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.