10th June 1927 - Ruri-Decanal Conference at Buntingford

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Ruri-Decanal Conference at Buntingford

Prayer Book Revision

The Ruri-Decanal Conference for Buntingford Deanery was held on Saturday, June 5th, at 3 p.m. in the new Women's Institute Hall, presided over by the Rual Dean (Rev. W. McKerr, Rector of Meesden).

There was a large attendance of clergy and lay representatives, including Revs. L. Wright, W. Jobson, A. Howard, A.G. Langdon, F. Williams, W. Shepherd, Dr Eck, H.F. Webb-Bowen, F. Phillips, J.L. Dutton and A.G. King.

After prayer by Rev. A. Howard, the Deanery Committees for (1) Board of Missions, (2) Finance, (3) Social service, and (4) Education, were re-appointed.

The Rural Dean, in introducing the Hon. and Ven. Kenneth Gibbs, Archdeaon of St Albans, expressed his thankfulness that the Conference was to hear such an able exponent of the proposed new Prayer Book as the Archdeacon, who, as Prolocutor of the Lower House of Convocation, had been close touch with the events leading to the final revision.

The Archdeacon, who was warmly received, insisted on the necessity for Prayer Book Revision, which had been recommended by the Royal Commission in 1906. The clergy had made their own revisions and probably not one of those present could claim that he carried out all the rules of the old Book.

The changes had been made with the aim, not of compromise, but of comprehension, and he agreed with the Archbishops and Bishops, who maintained that no change of doctrine was intended. He believed that if the deposited Book became law, those who at present were exceeding in their practices what it allowed would, by the strength of public opinion, be inducted to keep loyally within its bounds.

He knew the Book could not please all (he himself could have wished some things otherwise), but he believed that it would be for the good of the Church, and in the interests of peace and order that it should be accepted by the Church and Parliament.

Mr Claud Fraser moved a resolution expressing the Conference's approval of the new Book. He did not speak, he said, as a theologian, but after the clear explanation they had heard from the Archdeacon, and knowing that it was the result of the long and careful labours of many years on the part of the Bishops, he felt it was their duty to accept the Book.

The resolution was seconded by Rev. F. Williams, late Rural Dean.

Rev. A. Howard, Vicar of Layston, deeply regretted having to differ from Archdeacon, for whom he had the greatest respect and admiration, but his convictions obliged him to dissent from the resolution.

He welcomed much in the new Book, but with many others, was deeply grieved by the proposed alternative Canon of the Holy Communion and by the introduction of Reservation and prayers for the dead, which he felt to be a step backward. He quoted from the report of the Convocation Debate the adverse opinions expressed at the Convocation of 1915 by the then Bishops of Exeter, Ely, St Albans, Bath, Wells, and others, against any change in the Communion Service. He could not agree that there was no change in doctrine, and far from restoring peace and order his opinion was that to legalise a book which manifestly spoke with two voices could only bring strife and confusion.

Mr Ball stated his belief that from his own experience of churches where extreme practices were carried on public opinion would be of little use. He could not agree that the introduction of Reservation and prayers for the dead implied no change of doctrine.

Rev. L. Wright said he should vote for the Book although he did not entirely agree with it.

In reply to a question, the Archdeacon stated that although the 39 aritcles are not bound up in the deposited Book, clergy would still be required to assent to them on institution to a living. He said he had been prepared for a difference of opinion, which, however, would not prevent the mutual friendliness of those who differed.

The resolution was put to the Conference and was carried by a large majority.

Mr Claud Fraser kindly entertained the members to tea at the Red House.

3rd June 1927 - Buntingford Rural District Council

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Buntingford Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week.

Present: Capt. H.H. Williams (in the chair), Messrs. C. Hummerstone, F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, Claud Fraser, H.E. Dudley, E. Bygrave, F. Prime, A.W. Page, G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, T.J. Stick and W.J. May, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Medical Officer of Health (Dr R.A. Dunn), and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

Surveyor's Report

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed.

The consumption of water for the past month has been 1,075,000 gallons.

The Surveyor also reported that Mr C. Reed, of Cottered, had submitted plans for a proposed bungalow to be erected by him at Cottered. The plans were in order.

There was also a report on the water supply at Wakeley cottages, the Surveyor reporting that they reservoir needed repairing and adequate means taken to ensure protection of the water from pollution.

Cottered Drainage

The Surveyor reported that he had again inspected the site adjoining the Cottered cesspool, and he suggested that a small Sub-Committee be appointed to view it.

The Chairman, Mr H.E. Dudley and Mr T.J. Stick arranged to meet on the site on Saturday.

The Clerk stated that the Anstey Parish Meeting had submitted the name of Mr Herbert S. Ward, of Bandons, Anstey, as a candidate to fill the vacancy on the Board caused through the death of Mr James C. Pigg.

Bye-Laws

Copies of the proposed Bye-laws which had been drafted by a Sub-Committee of the Council were submitted to the members.

The Chairman said that two of the members of that Sub-Committee were strongly in favour of the adoption of bye-laws, but one wished to reserve his judgment. If, however, the Council decided to adopt hte bue-laws, that member was of the opinion that those drafted would be most suitable.

In commenting on the drafts submitted, Captain Williams said the intention of the Council was not to draft anything in the way of interfering laws, but he thought that it was a mark of progress that they should have something that would be a guide to the people.

Mr G.C. Wilson moved a vote of thanks to the Sub-Committee for the way in which they had gone into the matter.

It was decided to adjourn the matter for a period of four months.

A further letter was read from Mr Chapman, of London Road, Buntingford, with reference to his application for a subsidy in respect of the bungalow recently erected by him. The Clerk stated that the letter had been sent to the Council by the Ministry of Health, and he had replied to the Ministry, and furnished them with all particulars of the case. The matter was left over until the Ministry has dealth with the Clerk's letter.

Dr R.A. Dunn submitted his annual report of vital and general statistics, an observation of which appears in another column. In answer to a question by the Chairman, Dr Dunn said that cancer is distinctly a disease of old age.

The Council confirmed the appointment of the 2 rating officers to carry out the work in connection with the Registration of Electors' Lists and the preparationg of the Juror Lists.

Mr F.B. Cannon urged that the Council draw the attention of the County Council to the dangerous corner near the Sandon turning at Chipping Bridge. Several accidents had occurred there, and there had been a smash up on the corner that morning.

It was resolved to write the County Council on the matter.

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At the meeting of the Guardians, Mr H.C. Marshall suggested that the Board approach the North Metropolitan Electric Light Co. with a view to obtaining an estimate for wiring the Poor Law Institution.

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.

30th July 1926 - Layston Sunday School Festival

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Layston Sunday School Festival

The annual festival in connection with the Layston Church Sunday School was held on Saturday last.

After a short service in St Peter's, the children, accompanied by Rev. A. and Mrs Howard, the teachers, mothers and other helpers, proceeded to Aspenden House at the kind invitation of Captain and Mrs Williams, who not only welcomed the Sunday School to their beautiful grounds, but provided a bountiful tea for all on the lawn.

After tea a well-planned programme of sports was carried out by Mr Albert Freeman and Mr George Hill, the races causing much interest and amusement to the lookers-on. Bucket ball was popular with all, including the mothers and teachers.

Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser and Miss H. Fraser and Mr and Mrs R.H. Hardy and their children were also present.

When the programme ended prizes were distributed to the winners, but by this time the rain, which had threatened to fall during the afternoon, became persistent, and after cheers for Capt. and Mrs Williams and the National Anthem the company broke up after a very enjoyable afternoon.