26th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Branch of the Mothers' Union

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Buntingford Branch of the Mothers' Union

A largely attended meeting was held in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday at 6.30, which was addressed by Mrs Parkin, Central Organising Worker from the Mary Sumner House, who is visiting the Branches of the Deanery during this week.

After a hymn, Mrs Dixon (Hon. Sec.), opened the meeting with prayer, and introduced Mrs Parkin, who spoke with much power on the ideal of a Christian home which underlay the first starting of the Mothers' Union by Mary Sumner 50 years ago, and which is, or ought to be, still the aim of every member.

She emphasized each of the three objects: the sanctity of marriage, the responsibility to God for children, and the fellowship in Prayer. She also urged upon members the duty of service, either as members of a Branch Committee, or by living consistent lives.

Mrs Howard (Enrolling Member) expressed her thanks of the meeting to Mrs Parkin for her helpful address, and announced that at the January meeting it was proposed to form a Committee of Communicant members, who would greatly assist the work of the Branch.

26th Nov 1926 - Barley Women's Institute

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Barley

Women's Institute

Tuesday, the 9th inst., the November meeting was held in the Town House, with Miss Frances Wilkerson (President) in the chair.

Sir Cecil Neumann gave a very interesting and instructive lecture upon South Africa, which was greatly appreciated. After tea had been served by Mrs G. Chuck and her helpers, Mrs Casbon gave an account of the half-yearly Council meeting of the Herts. Federation which she had attended as delegate.

The President reminded members that voting for the new committee would take place at the next meeting, so their nominations should at once be placed in the box, or during the month, when it would be at the Post Office (by kind permission of Messrs. Hagger & Co.)

A parade of home-made dresses (for which there were unfortunately only four entries), the materials to cost 10s. or under, was then held in which the prize winners were - 1 Miss Darnell, 2 Miss Kate Wilkerson.

The meeting closed with the singing of "Jerusalem," and the National Anthem.

26th Nov 1926 - Death of Mr David Anderson

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Death of Mr David Anderson

At the age of 76 years, the death took place on the 17th inst. of Mr David Anderson, of Norfolk Road, Buntingford. He had been in bad health for some time, and bore his illness with much patience.

The funeral took place on Monday last, the remains of the deceased being laid to rest in Layston Churchyard. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard.

The immediate mourners were: Mr Henry Anderson (son), Mrs Cook and Mrs Brett (daughters), Mr George Anderson (brother), Mrs H. Anderson and Mrs D. Anderson (daughters-in-law), Miss Kathleen Anderson (granddaughter), Mr John Brett (grandson), Mr and Mrs Wren (nephew and niece), and Rev. John. Cole.

There was [sic] a number of floral tokens.

19th Nov 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The November monthly meeting was held in the School on the 10th at 6.30 p.m.

The business having been gone over, the members received a Paper Mache Demonstration at the hands of the Hon. Miss B. Gibbs. Many members took actual part in this, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the demonstrator by the President.

A competition, "Best Xmas Present for 1/-," was won by Miss P. Morris and Mrs H. Carter, the judge (Hon. Miss Gibbs) finding it impossible to decide between the two.

Tea was served by Mrs J. Carter, Mrs J. South, Mrs Hoar, Mrs H. Carter, Miss Ellis and Miss N. Carter.

A delightful play was given by three friends from Barkway, entitled "Between the soup and the savoury."

Nomination papers for the 1927 Committee were distributed.

A very pleasant evening was closed by all singing God Save the King.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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[Content warning - The last two cases in this article are a case of domestic abuse caused by PTSD, and a case of indecent assault against a child. I have marked both with (content warning) next to their respective titles.]

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (Chairman), Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr H.C. Marshall and Mr Claud Fraser.

POOR RATES

Poor Rates were signed for six parishes as follows: Rushden 5/4 in the pound, Cottered 5/4, Buckland 5/-, Westmill 5/-, Layston 5/- and 3d. lighting rate, and Aspenden 5/-.

LICENSING

Mr H.S. Buckley applied on behalf of Messrs. Barclay Perkins & Co., for permission to make certain structural alterations to "The Angel" Inn, Buntingford. He submitted plans.

Supt. Wright said the whole thing was an improvement, and the Bench granted the application.

A full transfer was granted of the licence of "The Chequers" Buntingford, from Alfred Bardwell to William James Burnell; also the licence of "The Golden Fleece," Braughing, from Frederick Warr to Frank Cole; and of "The Jolly Butchers," Hare Street, from William Choldcroft to William Baker. Mr Choldcroft has been landlord of "The Jolly Butchers" for 36 years.

APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION OF COTTAGE

Mrs Lilian Edis, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, applied for possession of a cottage, tenanted by Mr William Smith, which she said she required for the storage of furniture. She made a lengthy statement in a very excited manner, and said she had only 13s. 6d. a week to live upon, and had to pay rates and taxes, and then went on to say, "please let me have my cottage so that I can live. I want to live and I have a right to live."

The Chairman said the case had been heard previously at that Court and adjudicated upon, and the Bench could not help her at all. He showed that the law had been complied with, and advised her to seek legal advice.

MOTOR CAR DRIVER FINED FOR REFUSING TO STOP

Leonard Harold Johns 930), motor driver, of 28, Boland Street, Battersea Park, who did not appear, was summoned for refusing to stop when requested by a police officer in uniform.

P.C. Gillett [? piece torn out] on September 25th he was on duty [?] High Street, Buntingford, near the police station and saw a motor car coming from the direction of Puckeridge, pass three other cars travelling in the same direction with a distance of between three and four hundred yards. 

He put up his hand for the defendant to stop, but he looked at witness and went on. Witnessed telephoned Royston for the defendant to be stopped, but the car was not seen. It was, however, traced to London and the drive seen.

The Bench had received a letter from the defendant, in which he denied driving at excessive speed, and said he never saw the police officer or he should have stopped immediately.

P.C. Gillett said Johns was driving at the rate of 40 miles an hour, and that he looked right at him (witness) and saw him quite clearly. A find of £5 including cost was imposed.

NO LIGHT TO BICYCLE AT BUNTINGFORD

Alfred Wiber (25), a clerk, residing at Chipping, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light at Buntingford on October 27th. The defendant did not appear.

P.C. Gillett said he was on duty at Buntingford on October 27th at 9.55 p.m. and saw the defendant riding a bicycle from the direction of Puckeridge and on his way to Chipping. He had no lamps. Witness stopped him and took his name and address, and said by having no light he was dangerous to himself and others. The defendant was cheeky when the summons was served.

The Chairman said it was a bad case. The defendant had not appeared to answer the charge, and would be fined £2.

DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A HORSE

John Anthony (50), a farm labourer, of Reed, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk in charge of a horse at Buntingford on October 21st.

Stanley Sell said he was coming home from work on October 21st, at 5 p.m., and saw a man at Sandon cross roads leading a horse that was running from one side of the road to the other. The man fell over. There was a deal of traffic on the road, and Sergt. Dean took charge of the horse.

Sergt. Dean said at 6 p.m. on the date named he saw defendant leading a horse near Corney Bury, Buntingford. He was drunk and staggering all over the road. There were several motors on the road and one touched the horse and knocked the man down. He took the man to the police station, and released him from custody on bail at 10.45 p.m. The man never disputed being drunk. A letter was received from the defendant stating he was not drunk.

P.C. Whyman, who saw the defendant at the police station, said he was drunk and smelt strongly of drink. He never asked to see a doctor.

Mrs Anthony said her husband did not arrive home till nearly 12 p.m. He was a good husband, and had a good army character. He had had nothing to eat that day since breakfast, and only had one pint of beer. For six years he had had no beer.

Sergt. Dean said when the man was released he said if he had a pint of beer it would turn him silly.

The Chairman in fining the defendant 50/-, said the Bench had taken a lenient view. As a point of beer had such an effect upon him, he had better absolutely stop taking it altogether.

APPLICATION OF ARMY PENSIONER'S WIFE (content warning)

A woman came for counsel to the Bench as she was in bodily fear of her husband, an army pensioner.

Dr Fell said the man joined the Army and was shell shocked. That so upset his mind that he had tried to commit suicide. He was detained for a time, and seeming better, came home. He was, however, subject to outbursts of temper and passion, though perfectly rational when witness talked to him.

When he got moody he had violent attacks of passion and frightened his wife. He was quite a nice fellow, and this was the fag end of a mental disarrangement due to shell shock. He advised that he should go back for treatment at Sidcup Hospital for at least six months.

The applicant who seemed much distressed, said for the children's sake she was absolutely in favour of Dr Fell's suggestion, and it was left to him to make arrangements.

INDECENT ASSAULT AT BROADFIELD (content warning)

Harry Hills, (26), a greengrocer, of 51, Stanmore Road, Stevenage was summoned for indecently assulting a child of 8 and a half years of age, at Broadfield on October 16th. He was defended by Mr W.C. Brignall, solicitor, of Stevenage, and pleaded not guilty. The case occupied the Court a considerable time.

Evidence for the prosecution was given by the parents, the little girl, Nurse Tunwell, who examined the child the evening after the assault, Walter John Hurry and his brother, Frank Edward Hurry, and P.S. Dean.

For the defence, Dr Grosvenor, of Stevenage, and Mr George Walter Griffin, of Hitchen, spoke in the highest terms of the defendant's character, and the defendant gave evidence stating he never touched the child in any way.

His wife spoke of his return home on the day at 4 p.m., and the solicitor urged there was no corroboration and the evidence was not enough to commit the defendant.

The Bench retired, and on returning into Court the Chairman said they were agreed on a verdict of guilty.

Supt. Wright said the defendant led a respectable life and his associates were respectable. Since these proceedings were taken two other complaints had been received of similar offences committed by the defendant during the past three months.

In sentencing Hills to six months' hard labour, the Chairman said it was a dastardly and abominable crime committed on a child only eight years old.

19th Nov 1926 - Football

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Football

Buntingford journeyed to Walsworth on Saturday last for the semi-final of the North Herts. Charity Shield, and won a fine game by two goals to nil.

The ground was in a terrible state after practically a week's rain, but much good football was seen.

Both goalkeepers had plenty to do, but it was not until the last ten minutes that E. Pledger scored the first goal. T. Moule, who deputised well for his brother at outside right, got the second just before the final whistle.

The Town now meet either Kimpton or Pirton in the final on Boxing Day at Hitchen. Tomorrow Roydon will provide the opposition in the third round of the Herts. Junior Cup, and a good game is expected.

19th Nov 1926 - Disastrous Fire at Little Court

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Disastrous Fire at Little Court

A disastrous fire broke out at Little Court, Buntingford, the residence of Captain J.A. Denny, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning. The buildings involved were a few yards from the house and comprised stables, garage, engine room and store.

Shortly after 3 a.m. Major Keeble, who is staying at the house, heard a crash and looking out of his window saw that the garage was in flames. He gave the alarm, but by the time any helpers were on the scene the flames were spreading with alarming speed.

A call was sent to the Ware Fire Brigade, but by the time they arrived the roof had collapsed. Mr G.E. Thody and other members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade were also informed and using every length of hose available - 200 yards - soon had a jet of water playing on the wood shed which was saved.

The damage is extensive. Two motor cars - a 10 h.p. Humber and a 14 h.p. Armstrong Siddley - besides a motor lawn mower and a practically new Petter Electric Lighting Set, being totally destroyed. The lofts were stacked with garden produce and utensils, all of which were destroyed. Two ferrets in a locker were burned to death.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

19th Nov 1926 - The Buntingford Employment Exchange

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The Buntingford Employment Exchange

On the verge of winter it is good news to residents in the Buntingford district generally to learn that throughout the area covered by the above exchange, unemployment is now exceptionally low.

The number of unemployed registered at the Exchange is well under 30, and these figures show a decided decline compared with the number registered at the corresponding period of last year.

The Exchange returns are valuable, as they furnish a satisfactory and reliable index of the unemployment prevailing in industries in the district at the present time.

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence part 3

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Buntingford Fire Brigade

Sir,

May I crave the courtesy of your columns to once again call the attention of the inhabitants of Buntingford to the present day inadequate appliances of the Fire Brigade.

As far back as 1917 a report was submitted to the inhabitants, upon behalf of the Brigade, suggesting the acquisition of a new Motor Fire Engine and a considerable quantity of hose to enable the Brigade to cope with any possible outbreak within the Buntingford district, but unfortunately nothing since has been heard of the matter.

Our present Manual Engine was purchased second-hand in the year 1896, and is still in fairly good condition, but there is now-a-days no horses available for its transport to fires, whilst thirty men are needed for working the pumps.

Fortunately, the inhabitants of Buntingford have the advantage of a fairly good water pressure from the water mains, but the Brigade is handicapped by reason that they have insufficient hose to reach many of the properties.

At the outbreak in the early hours of Thursday last, only 360 feet of hose was available, whereas 560 feet was necessary to reach from the nearest standpipe to the seat of the fire. Surely sir, this state of affairs ought to be remedied without delay, as it is obvious that without sufficient hose the Brigade are powerless to attack the fire.

In conclusion we may state that although the Brigade was formed and the Appliances purchased as far back as 1896, not one halfpenny expenses has ever fallen upon the inhabitants during is 30 years' existence, but the expenses entailed in the upkeep of the Engine and Appliances has always been undertaken by Yours faithfully,

Ernest George Thody (Captain) and the Members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Buntingford, 19th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence part 2

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Wake Up Aspenden

Dear Sir,

"Lest we Forget" is the motto for November 11th. Is it possible that the men from Aspenden who lost their lives in the War are forgotten?

The Aspenden War Memorial was subscribed to by (I think I may say) every person in the village, and the day of the unveiling nearly every person in the village was present.

Yet on Armistice Day, 1926, the memorial and the men whose names are inscribed thereon appear to be forgotten, except by less than a dozen people who attended the service held on that day. Is it because there is a more spectacular service elsewhere, or is there a little ill feeling?

Whatever the cause, our memorial is still there was the names of 21 heroes, some whose names are on no other memorials. They did their bit - let the people of Aspenden do likewise.

Yours respectfully,

J.C. Neale.

School House, Aspenden, 17th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

I should be glad if you could spare me a short space in the columns of your Paper to thank, on behalf of the members and Committee of the Buntingford and District Branch of the British Legion, all those who so willingly assisted in various ways to raise money for Earl Haig's British Legion Appeal Fund on Remembrance Day, and to express the Committee's high appreciation of the services rendered for such a good cause.

There are some items still to be received, and as soon as these come to hand a detailed account will be published.

Yours faithfully,

E.C. Clarke

Buntingford, 18th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Congregational Church Armistice Sunday

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Armistice Sunday

On Sunday evening last a special Armistice Remembrance Service was held at the Buntingford Congregational Church, and was attended by a large congregation.

The Town Silver Band (under the able direction of the Bandmaster, Mr E.J. Smith), the members of which are always willing to give their assistance, was present, and preceded the Remembrance Service with the following musical items: Handel's "Hosanna," "Jerusalem, my glorious home," and "a hymn of the homeland."

The Remembrance Service following. At the organ, Mrss Blanche Langham played for the singing of the hymns, "Oh Lord of heaven, and earth, and sea," "My God, my Father, while I stray," and "O God, our help in ages past"; the offertory voluntary and for the vesper following the Benediction; whilst the Band led the singing of John S. Arkwright's hymn, "The Supreme Sacrifice."

A large Union Jack covered the pulpit desk and the communion table below. The Lesson was from Deut. vi., and the Litany of Commemoration from "The Book of Congregational Worship," as also were the remaining prayers and appropriate invocatory sentences. The offerings were on behalf of the Church and the British Legion.

The Minister based his remarks on Deut. vi. 6-7 "And these words...thou shalt teach...diligently unto thy children." Memory in the individual life was one of the possessions of us all. There was also such a thing as a national memory. The Israelites, e.g., had been brought by God out of Egypt, and in those early days of the Hebrew race there were frequent appeals made to them keep fresh the memory of the Divine providence towards them, to "teach diligently (i.e., with constant repeptition) thy children" the history of their wonderful preservation. The stones set up after the crossing of Jordan were to be "for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."

The communion service - "This do in remembrance of Me" - is also an act of commemmoration. With the occurance of Remembrance Day our own national memory is touched, and as a nation we call to mind once more the years of the Great War, especially remembering those who laid down their lives in a great cause. The two minutes' silence have been set apart that in the midst of our work in the world we might remember such men (and not suffer their memory to perish from the earth), give renewed thanks for the end of the conflict, and (leaving not their work unfinished) reconsecrate ourselves in service to our fellowmen and to God.

The motto to be writ large upon our hearts is "Lest we forget, lest we forget" (Kipling).

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." (Laurence Binyon).

A generation is growing up to whom the war is but a name; they will ask, "What meaneth this Day, this service at the Cenotaph, at the memorial on the gill?" Remembering the injunction to "teach diligently," it must be ours to give the explanation, and to foster a spirit which will never cease is agitations until war as a means of settling international disputes is abolished from off the face of the earth."

After the service the Band again played selections, viz - the anthems "I will arise," "Lead, kindly light," and "The mighty Lord"; "The lost chord," "Sweet and low," Handel's "Largo in G" and "Abide with me," the latter including the "echo".

The Minister expressed thanks to Miss Langham and to the Band thanks and warm appreciation for their very helpful services, and the National Anthem, led by the Band, brought the whole exercises of observance and remembrance to a close.

19th Nov 1926 - British and Foreign Bible Society

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British and Foreign Bible Society

Buntingford Auxiliary

The Annual Buntingford Meeting, which was one of 14 meetings being held in the district between November 8th and November 26th, was held on Wednesday in the Congregational School, and was considered by many who have attended them year after year to be one of the best ever held here.

The deputation was Mr Gracie, Sec. in Ceylon. The meeting was as usual preceded by a social hour, with tea arranged and given by the ladies of the Buntingford Committee and other friends.

After tea, Mr and Mrs H. May sang two sacred duets. Mrs Saggers kindly recited twice, and at the commencement of the meeting the anthem "O taste and see" was sung by a special choir, all the items being much appreciated.

In the unavoidable absence of Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, through indisposition, the chair was taken by Rev. A. Howard. Mr H. May read a portion of scripture, and Rev. John Cole offered prayer.

Mr Gracie, who has worked in Ceylon for 33 years, gave a deeply interesting and instructive address on "the island of spicy breezes," and the wonderful progress which has been made there, and which would have been impossible without the work of the Bible Society.

He related the remarkable way in which the Bible Society had first taken up work there, before any missionary had arrived, through the labours of a young Indian civilian of wonderful linguistic powers and Christian zeal, who was the first translator of the Singhalese New Testament.

Now the Bible is being read and studied by tens of thousands of students, many of whom, though not bapized Christians, are framing their lives by the teaching of Christ. Here at home people are decrying and neglecting their Bibles, but in India and Ceylon it is becoming more and more the one Book worth studying.

The meeting closed with a hymn and prayer. The collection amounted to £2 12s. and the proceeds of the tea to nearly £2.

Appended is last year's report:

[Transcriber note - There is a list of accounts at the end of this report, the layout of which didn't entirely make sense. Please see the original image if you want to see the accounts].

19th Nov 1926 - Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

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Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

Mr C. Hummerstone presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians held on November 11th.

The Master of the Institution (Mr F.W. Butler), reported that the number of inmates was 38. During the month 80 casuals had been admitted.

Gifts had been received from the following: Mrs Greg (books), Mrs H. May (books), Mrs Scarborough Taylor (books), Mrs A. Dixon (cakes), Great Hormead - pre Rev. W.L. Shepherd (vegetables, jam and eggs).

Several relief cases were dealt with, and the Board decided to grant 1/- per week extra coal to persons, for a period of one month, in certain relief cases where the recipients were living solely by themselves.

The Clerk submitted the basis for County Rates for 1927, which showed an increase of £200 on the assessable value for the current year; this increase, however, compared very favourably in proportion to the increases made in other unions in the County.

COUNCIL MEETING

Capt. H.H. Williams presided at the meeting of the Rural District Council which followed.

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed. The consumption of water during the past month was 1,060,000 gallons. The work of leathering the pumps has been completed.

Complaints had been made respecting the condition in which the pavements have been left by the contractors who recently opened up the paths for the purpose of laying a telephone cable.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the County Instructor on the matter.

The other business was of a formal nature.

19th Nov 1926 - National Institute for the Blind

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National Institute for the Blind

Successful Whist Drive

The whist drive and dance, in aid of the National Institute for the Blind, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday evening last, passed off most successfully.

There was an excellent company present - 88 sitting down to whist, which commenced at 7.30.

The successful players were:

Ladies - 1, Mrs Rand, 177 (butter dish); 2, Miss Aylott, 176 (case of knives); 3, Mr J. Parrish (playing as lady), 174 (scent spray).

Gents - 1, Mr F. Ward, 180 (case of brushes); 2, Mr S. Howlett, 175 (knife); 3, Mr C. Tottman, 172 (purse).

A lucky ticket prize - an attache case - was kindly given by Miss Lushington, and was won by Mr Rand, of Newtown.

A dance followed, the Standon Orchestra providing an excellent programme of up-to-date dance music, Mr L. Smith officiating as M.C.

Mr B.E. Thody, who annually organises the event officiated as M.C. for whist, and at the close thanked the company for their support.

A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded Miss Lushington for presenting a prize, and the Standon Orchestra for the music.

The total proceeds were £6 0s. 6d.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Property Sale

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Buntingford

Property Sale

Mr G. Scarborough Taylor conducted a sale of freehold properties on Monday last.

Lot 1, which comprised the business premises occupied by Mr H.A. Postle, was withdrawn after a final bid of £1150.

Lot 2, known as "Bell Barns," sold to Mr C.H. Poulton for £245, the adjoining meadow being purchased by Mrs T. Nevett for £260.

Lot 4, consisting of 1 acre, 13 poles of pasture, was purchased by Mr C.H. Poulton for £175, the same buyer purchasing Lot 5: 18 acres, situate [sic] near "The Bowling Green," for £550.

19th Nov 1926 - Armistice Day in Buntingford

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Armistice Day in Buntingford

Excellent Arrangements

Armistice Day was commemorated in a very solemn manner, the local branch of the British Legion, which made all the arrangements, following in a large measure the order of procedure to that so admirably carried out last year.

"Revellie" was sounded at 6 a.m. by Mr J. Gibbs.

Shortly before 11 a.m. a procession was formed opposite the Ex-Service Men's Club. It comprised Ex-Service Men, Boy Scouts (under the command of Ex-Scoutmaster C. Miles), and Special Constables. The procession marched to the Town War Memorial, where the townspeople and a number of Rural District Councillors were assembled.

The introductory portion of the service was read by the Rev. A. Howard, M.A. A stirring address was given by the Rev. W.L. Shepherd, of Great Hormead, after which the two minutes' silence was observed. Then came the singing of the beautiful hymn "The Supremem Sacrifice," after which Capt. H.H. Williams, the President of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, read out the names of the heroic dead whose names are inscribed on the War Memorial.

The Rev. John Cole read a portion of the scripture, and prayers were offered by Captain Green of the Salvation Army. The Blessing was pronounced by the Rev. L.W. Wright.

Following the singing of the National Anthem each of the bodies represented placed a wreath at the base of the Memorial. Mr E.J. Smith sounded "The Last Post" and the parade reformed and marched to Church Street and dismissed.

YARDS OF PENNIES

The usual collection of pennies in the High Street was conducted by Mr F.W. Butler and Miss Ward, who were assisted by Miss Porter, Miss Lushington, Miss Fell, Miss Mary Feasey and Miss Mary Crane.

JUMBLE SALE

During the afternoon a jumble sale was held at the George Hotel. Mr Crane kindly collected the goods, which were being sold by Mrs Fell, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs Coleman, Mrs Squires and Mrs Camp. The Ex-Service men are grateful to these ladies, and to all others who assisted with the day's arrangements.

THE CONCERT

The annual concert was held in the Benson Hall during the evening, when a first-class programme was given by "The Gossips," as well-known London Concert Party.

There was a crowded audience, some 200 persons having to be turned away. The platform was decorated with pot plants, kindly lent by Mr E.G. Thody. The programme fittingly opened with the singing of Kipling's Recessional by the Buntingford and District Musical Society, conducted by Mr E.E. Dennis. Altogether the concert was an outstanding success.

Valuable assistance in connection with the concert and the arrangements for the service at the War Memorial was rendered by Captain H.H. Williams, Mr H. Clarke (Secretary of the British Legion Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

SALE OF POPPIES

The arrangements for the sale of poppies were again undertaken by Mrs H.C. Marshall, who was assisted in the sale by Miss M. Fell, Mrs J. Aylott, Miss P. Mayes, Miss Scrivener, Miss Wilkerson, Miss E. Smith, Miss M. Crane, Miss Armstrong, Mrs L. Smith, Miss Cutts, Miss Lushington, and Masters John and George Taylor.

The villages also assisted, the representatives being: Anstey, Miss Buckwell; Wyddiall, Lady Heaton-Ellis; Aspenden, Miss G. Phillips; Buckland, Miss P. Morris; Westmill, Mrs Coutts-Deacon; Cottered, Miss Wilderspin; part Furneaux Pelham, Mrs Holmes; Meesden, Mrs Kerr; Great and Little Hormead, Mrs Dimsdale; Rushden, Mr E.J. Marchal; Ardeley, Mr J.H. Thorpe.

19th Nov 1926 - Situations Vacant

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Situations Vacant

Superior farm-hand, steady and reliable; willing to go with horses; ledging. Good references essential. Cottage. State wages required. Moss, "The Croft", Hitchen.

FOR SALE

Envelopes from 1 and a half pence per packet. "Gazette" Office, Buntingford.

"Pluvex" roofing felt, at 5/9 and 8/- per roll of 12 yards. E.P. Borsberry, Ironmonger, Buntingford.

Lamps - Dark evenings are here. See our stock, especially the celebrated Sunlight Lamp. Smith, Furnisher, Buntingford.

Jacobean Oak bedroom suite, size 4ft; usual price 24 guineas, reduced to 18 guineas; a bargain. Linoleum squares, Turkey colourings, 9ft. x 9ft., 30/- each. E. Browne, High Street, Buntingford.

12th Nov 1926 - Reed Women's Institute

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Reed

Women's Institute

The first monthly meeting of the newly formed Women's Institute was held on Thursday evening, October 28th, the president taking the chair.

Despite the very wet night, 30 signed the membership cards. After their usual business, Mrs Wardle, the president, presented to the Institute all the crockery that is necessary for "the cup that cheers." Mrs J. Bonfield, in a nice little speech, thanked the president for her kind gift. This was supported by Mrs Lawrence, and heartily responded to.

Games and singing brought a very pleasant evening to a close. The hostess for the evening was Mrs Wardle.

12th Nov 1926 - Salvation Army Anniversary

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S.A. Anniversary

The local corps of the Salvation Army celebrated their 34th anniversary by a successfil tea, which was admirably arranged by the local officer, and took place on Saturday afternoon October 30th at the S.A. Hall.

In the evening Col. Zealley from headquarters gave an address, and he also conducted two services the next day at the S.A. Hall. By kind permission of the Minister and Deacons, Col. Zealley on Sunday gave an address in the Congregational Church on "The Romance of the S.A."

There was a full congregation, and the address dealing with incidents connected with the Salvation Army from its start, was most interesting. Mr H. Cutts kindly presided at the organ, and the hymns, from the hymn sheets distributed, were sung with great heartiness. All enjoyed the service.

At the close Capt. Winifred Green, senior local officer, thanked the Minister and Deacons for permitting them to hold the service in the Congregational Church.