23rd April 1926 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

Parade of Shawls

The President, Mrs H.C. Marshall, presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute, held at the George Hotel on Wednesday in last week.

A demonstration on basket and cane work was given by Mr R.A. Bunn, of the H.C.C., and was watched very attentively by the members. Mr Bunn afterwards raffled the tray he made and gave the proceeds of the draw to the Teachers' Benevolent Society. The tray was won by Mrs T. Dellow.

On the proposition of the President, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bunn for his very interesting demonstration.

There were 30 entrants for the parade of shawls, and some beautiful specimens were seen. Mrs T. Dellow was awarded first prize, Mrs Mottram second, and Mrs Scarborough Taylor third.

Votes of condolence were accorded Mrs H.J. Fordham, whose husband was killed at the Puckeridge Races, and Mrs Tapper, of Cottered.

The question of the summer outing was discussed, and it was suggested that an historical place such as Hampton Court be visited this year. The matter was left over for discussion.

Tea was served by Mrs H., Mrs W.J. and Mrs J May, of Wyddiall.

23rd April 1926 - Help the Hospitals

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Help the Hospitals

The Whist Drive and Dance at the Benson Hall on Wednesday, April 14th, was an unqualified success. The total proceeds came to £31 3s. 1d., against which the only charge was £5 for prizes, leaving £26 3s. 1d. to be divided between the Hertford and Royston Hospitals. Each hospital has already received its half share of £13 1s. 7d.

This splendid result could not have been achieved if Father Morgan's efforts had not been so cordially and generously supported by all the Clubs and Societies of the district. The Town Band gave their services free of charge, and the Women's Institute (under the capable leadership of Mrs Fell) organised and sold the refreshments.

Also the following Clubs gave time and labour freely, besides subscribing these amounts:

Aspenden Sports' Club (and friends) £3 10s.; Boys' Club, 10/-; British Legion, £1 1s.; Bowls Club, £1 12s.; Football Club, £1; Musical Society, £1; Tennis Club, £1; Women's Institute, 15/-; Workmen's Club, 10/-.

Special thanks are also due to Mr Wilkerson, who made no charge for printing window bills, tickets, and advertisements in the Gazette. And to Father Morgan for giving the use of the Benson Hall and doing the secretarial work and general organisation. 

Mrs Leslie gave an extra prize for the "lucky chair," and tables and cards were lent by the British Legion and Boys' Club.

Refreshments were provided by Mrs Stubbings, Mrs Wyman, Miss Parker, Mrs Leslie, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Williams, Mrs Fletcher, Mrs Blakiston, Miss Morgan, Mrs Philpott, Mrs Dixon, Miss Lushington, Mrs Coates, Mrs M.K. Smith, Mrs Croslegh, Mrs Fell, and the Convent.

The following helped to serve the refreshments: Mrs Aylott, Miss I. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith, Misses Camp, Mrs Feasey, Miss Ward, Misses Cornwell, Miss Blakiston, Mr Blakiston, Miss Parker, Miss Saunders, Mrs Leslie, Miss Leslie, Miss Lushington, Miss L. Graves, Mrs Thody. Messrs Moss lent china, glass, spoons, &c.

Mr P. Castle prepared the hall and cleaned up afterwards, assisted by Father and Miss Morgan.

At the whist, Mr Dennis was M.C. The prize winners were:

Ladies - 1 Miss Bower, 2 Miss M. Cornwell, 3 Miss Woodley; Consolation, Miss A. Deards.

Men - 1 Mr T. Martin, 2 Mr A. Francis, 3 Mr E. Ward; Consolation, Mr E. Moule.

Highest score, first half, Mr A. Moule; lucky ticket, Mrs Bedford; lucky chair, Mr E. Scrivener.

The prizes were presented by Dr Fell; and two hours' dancing to music supplied by the Town Band and Mrs Stapley wound up a successful and enjoyable evening. Mr L. Smith, as M.C., officiated in his usual tactful and efficient manner.

23rd April 1926 - Buckland Women's Institute

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Buckland

Women's Institute

The April monthly meeting was again well attended in the school on the 14th inst. at 6.30 p.m.

The business having been gone through, Mrs Vernede gave a perfectly clear and interesting talk on "Her Travels in America." A very hearty clap was accorded her by the members to show how very much they had appreciated her kindess in coming over from Standon to thus address them.

Tea was served by the following hostesses - Miss F. Pigg, Mesdames Coxall, Jackson, Jarman, Young, and Miss L. Malyon.

Games and dancing were next indulged in, and a very happy meeting closed with the singing of God Save the King.

The two whist drives held recently in aid of the members' summer outing met with very good results, £11 7s. 6d. having been cleared for that purpose.

3rd Feb 1928 - Buntingford Group of Women's Institutes

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Buntingford Group of Women's Institutes

Group Conference

Fine weather favoured the large gathering of the various Women's Institutes who attended the Group Conference at Buntingford on Wednesday of last week.

Mrs H.H. Williams, Group Leader, presided, and the spacious hall was filled to overflowing, members having to sit on the edge of the platform.

After a few words of welcome, Mrs Williams asked all present to join in the singing of "England," to Mrs Armstrong's accompaniment. This was followed by a most illuminating and extremely interesting and instructive address by Mrs Watkins, who explained with great care and lucidity the various functions of the present Insurance Acts - touching on health and unemployment insurance and old age and widows' and orphans' pensions.

The audience listened very attentively, and at the close questions were asked - showing the intelligent interest that had been taken, and it was felt that many difficulties had been cleared up and explained.

Mrs Martin V.C.O., from Hunsdon Mill, was an able exponent of the aims and duties which W.I. members are especially anxious to emphasise, and in speaking of the King's message to his people, she laid great stress on the extreme importance of "The homes of the people."

Members must have felt that they had both the inward and the outword prosperity of the workers put before them by the two speakers in their most attractive addresses.

Tea and talk followed. "Jerusalem" was sung, and thanks were expressed by members from Barkway and Westmill, and the meeting dispersed after singing God ave the King.

The general feeling seemed to be that it was one of the happiest of group conferences that the various institutes represented have ever attended.