18th January 1924 - Salvation Army Home League Annual Tea

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Salvation Army Home League

Annual Tea

A happy time at the Hall

The annual tea in connection with the Buntingford branch of the Salvation Army Home League was held in the Salvation Army Hall on Wednesday of last week.

The whole of the arrangements were in the hands of Mrs M. Parker (the Hon. Secretary) and Mrs E. Miles (the Hon. Treasurer), who were complimented by all present on the success of the event.

The tea tables were tastefully decorated, and the members sat down to a sumptuous tea, after which the tables were cleared and games and competitions carried on throughout the evening. Mrs Miles also kept the company amused with some excellent gramophone selections.

Among those present were Captain H. Ridgewick and Lieut. H. Shepherd, of the Buntingford Corps.

Membership of the Salvation Army Home League is 1d. per week, and intending members should give their names to Mrs Parker.

28th December 1928 - Festivities at the Poor Law Institution

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Festivities at the Poor Law Institution

Through the untiring efforts of the Master and Matron (Mr and Mrs F.W. Butler), who neglect nothing that will prevent the inmates from spending a merry Christmas, and to the generosity of many kindly donors, all the inmates spent a happy time in the Institution one of the happiest in the real sense of the adjective.

On the 16th inst. Miss E.N. Davies sent sponge sandwiches for tea.

On the 18th inst. Miss Lushington provided cake for tea and distributed sweets and tobacco, for which, one leaving, she was loudly cheered.

On the same day Miss Baker took her pupils to the sick wards, where they sang carols, and these were greatly appreciated by the sick inmates.

On the 21st inst. the Rev. and Miss Shepherd, of Great Hormead, visited the wards, and left parcels for the inmates from that parish.

The wards and dining hall had been tastefully decorated by the staff with evergreens and paper chains, which gave a festive appearance. Breakfast on Christmas Day consisted of ham, and each inmate received a new shilling as a gift from Mr Claud Fraser, a member of the Board of Guardians. Parcels and other gifts were handed round, the kindly donors of which are below mentioned.

For dinner there was a liberal supply of roast beef, roast pork, chicken, parsnips and potatoes, plum pudding, ale and minerals, and after Grace had been said by Rev. A. Howard, Hon. Chaplain to the Institution, the inmates did full justice to these viands, and ate and drank to their hearts' content. The Master was assisted with the carving by Mr B. Thody (Relieving Officer), Mr H.H. Macklin, Mr W. Bonness and Mr F.J. Butler. Mr H.C. Marshall, another Guardian, provided nuts and fruit for dessert.

During the meal the Misses Olive and Marion Macklin rendered pianoforte selections, and visitors to the wards included Mrs A. Dixon, Dr., Mrs and Miss Fell and Master S. Howard. Capt. and Mrs H.H. Williams provided iced and fruit cake for tea, and also distributed sweets. Cheers by the inmates followed, and in replying Mrs Williams wished all a happy time. She also referred to the King's health, and afterwards all sang the National Anthem.

In the evening an entertainment was held, the inmates being chief performers. The Matron and Master R. Butler were at the piano.

It is impossible to single out any performer, as all showed fine talent for the music hall. Sweets, nuts, cake and tobacco were again handed round, also coffee and ale, and all went well until 10 p.m., when the merry day was brought to a close.

The Master called for cheers for the Guardians and other kind donors of gifts, and cheers were also given, with musical honours, for the Master, Matron and staff. The National Anthem followed.

The following are gifts, together with the kindly donors, besides those already mentioned:

Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman of the Guardians), 10s;

Hertford Board of Guardians - per Dimsdale Fund - 3/- each Hertford inmate;

Mrs and Mr E.C. Clarke (Clerk to the Guardians), sweets and tobacco;

Miss Lushington, Christmas cards;

Mrs A. Dixon, parcels for women, tobacco for men;

Mrs Goode, parcels for Cottered women;

Mrs Fell, sweets for sick women;

Mrs F.R. Williams (Standon), biscuits for sick women;

Miss E.N. Davies, sweets for inmates and casuals;

Messrs. Moss & Sons - per Mr Daniels - bon-bons;

Mr and Mrs A.G. Day, bon-bons;

Mrs Joobins (Reigate), Xmas greetings;

Mrs H. Clarke (Newtown), books;

Mrs Wheeler (Ware), books;

Captain Salvation Army, books;

National Institute for Blind - per Mrs Scarborough Taylor - parcel of groceries, sweets, &c.

20th August 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

The visit of Commandant and Mrs Joslyn and their two daughters from Forest Hill on Saturday and Sunday last, was another special effort by the Buntingford Branch.

On Saturday evening last the Hall was packed, and the special musical programme was thoroughly enjoyed.

Their chair was taken by Mr H. Rogers, of Hay Street, who referred to the great work the Salvation Army was doing throughout the world. He said he was delighted to see such a packed audience.

The Sunday services were conducted by Commandant and Mrs Joslyn, and on Sunday afternoon there was another musical programme, which was enjoyed by all.

The arrangements for the visit were made by Lieut. Andrews.

13th August 1926 - S.A. Sunday School Outing

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S.A. Sunday School Outing

The children, number 53, attending the S.A. Sunday School, and 25 adults, had a most enjoyable day's outing on the 28th ult.

Accompanied by Captain Winifred Green and Lieut. Alma Andrews, they journeyed in three charabancs supplied by Mr E.J. Sparks and Mr W.H. Smith, to Theydon Bois, part of Epping Forest.

An al fresco lunch was much enjoyed, and games of all kinds and rambles made the day pass all too quickly. Tea was excellently served at The Retreat by Mr Gray.

The party arrived home at 9.30 p.m., highly gratified with their nicely arranged outing.

The local officers wish to gratefully thank the people of Buntingford for their welcome financial aid that enabled the outing to be such a pleasing success.

29th October 1926 - Home League Rally

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Home League Rally

Mrs General Booth Addresses 4,000 Women

Local Representatives Present

The Home League connected with the local Corps of the Salvation Army at Buntingford was well represented among the nearly 4,000 women who attended the Congress Hall on Wednesday, October 13th, to hear their President, Mrs General Booth.

Mrs Booth received a very affectionate welcome from those who attended. She recalled the time, 19 years ago, when she inaugurated the Home League, which has now spread throughout the world, and numbers 80,000 members in their country alone.

Mrs Booth commented on the wonderful opportunities that women have in the Salvation Army, where position open to a man is equally open to a woman, and stated; "Just lately the churches have begun to talk about giving woman her position to work for God, and I am afraif from what I can gather they will have to talk a very long time before some of the churches will open the door of their opportunity as the Salvation Army has done.

"Women have not yet come to realise how great is their power over one another. If I have one thing more than another to thank the Army Mother for, it was this - she taught me to value my womanhood.

"We want the Home Leagues everywhere to help women to understand that they have the duty of representing God to the world in a way that men cannot do. God has endued women with a certain aspect of His own image, and He wants them to represent Himself to the world. The central idea of the Home League is that we shall help women do that work which God has specially given them to do, that is the creation of a home, bringing into the home and family that kind of atmosphere that God wants developed there, representing His spirit.

Home Makers

"Perhaps we married women have the best of it in this respect, but all women can be home-makers whether they are married or not. Everyone here represents a home of some kind, even if it is only one room.

Homeless Women

"I hope you think with sympathy about the homeless women. You know there is a very bad state of things in London, and it is important that we should do something to help these women who have no home, and I wish we could do for London what we have just done for Paris, where we have opened a splendid hotel where they have 700 little rooms to offer to the homeless women of Paris.

I was glad to hear that it is now practically full. Six hundred and seventy-eight women were sleeping there a few nights ago. A poor woman I spoke to in Holloway Prison yesterday said she was glad the police had arrested her because she had no friends in the world and nowhere to go. I was glad that I could say that we would see she had somewhere to go when the morning came, and she was released.

Dens Where They Snarl

"A home without the right kind of feeling in it may be very grand and well-fitted up, but without the right spirit it may be little better than a den where they bring home food to eat and sometimes snarl and growl at one another as they eat it.

"It is a woman's duty to create an atmosphere. Every woman belonging to the Home League is one who is out to make the right atmosphere in the home where she lives. Her true work is to make it a place of love.

No Limiting Birthrate

"We mothers know a taste of heaven that nobody else can know. The caring for little ones before they can give us any response. One of the saddest things in the present day is the lonely children. In so many homes where the selfishness of their parents has deprived them of the companionship God intended them to have; the little children who have only elder people to minister to them, which begets selfishness and the lack of power to stand for themselves in the world.

We will have none of that abominable doctrine of limiting the birth-rate. That is not God's way. God said that children were His blessing, and where God is honoured in the home no true mother is ever unwilling to receive from Him a little child.

The things we teach in the Home League - plenty of fresh air, plenty of cleanliness and order, and above all, the abolishing of strong drink.

"When Sunday Schools were started some years ago, everyone agreed it was a great step forward, but Sunday Schools were never intended to take the place of the Family Altar, the Church in the home, religion at mother's knee. Do not leave it to the school, mother and father, sister and brother. Are they whom God wants us to lead, little children, to pass on Jesus' message? 'Let little ones come unto Me.'

A Plea for Modesty

"As mother let us be out to preserve the modesty of our daughters. Do not send them out into the streets unclothed. What will be world become if little girls lose their modesty? Will you all do something to help in this matter, so that our daughters may be modest and may know how to preserve that most priceless jewel God gives to women, her virtue. Unless women are virtuous, men will become nothing better than ravening wild beasts. It is we who are women who can lead them up to purity and true manliness.

"I want to say to every woman, set yourself to help some other woman who is heading the wrong way. Do not merely say 'I am not like that.' Perhaps they have never had a good home, or a good mother to help them understand the priceless treasure of chastity."

The children from "The Nest" - one of the Army's homes - gave much appreciated items.

29th October 1926 - Salvation Army Home League

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Salvation Army Home League

On Wednesday of last week, the weekly meeting was held at the Salvation Army Hall, when a most interesting address on "Russia" was given by Miss Gruner, of Sunny Hill.

There was an appreciative audience, and Miss Gruner was accorded a hearty clap for her address.

Two prizes were also awarded, the recipients being Mrs Sturch and Mrs Bull.

The Home League is starting a campaign to increase it [sic] activities in the Buntingford district, and we understand that forms of membership will shortly be distributed by the Hon. Sec., Mrs Parker.

15th October 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 on Thursday (yesterday).

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

House Committee

The following report was submitted.

The House Committee visited the House today, the work of distempering the male casual ward has been completed, and the condition of the building is very satisfactory.

The committee have no suggests to make involving further expenditure.

Katherine J. Dimsdale, Harold H. Williams, G.C. Wilson.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 15, children 2. Total 32.

Number admitted to casual wards 16.

Corresponding figures for last year - men 20, women 16, children 2. Total 38.

Tramps 2.

Two females, aged 70 and 92 respectively, have been admitted during the month.

A committee of the Hertford Guardians paid a visit on September 5th, and left a report in the visitors book.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated by the inmates.

Cheque £2 - Hertford Guardians.

Eggs - Salvation Army.

Papers - Mrs Dixon

Fruit and vegetables - Westmill Harvest Thanksgiving per Rev. A.G. King.

Fruit, vegetables and eggs - Meesden Harvest Thanksgiving per Rev. W. McKerr

Grapes and fruit - Layston Harvest Thanksgiving, per Mrs Howard

Daily Mail for past year - Mrs Anderson

Weekly Mail for Blind - Mr H.C. Marshall

Books and magazines - British Red Cross Library

Mrs L.M. Baker brought her pupils and sang Harvest Hymns in the sick wards and distributed tea, eggs, fruit &c.

Casuals

During the past month 78 have been relieved, against 13 last year.

Labour Master

Mr R. Budd, the labour master, has been appointed porter at Luton. Would the Board kindly give Mr Budd a testimonial.

The Chairman said it was pleasing to note the number of gifts received during the month. The Board were very grateful to the donors and especially to Miss Baker and her pupils for giving the aged inmates a share in the thanksgiving of Harvest.

It was decided to give Mr Budd a testimonial and the Chairman was authorised to sign it.

Fire Protection

The Minimax Co. reported that the fire extinguishers at the Institution had been recently inspected and found to be in order.

Books

Mrs Dimsdale stated that the Hormead School Library Committee had several books which they would be pleased to hand over to the Guardians for the use of the inmates of the Institution.

The Chairman said he thought the books would be very acceptable, and no doubt the Master could put up some shelves.

Captain Williams and the Rev. Wright expressed their thanks to Mrs Dimsdale for the offer.

The Late Mr E. Pigg

The Clerk read a letter from the family of the late Mr Edward Pigg expressing their thanks for the expression of sympathy passed at the last Board meeting and for the wreath sent.

Hertford Boarders

A letter was read from the Hetford Union authorising the continuance of relief to persons resident in the Buntingford Union and relieved on behalf of the Hertford Union, for a further period of 14 weeks.

Visitors

The following remarks were entered in the House Committee register by visitors from the Hertford House Committee:

"We visited the Institution and found the inmates most comfortable and happy.

The Master and Matron are particularly patient and kind to all. The Box girls are greatly improved. With regard to the Dimsdale Charity, any surplus money might be used on 'bus rides or little outings in any way the Matron and Master think best."

8th October 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

Convoy Ellis addressed the usual meetings on Saturday and Sunday last, while on Monday there was a concert by the Male Voice Choir.

The meetings were well attended, and the concert on Monday evening was quite a musical event.

10th December 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

Two lantern lectures were given at the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening last.

At the first lecture, which was for children, the subject was "Crotches and Quavers" - a story of the formation of a Young People's Band.

The subject of the second lecture was "Mart, the Mill Girl" - a true story of a poor Lancashire girl, who later became a staff officer at the Salvation Army Headquarters, and who proved to be a very capable officer up till her death in August last.

The readings of both lectures were given by Camptain Winifred Green, who prpoposed a hearty vote of thanks to the lanternist, Mr B.E. Thody.

25th February 1927 - Children's Tea

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Children's Tea

The children attending the Salvation Army Sunday School, were entertained to tea at the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening.

Following an excellent tea, games were organised by Captain Green and Lieut. Andrews, and a very happy evening was spent.

18th February 1927 - Home League

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Home League

At the last meeting of the Home League, held at the Salvation Army Hall, the following members were given suitable presents in recognition of their services for the League: Mrs Parker, Mrs Miles, Mrs Hills, and Miss L. Plumb.

The presentations were made by Capt. Green who, in the course of a few well-chosen words, expressed thanks on behalf of the donors for the work carried out.

The recipients of the gifts suitably replied.

20th May 1927 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

The two new officers who replace Capt. Green and Lieut. Andrews took over their duties on Saturday last.

They were welcomed by the Buntingford Corps at a special meeting on Friday, at which there was a good attendance.

The welcome extended over Sunday, when references were made to the work of Capt. Green and Lieut. Andrews.

16th July 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

The members of the Salvation Army Home League (Buntingford Branch) had an enjoyable outing on Monday last.

Starting for Southend early, a half for refreshment was made at Chelmsford.

The party arrived at Southend soon after 10 a.m., and spent the day by the sea.

Returning from Southend at 6 p.m., Buntingford was reached about 10 o'clock.

It was a most enjoyable day for everyone.

16th November 1923 - Armistice Day

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Buntingford

Armistice Day

Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.

At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.

The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.

A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."

The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.

We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."

He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."

The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."

After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.

After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.

A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.

After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.

The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.

A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns. 

The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.

21st May 1926 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

Capt. Pollock and Lieut. Peacock, of the Buntingford Branch of the Salvation Army, left the town yesterday for new appointments. They succeeded Capt. Sweet and Lieut. Moore 12 months ago.

A special farewell meeting was held in the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening, when the good wishes of the members was extended to the officers. The Salvation Army Home League also extended good wishes. 

The new officers, who take over today (Friday), are Capt. Green and Lieut. Andrews.

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.

24th Feb 1928 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

To enable the local corps to hear the Salvation Army Service, which was broadcast from the London Studio on Sunday evening, when an excellent address was given bty General Booth, Mr H. Clarke kindly placed his wireless set in the S.A. Hall, and the service was very much enjoyed by those present.

The officers are extremely grateful to Mr Clarke for his kindess, as it gave many local Salvationists the opportunity for listening for the first time to their leader.

3rd Feb 1928 - Annual Treat

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Annual Treat

The Salvation Army entertained the children to a tea and entertainment at the Salvation Army Hall on Monday last.

Fifty-four children were present, and after enjoying a good and merry tea were equally pleased with a concert arranged by the officers of the Corp.

During the evening some 60 parents and friends of the children joined the party and watched the arrival of Father Christmas, who distributed a wonderful array of gifts from the Christmas Tree.

There was a real spirit of happiness throughout the evening, and not a few were sorry when it was time to go home. The officers and helpers were heartily thanked for the excellent arrangements.

3rd Feb 1928 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Sunday afternoon, January 29ths, a very happy little service was held in the Buntingford Congregational Church, the occasion being the annual prize distribution in connection with its Sunday School.

The meeting was in the nature of an open service, which means that the parents of the scholars and any interested in the Sunday School and its work are invited to be present.

There was a good gathering, therefore, of other adults to join the scholars and their officers and teachers. The hymns chosen were very beautiful, and the whole service was very reverently gone through.

The special part of this service was the distribution of prizes to those scholars who had mdae the requisite number of attendances in 1927, and who had deserved commendation for good conduct.

Capt. Gloyns, of the Buntingford branch of the Salvation Army, was present and kindly presented the books to the successful scholars.

Mr R.F. Dellow, S.S. Superintendent, introducted Capt. Gloyns and acknowledged her kindly interest in the school, and later offered her the warmest thanks for coming.

Though the number of book prizes was small, the Captain made a pleasing little ceremony of it, and, in a happy little speech to the scholars, urged them to "keep clear of mud." This they could do in the strength of the saviour.

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On Wednesday evening last the Congregational Church scholars met with their officers and teachers in the schoolroom for a social evening. They all enjoyed a very happy time together, and entered with great pleasure into the games and competitions, &c., which had been arranged for them. They also had refreshments served to them during the evening and, as they left at the close, an orange.

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A weekly sewing class for girls is held in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom under Miss Edith Careless, and on Thursday evening, January 12th, the class met in the schoolroom for a social evening. A very pleasant time was spent by those who came, and after the tea which was provided for them the evening's programme consisted of games, recitations, &c.

12th Feb 1925 - Salvation Army

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Salvation Army

Great excitement reigned among the Salvation Army young people on Wednesday last week, when 47 children were entertained to tea in the Salvation Army Hall.

Later in the evening the prizes and awards for 1925 were presented. The hall was packed, and the children rendered several well-appreciated items.

Fourty-eight presentations were made, among which was a special badge awarded to Jack Parker, of River Green, for perfect attendance for three consecutive years. Captain Lillian Pollock presented the awards and spoke words of encouragement to the young folk.