18th January 1924 - The Remembrance Day Fund

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The Remembrance Day Fund

The President, Mr H.C. Marshall, presided at a meeting of the committee of this fund on Wednesday last. Others present were Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. G.H. Maughan, F.W. Butler, E.J. Totman, J. Warner, A.E. Mayes and the Secretary, Mr E.J. Crane.

The Secretary reported that since Dec. 1st, 1923, 180 grants had been made to Ex-Service Men, widows and dependants.

The amount dispersed was £20 0s. 2d., which was made up as follows: Groceries £14 18s. 6d., milk and eggs 16s. 6d., meat £2 16s. 6d., bread 18s. 8d. and coal 10s.

21st January 1927 - Layston Church Sunday School

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Layston Church Sunday School

The annual prizegiving took place in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday evening, and was much enjoyed by children, parents, teachers and friends. After the singing of well-known choruses, Miss M. Macklin kindly acting as accompanist.

Rev. A. Howard spoke with appreciation of the work of the teachers, and alluded to the loss the Sunday School had sustained in the departure of Miss E. Howard, who with the help of several young teachers, had done much to improve the infant Sunday School.

He expressed sympathy with Miss Woodley in the loss of her father, and urged the parents present to encourage the children in regular attendance.

The prizegiving followed, after which Mr B. Thody most kindly gave a lantern lecture combining amusement, interest and instructions, which was greatly appreciated by all, the local touches raising peals of laughter.

The following is the list of prizewinners:

Boys I - Eric Nichols, W. Warner, A. Howard.

Boys II - L. Fiddaman, Charlie Scrivener, Horace Darton, Jack Crouch.

Girls I - Ethel Winters, A. Coxall.

Girls II - Vera Dowding, D. Warner.

Very regular - W. Winters, Vera Nichols.

Boys III - Christopher Hurry, Cyril Kimpton, Percy Scrivener.

Infants I - Very regular. R. Winters, Maud Hurry, Gladys Butler, C. Woods, T. Fiddaman.

Infants II - Very regular. K. Warner, S. Hurry, Doris Butler, F. Darton.

Infants III - G. Kimpton, Ben Crouch.

Class IV - Albert Butler, Joan Woods.

7th January 1927 - Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

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Funeral of the Late Mr Harry Woodley

The funeral of the late Mr Harry Woodley, licensee of "The White Hart," Buntingford, whose death was reported last week, took place on Thursday, December 30th.

The remains, encassed in a plain elm coffin, were conveyed to the Church by a Washington car.

The coffin was inscribed:

Harry Woodley, Died December 24th, 1926, Aged 65 years.

The first part of the service was conducted by the Rev. A. Howard, while the lesson was read by the Rev. John Cole.

The immediate mourners were: Mrs Woodley (wife), Miss Woodley (daughter), Mrs Fox and Mrs Chapman (sisters), Messrs. F.R. and L. Woodley (brothers), Mrs F. Woodley and Mrs L. Woodley (sisters-in-law), Mr Seller, Mr F. Seller, Mr and Mrs J. Seller (nephews and niece), Mr H. Gray, Mr F. Stoten, and the Rev. John Cole.

It will be re-called that the deceased served in the Metropolian Police Force for 25 years, and a  touching reminder of this was shown by the presence at the Church and graveside of Srgt. Dean, of the Buntingford Police Station.

Amongst other townspeople present, we observed Mrs E. Law, Mrs Warner, Mrs Thody, Mrs Borsberry, Mrs Winters, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Lawrence, Mrs Crouch, Mrs Watson, Mrs Plumb, Mrs Franklin, Mr S. Saggers and others.

There were several beautiful floral tokens, which were sent by the following:

From his sorrowing wife and daughter; George and Jane; Frank and Fanny and Family; Leonard and Clara; Jack and Kate; Jack and Rose, Billy and Mill; Brother Bob, Walter and Mabel; Flo, Walt, and Jack; Fred and Birdie; Mr and Mrs Stoten and Fred; Mr and Mrs Mottram and Sid; Rev. J. Cole; Mr and Mrs H. Gray; Mr and Mrs W. Gray; Mrs Robinson; Mr and Mrs Franklin; Mr and Mrs Haddock; and Miss E. Cato.

4th February 1927 - Cottered Parochial Meeting

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Cottered

Parochial Meeting

The annual Church Parochial Meeting was held in the School on Tuesday evening in last week.

The Rector (the Rev. E.E. Empringham) presided, and there were about fifty persons present.

The annual report was read by the hon. secretary (Mrs Beadle), and a satiasfactory financial statement was given by the hon. treasurer (Mr T.J. Stick).

Mrs Beadle was elected to represent the parish on the Diocesan Conference; Messrs. Beadle, Pitcher and Sanders, and Miss Wilderspin were elected members of the Ruri-Decanal Conference; and Messrs. Dudley and Warner, Mrs Sanders, and Miss Beamiss members of the Parochial Church Council.

10th June 1927 - 2nd Annual Sports Day

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Buntingford and District School Sports Association

2nd Annual Sports Day

The 2nd Annual Sports Day in connection with the above Association took place at the Buntingford Town Football Ground (by kind permission of the Football Club) on Wednesday, June 1st.

Teams came from the following schools - Anstey, Ardeley, Barkway, Braughing, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Cottered, Great Hormead, Meesden, Great Munden, Puckeridge C. of E., Furneaux Pelham, Reed, Sandon, Standon, Walkern and Westmill.

The competitors numbered 250.

Teachers and children showed great enthusiasm, and some really good material was discovered.

At the conclusion of the sports, Miss G. Cotton-Browne, of Walkern, kindly presented the three shields and prizes.

Mr E.E. Dennis (hon. sec. and treasurer) thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the very great interest she takes in the work of the association and also for so kindly coming to present the trophies. He called for hearty cheers, which were enthusiastically given.

Miss Cotton-Browne, replying, said she was only too pleased to be able to come. She was sure the Sports Assocation was doing sound work. She was proud of the boys from Walkern, who had once again won the boys' shield. She also wished to thank Mr Dennis for the amount of work he had put in to make the association and sports day a success.

This was enthusiastically received.

Mr Dennis, replying, thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the kind things said, and stated that the results obtained fully compensated him for the work put in. He wished to thank once again the teachers and children for their hearty co-operation, also those who had again sent subscriptions.

He was sorry that Sir Charles (the President) and Lady Heaton-Ellis were unable to be present. They wished the association every success. He felt sure this year that Buntingford and district would be able to provide a good team to compete at the County Sports, to be held at Letchworth on June 15th. 

He congratulated Walkern, Braughing and Great Hormead on winning the shields, and thanked the Band for once again helping.

The children and assembly then sang the National Anthem.

The hon. sec. and treasurer thanks the following for their ready help:

Materials - Buntingford Football Club (ground), Congregational S.S., Letchworth Boys' Club, British Legion Club, Brent and Furneaux Pelham Scouts, Walkern C.C. School, Capt. J. Denny, Father Morgan, Messrs G. Handy, J. Holmes, E.G. Thody, F. Rand, H. May, P. Hamilton, W.H. Smith, - Burrows, J. Ireland, G. Aylott and G. Maughan.

Helpers and Officials - Revs. A.G. Langdon, W.L. Shepherd, F. Holmes, Major M.E. Barclay, Miss L.M. Baker, Messrs J. Russell, H. Richardson, A. Lake, H. Mannox, J. Bishop, H. Cutts, S. Daniels, A. Clark, H. Clark, F. Fraser, R. Graves, B.E. Thody, E.H. Roberson, E.J. Totman, A.E. Mayes, H.E. Stickland, W.E. Cooper, A.G. Jenkins, F. Harvey, J. Thorp, J. Sherlock, E.C. Clarke, W.G. Bonness, B. Nichols, C. Miles, F.W. Butler, S and L. Dowler.

Ladies' Committee - Mesdames A.E.P. Baker, W.R. Corp, A.E. Pateman, E.H. Roberson, H. Feasey, H. Clarke, A.E. Mayes, Ambrose, Coxall, Warren, Geaves, Starr, Butler, Misses L.M. Davies, Anthony, B. Langham, K. Smith, D. Howard, and W. Walsingham.

Results

Championship Events

Boys

100 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 L. Burr (Standon), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

220 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 J. Clarke (Walkern), 3 G. Hamilton (Braughing), 4 E. Dear (Ardeley).

440 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Warner (Buntingford), 3 J. Clarke (Braughing), 4 R. Scripps (Hormead).

880 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Field (Walkern), 3 R. Baldock (Walkern), 4 A. Camp (Ardeley).

Hurdles - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 S. Savage (Walkern), 3 W. Warner (Buntingford), 4 L. George (Meesden).

High Jump - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 F. Gilbert (Walkern), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 W. Warner (Buntingford).

Long Jump - 1 L. Burr (Standon), 2 W. Warner (Buntingford), 3 A. Springham (Braughing), 4 C Dowler (Buntingford).

Team Race - 1 Walkern, 2 Buntingford, 3 Standon, 4 Braughing.

Winners of Buntingford Shield - Walkern C.C. (34 points); Runners up - Buntingford C of E. (25 points).

Girls

100 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Wilson (Great Hormead), 3 G. Young (Walkern), 4 E. Prior (Braughing).

150 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Prior (Braughing), 3 M. Coxall (Buntingford), 4 E. Knight (Brent Pelham).

Long Jump - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 V. Carter (Walkern), 3 E. Prior (Braughing), 4 E. Miles (Walkern).

High Jump - 1 E. Ruskin (Gt. Hormead), 2 E. Miles (Walkern), 3 O. Martin (Buntingford), 4 M. Clark (Braughing).

Hurdles - 1 M. Brand (Gt Hormead), 2 H. Baldock (Walkern), 3 J. McLeod (Meesden), 4 M. Baker (Westmill).

Team Race - 1 Braughing, 2 Walkern, 3 Gt. Hormead, 4 Standon.

Winners of Walkern Shield - Braughing C.C. (23 points); Runners up - Walkern C.C. (15 points).

Winners for Cottered Shield (for schools less than 100 on books) - Great Hormead C of E. (14 points); Runners up - Standon (10 points).

Other events

Boys

Throwing cricket ball - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

Obstacle race - 1 G. Warner (Buntingford), 2 J. Clarke (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 C. Prior (Braughing), 2 A. Ambrose (Buntingford).

Driving race - 1, boy,  H. Darton, girl, M. Coxall (Buntingford), 2, F. Milton, N. Clements (Walkern).

Girls

Skipping Race - 1 L. Stacey (Braughing), 2 M. Barker (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Oakley (Standon).

Egg and Spoon Race - 1 J. McLeod (Meesden), 2 P. Tott (Braughing).

Flower Pot Race - 1 M Barker (Braughing), 2 D. Woodley (Standon).

10th June 1927 - Fatal Holiday Accident

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Fatal Holiday Accident

Motor-Cyclist Collides with Cart

Whilst motor cycling for [from?] Chatham, where he was stationed, to West Riding, on Friday last, Flagman Ernest A. Shoobridge collided with a farm cart at a dangerous corner in Cottered and was killed instantly.

There is a sign post on the corner and it is thought that the deceased, who had lost his correct route, looked up at the sign post and failed to notice the approach of a farm cart.

The district coroner, Mr H.F. J. Banham, conducted the inquest, which was held at the Cottered Rectory on Saturday evening last, when the following were sworn on the jury: Messrs. W.N. Sanders (foreman), J. Smith, J. Darton, W. Hills, C. Smith, W. Deards, W. Hummerstone, B.A. Edwards, T. Kingsley, J. Warner, H. Sheppard, G. Fenner, and F. Hummerstone.

Eric Sellers, a leading seaman in the Royal Navy, who was accompanying the deceased on another motor-cycle, said "We left Chatham on Friday morning at 6.30 for Nessborough, Yorks. The deceased was riding a 3 and a half h.p. Norton motorcycle. I was riding in front of my friend, and as I passed the corner I noticed a cart on the right side of the road, but I had no difficulty in getting by.

I happened to glance round and saw the deceased looking at the sign post; he turned his head back, and as he did so I saw a surprised look on his face as though he had noticed the cart and did not know what to do. I then heard a crash, and on going back found my friend lying across the road. He appeared to be dead. His speed at the time of the accident would be about 12-15 miles per hour."

Sidney Andrews, a carter, of Moor Green, Ardeley, said "On Friday, 3rd June, I was in charge of a horse and cart on the road from Cottered to Buntingford. As the horse approached the corner a motor-cycle passed, and immediately afterwards came another in the same direction. The second cyclist crashed into the hose, which was only moving at walking pace.

Part of the horse's harness was broken, and when I went to deceased he was lying in the road by the wheel. When the accident occurred I was about one yard from the near side of the road."

James Fuller, a roadman employed by the H.C.C., said "I was working near the corner in question on Friday, June 3rd, when I noticed two motor-cycles coming from the direction of Buntingford. The first one passed me all right, but the second one, which came on about 15-20 yards behind, took a big sweep; the rider shut off the engine and put out his right foot as if to save himself.

The cycle swayed, and I saw the rider strike the horse and then fall into the road. I went round the cart, but the deceased appeared to be dead."

Frederick James Savage, of High Street, Walkern, a labourer, also working on the corner, gave similar evidence.

Alfred James Ives, a police constable, stationed at Cottered, said "On Friday, 3rd June, about 10.15 a.m., I received a report that a motor-cycle accident had occurred on the Buntingford road. I went to the scene of the accident and saw a Norton motor-cycle lying close to the wheel of a cart which was standing on the north side of the road and facing north-east.

I found that the rider of the motor-cycle was lying with his right leg over his machine. His skull was crushed, and he was quite dead. The machine was slightly damaged. The width of the road at the particular point was 18ft. 6ins. There was 9ft. 6 ins. between the offside wheel of the cart and the other side of the road."

Dr R.W. Fell, of Buntingford, said "On arriving at the scene of the accident I saw the deceased lying on his back across the road. There was a lot of blood in the road and the deceased was dead. On examining the body I came to the conclusion that he must have struck his head on the shaft of the cart, and have died instantly."

The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," the foreman requested the coroner to repot on the dangerous corner to the Herts. County Council.

3rd June 1927 - Accident

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Accident

A nasty bend in Sandon Lane, which was discussed by the Council at their last meeting, was the scene of an accident early on Thursday morning in last week.

Whilst motor-cycling towards Buntingford, Mr T. Wornham, a farmer, of Lye End Farm, Sandon, collided with a Ford Car owned by Mr Warner, of Walkern.

The impact was so great that the frame of the motor-cycle was doubled up, and the radiator of the car damaged.

Mr Wornham was badly injured, being cut about the lower part of the face. He was removed to his home, where he is progressing favourably.

30th July 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (Chairman), The Hon. Baron Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, H.C. Marshall and Claud Fraser, Esqs.

Congratulations to the Chairman

A very pleasing and well-deserved tribute was paid to the Chairman before the business of the Court commenced. The Hon. Baron Dimsdale moved that thhe Bench take that opportunity of according hearty congratulations to their Chairman on the well-earned distinction conferred upon him by their Sovreign Lord the King.

They then ably referred in the meritorious terms to the splendid service Sir Charles had done for the county, not only on that Bench, but in many other branches of unpaid work. It was a credit to them that their Chairman had been marked out for this honur.

Mr G.H. Gisby, the Senior Joint Clerk to the Magistrates, said on behalf of the clerical staff, he should like to associate himself with the congratulations of the Chairman. All agreed it was a well deserved honour. He had been connected with that Court for upwards of half-a-century, and had had experience of many Chairmen of that Bench, and in no case had the dignity of the Bench been kept up, and justice better administered than during the Chairmanship of Sir Charles.

He could not call to mind an honour received in the county with more unanimity and goodwill. The interests of Sir Charles covered a wide ground. He then alluded to the good work the Chairman had done in Ecclesiastical and Educational matters, and the responsible duties he discharged in such a distinguished manner in the Boer War, and again in the recent war.

In county matters, it was an advantage to have the counsel and assistance of Sir Charles acting in the public interest. It was to men of this stamp they had to look in the future to further the welfare and honour of country.

Supt. Wright, on behalf of the Chief Constables and the police of the division, said they were all proud that an honour had been bestowed on the Chairman.

Mr H.C. Marshall seconded the motion, proposed by Baron Dimsdale, and it was carried with great cordiality.

Sir Charles, on thanking them for their warm expressions of appreciation of the efforts he had made on behalf of the county, said what he valued most were the tributes of goodwill he had received from old friends and associates. He had done very little; others had done infinitely more, and to their good work he owed the honour that had been conferred upon him.

He remembered well Mr Gisby's father, who was clerk of that Bench, and he then spoke highly of the wise counsel they had received from their clerk, enabling the business of the Court to be conducted so satisfactorily. He thanked them again for their kind expressions - it was these that made the honour so valuable to him.

There were no cases before the Court, and the only business transacted related mostly to licensing.

A full transfer was granted of the licence of "The Bell" Inn, Cottered (owners Messrs. Christine and Co) from Alice Clements to George William Alder.

The Buntingford Horticultural Show is fixed for next Thursday. This led to two applications to which Supt. Wright offered no objections. Mr William Warner, of "The Bull" Public House, was allowed an extension of hours on the day from 2.30 to 6 p.m., and an occasional licence was granted to Mr J. Holmes, of "The George" Hotel, who will have a refreshment tent on the show ground.

Structural alterations at "The Crown" Inn. Mr L.J. Gomme, architect for Messrs. Christie & Co., produced plans for the addition of a new tea and dining room to the premises of "The Crown" Inn, of which Mr Mannox is the licensee. The Bench examined the plan and granted the application.

23rd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The July meeting was held on Wednesday, the 21st inst., at Knight's Hill, by kind invitation of Mrs Laird.

The usual proceedings took place and one new member elected at the business meeting, which was at 6.30.

A whist drive followed, prizes for which were given by six members, and the bountiful tea was given by Mrs Laird. There were eleven tables, Mrs Laird acting as M.C. It was a very stormy evening, so the proceedings were conducted under cover.

For the prizes, Mrs Darton and Mrs Lee tied for the first lady's; Mrs Pegram was awarded consolation, while an extra prize was won by Mr G. Warner (playing as lady).

Mr W. Jackson and Mr W. Baker won first and second gents' prizes respectively, Miss Bright (playing as gent) being awarded consolation prize.

Mr Harvey, for the visitors, proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the hostess.

In spite of the weather, a very cheerful evening was spent.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Whist Drive and Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Dance

A successful whist drive and dance was held on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals, and, by the kind permission of Mr Bright, on his lawn.

Commencing at 7.30, the whist drive continued until 9.15, the results of which were: Ladies- 1, Miss V. Miller; 2, Mrs Taylor; 3, Miss Hardey. Gentlemen - 1, Mr Warner; 2, Mr Marvell; 3, Mr Lee. Lucky chair - Mrs Hummerstone.

After the refreshments had been served by several ladies, dancing was carried on till 11, to the strains of the Buntingford Town Band under the able conductorship of Mr Smith. This much increased the enjoyment and success of the evening.

The gardens and laws were now illuminated by many fairy lights which Mr Bright had previously arranged, and which gave a charming and striking effect.

All the prizes had been most generously provided by the following kind donors: Mrs Greg, Mrs Guiness, Lady Furniss, Mrs Howard, Mrs Laird, Mr Deacon, Mr Coates and Mr Russell.

A very happy evening was terminated with the National Anthem by the band.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

A Lengthy Agenda

A number of cases were down for hearing at the Buntingford Petty Sessions, held on Friday last. The proceedings lasted until nearly 5 p.m. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E, presided, other magistrates present being Mrs Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr Claud Fraser, and Mr G.W. Pepper.

LICENSING

An application for sanction to alterations at "The White Hart," Puckeridge, was granted. Mr Claud Fraser was appointed representative on the Hertfordshire County Probation Committee, and the Bench fixed Friday, February 3rd, for the annual licensing meeting.

The licence of "The George and Dragon" Hotel, Buntingford, was temporarily transferred to Fredk. S. Brigham, the Chairman commending the late tenant, Mr J.E. Holmes, on the satisfactory way the house had been managed.

Application for the temporary transfer of the licence of a beer house at Westmill from David Rayment to Albert Coxall was granted.

NON-PAYMENT OF RATES

Frank Brand, of Harestreet [sic], Buntingford, was summoned for non-payment of poor rate, amounting to £5 18s. 1d. 

An order for payment was made.

A STRAY DOG

Wilfrid Bentley, of Harestreet, Buntingford, was summoned for allowing a dog to stray at Little Hormead.

P.C. Gillett, who proved the case, said that when he spoke to defedant about the offence defendant remarked "I shall have to put up with it, I can get off with paying."

Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 10/- including costs.

ANOTHER DOG CASE

Henry Pigg, of Biggin, Buntingford, was summoned for allowing a dog to stray at Harestreet, and for failing to have name and address on the dog's collar.

The defendant told the Bench that he did not know it was necessary to have one's name and address on a dog's collar.

The Chairman said he was afraid that it was not generally known.

Supt. Wright: I will see that notice to the effect that the owner's name and address must be inscribed on a dog's collar, are posted in the district.

The Chairman: You will be fined 5/- including costs in each case, Mr Pigg, and in future you and I must read the posters. (Laughter).

GAME TRESPASS

Fred Warner, of Council Cottages, Ardeley, Stevenage, was charged with game trespass at Ardeley.

Thos. Hugh Sale, of Coates Manor, Ardeley, gave evidence of seeing the defendant in a field at 7.30 a.m. on 14th October. The witness saw defendant shoot at a pheasant. When witness spoke to him about it the defendant replied "Tell your father I will sting his pheasants up when the moon shines."

Alfred Carter, game-keeper, of Westmill, gave evidence, and after consultation the Chairman said it was quite clear the defendant was trespassing in search of game. The first witness had said that defendant put the barrels of his gun into his pocket when he left the field; this was not a proper action. There would be a fine of 15/- including costs.

SEQUEL TO A BUCKLAND DANCE

Horace Dearman, of Back Lane, Rushden, was charged with stealing a gent's overcoat, &c, at Buckland, on 21st October.

Thos. William Lawrence said he attended a dance at Buckland on the date in question. He had an overcoat, which he out on a chair in the lobby. He put his cap in the pocket of the overcoat. When he went for his coat after the dance it was missing.

George W. Andrews, of Cottered, said he attended the dance mentioned. When he came out into the lobby after the dance the defendant Dearman handed him a cap, saying "Here's your cap." The witness later found that it was not his cap, so it put it on his bicycle.

P.C. Hill gave evidence of interviewing defendant, who made a statement on the following Sunday morning.

Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs. Chalmers-Hunt & Co., represented defendant. The whole affair, he said, was a mistake. The defendant went to a dance at Buckland and put his coat on a chair in a very small and badly lit lobby. When he left the dance he picked up what he thought was his own overcoat and went home in it. He (Mr Maughan) agreed that the defendant should have reported the mistake to the police the next morning.

The defendant, in the witness box, told the Bench that he did not know he had the wrong coat until he was nearly home, when he heard something rattle in the pocket. In the pocket he found a tin of carbide, a scarf, belt and clips. He admitted to the Bench that his own coat differed a great deal from the one he took and also that his own coat pockets were torn.

After consultation, the Bench dismissed the case.

INTERESTING POSSESSION CASE

A case in which a Mrs Page, a London schoolmistress, applied for possession of a cottage at Sandon Lane, owned by her and occupied by Jonah Brown, was dismissed because the solicitors acting for the applicant had failed to read over a statutory notice at the time it was served to the defendant Brown.

Mr H.G. Woolfe, barrister, appeared for Mrs Page, and stated that the cottage was purchased in 1926, as Mrs Page, who was in ill health, wished to live in the country. The rent was 2/- per week. Defendant had been offered alternative accommodation. He was a thatcher by trade and the cottage offered him was quite suitable. The applicant had been paying rent for some time in respect of the cottage who had been offered Brown, in the hope that he would accept it.

The question of the notice to quit was discussed by the Bench. The notice was served through the post, but Brown, who was not respresented, although warned by the Chairman that he need not answer the question, admitted that he had received the notice to quit.

The question which led to the case being dismissed was one which the clerk put to the solicitor's clerk, Mr L. Hutchinson: "Did you serve the notice to appear at this Court, on Brown?" asked Mr Gisby. "Yes," replied the clerk. "Did you read it over and explain it to him?" "No."

The Chairman said he was in sympathy with Mr Woolfe, but the law had not been complied with. The statutory notice must be served personally, read over and explained.

The solicitor's clerk explained that defendant had used bad language to him and that he could not read the notice over to him.

Mr Woolfe said it seemed ridiculus to have to adjourn the case just to enable him to go through the formal business of reading over a statutory notice which Brown admitted having received.

The Chairman said they had no other course but to dismiss the application.

AFFILIATION CASE

A Buntingford woman applied for an affiliation order against Leonard Ward, of Wakeley Cottages, Buntingford. When the case came before the Bench in September last it was dismissed.

The applicant was represented by Mr H. Lathom, the defendant being represented by Mr R. Hartley, of Royston.

The hearing lasted over two hours and at the close the Chairman said the Bench had come to the undoubted conclusion that Ward was the father of the child. An order would be made for the defendant to pay 7/6 per week till the child reached the age of 16 years.

Defendant would also have to pay the cost of the day's proceedings and £1 1s. towards the cost of the confinement.

APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION

Hugh W. Sale, of Coates Manor, Ardeley, made application for the possession of a cottage owned by him and in the occupation of A. Culver. The man had received a week's notice to quit.

Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs. Chalmers-Hunt & Co., represented defendant, and told the Bench that the tenancy was a yearly one. When Calvert paid his rent, which he did by cheque, Mr Sale entered the rent in thr rent book as though it had been paid weekly.

Mr Sale submitted a certificate from the Agricultural Committee. He particularly wanted the cottage for a stockman. Alternate accommodation had been offered Calvert.

The Chairman said that in the eyes of the law Calvert was a yearly tenant and would have to be served with a year's notice for the application to be in order. The case would have to be dismissed.

27th Jan 1928 - Layston Sunday School Annual Prize Distribution

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Buntingford

Layston Sunday School

Annual Prize Distribution

The Prize-giving and Entertainment to the Church Sunday School scholars took place at the Women's Institute Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a large number of scholars, parents and friends present.

The Vicar (the Rev. A. Howard) handed Bibles, Prayer Books or story books to the successful boys and girls. Each child was applauded on receiving his or her prize, Cyril Kimpton coming in for a special hand-clap for not having missed attendance once.

After the prize distribution Mr B.E. Thody gave a lantern lecture on "The Wonders of London," "The Tower of London," "Waterloo" and "A visit to the Zoo."

At the close thanks were accorded the Rev and Mrs Howard, the teachers, Mr B.E. Thody, and all those who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment. 

Before dispersing, the National Anthem was heartily sung and each child was handed an orange, the gift of Mrs Alex. Dixon.

The following is a list of those who recieved prize books:

Girls

Class 2- 1 W. Winters, V. Dowding, 2 D. Warner, 3 Vera Nicholls. Class 3 - 1 Gladys Butler, 2 Maud Hurry, 3 D. Harradance.

Boys

Class 1 - 1 Eric Nicholls, 2 W Warner, 3 L. Fiddaman. Class 2 - 1 Cyril Kimpton, 2 R Nicholls, 3 C. Hurry. Class 3 - 1 R. Winters, 2 C. Woods, 3 T. Fiddaman, H. Smith.

Infants

Class 1 - 1 Kitty Warner, 2 Joyce Woods, Doris Butler, 3 F. Darton. Class 2 - 1 George Kimpton, 2 Ben Crouch. 3 - 1 Joan Woods, 2 Mary Hurry.

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.