28th December 1928 - Catholic Church

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Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is more beautifully decorated than in any previous year, owing to the exceptionally large number of flowers presented for the purpose. White chrysanthemums and narcissi predominate, and there is a profusion of holly and other evergreen.

The Church was packed for the Midnight Mass which ushered in the Feast of Christmas, and many were unable to get seats.

Father Morgan, in a short sermon, spoke of the "Good Tidings of Great Joy" announced to the Shepherds by the Angel, pointing out that the Source of that joy is our Blessed Lord. Our Lady and St. Joseph, in spite of their poverty and homelessness, were far happier than any of those who were comfortable housed and well-fed in Bethelehem, because they had Him with them. He alone can give us that happiness which thrills the heart and the very core of our being. By living for Him, doing everything for Him, with the object of pleasing Him, we can have Him perpetually in our hearts. And this gives the truly Joyful Christmas and the Happy New Year.

The organist, Mrs Castle, was unfortunately unable to be present, and was much missed by all. But a deputy accompanied the singing, which was tasteful and enjoyable.

The choir rendered the Kyrie from Turner's Mass of St. John the Baptist, the Adeste as an Offertory piece, a Benedictus by Terry, and all joined in the hymn "O Bread of Heaven" after receiving Holy Communion.

Carols were sung before and after the Mass - "Silent Night," "Angelic Messenger," and "A Child this day is born."

The Christmas Mass at the Convent was at 8 a.m., at which appropriate music was beautifully sung by the Sisters and boys; and the third Mass of Christmas was at the Church at 9 a.m.

It was announced that the first Mass was offered for all living in the parish, the second for the Convent, and the third for all who have in any way showed kindness to the parish priest.

In the Lady Chapel is the "Crib" or representation of the Cave in the hill-side, with figures of the Divine Baby, our Lady, St Joseph, the Shepherds and some of the sheep tended by the latter.

It is illuminated with a glow of red, and tends to aid the devotion of all who visit it, helping them to realise the scene at Bethlehem. This "Crib" remains till after the Epiphany, at which Feast the Wise Men are added to the company.

3rd December 1926 - Buntingford Town Band Whist Drive and Dance

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Buntingford Town Band

Whist Drive and Dance

A whist drive and dance, in aid of the Buntingford Town Silver Band funds, was held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening last.

Sixteen tables were in use for whist, Mr T. Wornham officiating as M.C.

Scoring was not very high. Mrs B.E. Thody took first lady's prize - Half a tea set - with a score of 172. The second prize, a pretty floating bowl, was won by Miss Norman, Mr W. Watson (playing as lady) securing third prize - a pair of glass candlesticks.

In the gents section, Mr H. Howard was first, winning half-dozen stainless steel knives. Mr Budd took second prize (a tobacco jar), and Mr Leslie Smith third - a hot water bottle.

The Rev. Fr. Morgan gave a beaded girdle as a lucky number prize, which was won by Mrs Bishop.

The prizes were presented by Miss Lushington, who made a few well-chosen remarks.

Later dancing was indulged in till midnight - the music being supplied by members of the Town Band.

25th February 1927 - Correspondence

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

In connection with the advertisement about the "pictures" in the Benson Hall, will you kindly allow me to say that the Management will not be able to continue the Saturday night performances unless there is a full house regularly.

Personally I am not very anxious (and never have been anxious) to have the Hall used as a Cinema, but am quite willing if there is a real demand for pictures in Buntingford.

The pictures shown are of excellent quality and full of interest, so those who wish to have the Cinema open in Buntingford are invited to show that wish by regular patronage.

Yours faithfully,

A.N. Morgan

23rd Feb., 1927.

25th March 1927 - Chess Match

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Chess Match

A chess match between the Cottered Chess Club and a Buntingford team, arranged by Mr B.E. Thody, took place on Monday evening.

There were some good games, and the result was a win for Buntingford by four games to two.

The scores were as follows:

Buntingford - Cottered

Father Morgan - 1 - R.M. Hull - 0

E. Brett - 1 - E.E. Empringham - 0

B.E. Thody - 0 - R. Shepherd - 1

J. Lawrence - 1 - R. Barry - 0

H.M. Blakiston - 1 - T. Perry - 0

A.N. Other - 0 - B.A. Edwards - 1

Total - 4 - 2

At the close, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, thanked Father Morgan for placing his study at the disposal of the teams and for so kindly entertaining them.

22nd April 1927 - The Catholic Church

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The Catholic Church

On Easter Sunday the Sacrifice of the Mass was offered in Buntingford at the Convent (7.45) and at the Parish Church at 9 a.m.

In wishing all a Happy Easter, Father Morgan spoke of the Happy Easter which our Blessed Lord brought to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. "How our hearts burned within us as He talked to us," so said they afterwards. They had not recognised Him at the time, being too full of their disappointment over the Crucifixion of the miracle-worker on Calvary. But when He went with them into their house at their invitation, and in simple form offered again that Divine Sacrifice of the Mass which He had instituted only three days before, at that great moment their eyes were opened, and they knew Him.

He vanished immediately from their sight, but the joy of the Presence of Jesus went with them throughout their Eastertide. The same Easter joy will be ours if we walk with Him, and invite Him to be our honoured Guest.

At Benediction in the evening, the Regina Coeli was beautifully sung by Sisters from the Convent and St Francis Choir. Addressed to our Lady it is full of the glad spirit of Easter - 

"O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia, For He Whom thought didst bear, Alleluia, Hath arisen as He said, Alleluia, Pray for us to God, Alleluia."

At the end of the Service was sung a beautiful old Catholic hymn, which is also known widely outside the Catholic Church - "Christ the Lord is risen to-day."

The Altar was prettily decorated with flowers given by parisioners, and grown in the garden.

3rd June 1927 - Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

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Annual Bazaar at the Benson Hall

The annual two days' bazaar, in aid of the Catholic Church funds, was held in the Benson Hall on Saturday and Monday last.

The usual throng of bargain hunters filled the Hall on both days, and the enormous stock, which had been received from far and wide, was almost sold out.

There were seven stalls replete with articles, a large jumble stall being a special attraction. There was no opening ceremony, but business commenced punctually at the advertised time.

Among the sellers and helpers were Father Morgan, Miss Morgan, Mrs Leslie, Mrs Dowdney, Mrs Gabbitas, Mrs P. Castle, Miss Mulvany, Miss Macgennis, Mrs Wignall, Mrs Boniface, Miss Hatchett, Mrs Bennett, Miss Buchanan, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs and Miss Blakiston, Miss Marriage, Mrs Fox, Miss Spencer, Mr H.M. Blakiston and Mr E.J. Sparkes, Girlie Leslie, Stella Reid, Ivy Graves and Gertie Fox.

There were a few side-shows, these being as follows: 1, silver mine, in which prizes went to Miss M. Harritt and Miss C. Anderson; guessing weight of coal, correctly guessed by Mrs Boniface and Mrs A.G. Day; 3, cake, won by Miss M. North and Miss Mulvany. A 2d. dip was cleared out on both days.

Mrs Philpott did a brisk sale of refreshments.

At the conclusion of the bazaar Father Morgan thanked all the helpers, whose hard work had ensured success.

25th June 1926 - A Draw

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A Draw

The Subscription Draw, organised by the Rev. Mother and Sisters of the Convent, in connection with the recent Bazaar, realised £11 11s. 0d.

The drawing took place at the Convent on Saturday, June 19th, in the presence of Father Morgan and others. After a thorough shuffling of the tickets, the drawing was done by Misses A. Leslie and I. Graves, and resulted as follows:

First Prize - Gentlemen's Watch. Winning ticket No. 26. J. Bacciarelli, 18 Upper Park Street, Islington, N1.

Second Prize - Doll. Ticket No. 15. Mrs Cunningham, 2 Sand Street, Dowlais, South Wales.

Third Prize - Silk Cushion. Ticket No. 181. Mrs Taylor, 77 Avenue Road, Tottenham.

It will be noticed that local buyers did not happen to be so successful as in previous years.

The organisers are very grateful to all who assisted by selling or buying tickets.

3rd Feb 1928 - League of Nations Union

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League of Nations Union

Despite a very wet evening, the Women's Institute Hall was well filled on Thursday evening of last week, of the occasion of a meeting in connection with the League of Nations Union.

The chair was taken by Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, who was supported on the platform by Mrs M.E. Downer, Mrs Lanyon, Mrs G.C. Coutts Deacon, Miss Woods, the Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, the Rev. F.R. Williams, the Rev. A.G. Langdon, the Rev. W. Mc C Kerr and the Rev. John Cole.

A letter of regret at being unable to attend was read from the Rev. A.N. Morgan.

The Chairman gave a very able survey of the work of the League of Nations, and referred to Lord Robert Cecil as whose life's work was for the League. (Applause)

Sir Charles then referred to the past work of the League and added that it would do still greater work in the future (Applause).

Mrs M.E. Downer, of the League of Nations Union, then gave an extremely interesting address on the work of the League of Nations. The League, she said, would settle disputes by reason and not by thought. The Battle of Trafalgar cost £88,000, but one of our present day battleships cost £6,000,000 and we were no stronger in the Navy than we were in Nelson's day. They had in the League of Nations a piece of machinery that could stop war; the machinery was not perfect, but it was everyone's duty to support the League.

The speaker's fine closing appeal resulted in 37 new members being enrolled.

Mr Andrew Weir moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Downer for her most interesting address. He (Mr Weir) could not help thinking that if anyone knew of any other way of settling disputes than through the League of Nations, then for God's sake let them say so.

Miss Woods seconded the vote of thanks, which was carried amid applause.

Mr W.S. Fordham, of Puckeridge, moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and this was seconded by Mr W.J. May and carried with applause.

Thanks are due to the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, for the excellent arrangements in connection with the meeting - it is through him that a brand was formed in the district. Mrs Lanyon has also done valuable work in the Braughing district.

Members of the Cottered Troop of Scouts were on duty at the Hall, and handed round enrolment forms.

3rd Feb 1928 - Hare Street, Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

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Hare Street

Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

The second funeral in the new Catholic Cemetery at Hare Street took place last Saturday, when the body of Mr Thomas Bardwell, of Hare Street, was laid to rest.

The death occured the previous Wednesday, January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. Mr Bardwell had been ailing for some days, but his death was unexpectedly sudden.

A large number of relatives and friends were present at the Service in Hare Street Chapel, and many went to the grave-side also in spite of a heavy downpour of rain. In the Chapel, the Choir from the Buntingford Convent sang a hymn beloved by the deceased, "Jesu, the very thought of Thee with sweetness fills my breast"; and the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus was then said for the repose of his soul, as well as the psalm used for the departed through all the ages of Christianity, "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord."

Father Morgan, in a short address, commented on Mr Bardwell's intense love for our Blessed Lord, which he was able to satisfy so perfectly in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Presence of our Divine Lord on the Altars of the Church was a great joy to him; he came and talked to Jesus as to a death Friend. In the Holy Mass also he found his Redeemer, for Christ is the Great High Priest Who offers every Mass, using the human priest as His tool or instrument. And the magnet that drew Mr Bardwell to undertake his long walks to Buntingford Church was the Sacred Host, veiling the presence of Jesus, and raised above the Altar for the adoration of the faithful. 

The Holy Name of Jesus also was constantly on his lips; he often repeated the Divine Praises, taught by the Catholic Church to her children, "Blessed be Jesus Chris, Blessed be the Name of Jesus." And that Holy Name was the last word ever uttered by the deceased, for he died saying "Dear Jesus." He has seen his saviour now, for on Wednesday morning he met Him face to face. To His gracious mercy we commit our departed friend. May he rest in peace.

It was intended to sing at the grave-side another favourite hymn of the deceased, "Oh Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord," but the inclement weather prevented a lengthy stay in he Cemetery; the priest merely blessed the grave in the accustomed manner with incense and holy water, and said the brief prayers which accompany the committal of the body to the grave.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered at Buntingford Church for the repose of Mr Bardwell's soul on the day of the burial; and at Benediction on Sunday afternoon the congregation sang the hymn omitted at the grave-side and said once more the Litany of the Holy Name, offering it for the deceased.

All who knew Mr Bardwell will long remember him for his simple and unaffected piety. R.I.P.

The immediate mourners were: Miss Emily Bardwell (daughter), Mr N. Bardwell (brother), Mrs D. Bardwell and Mrs W. King (sisters-in-law), Mr and Mrs H.E. Bardwell (nephew and niece), Mr and Mrs Player and Mrs Darton (brother-in-law and sisters-in-law) and Mrs Norris (niece).

Others present included Miss Lyall, Mrs Waterton, the Misses Marriott, Mr and Mrs S. Wick, Mrs Gillett, Mr Reg. Wilson, Mr Corbett, and Miss L. Norris.

20th Jan 1928 - Benson Hall

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Benson Hall

In spite of the heavy rain which fell last Wednesday evening, the dance in the Benson Hall was well attended; in fact, nearly as many were present as could fit comfortably on the spacious floor, which is known as the best dancing floor for miles around.

Mr Blakiston, who filled the post of M.C. in his usual accomplished manner, announced that prizes would be given for a spot dance and for the best "fancy dress." No prizes had been promised for either event, but the Management felt that some recognition was due to the large number who had braved the elements, among whom were visitors from Cottered, Therfield, Puckeridge, Aspenden and Hare Street.

The Standon Orchestra kindly undertook the difficult task of judging the entries in the "Fancy Dress Parade" - "difficult" because of the clever portrayal of the varied characters selected. The prizes went to Miss Kelly, The Limes, Therfield, who came as the "Blue Moon"; and to Mr Kelly, of the same address, who was a "French Cavalier," with wig, uniform, cocked hat, and sword complete.

The gentlemen, however, had already agreed that as the "fancy dress" ladies exceeded the gentlemen in number, the men's prize should go to the second lady, and this award was to Miss May Mulvany (of Aspenden), who represented a "Spinning Top."

The spot dance prizes were won by Mr Mead and Miss Norris; and the "lucky ticket" prize of 7/6 by Mr W. Game of Buntingford.

Novelties were distributed after the interval. Masks, hats, crowns, spectacles, false noses, whistles, puff-outs and similar features added to the general merriment; and red electrics enhanced the colour scheme adopted by the energetic Decorating Committee, who had suspeded festoons and streamers across the Hall, producing an effect well worth seeing.

The refreshments, to which justice was done, were provided by the Committee and friends. The total receipts came to £7 11s. 1d.

Father Morgan wishes to thank all who helped to make the event such a success, both the capable workers and those who patronised the dance in spite of the inclement weather.

An invitation "Leap Year" dance is announced for February 29th, with the new Buntingford Dance Orchestra in attendance.

26th Feb 1926 - National Institute for the Blind

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National Institute for the Blind

Successful Whist Drive at the Benson Hall

A successful whist drive, in aid of the funds of the above institution, was held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening.

Twenty tables were occupied, and Mr H. Clarke kindly acted as M.C. The scoring was fairly high, and four ladies had to cut for prizes.

Mrs Stapley and Miss I. Aylott both scored 180, and winning the cut Mrs Stapley took first prize - a case of tea knives, Miss Aylott being second with a cake knife. Mrs Corp and Miss Mean both scored 176, and on the cut Miss Mean took third prize - a fancy jam dish.

For the gents prizes Mr F.C. Nash was first with a score of 180 - prize, a clock. Mr T. Pledger, who was second, chose a cigarette tray and matchbox; and Mr H. Clark, with a score of 175, was third - prize, a leather purse and wallet.

Father Morgan kindly presented a pack of cards for the player with the highest score at the first-half, and this prize was won by Mr A. Coxall.

Mrs H. Clarke distributed the prizes.

At the close, Mr B.E. Thody, who organised the drive, returned thanks to Mr Clarke and the helpers.