Cottered
Gardening Lectures
The second of a series of four fortnightly gardening lectures was given in the School on the 21st ult., by Mr R.W.B. Keene, of the Herts. Institute of Agriculture.
Mr A. Beadle presided, and in spite of the heavy fall of snow there was a fairly good attendance.
The subject of the lecture was "Seasonable Work in the Vegetable Garden," and at its close there were questions and discussion, in which Messrs. Edwards, Hearn, Hull, Kingsley, and Sanders took part.
Cottered
Parochial Meeting
The annual Church Parochial Meeting was held in the School on Tuesday evening in last week.
The Rector (the Rev. E.E. Empringham) presided, and there were about fifty persons present.
The annual report was read by the hon. secretary (Mrs Beadle), and a satiasfactory financial statement was given by the hon. treasurer (Mr T.J. Stick).
Mrs Beadle was elected to represent the parish on the Diocesan Conference; Messrs. Beadle, Pitcher and Sanders, and Miss Wilderspin were elected members of the Ruri-Decanal Conference; and Messrs. Dudley and Warner, Mrs Sanders, and Miss Beamiss members of the Parochial Church Council.
Fatal Holiday Accident
Motor-Cyclist Collides with Cart
Whilst motor cycling for [from?] Chatham, where he was stationed, to West Riding, on Friday last, Flagman Ernest A. Shoobridge collided with a farm cart at a dangerous corner in Cottered and was killed instantly.
There is a sign post on the corner and it is thought that the deceased, who had lost his correct route, looked up at the sign post and failed to notice the approach of a farm cart.
The district coroner, Mr H.F. J. Banham, conducted the inquest, which was held at the Cottered Rectory on Saturday evening last, when the following were sworn on the jury: Messrs. W.N. Sanders (foreman), J. Smith, J. Darton, W. Hills, C. Smith, W. Deards, W. Hummerstone, B.A. Edwards, T. Kingsley, J. Warner, H. Sheppard, G. Fenner, and F. Hummerstone.
Eric Sellers, a leading seaman in the Royal Navy, who was accompanying the deceased on another motor-cycle, said "We left Chatham on Friday morning at 6.30 for Nessborough, Yorks. The deceased was riding a 3 and a half h.p. Norton motorcycle. I was riding in front of my friend, and as I passed the corner I noticed a cart on the right side of the road, but I had no difficulty in getting by.
I happened to glance round and saw the deceased looking at the sign post; he turned his head back, and as he did so I saw a surprised look on his face as though he had noticed the cart and did not know what to do. I then heard a crash, and on going back found my friend lying across the road. He appeared to be dead. His speed at the time of the accident would be about 12-15 miles per hour."
Sidney Andrews, a carter, of Moor Green, Ardeley, said "On Friday, 3rd June, I was in charge of a horse and cart on the road from Cottered to Buntingford. As the horse approached the corner a motor-cycle passed, and immediately afterwards came another in the same direction. The second cyclist crashed into the hose, which was only moving at walking pace.
Part of the horse's harness was broken, and when I went to deceased he was lying in the road by the wheel. When the accident occurred I was about one yard from the near side of the road."
James Fuller, a roadman employed by the H.C.C., said "I was working near the corner in question on Friday, June 3rd, when I noticed two motor-cycles coming from the direction of Buntingford. The first one passed me all right, but the second one, which came on about 15-20 yards behind, took a big sweep; the rider shut off the engine and put out his right foot as if to save himself.
The cycle swayed, and I saw the rider strike the horse and then fall into the road. I went round the cart, but the deceased appeared to be dead."
Frederick James Savage, of High Street, Walkern, a labourer, also working on the corner, gave similar evidence.
Alfred James Ives, a police constable, stationed at Cottered, said "On Friday, 3rd June, about 10.15 a.m., I received a report that a motor-cycle accident had occurred on the Buntingford road. I went to the scene of the accident and saw a Norton motor-cycle lying close to the wheel of a cart which was standing on the north side of the road and facing north-east.
I found that the rider of the motor-cycle was lying with his right leg over his machine. His skull was crushed, and he was quite dead. The machine was slightly damaged. The width of the road at the particular point was 18ft. 6ins. There was 9ft. 6 ins. between the offside wheel of the cart and the other side of the road."
Dr R.W. Fell, of Buntingford, said "On arriving at the scene of the accident I saw the deceased lying on his back across the road. There was a lot of blood in the road and the deceased was dead. On examining the body I came to the conclusion that he must have struck his head on the shaft of the cart, and have died instantly."
The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," the foreman requested the coroner to repot on the dangerous corner to the Herts. County Council.
Cottered
Funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper
Amid evidences of the deepest sympathy and regret, the funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper, whose death we announced last week, took place at Cottered Parish Church on Saturday afternoon last.
The first portion of the service was taken by the Rural Dean (the Rev. F.R. Williams). The organist (Miss Beamiss) was at the organ, and played suitable music during the assembling of the congregation. The congregation was a very large and representative one, the spacious church being almost filled. The seating arrangements were in the hands of Mr T.J. Stick, Mr W.N. Sanders and Mr W.J. Pitcher.
The procession into the church was headed by the Rural Deal (the Rev. F.R. Williams), Rev. A.L. Panchaud, Rev. F.B. Harton, Rev. A. Howard, Rev. F.B. Phillips, Rev. H. Sheppard, Rev. Quinn, Rev. Fisher, Mr Stevenson, and Mr Busby (Lay Readers) and the Surplice Choir.
Following the chanting of Psalm 90, the hymn "The radiant morn has passed away" was feelingly sung, and the Lesson was read by the Rev A.L. Panchaud. Then came the singing of the following beautiful hymn:
[Transcriber note - The hymn can be read in the original image]
As the cortege left the church the congregation changed the Nunc Dimittis. The last sad rites took place at the graveside amid much manifestation of sorrow, the clergy taking part being the Rural Dean, the Rev. A. Howard and the Rev F.B. Phillips.
The family mourners were Mrs W.H. Tapper (wife), Messrs William and Cyril Tapper (sons), Miss M. Tapper (daughter), Messrs. Hugh and Kenneth Tapper (sons), Mr and Mrs Coulson (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Oram (sister-in-law), Mrs Pidwell (sister-in-law) and Miss Wale.
Among others present, we observed the Rev. L.W. Wright, the Rev A. McKerr, Rev John Cole, Mr and Mrs H.E. Dudley, Mr and Mrs A.W. Page, Mr and Mrs T. Kingsley, Mr and Mrs W.N. Sanders, Mr and Mrs A. Beadle, Mr and Mrs R.M. Huil, Mr W.J. Pitcher, Mr T.J. Stick, Miss Gruner, Dr R.W. Fell, Mr and Mrs B.A. Edwards, Mr H. May, Mr and Mrs H. Cornwell, Mrs Charles, Mr and Mrs H. Sheppard, Miss Beamiss, Miss Wilderspin, Miss Pearman, Mr D. Kingsley and Mr Martin.
Beautiful floral tributes were received from sympathisers. The grave was beautifully lined with moss and bunches of primroses by Mr A. Beadle, who carried out the duties of undertaker in a very satisfactory manner.
After the funeral a muffled peal was rung on the church bells.
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Mrs Tapper and Family wish to express their heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of sympathy shown in their overwhelming sorrow, and for the beautiful flowers sent.
Cottered Rectory. April 23rd, 1926.
Buntingford Xmas Fat Stock Show and Sale
A RECORD CATTLE ENTRY
The Annual Christmas Fat Stock Show and Sale was held on Monday last in cold but fine weather. There was a large attendance of people from a very wide area, and the judging, which took a considerable time, was completed under the most agreeable circumstances.
As was to be expected, there was a record entry and the normal standard of merit for the district was credibly maintained. The principle feature of the show was a fine array of bullocks - some 80 beasts forming two long lines on the Market Hill. The sheep and pigs were also penned on the Market Hill, the pig entries being larger than last year, while the sheep classes were well filled. There was a noticeable drop in the number and quality of the poultry entries, which were staged in the old Tanyard.
The premier award again went to Mr E. Mildren, of Buckland, whose 15 cwt. roan shorthorn won five prizes. The champion was purchased by Mr V. Pledger, of Barkway, for £56.
The arrangements for the show were in the hands of a committee, who worked well before and on the day itself. Mr E.G. Thody again carried out the duties of hon. secretary in his usual efficient manner.
The following were the judges: Cattle - Mr J. Treacher (Enfield), sheep - Mr F. Fowler (Bishops Stortford) and Mr G. Ripley (Waltham Cross), pigs - Mr H. Reed (Hertford) and Mr R.E. Clark (Clapton), poultry and eggs - Mr W. Nicholls (Hoddesdon) and Mr E. Hankin (Ware).
The following acted as stewards: Cattles - Messrs V. Pledger, H.E. Dudley, F. Cannon, S. Pigg and R. Pigg; sheep - Messrs. W.N. Sanders and F. Rand; pigs - Messrs S. Lees, W. Kittow, W. Page and B. Thody; poultry - Messrs. F. Butler, E.C. Clarke and W.G. Bonness.
THE AWARDS
The following is a list of awards:
Best beast in the show, entered by a farmer residing within Puckeridge Hunt - E. Mildren.
Best beast (open) - E. Mildren.
Silver cup for pen of fat pigs fed on Messrs. Dixon & Son's pig meal - F. Vigus.
Best bullock or heifer bred by exhibitor - J. May.
Best beast fed on Messrs. J. Bibby's cake - S. Pigg.
Silver plate for best beast fed on "Thorleys" - E. Mildren.
Silver plate for best pen of sheep or lambs fed on "Thorleys" - F. Vigus.
Best beast fed on "Molassine" - S. Pigg.
Best fat pig fed on "Molassine" - W. George.
Largest consignor of stock to Market during 1927 - S. Hoy.
Largest purchaser during 1927 - J. Treacher.
Best bullock - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J.R. Child.
Best heifer - 1 J. May, 2 S. Pigg.
Best bullock not more than two years old - 1 J.R. Child, 2 Messrs J.R. Russell & Son.
Fat cow - 1 Messrs W.H. Kittow and Son, 2 H. Martin.
Best beast in classes 13 to 16 - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J. May.
SHEEP
Five fat tegs - 1 F. Virgus, 2 H.E. Dudley.
Five fat ewes - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Brown.
Best pen of sheep, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £500 value of stock in Buntingford Market during 1927 - 1 H.E. Dudley, 2 F. Vigus.
PIGS
Three fat pigs - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.
Two fat pigs, the property of a tenant farmer - 1 N. Cannon, 2 W.N. Sanders.
Two fat pigs, not exceeding 120 pounds - 1 J.T. White, 2 J. Osborne.
Five fat porkers - 1 T. Virgus, 2 Messrs W.H. Kittow.
Two pigs, most suitable for bacon - 1 T. Virgus, 2 J. May.
Fat pig - 1 J.T. White, 2 E. Mildren, jun.
Fat sow - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Aylott.
Fat pig, the property of a smallholder - 1 W. Parker, 2 - Hatchett.
Best pen of fat pigs, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £300 value of stock in the Market during 1927 - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.
POULTRY
Three cock turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.
Three hen turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.
Killing cock turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.
Killing hen turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.
Four geese - 1 L. Cannon, 2 J. Chapman.
Four cockerels - 1 J. May, 2 J. May. [transcriber note - I don't know if that's two different men with a shared initial]
Four hens - 1 C. Tottman, 2 E. Martin.
Four ducks - 1 L. Cannon, 2 G. Aylott.
EGGS
Three score, white - 1 E. Mildren, 2 E.H. Tweed.
Three score (brown or tinted) - 1 E. Brett, 2 Mrs J.S. Howe.
THE SALE
The sale of the exhibits was carried out by Mr G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr C.S. Knowles, and particulars of the prices are given in our market report.
Foresters' Friendly Society
A Court Meeting was held at the Society's Hall on Monday evening last, the Chief Ranger, Bro. J.B. Cutts, presiding. The Secretary, Bro. E.G. Thody, submitted the accounts for the year 1927. The sickness benefit paid amounted to £347 17s. 4d., and funeral benefit £98. Both these are record amounts for the society.
The management expenses, which include salaries, printing and stationery, surgeon's fees, repairs, valuation expenses, installment of electric light, &c., amount to £89 16s. 5d. The statement of funds shows that the Society is on a sound financial footing. War Loan investments total £3205, Hertfordshire Housing Bonds £100, Freehold Property £100, and money at Post Office Savings Bank £380. At 31st December there was a membership of 203, on the private side. State member are not included in the totals.
In moving the adoption of the accounts, the Chairman side the past year had been an abnormal one as far as sickness was concerned. Early in the year the Society paid out as much as £40 in sick benefit one week. The accounts were duly passed.
It was decided to send the usual subscription of £2 2s. to the Buntingford Nursing Fund and the Hertford County Hospital.
The following officers were elected for 1928: Chief Ranger, Bro. J.B. Cutts; Sub-Chief Rangers, Bro. E. Sanders; Woodwards. Bros. E. Bolton and A. Coxall. Senior Beadle, Bro. D. Wallis; Junior Beadles, Bro W. Budd; Trustrees, Bros. J.L. Cornwell, G. Wallis, and J.T. May.
Cottered
Coals and coke - For prices write E.J. Crane, High Street, Buntingford ('Phone 37).
Whist Drive and Dance
On Wednesday, January 27th, a whist drive and dance was held in the school. About 60 were present, and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the whist.
Prizes were won by: Ladies - 1 Mrs Hull, 2 Miss Mean.
Gents - 1 Mr J. Gravestock, 2 Mr Hills.
A prize for the highest score at the interval was won by Mrs Sheppard. Mrs Sanders presented the prizes.
During refreshments, a mat, made chiefly by the Guild children, was raffled and won by Mr J. Gravestock. Dancing began about 10 p.m. and was brought to a close by a waltz at 12.
After defraying expenses, part of the proceeds are to be handed over to the treasurer of the Cottered Cricket Club.