25th January 1924 - Layston Parochial Church Council

Original image on Facebook

Layston Parochial Church Council

Annual Accounts Submitted

The Layston Parochial Church Council met at Mrs A. Dixon's house on Monday last.

The Chairman (the Rev. A. Howard) was supported by Mrs A. Dixon, Mrs Howard, Mrs F.W. Butler, Miss Boniwell, Mr J. Pateman and Mr F.W. Butler (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer).

Accounts

The balance sheet for the past year was submitted.

Receipts showed a total of £143, and expenditure £142 19s. 11d.

During the year the Church contributed £21 3s. 3d. to various Missionary Societies, and £25 16s. 9d. to Hospitals, Nursing Funds and Home Societies.

The balance sheet was adopted.

On the Burial Ground account the receipts showed a total of £65 6s. 10d., which was made up as follows: Church members, £59 17s. 10d.; Congregational Church and members, £5 4s.; Catholic Church member, 5s.

The total expenditure had been £70 8s. 0d., making a defecit of £5 1s. 6d. due to the Treasurer.

The Council considered the accounts very satisfactory.

Garden Fete

It was decided to hold a garden fete in June. Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser had kindly offered the grounds of the Red House for the occasion, and it was hoped that sufficient funds would be raised to wipe out the defecit, and to ensure that the present tidy appearance of the grave yard be kept up. The graveyard had previously been a disgrace to the Town, on account of shortage of funds.

The following were elected to serve on the Fete Committee: Mr and Mrs C. Fraser, the Rev. and Mrs A. Howard, Mrs A. Dixon, Miss Boniwell, Mrs Maughan, Miss Woods, Mrs F.W. Butler, Mr J. Pateman, Mr C. Miles.

Free-Will Offering

The Hon. Treasurer, Mrs A. Howard, reported that the sum of £35 12s. 11d. had been contributed to the Diocesan Board of Finance.

The quota for the year was £50.

The Council felt that the quota was too high, and after discussion it was decided that the amount which the Church would endeavour to contribute this year would be £35.

Thanks

Mrs Howard was thanked for the interest she had taken in the Free-Will Offering Fund, and Mr F.W. Butler was cordially thanked for his services as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer to the Council.

The next meeting to revise the Electorial Roll was fixed for February 11th, and the Annual Church Meeting on March 10th.

28th December 1928 - St Peter's

Original image on Facebook

St Peter's

The interior of the church was prettily decorated with evergreens in profusion, interspersed with chrysanthemums, and at Holy Communion on Christmas Day, which was administered by the Vicar (Rev. A. Howard) to over thirty communicants, the lights from the gas enhanced considerably the decorations.

At the morning service, at which the Vicar spoke to a good congregation on the joy which the first Christmas Day brought to the earth, touching upon the same happy lot which might be ours if it could be realised that the Babe Who was born in the manger at Bethlehem was sent as the Saviour of man. The season of Christmas could only be enjoyed in the heart by knowing the relationship of Him Who was born in the manger in the fields while the shepherds were watching their sheep because there was no place to accomodate for Joseph and his espoused wife Mary when the time came for her to be delivered.

Appropriate hymns were used, and the Holy Communion was also celebrated after the service.

On the Sunday preceding Christmas Day there was a special carol service during the afternoon. Thanks to the excellent training of Mrs Pateman, who accompanied singing on the organ, the children sang exceptionally well, some of the carols being "O little town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," "Good King Wencelas" and "A Child this day is born," Mrs Fiddaman delivering the air for the latter and the children singing the chorus.

A further carol service will be held on Sunday next.

17th September 1926 - Bowls - Buntingford vs Rosedale

Original image on Facebook

Bowls

The Buntingford Bowls Club entertained Rosedale (Cheshunt) on Saturday last, defeating them by the big margin of 37 points: Buntingford 63, Rosedale 26.

The home club have now tied with Hadham at the top of the League (24 points each), which necessitates a match to decide the winners of the League on Hertford Castle Green on Saturday, September 25th, at 4 p.m.

At the last meeting of the Buntingford Bowls Club, it was proposed and seconded that the two skips should select their own teams, having 12 good players from which to make a selection. They have now decided to play the same team that have played in the last three matches - and consequently have a good chance of winning the cup and medals for this season, and we wish them the best of luck.

The following are the players and the same team that beat Hadham at Buntingford.

Scores:

Rink 1

Buntingford - J. Boniwell, F.B. Sharp, E.J. Totman, W.J. May - 31 points.

Rosedale - F.W. Little, C. Burgess, W. Kirby, F. Moule - 12

Rink 2

Buntingford - E.R. Brett, J. Pateman, H.E. Birkett, F.W. Butler - 32 points

Rosedale - A. Fuller, H. Adams, H. Warner, F. Baker - 14 points.

10th September 1926 - Bowls

Original image on Facebook

Bowls

East Herts Bowls League

The Buntingford Bowls Club played a very interesting match on Saturday last again Much Hadham and after quite an excellent game were victorious by two points: 35-33.

Hadham are at present at the top of the League, and Buntingford have need to be pleased with the result.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Buntingford play Rosedale at Buntingford, and should the home team win they will be level with Hadham at the top of the League, and a match with Hadham on neutral ground will be played for premier honours in the League.

Buntingford have been second in the League on three previous occasions, viz.: to Havers Park, Hertford, and Hertingfordbury and have a good opportunity of gaining the coveted position this year.

The following were the players:

Buntingford

Rink No 1- E.R. Brett, J. Pateman, H.E. Birkett, F.W. Butler.

Rink No 2 - J. Boniwell, F.B. Sharp, E.J. Totman, W.J. May.

Much Hadham

Rink No 1 - J. Camp, D. Piggott, A.B. Camp, W. Bird.

Rink No 2 - F. Gillett, J. Holden, F. Braginton, R. Prior.

15th October 1926 - Harvest Festival at St Peter's

Original image on Facebook

Harvest Festival at St Peter's

The Harvest Festival services were held on Thursday in last week and were continued over the following Sunday.

The church was beautifully decorated with a profusion of corn, flowers, fruit and vegetables, which had been brought as thankofferings.

The corn had previously been weathered at the Parish Room by Mrs Pateman, Mrs Corp, Miss Woodley, Mrs H. Clark, Miss V. Feasey, Mrs Howard and Miss Brodie, the actual decorations being tastefully carried out by Miss Boniwell, Mrs Butler, Mrs Coleman, Mrs White, Miss M. Howard, Miss Lushington, Mrs Ambrose, Mrs J. Pateman and Mr H.L. Baker.

The Rev. H.B. Webb-Bowen, R.N., Vicar of Barkway, preached on Thursday evening to a large and attentive congregation. The anthem "Song to the Lord of the Harvest," was well rendered by the choir, and the whole service was a hearty and happy one.

On Sunday, in addition to the morning and evening services, a Flower Service was held in the afternoon.

The church was well filled, and many generous offerings were brought by the children of flowers, fruit and eggs, accompanied by appropriate texts, which been warmly appreciated by the sick and needy. The Festival closed with a very hearty service on Sunday night.

Owing to the special fuel and lighting difficulties, the offertories were for that object, over £6 being received, but in addition nearly £3 was given for the hospitals.

21st January 1927 - St Peter's Annual Social

Original image on Facebook

St Peter's Annual Social

The annual social for the adult members of the Layston Choir and Sunday School Teachers, given by the Vicar and Mrs Howard, was held at the Vicarage on Thursday, January 13th.

A splendid repast of refreshments was served, and indoor games of every description were indulged in.

Songs were also sung by Mr H. May (the Lay Reader), and Mrs May, Mrs Corp, and Mr C. Miles. Miss M. Macklin presided at the piano.

At the close, Mr Miles proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Vicar and Mrs Howard for their kindness in entertaining the party who had all spent a most enjoyable evening, this was seconded by Mr Pateman.

The party broke up at 11.30.

22nd April 1927 - St Peter's

Original image on Facebook

St Peter's

The services on Good Friday and Easter Day were well attended, the number of communicants on Easter Day being very gratifying.

The Church was profusely decorated by Mrs Howard, Mrs F.W. Butler, Mrs Pateman, Mr F.W. Butler, and Mr S. Howard, and the services were bright, the joyful Easter hymns being sung by all.

For the first time for some years there was no Easter anthem, owing to the state of the organ. The organ has not been thoroughly cleaned since it was built, and it is hoped to overhaul it in the near future.

The collections on Easter Day were given to the Vicar as a personal gift, and amounted to £16 9s.

2nd July 1926 - Bowls Club

Original image on Facebook

Bowls Club

Another Win

The Buntingford Bowls Club entertained Sawbridgeworth in a league fixture on Saturday.

The game was a very interesting one, and resulted in a win for Buntingford by 35 points to 33.

Buntingford team: Rink 1 - E. Brett, J. Pateman, H. Birkett and F.W. Butler. Rink 2 - H. Mannox, J. Lawrence, F.B. Sharp and J. Totman.

Singles Competition

Mr W.J. May, the captain of the Buntingford Club journeyed to Hartham on June 24th for a match in the E.H.B.L. Singles Competition.

Mr May won a good game by 21 points to 17.

25th June 1926 - Bowls

Original image on Facebook

Bowls

On Thursday, June 24th, the Buntingford Bowls Club and some of the members' wives journeyed to Luton to play a friendly match, when a most enjoyable time was spent. The green was of Cumberland turf, which was in splendid condition, therefore play was excellent.

Although the Buntingford team were strange to the green they were only two points down at the tea interval.

On re-starting after tea, the Luton team scored 6 and 4 on rink one, and 6 and 6 on the other, which made the score look different. The final score was: Luton 49, Buntingford 34.

After this match had been played, Buntingford joined in a spoon competition, and honours were divided; one spoon was won by Mr J. Pateman, and the other by one of the Luton players.

Although rather cold, the motor ride was very much enjoyed.

----

The Buntingford Bowls Club journeyed to Cheshunt on June 19th to play Rosedale Bowls Club. This match resulted in a win for Buntingford by 18 points.

21st May 1926 - Bowls

Original image on Facebook

Bowls

The Buntingford Bowls Club journeyed to Sawbridgeworth on Thursday, May 13th, for the first match of the season, when a good game resulted in a victory for the home team.

The game was stopped twice owing to hailstorms.

The following were the scores:

Rink 2

Buntingford

E.R. Brett, J.Pateman, H.E. Birkett, F.W. Butler - 13

Sawbridgeworth

A. Fish, A. Hart, J. Fish, F. Barnes - 20

Ring 3

Buntingford

J. Lawrence, F.B. Sharp, E.J. Totman, W.J. May - 20.

Sawbridgeworth

A. Morris, W.A. Hardie, S.W. Parfett, S.R. Garnett - 22.

Buntingford - 33, Sawbridgeworth - 42.

24th Feb 1928 - Layston Annual Church Meeting

Original image on Facebook

Layston Annual Church Meeting

The Annual Church Meeting of the electors of Layston was held at the Women's Institute Hall on Tuesday evening, when there was a good attendance.

Following prayer and the reading of the collect for Ash Wednesday by the Vicar (Rev A. Howard), who was in the chair, the minutes of the previous meeting were read by the hon. secretary and treasurer of the Parochial Church Council, and these were duly signed.

Mr Maughan, in presenting the report of the Church Council for the past year, mentioned that an active Church Councillor had been lost by the death of Mrs H. Coleman. The receipts for last year amounted to £75 4s. 0 3/4d., and the expenditure totalled £73 8s. 2 1/2d., which left a larger balance in hand than the previous year. The sum paid to special societies during the past year amounted to £49 4s. 9d.

Mr Fraser moved the adoption of the accounts, and Mrs M. Corp seconded Mr Fraser's proposal.

The Electoral Roll was presented, showing that 16 names had been erased due to death and removals, and 29 had been added, and the number now on the Roll was 252.

It was reported that Mrs Howard had been able to send the full quota (£35) to the Diocesan Board of Finance, this amount being chiefly comprised of contributions received in connection with the Free-Will-Offering-Scheme.

The Parochial Church Council, viz., Mrs J. Smith, Mrs Howard, Mrs Dixon, Mrs Butler, Mrs Macklin, Mrs Corp, Miss Boniwell, Miss Davies, and Messrs. Freeman, Miles and Pateman, were re-elected en bloc on the proposition of Capt. Tollemache, seconded by Mrs H. Clarke. Miss Woods was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Council.

Another representative, in addition to Mr Fraser, was required for the Diocesan Conference, and Mrs Howard was appointed, she having expressed her willingness to serve.

Mesdames Butler, Macklin, Dixon and Howard were elected representatives on the Ruri-decanal Conference.

Regarding the repair of the organ at St Peter's, the vicar expressed his thankfulness that what he considered to be a "stumbling stone" had been rolled away, and after paying nearly £50 to Messrs. Corps there was a small balance left over, and this he had placed to the magazine account, because he was continually paying money from his own pocket to meet expenses which the magazine entailed.

The new heating apparatus has involved a further expenses, and the vicar mentioned that after paying £50 to Messrs. Grundy a sum of £29 was still needed, and he appealed to all to help raise this amount.

The vicar also mentioned that the initial expenses in connection with the new Churchyard were being borne by Mr Fraser, and the Bishop would consecrate the ground in the spring. The Bishop would also conduct a Confirmation Service at St Peter's on June 22nd.

Warm thanks were expressed by the vicar to all the officers for their past services, also to Mr Fraser (the host of the evening) and all helpers, and this concluded the business meeting.

Refreshments, which had been kindly provided by Mr Fraser, were then served, and musical programme followed. Miss M. Macklin, who presided at the piano throughout the evening, gave two delightful pianoforte solos, and Mrs Armstrong sang "The Second Minuet" with fine expression.

Mrs Corp's song "My ain folk" was also very much enjoyed. Mr E.E. Dennis then conducted community singing, such well-known songs as "Billy Boy," "Bobby Shaftoe" and "Loch Lomod" being popular with all; closing with the well-known hymn, "Jesus, Lover of my Soul," to the beautiful Welsh tune, Aberystwyth.

26th Feb 1926 - Buntingford Conservative Associaton

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Conservative Associaton

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Buntingford Branch of the Hitchen Conservative and Liberal Unionist Association was held at the George Hotel on Thursday evening last.

The chair was taken by Mr Claud Fraser. There was a small attendance of members, the business being of a formal nature only.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman said the members would be glad to hear that Major Kindersley had recovered his health, and that he would be visiting Buntingford on March 26th.

Election of Officers

Capt H.H. Williams moved that Mr Claud Fraser be re-elected Chairman of the branch. They all knew the interest their Chairman took in the Association as a whole. (Applause).

Mr Scarborough Taylor seconded the resolution, which was carried with applause.

The Chairman thanked the meeting for re-appointing him, and said he would always do his best for the cause.

The following were elected to serve on the Central Council: Dr R.W. Fell, Messrs. W. Steel, C.H. Poulton, A.W. Page, A. MacArthur and W Houlden.

The Chairman and Captain H.H. Williams were elected to serve on the General Executive.

The committee elected were as follows: Dr R.W. Fell, Messrs. F.B. Sharp, J. Pateman, E.J. Crane, C.H. Poulton, E. Camp, E.E. Dennis, E. Denson, T.Kingsley, J. Camp, W. Manning, H. Thody, W. May, W. Houlden, and G. Scarborough Taylor.

Mr B.E. Thody was nominated Secretary.

Other Business

Capt H.H. Williams spoke on the newly-formed scheme for raising subscriptions, and Mr Scarborough Taylor asked whether monthly lectures could be arranged. 

The committee were asked to meet and discuss this question.

The Secretary was also instructed to obtain membership cards.

[Transcriber note: "Major Kindersley" was Guy Kindersley, Conservative MP for Hitchen]

19th Feb 1926 - Buntingford Bowls Club

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Bowls Club

Annual General Meeting

PROPOSED NEW GREEN

The annual general meeting of the members of the Buntingford Bowls Club was held at the George Hotel on Thursday evening in last week. Mr G. Scarborough Taylor presided, and was supported by the Captain (Mr W.J. May) and the Hon. Sec. and Treas. (Mr J.L. Cornwell).

After the minutes of the last general meeting had been read and confirmed, the Chairman read a letter from Mr H.C. Marshall (the President of the Club), who said he regretted being unable to be present that evening.

REPORTS

Mr J.L. Cornwell read his annual report. During the past season the club had played 34 matches, and had entered for the various competitions in the East Herts. Bowls League. In this League they had scored 767 points against their opponents 606.

Mr W.J. May and Mr J. Lawrence had kindly presented gold and silver medals for a club competition, which was most successful. The Captain's Cup had not been won outright, as owing to bad weather the competition was not finished.

The finances of the club were satisfactory; on last year's workings there was a small adverse balance of 1/5, which had been defrayed that evening. (Applause).

The Chairman said he considered the report and accounts very satisfactory. In passing, he would like to add that the annual dinner, at which he had the pleasure of being present, was a most successful affair; he was sure everyone present spent a very happy evening.

The accounts and report were then passed, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr F.B. Sharp.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Mr W.J. May moved the re-election of the President (Mr H.C. Marshall). Mr Marshall was a true sport and was always willing to do his utmost for the club. He (Mr May) hoped that their president would find pleasure in supporting the ancient game of Bowls (applause)

This was seconded by Mr F.W. Butler and carried.

Mr J. Lawrence moved the re-election of the Vice-Presidents en bloc with the addition of Mr George Aston and Mr Chapman-Wood. The club was very grateful to the Vice-Presidents for their support and interest.

Mr E.J. Totman seconded.

Mr C.H. Poulton replied on behalf of the Vice-Presidents, and said he was pleased the club was going successfully.

Mr W.J. May, who has been Captain for three seasons, proposed that Mr F.W. Butler be asked to be Captain for 1926.

Mr Butler moved an amendment that Mr May be re-appointed, and this being seconded by Mr J. Lawrence was carried unanimously. The Chairman said he was pleased Mr May had reconsidered the matter. He was a man of keenness and enthusiasm, coupled with tact.

Mr F.W. Butler was unanimously appointed Vice-Captain on the proposition of Mr E.J. Totman, seconded by Mr Cornwell.

Mr Cornwell then intimated that he was no longer able to carry out the duties of Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. Mr Butler then proposed that Mr J. Lawrence be appointed. In moving this, he (Mr Butler) would like to say that the members were very grateful to Mr Cornwell for the way he had carried out the combined duties (Applause).

Mr Lawrence agreed to take over the post, and said he would do his best.

The general committee elected were as follows: Messrs W.J. May, F.W. Butler, J. Lawrence, E.J. Totman, J. Pateman, J. Boniwell, E. Birkett, F. Crouch, J.L. Cornwell, and H. Clarke.

The green committee elected were - Messrs F.W. Butler, E. Brett, J.L. Cornwell, W.J. May, E.J. Totman, and J. Lawrence.

Selection committee - The Capt. and Vice-Captain, and Messrs E.J. Totman, J. Lawrence, J. Boniwell, and F.B. Sharp.

OTHER BUSINESS

It was decided to enter the East Herts. Bowls League and the Rinks and Pairs Competitions.

The Captain said the question of a new green was on the agenda. As a matter of fact the new green did not exist, but the [sic] hoped something could be done to get a longer green than the one they had at present. When the club visited other clubs in the League, they had to play on full dized greens, and it was some time before the Buntingford players could get accustomed to the length. Mrs Ashford had kindly offered the club another site, and if the members agree a small committee might be formed to go in to the question of cost, &c. 

Various suggestions were put forward, and it was eventually decided to appoint a small sub-committee to discuss the matter and report later. The committee appointed were Messrs. G. Scarborough Taylor, W.J. May, F.W. Butler, C.H. Poulton, E.J. Totman and J. Lawrence.

THANKS

A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close.