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.