24th December 1926 - Folk Dancing Party

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Folk Dancing Party

The Buntingford Branch of the English Folk Dancing Society has made rapid progress in folk dancing.

On the 9th inst. the Branch had a party at the George Room, when folk dancers from Walkern and Great Munden were also present.

There was a capital programme of these graceful and pretty dances that all enjoyed. Quite a feature of the evening were the special dances by Mrs G. Armstrong and Miss Olive Poulton.

Songs, interspersed with the dances, gave additional pleasure, and were contributed by the Rev. A.G. Langdon, Mrs Hull, and Mr E.E. Dennis.

10th December 1926 - Board of Guardians Monthly Meeting

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. Claud Fraser, F.B. Cannon, G. Graves, H.C. Marshall, H.E. Dudley, W.J. May, A.J. Hayes and G.C. Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

Following the minutes, the House Committee's Report as follows, was submitted:

The House Committee visited the House today and found everything in good order, and the inmates very comfortable and happy.

The gas-pipe leading to the Isolation Ward became blocked, but has been put right again.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 21, women 18, children 2. Total 41.

Casuals relieved during the month 72. Corresponding period last year 8.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated -

Anonymous Lady - chocolates.

Capt. Salvation Army - books.

Mrs Coleman - books.

Mrs Laing - books.

Mrs Greg - books.

Mrs Veasey - books.

Tenders

The following tenders for the supply of goods to the Institution were accepted.

Milk - Mr C. Smith (1/4 per gall.)

Groceries - Mr W.B. Moss & Son.

Meat - Mr H.W. Piggott.

Bread - Mr C.S. Coates.

Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes (hard cobbles £2 4s. 6d., Portland hards £2 9s. 6d.)

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Boots - Messrs. Wilkins.

Clothing - Messrs. Hurst and Kettewell.

Three tenders were received for renewing the kitchen floor. The amounts were as follows:

C.H. Poulton - £20 9s. 0d.

J. Aylott - £20 15s. 0d.

C.E. Harradence - £21 0s. 0d.

On the proposition of Mr Claud Fraser it was agreed to accept Mr Poulton's tender.

Relief

Several cases of relief were dealt with by the Board, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer. It was decided to allow the extra 1/- per week for coals for the period of another month.

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

7th January 1927 - Ex-service men entertain the children

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Ex-service men entertain the children

That nothing appeals to the heart more than a group of happy children was amply demonstrated on Monday evening, when the children of the members of the Buntingford British Legion Club were the guests at the annual party.

The arrangements for the treat were made by Mr H. Clarke (Sec. of the Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Hon. Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

The room, with its attractive decorations was much admired. A great attraction was the huge Xmas Tree (given by Mr C.H. Poulton). The tree was heavily laden with toys and gifts selected by Mrs H. Clarke.

Some 50 children responded to the invitation to be present, and judging by the enthusiasm displayed this party exceeded all predecessors.

The whole party sat down to tea at 4.30, assistance at the tables being given by Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs E.C. Clarke, Mrs Starr, Mrs Warren, Mrs White, Mrs S. Smith, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Miss Mayes.

Mrs Hall, the stewardess at the Club, also lent valuable assistance. Visitors included Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, Mrs, Miss and Master C. Fell, Messrs G. Scarborough Taylor, E.C. Clarke, H. Clarke, E.J. Crane, E.E. Dennis, B.E. Thody, F. White, T. Pledger, A. Coxall, S. Daniels and W. Hall.

During tea Mr H. Clarke installed a powerful wireless set, and the music was much enjoyed.

Following tea, games and songs were indulged in until 7p.m. when the arrival of "Father Christmas" was the signal for three hearty cheers.

Mrs H.H. Williams then presented each child with a gift from the tree, and a National Savings' Card with two sixpenny stamps attached.

Mr H. Clarke called for cheers for the members of the Club and numerous friends who had made the treat possible.

Cheers were also given for the ladies, the New Year and Messrs. H. and E.C. Clarke. On leaving each child was given two oranges, a bag of sweets and a small gifts, and a thoroughly successful treat ended with the singing of God Save the King.

4th February 1927 - Board of Guardians

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

Big Increase in Tramps

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday (yesterday).

Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, The Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. G. Graves, W.J. May, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, E.J. Marshall, H.C. Marshall, Claud Fraser, A.W. Page, and T.J. Stick, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin) and Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

The Late Mrs F. Prime

On the proposition of the Chairman, it was unanimously resolved to send a letter of condolence to Mr Frank Prime, of Meesden Bury, on the recent loss of his wife.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 22, women 17, children 2. Total 41. Corresponding period last year - 40.

Number of casuals during month - 174. Corresponding period last year - 21.

During the month two females have died.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated:

Mrs Dimsdale (cake), Mrs Dixon, Mrs Veasey, Mrs J. Smith, Capt. Green (Salvation Army), and Mrs C.H. Poulton - (books).

Casuals

During the past month 174 casuals were admitted, against 21 for the corresponding period last year. Of those admitted this year over 100 are men under 50 years of age, who state they are looking for work on farms.

The present accommodation is sufficient, if the men are discharged the first day after admission.

The Chairman asked if the men were genuinely looking for work on farms, and the Master said that some of them did not appear suitable for farm work.

Relief Cases

Several relief cases were dealt with by the board.

Resolution From Derby

A circular was read from the Derby Union asking for the support of the Board with reference to the following resolution passed by the Derby Guardians:

"This is Board is very concerned and distressed to find so many male applicants for relief who have fought and been maimed and disabled in the great war, and the Country after all promises made on its behalf, has failed to stand by these men and prevent their becoming chargeable to the Poor Law."

It was decided to leave the resolution on the table.

There was little other business and the meeting was followed by the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council, a report of which will appear next week.