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.