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.