23rd July 1926 - Board of Guardians

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Buntingford

Board of Guardians

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Tuesday (yesterday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Captain E.T. Morris, Messrs F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, G. Graves, C. Fraser, H.E. Dudley, W.H Kittow, A.J. Hayes, W.J. May and G.C. Wilson, 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 as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 13, children 2. Total 30. Corresponding period last year - 35.

Casuals 65. Corresponding period last year 5.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated:

Fancy cakes and strawberries, Mrs Greg; books, Mrs Tapper.

Tenders

Tenders were received for work on the casual wards at the Institution.

Only two tenders were received, these being as follows: Messrs J. Hamilton & Co., £82 15s. 6d.; Mr C.H. Poulton, £99 5s.

Messrs Hamilton's tender was accepted.

28th May 1926 - Ruri-Decanal Conference

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Ruri-Decanal Conference

The World Call To The Church

A meeting of representatives of the Ruri-Decanal Conference for the Rural Deanery of Buntingford, took place at the Assembly Rooms, the George Hotel, Buntingford, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rev. F.R. Williams (Rural Dean), of Anstey, presided, being supported by the new Secretary (The Rev. W.L. Shepherd). The Clergy present were: The Rev. F.B. Philips, The Rev. A.G. Langdon, Rev. A. McKerr, Rev. L.W. Wright, Rev. A. Howard and Rev. F. Jobson. There were about 30 lay representatives present.

In opening the meeting the Rural Dean referred to the departure of the Rev. Stubbs and said The Rev. Web Bowen had been appointed Vicar of Barkway. The Conference extended a hearty welcome to the new Rector of Braughing, The Rev. F. Jobson.

The Rural Dean then alluded to the death of the Rev. W.J. Tapper, of Cottered, and said he was sure the conference would extend its deep sympathy with Mrs Tapper and her family. The Rev. Tapper had only been at Cottered about eight months, but he had made his mark there, and his excellent work would not be forgotten.

The Secretaries of the various committees then presented their annual reports. The Rev. Stubbs reporting on the Finance Committee, The Rev. A. Howard on the Missionary Committee, and The Rev A.G. Langdon on the Education Committee, after which an address on "The World Call to the Church" was given by the Rev. G.P. Winter, Association Secretary of the C.M.S.

The World Call, he said, is no single call, it comes from every section of the Church Overseas. Many and varied are the needs which lie behind the call, but the voice of the fiels is unanimous that the whole church should see the world situation as it really is.

The speaker dealt fully with the matter, and at the close of the address explained the proposals of the Bishop to hold meetings in almost every parish in the Diocese when special speakers would address the Parochial Electors.

At the close of his address, The Rev. Winter was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the proposition of the Rural Dean.

The Rural Dean's Retirement

The Hon. Baron Dimsdale said he had heard that they were likely to lose the most essential services of their Rural Dean, The Rev. F.R. Williams. if this was correct he hoped that some small testimonial would be raised to mark the gratitude of the representatives on the Conference for the work he has done. (Applause).

Col. Heaton-Ellis associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks, and said he would like to echo every word that had been said. He hoped that a gift would be made to their Rural Dean, not so much for its intrinsic value but as very real proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held.

The Rev. A. Howard also associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks.

The Rural Dean said he was exceedingly grateful for what had been said. In this Diocese one was only supposed to hold the office of Rural Dean for five years, but he had held the office for seven years, and was acting Rural Dean three years before that.

During his term of office, he had been on most friendly terms with everyone, and it was through the kindness of those with whom he had to work that his term of office had been such a pleasant one. (Applause).

The Conference then closed with the Grace, after which tea was served to the representatives present.

23rd April 1926 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

Parade of Shawls

The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday in last week.

A demonstration on basket and cane work was given by Mr R.A. Bunn, of the H.C.C., and was watched very attentively by the members. Mr Bunn afterwards raffled the tray he made and gave the proceeds of the draw to the Teachers' Benevolent Society. The tray was won by Mrs T. Dellow.

On the proposition of the President, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bunn for his very interesting demonstration.

There were 30 entrants for the parade of shawls, and some beautiful specimens were seen. Mrs T. Dellow was awarded first prize, Mrs Mottram second, and Mrs Scarborough Taylor third.

Votes of condolence were accorded Mrs H.J. Fordham, whose husband was killed at the Puckeridge Races, and Mrs Tapper, of Cottered.

The question of the summer outing was discussed, and it was suggested that an historical place such as Hampton Court be visited this year. The matter was left over for discussion.

Tea was served by Mrs H., Mrs W.J. and Mrs J May, of Wyddiall.

23rd April 1926 - Funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper

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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.

19th Feb 1926 - Nursing Fund Whist Drive

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Nursing Fund Whist Drive and Dance

The annual whist drive, in aid of the Cottered Nursing Fund, was held in the hall, by kind permission of Mr Herbert Goode, on Tuesday evening.

The arrangements were well made by a band of workers, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present. The beautiful decorations were admired by all, and at the close, thanks were accorded Mr Goode for placing the hall at the disposal of the committee.

As usual, there was quite a large number present, and twenty-three table [sic] were in use for whist. Several non-whist players came later for the dancing which was indulged in until the early hours of the morning, the excellent dance programme being enjoyed to the full.

Mrs T.J. Stick, who for some time has carried out the duties of Hon. Treasurer, presented the prizes to the most successful players. She said she was pleased that so many were in sympathy with the Association, and she hoped that now Mrs Tapper had come to take over the duties of Treasurer, the Association would go on even more successfully (Applause).

Mrs W.J. Tapper said she was sure they were all grateful to Mrs Stick for what she had done for the Association. They were all sorry that Mrs Stick was unable to carry on as Treasurer, but they knew that the Association would receive her whole support (Applause).

For whist, Mr A. Beadle efficiently acted as M.C., and the prize-winners were:

Ladies - 1, Mrs Hull (clock); 2, Mrs A. Beadle (hot-water jug). Consolation - Miss Bastard.

Gents - 1, Mr J. Cannon (shaving set); 2, Mr C. Hills (ash tray and cigarettes). Consolation - Mr D. Pinnock.

Mr William Tapper acted as M.C. for the dancing, and the music was provided by Mr R. Brabrook (piano) and Mr G. Hunter (violin).

A special word of praise is due to the ladies of the Committee, who had charge of the refreshments, which gave satisfaction to all. Mention must also be made of the helpers who rendered their services as doorkeeps &c.

The sum of £9 0s. 9d. was realised.

5th Feb 1926 - Nursing Fund Whist Drive

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Nursing Fund Whist Drive

A SUCCESSFUL EVENING

Miss Lushington and her many helpers are to be heartily congratulated upon the complete success of their annual whist drive and dance held on Wednesday evening last at Benson Hall, Buntingford.

There was a large gathering, especially for the dancing, Mr E.E. Dennis acted as MC for Whist.

The evening commenced with a whist drive, prizes for which were given by local residents. Twenty-six tables were occupied, and the prizes were presented by Miss Lushington to the following:

Ladies - 1 Mrs D. Capps (umbrella), 2 Mrs Tapper (footwarmer), 3 Miss Cornwell (handkerchiefs).

Gents - 1 Mr Whitby (brush and comb), 2 Mr Gray (case of spoons), 3 Mr Baker (pictures).

Lucky tickets - Mr G. Lindsell (sugar basin) and Mr W. Watson (attache case).

Miss Lushington, in presenting the prizes, thanked the company for their help. The Nursing Association was a most efficient one, and it was pleasing to see such response to the call for help. She would also like to thank those who had assisted to make the annual event so successful (applause).

The Buntingford Town Silver Band was in attendance, and dancing was indulged in until midnight, the excellent dance programme being enjoyed to the full. Mr Leslie Smith acted as M.C. At intervals the Band was relieved by Mr E.E. Dennis (piano) and his dance music was much enjoyed.

At the close, Mr E.E. Dennis proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the band for their services.