5th Oct 1928 - Death and Funeral of Mrs (Ida) Smith

Original image on Facebook

Death and Funeral of Mrs Smith

Yet another of Buntingford's old inhabitants has been removed by the death of Mrs Smith, of Norfolk Road, who passed away on Friday last.

The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had been ill for several weeks. Mrs Smith came to reside in the town about thirty years ago, and shortly afterwards her husband passed away at the age of 42. Mrs Smith therefore outlived her husband by over twenty years. The deceased leaves a grown-up family, to whom sympathy is extended.

The funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. A. Howard officiating. The immediate mourners were Messrs. J. And G. Smith (sons), Mrs T. Perry, Mrs Baker, Mrs Macallen and Mrs Piggott (daughters), Mr and Mrs J. Ginn (brother and sister-in-law), Mrs E. Ginn (sister-in-law), Mr Piggott and Mr C. Baker (sons-in-law), Mr and Mrs John Swallow (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Crook and Mrs Story (neices), and Reginald Smith and John Turk (grandson).

There were several beautiful wreathes, including one from the neighbours in Norfolk Road. The coffin was of plain elm with brass furniture, and bore a name plate inscribed: "Ida Smith, died September 28th, 1928, aged 67 years."

26th Feb 1926 - Social at the Congregational Church

Original image on Facebook

Social at the Congregational Church

On Thursday, February 18th, in the Congregational Church Schoolroom, a very enjoyable evening was spent, the occasion being a Church Social. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated by Mr Herbert Cutts, and presented a very pleasing appearance.

The evening commenced with a general conversazione. Then followed various musical items, &c., Miss Dorothy Howard (solo, "All Alone"); Miss Kathleen Smith (pianoforte, "Birds of Paradise," &c.); Miss Kitty Camp (pianoforte), Miss Alice Franklin (recitation, "The Key to the Situation"). 

A number of competitors took part in a previously prepared piece of unpunctuated prose. This caused great amusement, the audience being informed, e.g., that wine could be made with glycerine, special trains would be run updside down. In this competition, Mr Leonard Skipp, of Cottered, made the least number of mistakes.

Miss Emily Benstead followed with a monologue, "The Lost Golosh." She took her part well (finding in the end that this lost piece of footwear was residing serenely inside the other golosh). All these items were enthusiastically applauded.

Two sketches followed, one entitled "The Neighbours of Gooseberry Court" by Mr and Mrs Skipper ("Mrs Dobbs" and "Mrs Perkins" respectively) and Miss Gladys Mean ("Miss Amelia Copper") of the Cottered Congregational Church; and the second, entitled "Uncle Joseph" by Mr Herbert Cutts ("Mr Samuel Smith"), Miss Emily Benstead ("Mrs Selena Smith"), Mr C.L. Tutty ("Mr Dick Saunders"), Miss Edith Careless ("Miss Kitty Smith"), Mr Harry Feasey ("Mr Joe Tubb" and "Uncle Joseph," a myth), and Miss Kitty Camp ("Jane").

The artistes in both instances are to be congratulated on their excellent performance, while the amusement and merriment that accompanied their various experiences and adventures before the curtain was drawn must have been sufficient reward for all the preparation and care which they had given.

There was an interval between the two sketches for two items in which everyone took part. The members of the Ladies' Committee assisted by willing helpers, waited on the company with trays of tea, coffee and cakes, which many friends had, with their usual generosity, kindly contributed; and a collection was taken on behalf of the funds of the Church.

At the close the Minister thanked all who in any way (by gifts, time or services) had assisted towards the evening's pleasure.

The Doxology brought the evening to a close.

26th Feb 1926 - Boys' Club

Original image on Facebook

Boys' Club

A whist drive and dance, in aid of the funds of the Buntingford Boys' Club, was held at the George Hotel on Tuesday evening in last week.

There were 14 tables in use for whist, and Mr E.E. Dennis carried out the duties of M.C. The prize winners were: Ladies - 1 Mrs W. Jackson (biscuit barrel), 2 Mrs Smith (jam dish), 3 Mrs Hummerstone (jam dish). Gents - 1 Mr Mannox (clock), 2 Mr A. Mayes (tobacco pouch and pipe), 3 Mr A. Coxall (cut-glass bowl).

Following the whist, dancing was indulged in until midnight, Mr E.E. Dennis acting as accompanish and Mr J. Wall as M.C.

12 Feb 1926 - Workmen's Club

Original image on Facebook

Workmen's Club

A whist drive was held at the club room on Wednesday evening, when prizes were won by the following players:

Ladies - 1 Miss M. Cornwell, 2 Mr W. Smith (playing as lady). Consolation - Mrs Stapley.

Gents - 1 Mr E. Ward, 2 Mr H. Clark. Consolation - W. Smith. Lucky prize Mr H. Hatchett. 

Thirteen tables were in use, and Mr H. Clark was M.C.