18th January 1924 - Mr and Mrs Crofton's Generosity

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Westmill

Mr and Mrs Crofton's Generosity

School Children Entertained

At the invitation of Mr and Mrs H. Crofton, of the Dial House, Westmill, the whole of the children attending the Westmill School were entertained to a treat at the Village Hall on Monday last.

A capital tea was served by the committee of the Women's Institute, and was much enjoyed.

After the tables were cleared, games organised by Mr and Miss Harvey and Miss Jackson afforded general delight.

At the close the Rev. A.G. King, on behalf of the children, expressed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Crofton for entertaining the children in such a pleasant manner, and to all those who had contributed in any way to make the treat such a success. Mrs Crofton, in responding, said she was pleased they had all had a good time, and said she was glad to see such a merry party.

Loud cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Crofton, and the children dispersed after singing God Save the King.

5th August 1927 - Death of Mrs Caroline Jackson

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Death

We regret to record the death of Mrs Caroline Jackson, of Harestreet Road.

The deceased, who has been a widow for some ten years, was 74 years of age and was an old and respected inhabitant of the district.

Her death took place at Westmill on Monday during a visit to her daughter. She leaves a grown-up family of seven (sons and daughters).

5th August 1927 - Situations Vacant

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Situations Vacant

Required, about the end of August, good maid (between) house and kitchen; not under 16. Mrs Bryan Laing, Coleshill House, Westmill, Buntingford.

13th August 1926 - Women's Institute Group Meeting

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Women's Institute Group Meeting

Members Entertained at Aspenden House

It is fortunate that Aspenden House, the home of Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, contains so many spacious rooms, for one Thursday of last week some 200 members of the Buntingford Group of the Women's Institute, who were to have been entertained in the beautiful gardens, had to seek shelter indoors.

Mrs Williams, the popular Group Leader, had made all arrangements for an outdoor event, when a heavy shower sent everyone under cover.

The large rooms downstairs were cleared of furniture, and some 200 members from Buntingford, Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Westmill and Weston Institutes were entertained to tea, &c.

There was great enthusiasm throughout the afternoon, and a most enjoyable time was spent by all.

Members of the Westmill Institute gave a delightful sketch, entitled "My Man John," and later Mrs C.R. Turney, of Mardleybury Manor, gave an address on "Co-operation," in which she referred to Mrs Williams' work for the Group.

At the close Mrs May proposed a hearty vote from thanks to Mrs Williams for her hospitality, she had done wonders under such trying conditions.

Mrs E.T. Morris seconded the proposition, which was carried with great cordiality. Votes of thanks to the players and to Mrs Turney were proposed by Mrs H.C. Marshall.

Fortunate, the weather cleared up during the evening, and the company enjoyed a walk around the gardens. Photos of the members were taken on the lawn.

10th September 1926 - Correspondence - Buntingford Revisited

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Correspondence

Buntingford Revisited

Sir,

After an absence of 17 years, I visited the town of Buntingford, and the village of Westmill recently, and thought an account of my impressions might prove of interest to your readers.

Buntingford appeared to be quite up-to-date with good raods and progressive shops. The paths were fair, and I was surprised to find some of the old cobbles on the paths at the Corney Bury end.

The old almshouses near "The Crown" have lost none of their original beauty, whilst the War Memorial, a feature new to me, of course, was not so suggestive of a cemetery as a good many monuments of a similar kind in other places.

I found that there was still good service at the "Adam and Eve," which looked no worse - and only slightly altered - than when I first became acquainted with it over 80 years ago. With its Grammar School, Technical Institute, Women's Institute, and other modern improvements, the town looked in every way progressive.

Visiting Westmill, I found the churchyard overgrown with grass, and the head-stones of the graves covered with moss, obliterating the inscription. I failed to find the resting-place of my forbears, and it seemed to be a pity Old Mortality should thus have gone from our midst.

The old familiar pond was filled up, but the village was delightfully quiet after the noisy traffic of a parish so near to London as Cheshunt. I missed some of the old landmarks entirely, but on the whole I spent a profitable half-day dwelling on the memories of the past, and I am convinced that the march of progress and improvement, whether we will or not, will go on making for a fuller, brighter, and better life than our forefathers knew, and tending towards a far better world than the croakers would have us believe.

Yours faithfully,

James Bunce

25, Turners Hill, Cheshunt.

15th October 1926 - Correspondence - Red Cross Flag Day

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Correspondence

Dear Sir,

RED CROSS FLAG DAY

I think your readers will perhaps like to know the result of the Red Cross Flag Day held at Buntingford and district on September 25th.

The following amounts were collected:

Buntingford - £5 2s. 6d.

Aspenden - 17. 8d.

West Mill - £1 1s. 2d.

Wyddiall - 13s. 5d.

There were no expenses, so that the full amount collected, £7 14s. 9d., was able to be sent to Sir Hildred Carlile, Bart., the County Treasurer.

I wish to thank both the Flag Sellers who worked so hard and so successfully, and the general public who gave so generously.

Yours faithfully,

M.I. Veasey, Vice-President, B.R.C.S.

Layston Lodge, Buntingford.

Oct. 14th, 1926.

8th October 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Group Conference at Buntingford

A Visit from Headquarters

A most successful meeting took place on Friday last at the Benson Hall, Buntingford, when members from Buckland, Clothall, Hormead, Sandon, Weston and Westmill joined their friends at Buntingford. Representatives from Standon and Pelham Groups were also present.

The chair was taken by Mrs H.H. Williams of Aspenden House, the Group Leader for his district.

In welcoming the members, Mrs Williams said it was a pleasure to see so many present, it showed the interest taken in the various Institutes.

Particular interest was taken in an address on "The responsibility of the individual member," given by the Hon. Miss Farrer from Headquarters.

The speaker urged the necessity for close co-operation between members and between Institutes. Each member had a most important part in the success of the Institute, and if she fulfilled her part the success of the body as a whole would be ensured.

Following her address came a charming little speech from Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, a V.C.O.

Tea was capitally arranged and served by members of the Buntingford Institute, and later much amusement was caused by a game organised by Miss Farrer.

A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mrs Vernede, Group Leader for Standon, and seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, the local President.

The singing of the National Anthem closed a very pleasant and profitable afternoon, enhanced by delightful sunshine.

Before Miss Farrer left, she said she would always remember Buntingford as being "Such a friendly meeting."

10th December 1926 - Westmill Mothers' Union

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Westmill

Mothers' Union

There was a good gathering of women in the Church on Tuesday, December 7th, when six new members were admitted by the Rev. A.G. King.

A very helpful address was given by the Rev. F.S. Holmes, of Furneaux Pelham.

After the service members adjourned to the Village Hall to ballot for a Committee for 1927, to have tea given by a number of members, and to listen to piano solos and songs by Rev. and Mrs Holmes.

Rev. A.G. King expressed the thanks of all to Rev. and Mrs Holmes, both for taking part in the service and for the music.

Mrs Laing, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Laird and Mrs Wren were elected as the Committee.

10th December 1926 - British Legion Buntingford and District Branch

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British Legion

Buntingford and District Branch

The following is a Statement of the amounts raised and collected on Remembrance Day, 1926.

Donations

C. Fraser, Esq. - £1 1s. 0d.

Mrs Nevett - £1 1s. 0d.

Mrs Greg - £1 1s. 0d

Mrs J.R. Russell - 10s. 0d.

Mrs Codrington - 10s. 0d.

Miss Gruner - 5s. 0d.

Mr Sutterby - 2s. 0d.

Total - £4 10s. 0d.

Poppy Sales - Buntingford

Miss M. Crane and Miss Armstrong - £1 13s. 4 and half pence.

Mrs L. Smith and Miss Cutts - £1 15s. 8d.

Miss Lushington - £1 13s. 0d.

Masters John and Georgie Taylor - £1 6s. 11d.

Miss M. Fell - £1 5s. 0d.

Miss Scrivener and Miss Wilkerson - £1 11s. 4d.

Miss E. Smith - £1 2s. 6d.

Mrs J. Aylott - £1 4s. 10d.

Miss P Mayes - 14s. 1d.

Mrs Marshall - 8s. 6d.

Mr H. Fry - 7s. 6d.

Total - £12 2s. 8 and a half pence.

Anstey - per Miss Buckwell - £1 8s. 1d.

Wyddiall - per Lady Heaton-Ellis - £1 17s. 3d.

Aspenden - per Miss Grace Phillips - £1 14s. 6d.

Buckland - per Miss Morris - £2 13s. 8 and a half pence.

Cottered - per Miss Wilderspin - £2 6s. 3d.

Furneaux Pelham (part) - per Mrs Holmes - £1 8s. 2 and a half pence.

Westmill - per Mrs Coutts-Deacon - £4 0s. 4 and a half pence.

Meesden - per Mrs Kerr - £1 6s. 0d.

Great and Little Hormead - per Mrs Dimsdale - £4 0s. 0d.

Rushden - per Mr E.J. Marchal - £3 16s. 6d.

Ardeley - per Mr J.H. Thorpe - £2 3s. 6d.

Brent Pelham - per Mrs Barclay - £2 10s. 0d.

Wallington - per Miss Cragg - £2 0s. 0d.

Total - £31 4s. 4 and a half pence.

British Legion (Branch and Club) Poppies for Wreath - £1 0s. 0d.

Proceeds of Rummage Sale - £10 3s. 8d.

Trail of Pennies - £7 10s. 0d.

Proceeds of Concert, including Sale of Programmes (£1 2s. 1d.) and auction sale of Baby's Comforter (£1 0s. 9d.) - £22 7s. 4d.

Church collections

St Richard's R.C. Church, Buntingford - £1 1s. 2d.

Anstey - £2 1s. 7d.

Buntingford Congregational Church - 17s. 0d.

Total - £3 19s. 9d.

Grand total - £93 17s. 10d.

The above figure of £93 17s. 10d. represents the Gross Receipts up to the 7th December, and there is a further amount to be included in respect of the Church Collections, which has not yet come to hand.

The Gross Receipts for Poppy Day, 1925, amounted to £91 11s. 8d.

E.C. Clarke, Hon. Sec., Buntingford and District Branch British Legion.

Buntingford, 7th December, 1926.

28th January 1927 - Employees of Mr C. Hummerstone Entertained

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Westmill

Employees of Mr C. Hummerstone Entertained

An Enjoyable Evening

To show his appreciation at the manner in which the renovations at his residence, Coles Hill, had been carried out, Major Laing entertained the whole of the employees of Mr C. Hummerstone, of Westmill, to a dinner on Friday evening last.

The Village Hall, where the dinner was held, presented quite a festive appearance. The dinner was served at 7.45. After the repast Major Laing handed round tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and crackers.

Songs and musical items by an instrumental quartette kept the proceeding merry till 10 p.m., when a large ring was formed and Auld Lang Syne heartily sung.

Major Laing expressed pleasure at seeing so many present, and said he hoped they had all spent an enjoyable evening.

Mr C. Hummerstone in proposing a vote of thanks to Major Laing, said he was sure everyone appreciating the Major's kindness. They had all had an excellent dinner and a most enjoyable evening.

This was seconded by Mr Pratt and followed by hearty cheers for the Major.

Votes of thanks were also accorded the caterer, the helpers and the musical quartette.

7th January 1927 - Westmill Christmas Party

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Westmill

Christmas Party

The Westmill Women's Institute had a very successful Christmas Party on Wednesday evening, 29th December.

The Village Hall was looking very festive, being decorated with holly and other evergreens.

In a corner on a table stood a little Christmas tree, round which bright coloured candles were burining.

A gay march was played as the guests entered at 7 o'clock, and then all joined in the Women's Institute song, "England."

During the evening there were musical solos, games and recitations, and carols sung by the members.

A sketch, called "The Allotment," was acted by Mrs Guinness and her sister, Mrs Barclay. It was most amusing, and peals of laughter from the audience showed how much it was enjoyed.

One quite forgot that Christmas was really over, for a true Christmas spirit seemed present, while crackers went off and mince pies were handed round.

There were about 90 people there, counting the children, whose unself-conscious charm helped to make the gathering cheerful and informal.

At the end of the party Mrs Deacon, who has been a most successful and untiring president, handed her badge to Mrs Guinness, the new president.

All felt very grateful to Mrs Deacon for what she had done, and welcome Mrs Guinness.

25th February 1927 - Westmill Mothers' Union

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Westmill

Mothers' Union

There was a good average attendance at the Mothers' Union Meeting held at the Village Hall on Tuesday of last week.

The principal speaker was Miss May Chittenden, of Broxbourne, a lady who is always welcomed warmly. Her address was much appreciated, and the members endorsed a vote of thanks with hearty applause.

We are pleased to record that the Westmill Branch of the Mothers' Union has such a good membership, 43 now being on the books.

18th February 1927 - A Fog Mishap

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A Fog Mishap

During the fog on Monday afternoon last, a Morris Cowley car collided with a traction engine on the road near Westmill.

The car was badly damaged, but the driver escaped injury.

The tractor, which was owned by Mr Macarthur of Stonebury, stood the shock well, showing no signs of the mishap.

----

[Note from Alison: The driver was not named but we know Miss Lushington owned a Morris Cowley, and she was a notoriously crazy driver...]

11th February 1927 - Annual Vestry Meeting and Parochial Church Council

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Westmill

Annual Vestry Meeting

The Annual Vestry Meeting, postponed from January 17th, was held at the Village Hall on Monday evening last. There was a scarce attendance owing to the prevalence of influenza.

The chair was taken by the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King, who proposed a vote of thanks to both the Churchwardens for their work during the past year. This was seconded by Mr F. Harvey.

Mr Laird was re-elected People's Warden, on the proposition of Mrs Coutts-Deacon, seconded by Mr Harvey. The Rectory nominated Mrs Greg as Rector's Warden.

Parochial Church Council

The first meeting of the newly elected Council was held on Monday evening last, the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King presiding. Mr Harvey was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman.

Mrs Coutts-Deacon's resignation as Hon. Secretary was received with regret, and after expressions of thanks to her, Mrs Bright was unanimously elected in her stead.

Mr J. Laird was elected Hon. Treasurer and Mrs Coutts-Deacon, Mr Harvey and Mr Laird as representatives to the Ruri-Decanal Conference.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

4th February 1927 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, January 26th, the Women's Institute held their monthly gathering as usual in the Village Hall. Mrs Guiness was in the chair, as President for the first time.

The subject of interest was a concert given by Miss Bonus, of Hadham, and her two helpers. It was a most enjoyable entertainment.

The door at the side of the stage opened, and three most graceful ladies stepped in, and from that moment until they left, an hour later, the audience was delighted and charmed.

The concert began with a duet for violins, then following some Elizabethan songs, recitations, acting of old folk songs &c. The performers were often singing and acting at the same time, as for instance in the folk songs, "Mowing the Barley" and "I'm seventeen come Sunday."

The audience was never kept waiting, and one wondered how the transformations could come about so quickly. Limping off the stage as an old woman, the same lady would come back the next moment as a young girl to take her part in a rowing song.

The only thing to be regretted was that owing to illness so few of the members of the Institute were present.

The performers had to leave early to catch a train, so after having thanked them and applauded them loudly, the members of the Institute spent the rest of the evening in very jolly games, until it was time to sing God Save the King and say goodbye.

11th March 1927 - Rural District Council

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Rural District Council

A meeting of the Rural District Council followed, Captain H.H. Williams presiding. The officers present were - the Medical Officer of Health (Dr R.A. Dunn), and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed. During the month the consumption  of water had been 999,000 gallons, and the water level had risen another 3ft.

Application was made for the renewal of petroleum licenses, and plans were submitted in respect of a bungalow, for which an application for a subsidy had been submitted.

The Chairman said he understood that as the bungalow had been commenced, it could not rank for a subsidy.

The Surveyor again reported the cases in which tenants of the Council's houses were in arrears with rent, and instructions to serve notices to quit were given.

Electric Light

Plans were submitted by the North Metropolitan Electric Light Company showing the proposed route of their underground cable in Aspenden, Layston and Westmill.

A discussion arose as to the adoption of bye-laws for building, and it was decided to hold the matter over until it had been ascertained what bye-laws were in force in other Rural Council areas.

The Chairman, who spoke in favour of the adoptions of such bye-laws, said it was important to protect the amenities of the countryside, and so far this part of the County was unspoiled.

A communication was received to the effect that a conference for the purpose of considering certain matters in connection with the Rating and Valuation Act, would be held at the Law Society's Hall on Monday, and the Council were asked to nominate two members to attend.

The names of the Chairman and Mr W.J. May were submitted.

4th March 1927 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, February 23rd, the members of the Women's Institute greatly enjoyed a lecture given by Mr Heydeman, entitled "London on the top of a Bus."

The lecturer showed how you can trace some of the history of our great and marvellous city of London by studying the names of the streets. He said that in no other town were the streets named after families who once possessed the land, and you can in many cases tell by the name the possible date when a particular piece of land became part of London.

The lecture was admirably delivered, the lecturer gradually becoming more and more thrilled with his subject, especially when he came to speak of the Tower of London, "One of the most marvellous buildings on God's earth."

After the lecture, there were games and some dancing, and the meeting closed with God save the King.

22nd April 1927 - Westmill Social Club

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Westmill

Social Club

The members of the Westmill Social Club brought their season to a very successful close on Friday evening, the 8th, by a whist drive and dance, which resulted in £3 16s. being taken.

At the conclusion of the general meeting held the following Tuesday evening the Secretary gave a resume of the season's results, and in congratulating the members, remarked that the great success and popularity of the fortnightly drives and dances were very apparent, when it was found that £40 7s 3d. had been taken and the expenses worked out to £34 1s. 7 and a half pence, thus leaving a balance of £6 5s. 7 and a half pence.

This is highly satisfactory, and it is hoped that it will be maintained in future seasons.

An increase in membership is much desired; and the Chairman endeavoured to impress those present with this necessity, at the same time promising to help make the next season more interesting and successful.

27th May 1927 - Nursing Association

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Nursing Association

The Committee of this beneficient Association have just issued their thirtieth annual report and balance sheet. Both will be perused with general interest.

The Committee acknowledge the generosity of the subscribers and their kindly thoughts in providing, in so many different ways, such substantial assistance to the funds of the Association, and beg to thank sincerely, "The Bunties" for their talented entertainment; Miss Lushington for another successful whist drive; all those who managed and collected on flag day; to the Foresters,' Mr Fry, and those who took collecting boxes; to Miss Pigg for her concert; to Mr Hedges for the time and skill he gives to the motorcycle; to Mr Jeff Smith for finding the accommodation for it; and to Mr E.C. Clarke for auditing the accounts.

There is also a reference in the report to the death of Mrs Elliott, who for many years helped and supported the Association.

The report refers to the popularity of Nurse Davies and Nurse Tunwell, whose excellent work and kind attention has been a boon to the patients and a satisfaction to the Committee. Nurse Davies paid 2,480 visits during the year, and Nurse Tunwell 1,379.

The balance sheet, including a balance in hand at the beginning of the year, shows total receipts £341 14s. 5d., and a credit balance of £20 2s. 9d. 

The chief items on the receipt side are: Subscriptions £78 18s. 6d., donations £68 7s. 11d., collections in Churches £8 18s. 9d., collecting boxes £3 4s., cottage monthly subscriptions £15 2s. 1d., maternity fees £25 7s., health and maternity grants £18 15s. 6d., contributions from Cottered £41 12s. 9d., from Rushden £18 8s. 8d., and from Westmill £28 2s. 7d.

Thanks from the town and district is accorded to the Committee and district representatives for their valuable services, and sincere gratitude is accorded Mrs Alex Dixon, the Chairman and Hon. Sec. Her devoted services for many years have been invaluable to the wellbeing of the Association.

3rd June 1927 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, May 25th, the Westmill Women's Institute spent a very interesting evening.

Miss Latham gave an address on "Servia." She was out in that country with several other helpers at the beginning of the war and again at the end of it.

She told how splendidly thrifty and hard working the Servian women were, and how well they kept their homes, though in most country places they were so far removed from any town they could not buy what they wanted, but had to make everything themselves. They spun the material for their clothes and dyed it, and then made it up, and most of their garments were beautifully embroidered.

She described a woman walking to the nearest market (about 12 miles away), and showed the things she would wear and wake with her. All these things were made so as to be of the greatest use, and some magnificent work was put into them. "All lovely things are also necessary."

By the end of the war most of the homes were destroyed, and the refugees, returning, could hardly recognise the villages in which they had lived. Deep gratitude seems to have been shown to those who came to help build up the homesteads.

Being reminded of some of the sadness of the war, the meeting might have ended on rather a sad note, but Miss Tiddeman gave a most amusing recitation; anyone passing through Westmill might have wondered at the peals of laughter coming from the Village Hall!

At the end of the evening, all jointed in a very jolly game until it was time for God Save the King.