Met batted first and totalled 61, Neale (13), Calvert (12) and Northfield (12) being the double-figure scorers.

Aspenden made 89, but lost six wickets before the winning run was scored. Holmes, going in first, carried out his bat for a well-played 40 (including one four and 36 singles). Oakley also batted well, making 18.

Mr Dixon Brown most generously provided and excellent lunch to all, which was well served by Mrs Camp, of "The Fox."

North Met

G. Andrews, b Miller - 0

J. Stockham, c Salt, b Manning - 2

M. Farricker, c Spencer, b Manning - 5

L. Talman, b Miller - 1

B. Northfield, c Spencer, b Manning - 12

W. Neale, lbw, b Miller - 13

L. Huckle, lbw, b Miller - 0

A. Calvert, b Manning - 12

A. Perry, retired hurt - 8

C. Carter, b Holmes - 0

J. Parker, b Holmes - 0

Extras - 8

Total - 61

Aspenden

W. Manning, b Huckle - 1

J. Holmes, not out - 40

F. Stoten, run out - 3

D. Spencer, b Neale - 4

B. Miller, b Huckle - 7

S. Oakley, c Neale, b Huckle - 18

T. Moule, b Northfield - 0

- Jackson, b Northfield - 9

- Salt, b Neale - 2

- Pegram, c and b Huckle - 4

- Pegram, c Farricker, b Huckle - 0

Extra - 1

Total - 89

9th July 1926 - Westmill School Entertainment

**Content warning: There is a racist term in the original article that I have censored in the text below, but is uncensored in the original image.**

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Westmill

School Entertainment

The children of Westmill School gave a very successful entertainment on Friday in last week to a good and appreciative audience, in the Village Hall.

The first part of the programme took the nature of a ****** Troupe, and the boys acquitted themselves very creditably, with John Miller as Interlocutor and Charles and Ernest Pegram as cornermen, supported by Keith Bright and Edward Rayment.

To help in the singing, several girls dressed as pierrots gave a striking effect on the stage. This part concluded with a small sketch, entitled "The Ghost," very ably performed by the cornermen and Keith Bright, as ghost.

The second part was miscellaneous, chiefly devoted to the performance of the infants, which was capitally done and elicited continued applause from the audience.

Kathleen Jackson gave a monologue in a very clear and appreciative manner, followed by a song by Violet Miller, so well rendered that an encore was accorded her. 

The last item was a sketch, called "Who's Who?" performed by four girls (Hilda Reed, Elsie Bradbury, Alice Miller and Florrie Moule), all of whom gave a very good account of themselves, though the acting of Florence Moule as the servant, "Jemima Anne," brought round after round of laughter and applause.

A capital evening concluded with the National Anthem, and a hearty vote of thanks proposed by Mr C. Hummerstone to Mr Harvey and Miss Hankin was most warmly responded to.

As the entertainment was given in aid of the Nursing Fund, the sum of £4 1s. was handed over to Mrs C. Hummerstone, the secretary of the Westmill branch of the Nursing Association.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Whist Drive and Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Dance

A successful whist drive and dance was held on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals, and, by the kind permission of Mr Bright, on his lawn.

Commencing at 7.30, the whist drive continued until 9.15, the results of which were: Ladies- 1, Miss V. Miller; 2, Mrs Taylor; 3, Miss Hardey. Gentlemen - 1, Mr Warner; 2, Mr Marvell; 3, Mr Lee. Lucky chair - Mrs Hummerstone.

After the refreshments had been served by several ladies, dancing was carried on till 11, to the strains of the Buntingford Town Band under the able conductorship of Mr Smith. This much increased the enjoyment and success of the evening.

The gardens and laws were now illuminated by many fairy lights which Mr Bright had previously arranged, and which gave a charming and striking effect.

All the prizes had been most generously provided by the following kind donors: Mrs Greg, Mrs Guiness, Lady Furniss, Mrs Howard, Mrs Laird, Mr Deacon, Mr Coates and Mr Russell.

A very happy evening was terminated with the National Anthem by the band.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.

As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.

Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.

Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.

John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.

It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.

10th Feb 1928 - Death of Mr H. Prior

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Death of Mr H. Prior

We regret to record the death of Mr H. Prior, son of Mr and Mrs George Prior, of Church Street, Buntingford.

The deceased, who had been an invalid for some considerable time, passed away at the age of 23 years on Sunday last. The funeral took place at Layston on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Rev. A. Howard.

The immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs G. Prior (father and mother), Messrs. T. and J. Prior (brothers), Mr F. Dearman (step-brother) and Mrs Miller (cousin). A number of friends were also present, and some beautiful wreaths were sent.

26th Oct 1928 - Cottered Congregational Church Harvest Festival

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Cottered

Congregational Church Harvest Festival

The Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held on Sunday and Monday last at 6 and 7.15 p.m. respectively. As usual, the Church was prettily decorated, and each service was exceedingly well attended. The ample display of flowers, fruit, vegetables, &c., was proof of the great interest shown in this annual event in the village.

Mr Rogers, of Hay Street, Braughing, conducted the Sunday service, and was assisted by Mr Leader, who gave a very stirring address. God, said Mr Leader, has not broken His promises, and He deserves our praise and thanks not once a year or once a month or once a week, but daily. Harvest time, he continued, should be a stocktaking time for each one of us - a time for examining the fruits of our last sowing and for choosing the seeds for our next.

Mr Rogers spoke on similar lines, and the service closed with the hymn "Sow in the morn thy seed." Mrs Grundy kindly presided at the organ. The collection amounted to 14s. 3 1/2d.

On Monday, Mr Andrew Miller, of Barnet, delivered the address, and was supported by Revd John Cole, of Buntingford, and Mr Harper, of Therfield. Unlike so many earthly promises; said Mr Miller, God's promises were made without repentance and they still stood after 4,000 years as the display of produce before him proved.

Mrs Miller gave two very delightful solos, with autoharp accompaniment, entitled "In the Garden" and "The Love of God." The Buntingford Town Silver Band (under the direction of Mr E.J. Smith) very kindly provided the music for the hymns.

The collection amounted to £2 0s. 3 1/2d. and the sale of produce after the service realised £2 5s. 6d.

The collections and proceeds of sale will be equally divided between the Royston and District Hospital and the Church Funds.

19th Oct 1928 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday Last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Mr G.W. Pepper.

APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION

Mr Alfred J. Miller, of Braughing, made application for the possession of a cottage owned by him and in the occupation of Mr Robert Allen, of Braughing.

Mr Miller said he became the owner of the property in 1928. The tenant had been in occupation since 1926. The rent was 4/6, but when he (Mr Miller) became the owner he raised it to 5/6. The tenant had refused to pay the incrase, and the arrears now amounted to £13 11s 6d.

The applicant was anxious to get possession as he intended putting the cottage in a better condition.

Mr Allen said he had tried for three cottages, but had been unable to secure one. The cottage he lived in was in a deplorable condition, and he did not feel inclined to pay the increased rent until the owner repaired the place. He was quite willing to pay the back rent as he had the money with him, but he could not pay the extra 1/-.

The Bench discussed the matter, and the Chairman said the case would be adjourned for one month to enable the parties to come to terms.

AFFILIATION CASES

Leonard Ward, of Aspenden, and Sidney Oakley, of Buntingford, were summoned by Mr H.J. Andrews for non-payment of arrears in respect of affiliation orders made by the Buntingford Bench.

After hearing the evidence the Chairman said that unless the cases were settled within seven days both men would be committed to prison, Oakley for three months, and Ward for one month.

The last-named paid before the Court closed.