25th January 1924 - Layston Parochial Church Council

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Layston Parochial Church Council

Annual Accounts Submitted

The Layston Parochial Church Council met at Mrs A. Dixon's house on Monday last.

The Chairman (the Rev. A. Howard) was supported by Mrs A. Dixon, Mrs Howard, Mrs F.W. Butler, Miss Boniwell, Mr J. Pateman and Mr F.W. Butler (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer).

Accounts

The balance sheet for the past year was submitted.

Receipts showed a total of £143, and expenditure £142 19s. 11d.

During the year the Church contributed £21 3s. 3d. to various Missionary Societies, and £25 16s. 9d. to Hospitals, Nursing Funds and Home Societies.

The balance sheet was adopted.

On the Burial Ground account the receipts showed a total of £65 6s. 10d., which was made up as follows: Church members, £59 17s. 10d.; Congregational Church and members, £5 4s.; Catholic Church member, 5s.

The total expenditure had been £70 8s. 0d., making a defecit of £5 1s. 6d. due to the Treasurer.

The Council considered the accounts very satisfactory.

Garden Fete

It was decided to hold a garden fete in June. Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser had kindly offered the grounds of the Red House for the occasion, and it was hoped that sufficient funds would be raised to wipe out the defecit, and to ensure that the present tidy appearance of the grave yard be kept up. The graveyard had previously been a disgrace to the Town, on account of shortage of funds.

The following were elected to serve on the Fete Committee: Mr and Mrs C. Fraser, the Rev. and Mrs A. Howard, Mrs A. Dixon, Miss Boniwell, Mrs Maughan, Miss Woods, Mrs F.W. Butler, Mr J. Pateman, Mr C. Miles.

Free-Will Offering

The Hon. Treasurer, Mrs A. Howard, reported that the sum of £35 12s. 11d. had been contributed to the Diocesan Board of Finance.

The quota for the year was £50.

The Council felt that the quota was too high, and after discussion it was decided that the amount which the Church would endeavour to contribute this year would be £35.

Thanks

Mrs Howard was thanked for the interest she had taken in the Free-Will Offering Fund, and Mr F.W. Butler was cordially thanked for his services as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer to the Council.

The next meeting to revise the Electorial Roll was fixed for February 11th, and the Annual Church Meeting on March 10th.

5th August 1927 - Bowls Club Fete Marred by Rain

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Bowls Club

Fete Marred by Rain

Rain marred the fete organised for Bank Holiday by the Buntingford Bowls Club.

Early in the mrning the committee and stallholders were making extensive preparations for an open-air event at Layston Court, kindly placed at the disposal of the Club by Miss Woods, when the rain commenced.

It was not until the early afternoon that it was found necessary to abandon the idea of holding the event outside, so the stalls, &c., were transferred to the Women's Institute Hall, and everyone carried on as well as possible under the trying circumstances.

The concerts held in the hall during the evening were a great success, and there were excellent audiences.

Later in the evening there was a dance, at which a very large number was present. Barratt's Band from London provided the music, and the afternoon's sorrows were turned into an evening of complete enjoyment.

3rd December 1926 - Death of Mrs Mary Bye

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Wyddiall

Death of Mrs Mary Bye

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mrs Mary Bye, which took place at Royston Hospital on Wednesday in last week.

The deceased had been in ill health for some time, and was removed to Royston early in November. Both Mrs Bye and her husband have lived in Wyddiall for a number of years, and have been respected by all who knew them.

Mr Bye, who is a very conscientious workman, is at present in Royston Hospital and we understand he is going on well.

The funeral of the deceased took place at St Giles' Church, Wyddiall, on Monday afternoon, when a large number of friends and relatives were present to show respect and sympathy. The coffin, which bore a place inscribed - Mary Bye, Died November 24th, 1926, Aged 69 years, was covered with flowers.

The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. L.W. Wright, who spoke highly of the deceased.

The immediate mourners were - Mr H. Bye and Mrs B. Woods (son and daughter), Mr W.  Bye and Miss A. Bye (son and daughter), Mr F. Bye and Mrs G. Smith (son and daughter), Mr B. Woods and Mrs H. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr G. Smith and Mrs W. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mrs C. Catley and Mrs T. Coxall (sisters), Mr and Mrs T. Coxall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs W. Coxall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs W. Bye (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs Catley and Mrs Bentley (sisters-in-law), A. Bye, I. Catley, and J. Bentley (nephews). Others present were Mr H. May, Mr T. May.

Amongst the numerous wreaths was one from her sorrowing husband and children, and one from her loving sister and cousins.

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Mr D. Bye and family wish to thank all friends for the many expressions of sympathy received in their recent bereavement.

18th March 1927 - Death of Mr W.D. Bye

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Wyddiall

Death of Mr W.D. Bye

We regret to record the death of Mr W.D. Bye, who passed away on Wednesday of last week.

The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had lived in Wyddiall for the past 30 years. He was taken ill just before his wife's death in November last, and although he underwent a serious operation he did not recover his healt.

The large company present at the funeral at Wyddiall Church on Saturday afternoon showed the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow workers and villagers.

The immediate mournes were - Mr H. Bye and Miss A. Bye (son and daughter), Mr W. Bye and Mrs G. Smith (son and daughter), Mr and Mrs F. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr G. Smith and Mrs H. Bye (son-in-law and daughter-in-law), Mr B. Woods and Mrs W. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr W. and Miss H. Coxall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr W. Bye and Mrs Bentley (brother and sister), Mrs R. Catley and Mrs E. Catley (sisters), Mrs W. Coxall (sister-in-law), A. Bye, H. Catley and J. Bentley (nephews).

Amongst others present were: Lt.-Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, Mr W. May, Mr T. May and Mr H. May and many employees. Fellow employees from the farm on which the deceased was employed acted as bearers.

10th June 1927 - Whit-Monday Fete

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Whit-Monday Fete

Opening Ceremony by Lady Salisbury

In favourable weather, a garden fete was held in the grounds of Layston Court (by kind permission of Miss E.M.A. Woods), on Whit-Monday. The fete was in aid of the Buntingford and District Nursing Association and the Buntingford Women's Institute.

The fete was opened at 3 p.m. by Lady Salisbury, who was introduced by Dr R.W. Fell.

Lady Salisbury, in a delightful speech, expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present in such charming surroundings. The object of the fete was an excellent one. The Buntingford Nursing Association did an excellent service to the community and was a boon to the villages. The Women's Institute was also deserving of assistance, for it did an enormous amount of good. (Applause).

Lady Salisbury was then presented with a bouquet by Anne Veasey, a pretty girl of four years.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with articles, while adjoining were numerous side-shows and attractions. A tennis tournament drew several entries. Teas were served under a large tree, the committee being assisted by a number of helpers.

Mrs Dixon proposed a vote of thanks to Lady Salisbury for so kindly opening the fete and this was seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, and carried with applause.

A programme of dances, with music supplied by the Band, concluded a very successful day.

There were so many helpers both before the day itself that we withhold the lengthy list, but mention should be made of the services of the fete Hon. Sec. Mr G.H. Maughan, who had been preparing for the event for some weeks.

25th June 1926 - Housebreaking at Buntingford

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Housebreaking at Buntingford

Man Detained By The Police

The premises of Messrs. Forrest Stores, Buntingford, were broken into on the night of June 17th to 18th, and cash, cigarettes, chocolate, &c., stolen.

An entry was made through a door at the back of the premises, the glass in the door being smashed to allow the bolts to be drawn.

The discovery was made by the Branch Manager, Mr T.C. Bayman, at 7.30 on Friday morning. No one resides at the premises, and it is not likely that the neighbours would be disturbed by anyone at the back of Messrs Forrest Stores premises.

The Police were informed of the robbery at 8 a.m., and Sergt. Dean and Detective Voller arrested a man on suspicion at 10.30 a.m. He was later charged, and appeared before Capt. H.H. Williams.

Giving evidence, Sergt. Dean stated that he received information at 8 a.m. that morning that Messrs. Forrest Stores, Buntingford, had been broken into during the night.

He made enquiries, and traced a man's footprints up the path at the back of the premises to Baldock Road. He later met Charles Woods, who was carrying a gun, and notice [sic] that Woods' boots compared with the marks at the rear of the Stores; he told the defendant that he suspected him and asked him whether he would allow his house to be searched. The defendant replied that he would not.

The man was then asked to proceed to the Police Station but on the way he tried to escape. He was caught, and admitted breaking into the premises, stating that he was hungry. Sergt. Dean stated that later, in company with Detective Voller, he went to the defendant's house and found in a bag on the table £1 5s. 5d. in cash, a bar and three-parts of a bar of chocolate, a bottle of sherry and four packets of cigarettes. He later charged Charles Henry Woods, who made no reply.

A remand was ordered until today (Friday), prisoner being committed to Brixton.

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Read the full Petty Sessions report from 2nd July.

25th June 1926 - Buntingford Nursing Association

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Buntingford Nursing Association

The twenty-ninth annual report and statement of accounts of the above Association has recently been issued, and as usual affords pleasure in reviewing. Eight parishes are affiliated with the Assocation, which is thus one of the largest in North Herts.

The committee, in their report, express gratitude for the liberal support of subscribers and friends to the Nursing Association during the past year.

Thanks are accorded to Miss Woods, who permitted the Fete, on behalf of the Association, to be held at Layston Court last July, when the proceeds exceeded £62. Among others that rendered valuable aid in various ways were - The Foresters, Women's Institute, Miss Lushington, and Messrs. E.C. Clarke, H. Fry, A. Hedges, Jeffrey Smith, R. Brabrook and L. Smith.

The devoted work of the Nurses is highly appreciated throughout the parishes. Nurse Davies' visits totalled 2587 and Nurse Tunwells 1181.

Passing to the accounts, their perusal is equally gratifying, and show receipts £350 4s. 9d., and a balance in the treasurer's hands of £22 10s. 1d. 

Among the receipt items are - Subscriptions £79 5s. 6d., fete £62 2s. 11d., donations £32 10s., collections in Church £6 9s. 3d., and cottage monthly subscriptions £16 10s. 1d.

For many years the committee have always carried on their administrative work with signal success, and this is again a dominant feature acknowledged by the whole Association.

To Mrs A. Dixon, the time-honoured chairman and secretary, sincere thanks are expressed on all sides for the splendid work she does for the Association, which owes so much of its success and thorough efficiency to her wise counsel, energy and experience.

28th May 1926 - Garden Fete at Layston Court

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Garden Fete at Layston Court

In Aid Of The Women's Institute

The long-talked of Garden Fete was held on Whit-Monday, May 24th, in the grounds of Layston Court (kindly lent by Miss Woods), and was a huge success in every way. The members of the Fete Committee, supplemented by many willing helpers, spared no pains to make the affair successful. Preparations had been going on for several months, with a result that there were several well-stocked stalls.

The weather was on its best behaviour until 9 p.m., when rain fell just as dancing commenced. Financially, the fete was a great success, but the sum actually realised is not yet available.

The fete was opened at 2.30 p.m. by Lady Hunsdon. The ceremony took place under a large tree in the grounds, where were assembled about 150 people, including the President of the Institute (Mrs H.C. Marshall), Mrs H.H. Williams and Miss Woods.

Mrs H.C. Marshall, after introducing Lady Hunsdon, said that as it was Empire Day she thought it would be appropriate if the company sang "Rule Brittania." Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang the verse, and all present joined in the chorus.

Lady Hunsdon expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present and enjoy the hospitality of her friend (Miss Woods) in such charming surroundings. Buntingford always did things well and that afternoon they had turned on most wonderful weather for the fete. She would like to refer too the late Mrs  Woods, with whom she had discussed the question of a Women's Institute in Buntingford.

Lady Hunsdon then formally declared the fete open.

Mrs H.H. Williams returned thanks to Lady Hunsdon for opening the fete.

Miss Sheila Armstrong handed Lady Hunsdon a beautiful bouquet and the Band struck up God Save the King.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with gifts. The stalls comprised the following: general, Mrs H.C. Marshall, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Armstrong and Miss Ward; Aspenden, Mrs Williams and Mrs Croslegh; fancy, Mr and Mrs Roberson; pound, Mrs Squires and Miss Sambels; sweets, Mrs J. Aylott, Mrs S. Smith and Miss Aylott; needlework, Mrs Feasey and Mrs Coleman; produce, Mrs H. May; Miss Olive Poulton, dressed as an Irish girl, sold Coleen soaps; and Miss Joan Roberson had charge of the doll competition; Miss Thwaites being in charge of the cake guessing.

A delightful feature of the Fete was the parade of children in fancy dress. The first prize was awarded to Soe White, the second prize going to Joan Roberson. All the children were delightfully dressed.

The side-shows comprised: hoop-la, Mr H.C. Marshall, Miss Marshall, Mr F. Fraser and Mrs Scarborough Taylor; bowls competition, Mr F.W. Butler (winner Mr W. May); clock golf, Mr W.J. May (winner Miss Marshall); lucky arrow, Mr E.J. Totman; and fortune-telling, Mr E. Mildren, jun. Miss Woods was in charge of the hidden treasure, the four half-crowns behind won by Miss Scrivener, Mr Chapman, Mr Lees, and Miss Boniwell.

Mrs Robinson, the Gypsy Fortune Teller, spent a busy afternoon and handed over her takings (£5) to the Treasurer.

Mrs White's drawings were much admired by visitors and members alike.

The tea enclosure did a capital business under the capable management of Mrs Fell, assisted by Mrs Clarke, Mrs Houlden, Mrs Darton, Mrs Pateman, Mrs Dellow, Mrs Warren, Mrs C. Clarke, Mrs Geaves, Mrs A. Smith, Mrs Rand, Miss Fell, and Miss Crane.

For the tennis tournament, arranged by Miss Porter, there were 30 entries, and in addition to the court at Layston Court, Mrs Ashford kindly placed her court at the disposal of the Committee.

A concert was given on the lawn during the afternoon where an excellent programme was well recieved by an enthusiastic audience. The programme was as follows: Scene from "As you like it," the W.I. Dramatic Section; two dances by Miss Olive Poulton; song "Devonshire Cream and Cider," Mr J.T. White; two-part songs by W.I. Choir, "The Seekers" and "Pam's Holiday." Mrs Armstrong acted as accompanist.

Later in the evening, country folk dancing took place on the lawn, when there was again an appreciative audience.

The Buntingford Town Silver Band were in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon and evening, also for dancing later in the evening.

There were so many helpers that we have probably omitted to mention some names. We are asked, however, to state that the committee are very grateful to all who assisted in any way to make the event such a success.

21st May 1926 - Women's Institute

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Women's Institute

A very large and successful meeting took place at the George Room on Wednesday evening of last week. The members not on the Committee gave a free tea, and themselves provided the tiems of entertainment. The chair was taken by Miss Woods as a non-Committee member.

Mention was made by the President and Chairman of the joy at the conclusion of the strike, and of the desirability of avoiding all bitterness or sarcasm, fostering a spirit in every quarter of Buntingford of goodwill and good fellowship.

Mrs Houlden jun., was the accompanist and gave a piano solo; Mrs Thwaites and Miss Howard sang; and delightful recitations and readings were given by Mesdames Howard, Saggers, Horth, the Misses Beadle and Nurse Davies; amusing stories were told by Mrs Baker and Miss Lushington; two dances were delightfully performed by Miss Poulton, accompanied by Miss Macklin; and the competition glees were well sung under the able conductorship of Miss Baker.

Two interesting competitions were arranged by Mrs Warren and Miss Doris Camp, and prizes were won by Miss Leslie, Miss Boniwell and Mrs M. Miles. The prizes consisted of eggs, sugar, tea and butter, given respectively by Mrs Warren, Mrs David Baker, Mrs Geaves and Miss Woods.

14th May 1926 - Funeral of Mrs J. Matthews

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Rushden

Funeral of Mrs J. Matthews

On Tuesday afternoon, the moral remains of Mrs J. Matthews, widow of the late Rev. J. Matthews, were laid to rest in a corner of the little Churchyard.

Many old residents of the village were present to pay their last respects to one whose long life was given to the Kingdom of God. The Rev. Matthews was for 47 years vicar of Rushden, and since his death, his widow has resided at Felixstowe, where she passed away last week at the advanced ago of 80 years.

The remains were brought by road and were carried in to the Church by village men, most of whom had been members of the choir under deceased. The Vicar and the Rev. A. Howard, of Layston, conducted the service, which was fully choral, and quite in keeping with such an one as deceased.

There was a large number present at the Church, including the parishioners to do honour to her memory. Beside the immediate mourners we noticed: Dr and Mrs Fell, Mrs A. Dixon, Miss Woods, Mrs B. Cannon, Mrs Dudley, sen., Mrs H.E. Dudley, Mrs W. Sale, Mrs Tweed, Mrs Beadle, Mr and Mrs F.B. Cannon, Mr B. Cannon, Mrs Newland, Mrs P. Castle, Miss Field, and many others.

There was a large number of floral tributes, including a beautiful wreath from the old parishioners.

3rd Feb 1928 - League of Nations Union

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League of Nations Union

Despite a very wet evening, the Women's Institute Hall was well filled on Thursday evening of last week, of the occasion of a meeting in connection with the League of Nations Union.

The chair was taken by Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, who was supported on the platform by Mrs M.E. Downer, Mrs Lanyon, Mrs G.C. Coutts Deacon, Miss Woods, the Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, the Rev. F.R. Williams, the Rev. A.G. Langdon, the Rev. W. Mc C Kerr and the Rev. John Cole.

A letter of regret at being unable to attend was read from the Rev. A.N. Morgan.

The Chairman gave a very able survey of the work of the League of Nations, and referred to Lord Robert Cecil as whose life's work was for the League. (Applause)

Sir Charles then referred to the past work of the League and added that it would do still greater work in the future (Applause).

Mrs M.E. Downer, of the League of Nations Union, then gave an extremely interesting address on the work of the League of Nations. The League, she said, would settle disputes by reason and not by thought. The Battle of Trafalgar cost £88,000, but one of our present day battleships cost £6,000,000 and we were no stronger in the Navy than we were in Nelson's day. They had in the League of Nations a piece of machinery that could stop war; the machinery was not perfect, but it was everyone's duty to support the League.

The speaker's fine closing appeal resulted in 37 new members being enrolled.

Mr Andrew Weir moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Downer for her most interesting address. He (Mr Weir) could not help thinking that if anyone knew of any other way of settling disputes than through the League of Nations, then for God's sake let them say so.

Miss Woods seconded the vote of thanks, which was carried amid applause.

Mr W.S. Fordham, of Puckeridge, moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and this was seconded by Mr W.J. May and carried with applause.

Thanks are due to the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, for the excellent arrangements in connection with the meeting - it is through him that a brand was formed in the district. Mrs Lanyon has also done valuable work in the Braughing district.

Members of the Cottered Troop of Scouts were on duty at the Hall, and handed round enrolment forms.

27th Jan 1928 - Layston Sunday School Annual Prize Distribution

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Buntingford

Layston Sunday School

Annual Prize Distribution

The Prize-giving and Entertainment to the Church Sunday School scholars took place at the Women's Institute Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a large number of scholars, parents and friends present.

The Vicar (the Rev. A. Howard) handed Bibles, Prayer Books or story books to the successful boys and girls. Each child was applauded on receiving his or her prize, Cyril Kimpton coming in for a special hand-clap for not having missed attendance once.

After the prize distribution Mr B.E. Thody gave a lantern lecture on "The Wonders of London," "The Tower of London," "Waterloo" and "A visit to the Zoo."

At the close thanks were accorded the Rev and Mrs Howard, the teachers, Mr B.E. Thody, and all those who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment. 

Before dispersing, the National Anthem was heartily sung and each child was handed an orange, the gift of Mrs Alex. Dixon.

The following is a list of those who recieved prize books:

Girls

Class 2- 1 W. Winters, V. Dowding, 2 D. Warner, 3 Vera Nicholls. Class 3 - 1 Gladys Butler, 2 Maud Hurry, 3 D. Harradance.

Boys

Class 1 - 1 Eric Nicholls, 2 W Warner, 3 L. Fiddaman. Class 2 - 1 Cyril Kimpton, 2 R Nicholls, 3 C. Hurry. Class 3 - 1 R. Winters, 2 C. Woods, 3 T. Fiddaman, H. Smith.

Infants

Class 1 - 1 Kitty Warner, 2 Joyce Woods, Doris Butler, 3 F. Darton. Class 2 - 1 George Kimpton, 2 Ben Crouch. 3 - 1 Joan Woods, 2 Mary Hurry.

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, death of King Edward

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Buntingford

As soon as the sad news of the King's death was known at Buntingford it caused the most profound sorrow.

The ancient town bell was tolled. On Sunday, at St Peter's, besides the morning and evening services, there was a children's service, and also one for men. At every service the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, feelingly alluded to the passing away of the good King. 

In the morning he preached from the words, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He showed it was a time of personal trouble, family trouble, trouble for the Church of England which had lost its head, trouble for the Nation, which could ill spare such a wise ruler at the present time, and also trouble to our Empire, States, and people over the seas, which looked to King Edward as their guiding friend.

Of the King's charactertistics he dwelt mainly upon his tender love for the poor and feeble and his consistent endeavours to promote peace within the borders of his dominions and among the great powers of the world. The sorrow of the national was truly genuine and heartfelt for their noble monarch, whose end was peace.

"O God our help in ages past" was fervently sung at the services. The "Dead March" in Saul was played by Miss Woods at the end of each service while the congregation stood, most of whom were in mourning. 

- At both services at the Congregational Church, the Rev G. Fraser Elliott referred sympathetically to the death of the King, and prayers were offered for the bereaved Queen. At each service too Mrs Sutterby played the "Dead March" while the congregation stood.

The School flag was hoisted at half-mast. On Sunday two patrols of the Buntingford and District Boy Scouts, numbering in all 21, and each wearing on the left arm an armlet of crepe, paraded at their headquarters in High Street and marched to St Peter's to attend the morning service. To see these orderly well-behaved lads grieving with their elders was a touch tribute of reverential respect and esteem for the dead King, who took such a warm interest in the Scout movement.