21st December 1928 - Buckland Women's Institute Annual Meeting

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W.I. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Buckland Women's Institute was held in the School on Wednesday in last week, when the President (Miss N. Pigg) was in the chair.

Following the singing of the National Anthem and the reading of the minutes, Mrs C.R. Turney, of Mardley Bury, gave an excellent talk on the co-operative spirit which is essential for the working of every Institute.

Mrs Turney afterwards gave a papier machie [sic] demonstration, and all members heartily endorsed a vote of thanks accorded her at the conclusion.

The affairs of the Institute were afterwards dealt with, the President introducing this business by her annual speech. The report of the secretary and the treasurer's balance sheet were also submitted, their adoption being duly proposed, seconded and carried.

The balance sheet showed a satisfactory balance in hand of about £10. The thanking of the officers for their past services caused much fun, each being individually thanked by members.

During tea, voting took place for the officers and Committee for the ensuing year, the result of the election being:

Secretary, Miss Gilby; President, Miss N. Pigg; Vice-Preisdent, Miss P. Morris; Committee: Mrs F. Pigg (Barkway), Miss F. Pigg, Miss G. Pigg, Mrs J. Carter, Mrs H. Carter, Miss N. Carter, Mrs R. Stoten, Mrs J. White, Mrs C. Jackson, Mrs J. Hurry, Miss R. Beale (Royston) and Miss M. Gilby.

A small jumble sale was held during the evening, following which games were indulged in. Songs were contributed by Miss P. Morris.

The prize for the best Christmas gift for 1/6 was awarded to Mrs Chris Whitby, of Reed, for raffia tea cosy and egg cosies. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought a pleasant evening to a close.

20th August 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - 

In company with many other residents in the north end of the town I am wondering for how much longer we are to be deprived of the privilege of posting our letters without the necessity of taking them down to the head office?

It is to be hoped that the publicity given in your paper (for which I thank you in anticipation) will have the effect of waking up the authorities, whose dilatory methods are open to severe criticism.

Yours faithfully,

Frank White.

15th October 1926 - Harvest Festival at St Peter's

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Harvest Festival at St Peter's

The Harvest Festival services were held on Thursday in last week and were continued over the following Sunday.

The church was beautifully decorated with a profusion of corn, flowers, fruit and vegetables, which had been brought as thankofferings.

The corn had previously been weathered at the Parish Room by Mrs Pateman, Mrs Corp, Miss Woodley, Mrs H. Clark, Miss V. Feasey, Mrs Howard and Miss Brodie, the actual decorations being tastefully carried out by Miss Boniwell, Mrs Butler, Mrs Coleman, Mrs White, Miss M. Howard, Miss Lushington, Mrs Ambrose, Mrs J. Pateman and Mr H.L. Baker.

The Rev. H.B. Webb-Bowen, R.N., Vicar of Barkway, preached on Thursday evening to a large and attentive congregation. The anthem "Song to the Lord of the Harvest," was well rendered by the choir, and the whole service was a hearty and happy one.

On Sunday, in addition to the morning and evening services, a Flower Service was held in the afternoon.

The church was well filled, and many generous offerings were brought by the children of flowers, fruit and eggs, accompanied by appropriate texts, which been warmly appreciated by the sick and needy. The Festival closed with a very hearty service on Sunday night.

Owing to the special fuel and lighting difficulties, the offertories were for that object, over £6 being received, but in addition nearly £3 was given for the hospitals.

1st October 1926 - Situations Vacant

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Situations Vacant

Wanted Pianist, also Violinists for Saturday evenings during winter. Apply, 23 Green Street, Royston.

Smart Boy wanted (age 14 to 15). Excellent opening for intelligent lad to learn cycle and wireless business. Frank White, Buntingford.

24th December 1926 - Concert at the Benson Hall

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Concert at the Benson Hall

For the Buntingford & District Nursing Association

The concern given at the Benson Hall on December 15th by "The Bunties" Concert Party, attracted a crowded audience that spent a very delightful evening.

The concert party were so successful last season that they decided to carry on during the 1926-27 season, and it must be said that their new programme went with a swing from beginning to end.

The items consisted of the latest musical "hits," and many of the choruses were taken up by the enthusiastic audience. Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr B. Kennedy were loudly applauded for their two special numbers "Waiting for the Moon" and by request, "Leander."

Mr J. White sang "Leanin" and "An Old-Time Song," being assisted in the latter by Mrs Scarborough Taylor. Mrs G. Armstrong, who last year gave such delightful dances, was partnered with Mr Bobbie Adamson, and their "Charleston" number was one of the best items on the programme.

Mrs Armstrong and Mr Brian Kennedy had a great reception for their picture from the past "A Second Minuet"; they were re-called twice, and each received gifts from members of the audience.

Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor's interpretation of Gounod's "Flower Song" (from Faust) was perfect, and won a deafening encore.

Mrs G. Armstrong and Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang with success "Ukelee." Mr G. Armstrong's droll monologues kept the audience in a ripple of laughters, as did Mr G. Scarborough Taylor in a first-class comedy act "Where are the Girls of the Old Brigade."

"Poor Papa," sung by Mr Bobbie Adamson was another number which brought rounds of applause. Of the concerted numbers "The Biff Brigade" is worthy of special mention; the marching and turning of the troupe, dressed as toy soldiers, was exceedingly well done. "Then I'll be happy" "There may be Days" and "A little bit of fun"; the latter with the aid of the entire adience, were other successful numbers by the Company. The concerted numbers by Mr G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor also deserve mention.

A dramatic sketch, "The Brass Door-Knob," was given by Mrs G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor, and was performed so well that the audience were spellbound till the final curtain. "The Bunty Medley," arranged by Rieta Hull, the accomplished pianist to the troupe brought the evening to a close.

The stage lighting and management and effects were undertaken by Messrs. H.M. Blakiston, B.E. Thody, J. Handy and H. Feasey. Miss Ward greatly assisted the production.

At the close, Mr Claud Fraser called for three cheers for the Troupe and thanked them for such a delightful programme.

It is understood that the net proceeds, which will be paid over to the Nursing Fund, are expected to reach £20.

24th December 1926 - Shopping in Buntingford

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Shopping in Buntingford

Xmas Presents and Fare

As usual, the sending of Christmas presents and greetings has disorganised the postal service, and throughout this week the Buntingford postmen have been laden with letters and parcels.

As for the shops, many seem to be doing the best trade of the whole year.

Messrs. Moss's have a wonderful show of seasonable fare from Empire fruits to prie hams and bacon. They also have many bargains in their china department, which always make useful Christmas presents, in addition to a large and varied assortment of crackers.

For those who have not ordered their Christmas Dinner, Mr H.W. Piggott, with his well-stocked shop, is able to supply some excellent quality turkeys, ducks and fowls, besides some dairy-fed pork, and some excellent beef and mutton, all at low prices.

Mr C.H. Tottman, of High Street, has all the fruits, &c, which are associated with the great Christmas Festival. His stock also includes holly and mistletoe and artistic boxes of chocolates, the latter being most suitable for Xmas gifts.

Mr F. White has many suggestions for Xmas gifts to wireless enthusiasts, and his stock extends from a complete installation for under £1 to a beautiful 3-valve cabinet, which is worthy of a place in any home.

"Give him cigarettes or tobacco" is a new slogan this Christmas, and from the variety which Mr H. Fry has in stock it is easy to obtain an acceptable gift at a low price.

What a useful present coal would make for Xmas, in order to "keep the home fires burning." Go to Mr E.J. Sparkes should you think of giving fuel.

Mr E.B. Haddock has a wide assortment of pretty and useful gifts to suit all tasts and pockets.

Mr E. Browne has a stock of articles suitable for presents; all at bargain prices.

Dark evenings at Christmas time, Mr Borsberry - lamps of all kinds.

7th January 1927 - Ex-service men entertain the children

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Ex-service men entertain the children

That nothing appeals to the heart more than a group of happy children was amply demonstrated on Monday evening, when the children of the members of the Buntingford British Legion Club were the guests at the annual party.

The arrangements for the treat were made by Mr H. Clarke (Sec. of the Club) and Mr E.C. Clarke (Hon. Sec. of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion).

The room, with its attractive decorations was much admired. A great attraction was the huge Xmas Tree (given by Mr C.H. Poulton). The tree was heavily laden with toys and gifts selected by Mrs H. Clarke.

Some 50 children responded to the invitation to be present, and judging by the enthusiasm displayed this party exceeded all predecessors.

The whole party sat down to tea at 4.30, assistance at the tables being given by Mrs H. Clarke, Mrs E.C. Clarke, Mrs Starr, Mrs Warren, Mrs White, Mrs S. Smith, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Miss Mayes.

Mrs Hall, the stewardess at the Club, also lent valuable assistance. Visitors included Captain and Mrs H.H. Williams, Mrs, Miss and Master C. Fell, Messrs G. Scarborough Taylor, E.C. Clarke, H. Clarke, E.J. Crane, E.E. Dennis, B.E. Thody, F. White, T. Pledger, A. Coxall, S. Daniels and W. Hall.

During tea Mr H. Clarke installed a powerful wireless set, and the music was much enjoyed.

Following tea, games and songs were indulged in until 7p.m. when the arrival of "Father Christmas" was the signal for three hearty cheers.

Mrs H.H. Williams then presented each child with a gift from the tree, and a National Savings' Card with two sixpenny stamps attached.

Mr H. Clarke called for cheers for the members of the Club and numerous friends who had made the treat possible.

Cheers were also given for the ladies, the New Year and Messrs. H. and E.C. Clarke. On leaving each child was given two oranges, a bag of sweets and a small gifts, and a thoroughly successful treat ended with the singing of God Save the King.

4th March 1927 - Sale of Work

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Sale of Work

The Annual Sale for Home and Foreign Missions was held at the George Assembly Room on Wednesday last, and was opened at 3 o'clock with prayer by the Vicar, Rev. A. Howard.

The attendance was not what might have been expected, but the friends who did come were liberal in their purchases, with the results that the proceeds were rather more than last year - £5 1s. 3d. for Home Missions (C.P.A.) and £8 10s. for C.M.S.

Mrs Dixon, Miss Fry, Mrs Wyman and Mrs J. Smith were in charge of the C.M.S. Stall, while that for Home Missions was in the hands of Mrs Fell, Mrs Barham, and Mrs Howard.

A number of efficient and willing helpers presided over the teas and the cake stall, while Miss Helen Fraser, Miss Jean Armstrong and Miss Barbara White did good business at the sweet stalls.

All the sweets, cake, and provisions for the tea were given by ladies in the town, and added comfortably to the sum raised.

11th June 1926 - Women's Institute Result of Whit-Monday Fete

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Women's Institute

Result of Whit-Monday Fete

We have received a copy of the balance sheet of the Fete held at Layston Court on Whit-Monday.

The accounts show a satisfactory balance of £89 2s. 4d., which, it is understood, has been devoted to the hut fund.

The balance sheet is as follows:

Receipts

Donation, Mrs Kingsley (Cottered) - 10s. 0d.

Donation, Town Band - £1 8s. 6d.

Donation, Mr Daniels - 10s. 6d.

Stalls:

Mrs Marshall and helpers - £10 2s. 6d.

Mrs Williams and helpers - £15 0s. 0d.

Mrs Coleman and helpers - £10 2s. 6d.

Mrs Roberson and helpers - £6 2s. 0d.

Mrs May and helpers - £2 5s. 7d.

Mrs Squires and helpers - £3 15s. 0d.

Mrs S. Smith and helpers - £1 6s. 9d.

Mrs White and helpers - £1 4s. 10d.

Profit on teas - per Mrs Fell - £6 5s. 8d.

Ices - per Mr Tottman - £1 6s. 0d.

Tennis - per Miss Porter - £4 0s. 0d.

Hoop-la - Mr Marshall - £3 8s. 0d.

Arrow - Mr Totman - £3 3s. 2d.

Fortune - Mr Mildren - £2 10s. 4d.

Treasure hunt - Miss Woods - £1 11s. 6d.

Balloons - Mr B. Thody - £2 9s. 6d.

Nails - Mr G.H. Maughan - 5s. 0d.

Bowls - Mr J. Lawrence - £1 11s. 6d.

Bran tub - Miss Aylott - 4s. 6d.

Gate money - £15 16s. 8d.

Doll - Miss S. Armstrong - £1 0s. 9d.

"Gipsy" - Mrs Robinson - £5 0s. 0d.

Concert - Folk dancing and dancing - £2 11s. 6d.

Per Joan Roberson - 6s. 2d.

See-Saw - 3s. 4d.

Clock golf, per Mr W.J. May - £1 12s. 6d.

Sundries - 3s. 7d.

Total - £105 17s. 10d.

Expenditure

Printing and advertising - £4 5s. 6d.

Band - £10 0s. 0d.

Cartgage, gas for balloons and sundries - £2 10s. 0d.

Net profit - £89 2s. 4d.

Total - £105 17s. 10d.

The Balloon Race

Of the 60 balloons entered for the balloon race, ten labels were returned through the post; the list of these is given below.

The winner is Mr H.A. Thody, Buntingford, whose balloon was picked up at Nortleulingem, France, on 27th May.

Balloon - Where found

Mr H.A. Thody- Nortleulingem, Pas-de-Calais, France.

Mrs F. Pigg - Wenden, Essex.

Mr Fowler - Peldon, Colchester.

Mr J. Waldock - Raidontree, Essex.

Mr G.S. Taylor - Braintree, Essex.

Peter Taylor - Weatherfield.

R.H. Powell - Wenden, Essex.

Miss F. Brown - Thaxted.

Mr F. Fraser - Feering, Kelvedon.

Miss Shefford - Ashen, Suffolk.

7th May 1926 - The Great Strike

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The Great Strike

Nation Calm and Confident

Gradual Re-Commencement of Railway Services.

The Prime Minister's Messages.

A comprehensive survey of the strike shows the following salient features:

An important part of the business of the Country is held up.

The services of power and light are adequately maintained.

The supplies of food and fuel are sufficient to maintain the life of the Country for several weeks.

The distribution of milk is being regularly carried forward.

The Nation remains calm and confident.

The great strike, which commenced on Monday night, has affected the whole country, and in many parts buiness is at a standstill.

As far as Buntingford and district is concerned inconvenience has been caused to those whose employment is in the city. A large number of food lorries have passed through the town. There are no trains or busses, and the only mails are as follows:

Delivery - 7am.

Delivery - 11am.

Depatch - 10.15 a.m.

Despatch - 4.45 p.m.

A number of men of the Herts. and Beds. Regt., who have recently returned from India, were re-called to Bedford on Tuesday, and were conveyed in cars by Captain H.H. Williams and Mr J. Thwaites of Aspenden. The outgoing mails are being conveyed daily to Ware by Mr H.C. Marshall.

PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGES

The Prime Minister's messages to the nation are as follows:

"Keep steady. Remember that peace on earth comes to men of good-will."

In yesterday's issue of the British Gazette the Prime Minister's message was:

"Constitutional Government is being attacked. Let all good citizens, whose livelihood and labour have thus been put in peril, bear with fortitude and patience the hardships with which they have been so suddenly confronted.

Stand behind the Government who are doing their part, confident that you will co-operate in the measure they have undertaken to preserve the liberites and privileges of the people of these Islands. The Laws of England are the people's birthright. The Laws are in your keeping. You have made Parliament their guardian. The General Strike is a challenge to Parliament, and is the road to anarchy and ruin."

STRIKE ITEMS

Milk was conveyed to Buntingford Station from the various farms, and later taken by motor lorry to London.

Large consignments of vegetables for the London Markets passed through Buntingford on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

A ford van, loaded with bacon, passed through Buntingford yesterday. So loaded was the van, that two sides of bacon were laid across the bonnet.

Owners of wireless sets have shown hospitality to persons wishing to hear the news. Mr F. White has installed a loud speaker in his shop, and Mr H. Clarke has opened his office a to [sic] number who have heard the news bulletins at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.

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Read more about the 1926 General Strike on Wikipedia.

19th Feb 1926 - Annual Sale of Work

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Annual Sale of Work

The annual sale for Home and Foreign Missions was held in the Parish Room on Thursday in last week. 

The C.M.S. stall was presided over by Mrs Dixon and Miss Fry; that for the C.P.A by Mrs Fell, Mrs Howard and Mrs Wyman; Mrs White, Miss B. White, Miss M Feasey and Miss Howard sold sweets and old books; while Mrs Ambrose, Mrs Sayer and Miss Cutts had charge of the tea tables, provisions for which had been kindly given.

There was a good attendance, several friends from neighbouring parishes showed their kind interest. The of £10 was raised - £6 for C.M.S. and £4 for C.P.A.