18th February 1927 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

On the 9th inst., the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel.

The president, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided, and considering the prevalence of influenza, there was a good company present.

The feature of the meeting was an address on Women Police by a lady from London. Her address was listened to very attentively, and at the close she was accorded a very enthusiastic vote of thanks on the proposition of the Chairman.

A competition for ginger biscuits was won by Mrs Squires.

Tea, served by Mrs Squires and Mrs Dellow, brought the afternoon's proceedings to a close.

11th June 1926 - Women's Institute Result of Whit-Monday Fete

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Women's Institute

Result of Whit-Monday Fete

We have received a copy of the balance sheet of the Fete held at Layston Court on Whit-Monday.

The accounts show a satisfactory balance of £89 2s. 4d., which, it is understood, has been devoted to the hut fund.

The balance sheet is as follows:

Receipts

Donation, Mrs Kingsley (Cottered) - 10s. 0d.

Donation, Town Band - £1 8s. 6d.

Donation, Mr Daniels - 10s. 6d.

Stalls:

Mrs Marshall and helpers - £10 2s. 6d.

Mrs Williams and helpers - £15 0s. 0d.

Mrs Coleman and helpers - £10 2s. 6d.

Mrs Roberson and helpers - £6 2s. 0d.

Mrs May and helpers - £2 5s. 7d.

Mrs Squires and helpers - £3 15s. 0d.

Mrs S. Smith and helpers - £1 6s. 9d.

Mrs White and helpers - £1 4s. 10d.

Profit on teas - per Mrs Fell - £6 5s. 8d.

Ices - per Mr Tottman - £1 6s. 0d.

Tennis - per Miss Porter - £4 0s. 0d.

Hoop-la - Mr Marshall - £3 8s. 0d.

Arrow - Mr Totman - £3 3s. 2d.

Fortune - Mr Mildren - £2 10s. 4d.

Treasure hunt - Miss Woods - £1 11s. 6d.

Balloons - Mr B. Thody - £2 9s. 6d.

Nails - Mr G.H. Maughan - 5s. 0d.

Bowls - Mr J. Lawrence - £1 11s. 6d.

Bran tub - Miss Aylott - 4s. 6d.

Gate money - £15 16s. 8d.

Doll - Miss S. Armstrong - £1 0s. 9d.

"Gipsy" - Mrs Robinson - £5 0s. 0d.

Concert - Folk dancing and dancing - £2 11s. 6d.

Per Joan Roberson - 6s. 2d.

See-Saw - 3s. 4d.

Clock golf, per Mr W.J. May - £1 12s. 6d.

Sundries - 3s. 7d.

Total - £105 17s. 10d.

Expenditure

Printing and advertising - £4 5s. 6d.

Band - £10 0s. 0d.

Cartgage, gas for balloons and sundries - £2 10s. 0d.

Net profit - £89 2s. 4d.

Total - £105 17s. 10d.

The Balloon Race

Of the 60 balloons entered for the balloon race, ten labels were returned through the post; the list of these is given below.

The winner is Mr H.A. Thody, Buntingford, whose balloon was picked up at Nortleulingem, France, on 27th May.

Balloon - Where found

Mr H.A. Thody- Nortleulingem, Pas-de-Calais, France.

Mrs F. Pigg - Wenden, Essex.

Mr Fowler - Peldon, Colchester.

Mr J. Waldock - Raidontree, Essex.

Mr G.S. Taylor - Braintree, Essex.

Peter Taylor - Weatherfield.

R.H. Powell - Wenden, Essex.

Miss F. Brown - Thaxted.

Mr F. Fraser - Feering, Kelvedon.

Miss Shefford - Ashen, Suffolk.

28th May 1926 - Garden Fete at Layston Court

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Garden Fete at Layston Court

In Aid Of The Women's Institute

The long-talked of Garden Fete was held on Whit-Monday, May 24th, in the grounds of Layston Court (kindly lent by Miss Woods), and was a huge success in every way. The members of the Fete Committee, supplemented by many willing helpers, spared no pains to make the affair successful. Preparations had been going on for several months, with a result that there were several well-stocked stalls.

The weather was on its best behaviour until 9 p.m., when rain fell just as dancing commenced. Financially, the fete was a great success, but the sum actually realised is not yet available.

The fete was opened at 2.30 p.m. by Lady Hunsdon. The ceremony took place under a large tree in the grounds, where were assembled about 150 people, including the President of the Institute (Mrs H.C. Marshall), Mrs H.H. Williams and Miss Woods.

Mrs H.C. Marshall, after introducing Lady Hunsdon, said that as it was Empire Day she thought it would be appropriate if the company sang "Rule Brittania." Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang the verse, and all present joined in the chorus.

Lady Hunsdon expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present and enjoy the hospitality of her friend (Miss Woods) in such charming surroundings. Buntingford always did things well and that afternoon they had turned on most wonderful weather for the fete. She would like to refer too the late Mrs  Woods, with whom she had discussed the question of a Women's Institute in Buntingford.

Lady Hunsdon then formally declared the fete open.

Mrs H.H. Williams returned thanks to Lady Hunsdon for opening the fete.

Miss Sheila Armstrong handed Lady Hunsdon a beautiful bouquet and the Band struck up God Save the King.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with gifts. The stalls comprised the following: general, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Armstrong and Miss Ward; Aspenden, Mrs Williams and Mrs Croslegh; fancy, Mr and Mrs Roberson; pound, Mrs Squires and Miss Sambels; sweets, Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Aylott; needlework, Mrs Feasey and Mrs Coleman; produce, Mrs H. May; Miss Olive Poulton, dressed as an Irish girl, sold Coleen soaps; and Miss Joan Roberson had charge of the doll competition; Miss Thwaites being in charge of the cake guessing.

A delightful feature of the Fete was the parade of children in fancy dress. The first prize was awarded to Soe White, the second prize going to Joan Roberson. All the children were delightfully dressed.

The side-shows comprised: hoop-la, Mr H.C. Marshall, Miss Marshall, Mr F. Fraser and Mrs Scarborough Taylor; bowls competition, Mr F.W. Butler (winner Mr W. May); clock golf, Mr W.J. May (winner Miss Marshall); lucky arrow, Mr E.J. Totman; and fortune-telling, Mr E. Mildren, jun. Miss Woods was in charge of the hidden treasure, the four half-crowns behind won by Miss Scrivener, Mr Chapman, Mr Lees, and Miss Boniwell.

Mrs Robinson, the Gypsy Fortune Teller, spent a busy afternoon and handed over her takings (£5) to the Treasurer.

Mrs White's drawings were much admired by visitors and members alike.

The tea enclosure did a capital business under the capable management of Mrs Fell, assisted by Mrs Clarke, Mrs Houlden, Mrs Darton, Mrs Pateman, Mrs Dellow, Mrs Warren, Mrs C. Clarke, Mrs Geaves, Mrs A. Smith, Mrs Rand, Miss Fell, and Miss Crane.

For the tennis tournament, arranged by Miss Porter, there were 30 entries, and in addition to the court at Layston Court, Mrs Ashford kindly placed her court at the disposal of the Committee.

A concert was given on the lawn during the afternoon where an excellent programme was well recieved by an enthusiastic audience. The programme was as follows: Scene from "As you like it," the W.I. Dramatic Section; two dances by Miss Olive Poulton; song "Devonshire Cream and Cider," Mr J.T. White; two-part songs by W.I. Choir, "The Seekers" and "Pam's Holiday." Mrs Armstrong acted as accompanist.

Later in the evening, country folk dancing took place on the lawn, when there was again an appreciative audience.

The Buntingford Town Silver Band were in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon and evening, also for dancing later in the evening.

There were so many helpers that we have probably omitted to mention some names. We are asked, however, to state that the committee are very grateful to all who assisted in any way to make the event such a success.

19th Nov 1926 - Armistice Day in Buntingford

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Armistice Day in Buntingford

Excellent Arrangements

Armistice Day was commemorated in a very solemn manner, the local branch of the British Legion, which made all the arrangements, following in a large measure the order of procedure to that so admirably carried out last year.

"Revellie" was sounded at 6 a.m. by Mr J. Gibbs.

Shortly before 11 a.m. a procession was formed opposite the Ex-Service Men's Club. It comprised Ex-Service Men, Boy Scouts (under the command of Ex-Scoutmaster C. Miles), and Special Constables. The procession marched to the Town War Memorial, where the townspeople and a number of Rural District Councillors were assembled.

The introductory portion of the service was read by the Rev. A. Howard, M.A. A stirring address was given by the Rev. W.L. Shepherd, of Great Hormead, after which the two minutes' silence was observed. Then came the singing of the beautiful hymn "The Supremem Sacrifice," after which Capt. H.H. Williams, the President of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, read out the names of the heroic dead whose names are inscribed on the War Memorial.

The Rev. John Cole read a portion of the scripture, and prayers were offered by Captain Green of the Salvation Army. The Blessing was pronounced by the Rev. L.W. Wright.

Following the singing of the National Anthem each of the bodies represented placed a wreath at the base of the Memorial. Mr E.J. Smith sounded "The Last Post" and the parade reformed and marched to Church Street and dismissed.

YARDS OF PENNIES

The usual collection of pennies in the High Street was conducted by Mr F.W. Butler and Miss Ward, who were assisted by Miss Porter, Miss Lushington, Miss Fell, Miss Mary Feasey and Miss Mary Crane.

JUMBLE SALE

During the afternoon a jumble sale was held at the George Hotel. Mr Crane kindly collected the goods, which were being sold by Mrs Fell, Mrs B.E. Thody, Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs Coleman, Mrs Squires and Mrs Camp. The Ex-Service men are grateful to these ladies, and to all others who assisted with the day's arrangements.

THE CONCERT

The annual concert was held in the Benson Hall during the evening, when a first-class programme was given by "The Gossips," as well-known London Concert Party.

There was a crowded audience, some 200 persons having to be turned away. The platform was decorated with pot plants, kindly lent by Mr E.G. Thody. The programme fittingly opened with the singing of Kipling's Recessional by the Buntingford and District Musical Society, conducted by Mr E.E. Dennis. Altogether the concert was an outstanding success.

Valuable assistance in connection with the concert and the arrangements for the service at the War Memorial was rendered by Captain H.H. Williams, Mr H. Clarke (Secretary of the British Legion Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

SALE OF POPPIES

The arrangements for the sale of poppies were again undertaken by Mrs H.C. Marshall, who was assisted in the sale by Miss M. Fell, Mrs J. Aylott, Miss P. Mayes, Miss Scrivener, Miss Wilkerson, Miss E. Smith, Miss M. Crane, Miss Armstrong, Mrs L. Smith, Miss Cutts, Miss Lushington, and Masters John and George Taylor.

The villages also assisted, the representatives being: Anstey, Miss Buckwell; Wyddiall, Lady Heaton-Ellis; Aspenden, Miss G. Phillips; Buckland, Miss P. Morris; Westmill, Mrs Coutts-Deacon; Cottered, Miss Wilderspin; part Furneaux Pelham, Mrs Holmes; Meesden, Mrs Kerr; Great and Little Hormead, Mrs Dimsdale; Rushden, Mr E.J. Marchal; Ardeley, Mr J.H. Thorpe.

26th Oct 1928 - Buntingford Congregational Church

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Buntingford Congregational Church

Silver Tree & Entertainment

On Tuesday evening, October 16th, a large company assembled in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom for a social evening, the chief features of which were a "Silver Tree" and an entertainment by members of the Buntingford Women's Institute.

In his opening remarks the Minister said that whilst the idea of a Silver Tree was by no means new in itself, having been carried out with marked success in neighbouring Churches, it was certainly an innovation where the question of raising funds for the Buntingford Congregational Church was concerned.

He explained the idea, which briefly was as follows: Fancy paper bags having been made, they are distributed to the friends, who, by contributions of silver, &c. (notes not being unwelcome) from themselves, their own friends and relatives, do their best to fill them. These are returned on the day when the "tree" is to be held, each containing a quotation, either from the Bible, or from a hymn, prose or poetry (sometimes the sender's favourite text or motto), and hung on a tree or trees. The bags are opened, the verses, &c., read out together with the individual amounts, the whole constituting a very interesting item in an evening's social programme or a pleasing part of an afternoon's outdoor event.

The Minister remarked also that they had now installed the electric light in the Church, vestry and schoolroom, at a cost of some £30 to £36. A certain number of subscriptions had in the summer been forthcoming in connection with that part of the Special Appeal Fund, and he was hoping that the proceeds of this social evening, which was in aid of this fund, would result in the balance of the money being obtained. The bags had been taken not only by the friends at the Congregational Church, but also by others in the town and country who were interested in its work; and for this wider response to the appeals also he expressed his warm thanks.

The bags were then opened by Mr H. Cutts and Mr R.F. Dellow, and the reading of the amounts of the contributions and the quotations, &c., by the Minister was proceeded with. Though this item took some time, it was nevertheless followed with much interest by all who were present, many Biblical texts referring to the "light." The tree was kindly loaned by Mrs Squires.

During a short interval refreshments were served, Mrs Camp and Mrs Blaxill being in charge of this stall, they and their helpers being kept quite busy satisfying their customers' hunger and thirst.

The Minister then welcomed Mrs Ralph Scott and Mrs B.E. Thody, who, together with a number of fellow members of the Women's Institute, had in response to his request, very willingly come along to help in the evening's entertainment. Their contribution to the programme was the acting of a charade, the word taken being "Institute" in its three syllables. This was provocative of much amusement, was exceedingly well done, and included, on a minor scale, an admirable representation of Madame Tussaud's Exhibition. A number of miscellaneous items of entertainment by the same ladies followed, their entire programme being very much appreciated.

During the evening there was also a Jumble and Work Stall, Mrs Benstead and Mrs Cornwell being in charge, and they and their assistants did very good business. Mr Anderson did duty at the door, exacting toll of all comers.

The Minister, at the close, expressed his thanks to the members of the Women's Institute; to all who had sent along gifts towards the refreshments; and to one and all who had in any way, by time, service, &c., before and during the evening, helped to make it so successful.

The results of such an occasion are always two-fold - a social: it was "a very enjoyable evening"; and a financial: this too was very satisfactory, for the tree proved to be of a very productive nature, and has continued to yield "fruit" to the value now of £16 4s. The total proceeds from the evening's effort to date amount to £20 19s. 8d., and it is expected that by the end of the present week they will amount to £22 10s (approximately). It is gratifying to note that the electric light account has been settled, and is now a thing of the past.

The singing of the Doxology brought to a close a very pleasant and very delightful evening.

19th Feb 1926 - Women's Institute Monthly Meeting

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the George Hotel on Wednesday of last week. The President (Mrs H.C. Marshall) presided, and there was a good attendance of members.

Miss Ouless gave an interesting address on Village Dramatic Societies. The lecturer referred to Shakespearian plays, and dealth especially with Shakespeare's "As you like it."

Tea was served by Mrs Dellow and Mrs Squires, and the hostesses were able to hand over the sum of 10/7 to the funds.

The first competition of the year drew over 20 entries. The prize for the best cake, made from a given recipe, was divided between Mrs E.G. Thody and Mrs J. Crane. The next best cakes were those made by Mrs Houlden, Mrs Warner, Mrs Darton.