20th August 1926 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Wednesday afternoon in last week, the Buntingford Congregational Church Sunday School held their annual outing.

The scholars, accompanied by the teachers and friends, journeyed over to Coles' Park, a field and barn having been placed at their disposal through the kindness of Mrs Greg.

The rain had cleared, and a very enjoyable time was spent.

Tea was served by the teachers in the barn, and during the afternoon and evening the scholars took part enthusiastically in various games, treasure hunt, &c., arranged by Mr Herbert Cutts, assisted by the other teachers, for which prizes were given.

The transport arrangements were undertaken by Mr E.J. Sparkes, of Buntingford.

24th December 1926 - Shopping in Buntingford

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Shopping in Buntingford

Xmas Presents and Fare

As usual, the sending of Christmas presents and greetings has disorganised the postal service, and throughout this week the Buntingford postmen have been laden with letters and parcels.

As for the shops, many seem to be doing the best trade of the whole year.

Messrs. Moss's have a wonderful show of seasonable fare from Empire fruits to prie hams and bacon. They also have many bargains in their china department, which always make useful Christmas presents, in addition to a large and varied assortment of crackers.

For those who have not ordered their Christmas Dinner, Mr H.W. Piggott, with his well-stocked shop, is able to supply some excellent quality turkeys, ducks and fowls, besides some dairy-fed pork, and some excellent beef and mutton, all at low prices.

Mr C.H. Tottman, of High Street, has all the fruits, &c, which are associated with the great Christmas Festival. His stock also includes holly and mistletoe and artistic boxes of chocolates, the latter being most suitable for Xmas gifts.

Mr F. White has many suggestions for Xmas gifts to wireless enthusiasts, and his stock extends from a complete installation for under £1 to a beautiful 3-valve cabinet, which is worthy of a place in any home.

"Give him cigarettes or tobacco" is a new slogan this Christmas, and from the variety which Mr H. Fry has in stock it is easy to obtain an acceptable gift at a low price.

What a useful present coal would make for Xmas, in order to "keep the home fires burning." Go to Mr E.J. Sparkes should you think of giving fuel.

Mr E.B. Haddock has a wide assortment of pretty and useful gifts to suit all tasts and pockets.

Mr E. Browne has a stock of articles suitable for presents; all at bargain prices.

Dark evenings at Christmas time, Mr Borsberry - lamps of all kinds.

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.

11th February 1927 - Death of Mrs E.J. Sparkes

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Death of Mrs E.J. Sparkes

We regret to record the death of Mrs Gertrude Sparks, wife of Mr E.J. Sparkes, a well-known tradesman of the town.

The deceased, who had only been ill for a short while, passed away on Wednesday morning last, despite every care and attention.

Mrs Sparkes, who was 44 years of age, was for some years head teacher at Barkway Council Schools, where she was much esteemed by her pupils.

Much symapthy is extended to the husband and other members of the family.

8th April 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week.

Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (Chairman), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Captain H.H. Williams, Meesrs. H.C. Marshall, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, H.E. Dudley, W.J. May, G.C. Wilson, A.J. Hayes, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Master's Report

The Master reported that the number of inmates was 36, compared with 33 for corresponding period last year. During the month one inmate had died, 5 had been admitted and 8 discharged. The number of casuals admitted during the month was 188 against 55 for the same period last year.

The Hertford Visiting Committee visited the Institution on 16th March.

Gifts of books had been received from Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, and Mrs Ashford, and cake from Miss Lushington. During the year the amount received from the disposal of firewood was £26 4s.

The Clerk reported that the average weekly cost of inamtes for the past year was 11/-, against 10/1 and three quarters last year. The Chairman reviewed the prices of fuel, clothing, &c., and said that the figure given by the Clerk compared very favourably with other unions.

Mr G.C. Wilson said the question of the Chairmanship would come before the next meeting. About four years ago it was decided to elect a new Chairman each year, and he (Mr Wilson) wondered whether the time had come when they should review the position and considered whether it would not be wise to re-elect the Chairman for at least four years.

Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman) spoke in support of Mr Wilson, "There was," he said, "a great deal to be said for the re-appointment of a Chairman, especially when they had such an efficient Chairman of both the Council and the Guardians."

Mr H.C. Marshall, who was Chairman of the Council for a period of seven years running, said he thought seven years was too long to be Chairman, after three years someone else should have the honour and the responsibility.

Captain H.H. Williams, the Chairman of the Council, said he had got through his year of office well, and he thought it would be better to fade away at the end of his term. There was, however, something to be said in favour of a longer period, as when one got into the workings it was time to re-elect a fresh Chairman.

Tenders

The following tenders were accepted:

Bread and flour - C.S. Coates.

Meat - H.W. Piggott.

Coal and coke - E.J. Sparkes.

Milk - C.H. Poulton.

Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Haircutting - C. Miles.

Coffins - G. Saggers.

Relief

Several cases were dealt with by the Board and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

20th May 1927 - Lost

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Lost

Lost, Speedometer of Mileage Recorder, in the Buntingford district; now registers 6962 miles.

Reward given, if returned to E.J. Sparkes, Buntingford.

30th July 1926 - St Francis' School Outing

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St Francis' School Outing

Arranged as usual with great completeness by the Sisters, the boys at St Francis' School had their annual outing on Wednesday in last week.

About 40 boys and the Catholic children of the town had an enjoyable drive round in two charabancs to Royston. Luncheon on Royston Heath proved a great enjoyment, as also did a capital meat tea served in the afternoon.

One of the events of the outing was a cricket match between the school's two teams, captained respectively by a boy from Halifax and one from Cardiff, by which names the teams are known. Mr E.J. Sparkes rendered very welcome aid on the Heath and added to general enjoyment.

The party arrived home soon after 9 p.m. highly delighted with their pleasant outing, and full of gratitude to the Sisters.

4th June 1926 - The Whit-Monday Fete

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The Whit-Monday Fete

The result of the Coal Weight Guessing Competition (in charge of Mrs Roberson) was as follows:

1, Mr E.J. Smith, fancy stool; 2, Miss Vardon, leather book carrier and book; 3, Mrs Aylott, coal; 4, Mrs Taylor (Westmill), leather hand-bag; 5, Miss Woodley, half-dozen E.P. spoons.

The coal was given by Mr E.J. Sparkes, and the actual weight was 136 and a half lbs.

With reference to the Bowls Competition (stated in this Paper to have been in harge of Mr F.W. Butler), we have now learned that the competition was in charge of Mr J. Lawrence, who also kindly gave a prize to the winner.