7th May 1926 - Tennis Club Annual General Meeting

 Original image on Facebook

Tennis Club

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the members of the Buntingford Tennis Club was held on Wednesday evening. The Rev. John Cole presided, and there was a good attendance of members.

The Hon. Sec. (Mr B.E. Thody) presented his annual report, which was adopted.

The Hon. Treasurer (Mrs B.E. Thody) presented the financial statement, which showed an adverse balance of £1 15s. 5d. The expenses last year were £22 8s. 11d., and included: new nets and posts £7 18s., groundsman £4 5s. 9d., deck chairs £2 0s. 6d., rent £3, and balls £1 12s.

The receipts, which totalled £20 13s. 6d., were made up as follows: Balance from 1924 seasons £8 1s. 3d., members' subscriptions £10 10s., whist drives on courts and Foresters Hall £1 4s., vistors' fees &c, 18s. 3d.

The Chairman said he thought the accounts were very satisfactory, considering what had been spent on improvements last year.

The accounts were then adopted on the proposition of Mr L. Smith, seconded by Mrs S. Smith.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Chairman moved the re-election of the President (Mr H.C. Marshall).

Mr L. Smith seconded, and the motion was carried with acclamation.

Mr B.E. Thody was re-elected Hon. Sec. with Mrs Thody as Hon. Treasurer.

The Committee elected were - Mrs S. Smith, Mrs H. Handy, Miss Aylott, the Rev. John Cole, Messrs. S. Smith, H. Handy, H. Cutts and W. Smith. 

A Sub-Committee, consisting of Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Bush, were elected to serve as a tea committee.

On the propostion of the Chairman, Mr S. Howlett was re-elected Captain, with Mr H. Clarke as Vice-Captain.

Votes of thanks were accorded the officers for their past services, and the ladies who managed the teas so successfully.

19th Nov 1926 - Disastrous Fire at Little Court

Original image on Facebook

Disastrous Fire at Little Court

A disastrous fire broke out at Little Court, Buntingford, the residence of Captain J.A. Denny, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning. The buildings involved were a few yards from the house and comprised stables, garage, engine room and store.

Shortly after 3 a.m. Major Keeble, who is staying at the house, heard a crash and looking out of his window saw that the garage was in flames. He gave the alarm, but by the time any helpers were on the scene the flames were spreading with alarming speed.

A call was sent to the Ware Fire Brigade, but by the time they arrived the roof had collapsed. Mr G.E. Thody and other members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade were also informed and using every length of hose available - 200 yards - soon had a jet of water playing on the wood shed which was saved.

The damage is extensive. Two motor cars - a 10 h.p. Humber and a 14 h.p. Armstrong Siddley - besides a motor lawn mower and a practically new Petter Electric Lighting Set, being totally destroyed. The lofts were stacked with garden produce and utensils, all of which were destroyed. Two ferrets in a locker were burned to death.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

19th Nov 1926 - Correspondence part 3

Original image on Facebook

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Buntingford Fire Brigade

Sir,

May I crave the courtesy of your columns to once again call the attention of the inhabitants of Buntingford to the present day inadequate appliances of the Fire Brigade.

As far back as 1917 a report was submitted to the inhabitants, upon behalf of the Brigade, suggesting the acquisition of a new Motor Fire Engine and a considerable quantity of hose to enable the Brigade to cope with any possible outbreak within the Buntingford district, but unfortunately nothing since has been heard of the matter.

Our present Manual Engine was purchased second-hand in the year 1896, and is still in fairly good condition, but there is now-a-days no horses available for its transport to fires, whilst thirty men are needed for working the pumps.

Fortunately, the inhabitants of Buntingford have the advantage of a fairly good water pressure from the water mains, but the Brigade is handicapped by reason that they have insufficient hose to reach many of the properties.

At the outbreak in the early hours of Thursday last, only 360 feet of hose was available, whereas 560 feet was necessary to reach from the nearest standpipe to the seat of the fire. Surely sir, this state of affairs ought to be remedied without delay, as it is obvious that without sufficient hose the Brigade are powerless to attack the fire.

In conclusion we may state that although the Brigade was formed and the Appliances purchased as far back as 1896, not one halfpenny expenses has ever fallen upon the inhabitants during is 30 years' existence, but the expenses entailed in the upkeep of the Engine and Appliances has always been undertaken by Yours faithfully,

Ernest George Thody (Captain) and the Members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Buntingford, 19th Nov., 1926.

19th Nov 1926 - National Institute for the Blind

Original image on Facebook

National Institute for the Blind

Successful Whist Drive

The whist drive and dance, in aid of the National Institute for the Blind, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday evening last, passed off most successfully.

There was an excellent company present - 88 sitting down to whist, which commenced at 7.30.

The successful players were:

Ladies - 1, Mrs Rand, 177 (butter dish); 2, Miss Aylott, 176 (case of knives); 3, Mr J. Parrish (playing as lady), 174 (scent spray).

Gents - 1, Mr F. Ward, 180 (case of brushes); 2, Mr S. Howlett, 175 (knife); 3, Mr C. Tottman, 172 (purse).

A lucky ticket prize - an attache case - was kindly given by Miss Lushington, and was won by Mr Rand, of Newtown.

A dance followed, the Standon Orchestra providing an excellent programme of up-to-date dance music, Mr L. Smith officiating as M.C.

Mr B.E. Thody, who annually organises the event officiated as M.C. for whist, and at the close thanked the company for their support.

A hearty vote of thanks was also accorded Miss Lushington for presenting a prize, and the Standon Orchestra for the music.

The total proceeds were £6 0s. 6d.