23rd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The July meeting was held on Wednesday, the 21st inst., at Knight's Hill, by kind invitation of Mrs Laird.

The usual proceedings took place and one new member elected at the business meeting, which was at 6.30.

A whist drive followed, prizes for which were given by six members, and the bountiful tea was given by Mrs Laird. There were eleven tables, Mrs Laird acting as M.C. It was a very stormy evening, so the proceedings were conducted under cover.

For the prizes, Mrs Darton and Mrs Lee tied for the first lady's; Mrs Pegram was awarded consolation, while an extra prize was won by Mr G. Warner (playing as lady).

Mr W. Jackson and Mr W. Baker won first and second gents' prizes respectively, Miss Bright (playing as gent) being awarded consolation prize.

Mr Harvey, for the visitors, proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the hostess.

In spite of the weather, a very cheerful evening was spent.

16th July 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

By the kind invitation of Mrs Fraser, the members of the Buntingford Women's Institute greatly enjoyed having their monthly meeting in the delightful grounds of the Red House. Tea, provided by Mrs Fraser, was served from the picturesque old barn.

In the absence of the President (Mrs H.C. Marshall), who is laid up with a cold, Mrs H.H. Williams conducted the business part of the meeting.

A very interesting talk on Chinese Customs was given by Miss Woods, who was gorgeously arrayed in a Chinese costume belonging to Mrs Fraser.

An exhibition of ancient and modern needlework brought by members was most successful. Mrs Camp's examples of dresses created considerable amusement. Some samples were also shown with wonderful stitches. The draw for a cushion resulted in the hostess gaining the prize, a great satisfaction to all her guests.

All agreed that it was one of the pleasantest of meetings, and the glories of the garden were much appreciated.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.

As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.

Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.

Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.

John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.

It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.

16th November 1923 - Buntingford Women's Institute

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Buntingford Women's Institute

A meeting of the Buntingford Women's Institute was held at the Assembly Room, George Hotel, on Wednesday evening last.

A lantern lecture on "Flowers" was given by Mr W. Graveson, of Hertford, and was much enjoyed by all present. The lecturer spoke of the various legends connected with our English flowers, and many of the beautiful pictures were taken by Mr Graveson himself. At the close a very hearty vote of thanks was carried with acclamation by all present.

The lantern was manipulated by Mr B.E. Thody.

Following the lantern lecture musical items were rendered by Miss Baker's pupils. The programme for the ensuing year was also discussed, and it was resolved to have an Institute outing next summer.

Bulbs for the Bulb Competition were sold at the meeting.

Two new members were co-opted on the committee, namely Mrs W.J. May and Mrs G. Saggers. It was also announced that tickets were now on sale for the Whist Drive, which will be held at the George Hotel on Tuesday next, Nov. 20th.

A special feature will be a prize for a lucky ticket, which must be purchased before Tuesday. The whole of the prizes to be offered will be on view in Mr Sharp's window on Monday.

Tea was provided by Miss Boniwell, and the meeting closed with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.