18th January 1924 - Wyddiall - An Enjoyable Concert

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[Transcriber note: To save everyone's eyes I've turned the collections of names at the end into bullet pointed lists]

Wyddiall

An Enjoyable Concert

The concert given in the schoolroom on Tuesday last attracted a crowded audience, that spent a delightful time.

Mr H. May was the chief organiser, and Mr R. May presided at the piano.

No charge was made for admission, but during the interval a collection was made in aid of the Men's Club, the satisfactory sum of 30s. being collected.

At the close Mr H. Pigg congratulated the artistes on the excellent programme, and called for three cheers, which were heartily given.

On behalf of the performers, Mr H. May thanked the audience for their support, and the liberal way they had subscribed to the Club funds.

The programme was as follows:

Part 1 -

• Pianoforte Solo, Mr R. May;
• song, "Maryland," Mr B. Hatchett;
• song, "Mary Ann and Jack," Mr H. Money;
• duet, "Barbara Allen," Misses N. Hatchett and R. Marshall;
• recitation, "From the wreck," Mr E. Searle;
• song, "Passing by," Mr W. May;
• song, "The old armchair," Mr W. Searle;
• dialogue, Messrs B. Hatchett and E. Martin;
• song, "I passed by your window," N. Hatchett, Miss L. Pledger and R. Marshall;
• song, "Whispering," Mr H. Pledger;
• song, "I shall have to ask my mother if she'll let me," Mr C. Hatchett;
• song, "That old fashioned mother," Miss L. Pledger;
• song, "God send you back to me," Mr W. Watson.

Part 2 -

• Song, "Annie Laurie," Mrs W. Mead;
• song, "Light of her life went out," Mr H. Money;
• song, "Bubbles," E. Bonfield, R. Reed and C. Hatchett;
• song, "Bells of St Mary's," Mr H. Pledger;
• duet, "The old rustic bridge," Miss N. and Mr B. Hatchett;
• recitation, "A great fit," Mr E. Searle;
• song, "My meatless day," Mr C. Hatchett;
• song, "Mate of mine," Mr W. May;
• song, "Poor ole' Joe," Mr W. Searle;
• reading, "Our village," Mr J. Searle;
• song, "Touch the harp gently," Mr W. Watson;
• song, "Amazon," Mr B. Hatchett;
• "Auld Lang Syne," concert party.

21st December 1928 - Buntingford Entertainment

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Buntingford

Entertainment

It is often said that one half of the world causes amusement for the other half, but this is not always the case. It only took half-a-dozen men from London, known as "The Impressibles" Concert Party, to amuse a good audience at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening.

Those that had gathered from far and near never were allowed to think during the evening of the miserable journey they would experience on the way home.

The Party is well-known all over London as the leading laughter makers, and a couple of the members - Messrs. Harry Parr and Will Jennings - hold the distinguished positions of piano humorists at the Queen's Hall.

The whole programme was excellent in every respect, and some of the items of Mr Parr's composition brought down the house. These includes "The show's best man," which the party sang as an opening chorus, "Sea-dogs three" and "Mary's Lamb."

Mr John Orchard gave a pleasing rendering of Aitken's song "Marie my girl" and "The fishermen of England" by Phillips. Other items worthy of special mention included a humorous interlude by Mr Bert Sainsbury, a wireless medley by the party, and an interlude by Mr Will Jennings.

What could be described as the gem of the programme was the song "Take a pair of sparkling eyes," beautifully sang by Mr J. Aylmer.

All the items were well received and clamourously encored. The proceeds were in aid of Aspenden Church Renovation Fund.

29th October 1926 - Forthcoming Concert

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Forthcoming Concert

The Concert to be given at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening next, in aid of the Buntingford Women's Institute, promises to be quite a musical event.

The artists are - Mrs Major Edridge, Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor, Mrs G. Armstrong, Rev. L.W. Wright, Mr F. Coates, Mr S. Daniels, Kenneth Beard (Comedian), Brock Daniels (Ventriloquist).

We are asked to say that tickets can be obtained of Mr H. Fry and Miss Ivy Aylott.

Get your tickets now for what promises to be a full evening's enjoyment.

29th October 1926 - Armistice Day

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Armistice Day

Arrangements are now well in hand for the observance of Remembrance Day, Thursday, November 11th.

The Concert Committee met at Longmead this week and drew up arrangements for the concert to be given at the Benson Hall during the evening.

Mr Harry Gibbs, who gave great satisfaction last year is bringing 'The Gossips,' a novel concert party from London.

Tickets will be on sale at Mr H. Fry's.

24th December 1926 - Concert at the Benson Hall

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Concert at the Benson Hall

For the Buntingford & District Nursing Association

The concern given at the Benson Hall on December 15th by "The Bunties" Concert Party, attracted a crowded audience that spent a very delightful evening.

The concert party were so successful last season that they decided to carry on during the 1926-27 season, and it must be said that their new programme went with a swing from beginning to end.

The items consisted of the latest musical "hits," and many of the choruses were taken up by the enthusiastic audience. Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr B. Kennedy were loudly applauded for their two special numbers "Waiting for the Moon" and by request, "Leander."

Mr J. White sang "Leanin" and "An Old-Time Song," being assisted in the latter by Mrs Scarborough Taylor. Mrs G. Armstrong, who last year gave such delightful dances, was partnered with Mr Bobbie Adamson, and their "Charleston" number was one of the best items on the programme.

Mrs Armstrong and Mr Brian Kennedy had a great reception for their picture from the past "A Second Minuet"; they were re-called twice, and each received gifts from members of the audience.

Mrs G. Scarborough Taylor's interpretation of Gounod's "Flower Song" (from Faust) was perfect, and won a deafening encore.

Mrs G. Armstrong and Mrs Scarborough Taylor sang with success "Ukelee." Mr G. Armstrong's droll monologues kept the audience in a ripple of laughters, as did Mr G. Scarborough Taylor in a first-class comedy act "Where are the Girls of the Old Brigade."

"Poor Papa," sung by Mr Bobbie Adamson was another number which brought rounds of applause. Of the concerted numbers "The Biff Brigade" is worthy of special mention; the marching and turning of the troupe, dressed as toy soldiers, was exceedingly well done. "Then I'll be happy" "There may be Days" and "A little bit of fun"; the latter with the aid of the entire adience, were other successful numbers by the Company. The concerted numbers by Mr G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor also deserve mention.

A dramatic sketch, "The Brass Door-Knob," was given by Mrs G. Armstrong and Mr Scarborough Taylor, and was performed so well that the audience were spellbound till the final curtain. "The Bunty Medley," arranged by Rieta Hull, the accomplished pianist to the troupe brought the evening to a close.

The stage lighting and management and effects were undertaken by Messrs. H.M. Blakiston, B.E. Thody, J. Handy and H. Feasey. Miss Ward greatly assisted the production.

At the close, Mr Claud Fraser called for three cheers for the Troupe and thanked them for such a delightful programme.

It is understood that the net proceeds, which will be paid over to the Nursing Fund, are expected to reach £20.

28th January 1927 - Buckland Concert

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Buckland

Concert

On Friday, January 14th, in the School, a concert organised by the Rev. Phillips and Miss N. Pigg was a huge success, the amount taken, with the sale of programmes, being £9.

This amount is to be handed over to the Clothing Clubs &c., and the Nursing Fund. The room was crowded, quite a few having to stand.

A long and varied programme was arranged, and it would indeed be very difficult to pick out any item for particular mention, the piano solos, recitations, songs, violin solos, dance and ventriloquial performances being of the highest character.

Pretty and dainty indeed was the song and dance, "The red, red robin," by Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs Edridge, Mrs Lanyon and Rev. Circuit gave songs, which were heartily encored, and by allowing the audience to join in the choruses it was a very happy time for all.

Mr Symes' violin solos were greatly appreciated. This gentleman, like Mr Daniels (ventriloquist) was not hitherto known to a Buckland audience. The latter gentleman caused roars of laughter, especially by making reference to the village Women's Institute and its choir.

Miss Hall's recitations were beautifully and feelingly rendered, and the play by Mrs Bailey and Mrs Seymour was very amusing and well played.

The Rev. F.B. Phillips thanked the audience for coming in such a number, whilst Miss N. Pigg passed a hearty vote of thanks to the performers.

A 6d. dance followed, from which the sum of £1 17s. 0d. was realised, and this is to be used for paying the expenses of the above.

A very enjoyable time for both young and old was brought to a close at 12.30 a.m.

Mr Bishop was at the piano for dancing.

4th March 1927 - Cottered Cricket Club Concert

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Cottered

Cricket Club Concert

A very successful concert was held in the school on Friday evening, in aid of the funds of the Cottered Cricket Club.

Miss Bates acted as pianist, there were numerous encores, and the whole programme was thoroughly enjoyed.

In the interval, the Rector (Rev. E.E. Empringham), announced that a letter had been received from the Club President (Mr H. Goode) regretting inability to be present, and enclosing a cheque for £5 for the club funds.

The Rector also proposed a vote of thanks to the pianist, the performers, and all who had helped, but especially to the chief organiser, Mr Edwards, the Hon. Secretary of the Club.

Mr Edwards briefly responded, appealing for the support and goodwill of the whole community for the Cricket Club.

4th March 1927 - Organ Recital at Congregational Church

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Organ Recital at Congregational Church

A Delightful Programme

Mr E.E. Dennis gave another of his organ recitals at the Congregational Church on Tuesday evening. There was a good gathering, and the programme was much enjoyed.

The soloist was Mr S. Daniels, who was at his best.

Mr Dennis chose for his recital the following:

"Spring Song." - Hollins

"Evening Song" - Gos-Cusstard

"Catherdral Music" - Wareing

"Barcarolle" - Hoffman

"Minuetto" - Guillmant

Variations on an air in F - Lemare

His "Evening Song" was beautifully played, as was the "Minuetto."

Mr Daniels' items were delightful. He chose "It is enough" (from Elijah), and "The trumpet shall sound" (from the Messiah). His accompanist, Mr E.E. Dennis, gave him every support.

Altogether it was an excellent programme.

27th May 1927 - Reed Variety Concert

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Reed

Variety Concert

A very enjoyable concert was given by members of the Royston Concert Party, under the leadership of Miss M. Rogers and Capt. F.C. Gosden, in the Mission Room, on Thursday, May 5th.

That their efforts to entertain were much appreciated was shown by the number of encores they received, but special mention must be made of the sketch, "Impossible Perkins," which caused roars of laughter.

The Misses Eileen Giffen, Marjorie Kingsley and Dorothy Drage were very enthusiastic in selling programmes and in taking round a mystery box. Various guesses were made as to its contents, Mrs Isaacson eventually being the winner, she having guessed correctly.

The Rector, Rev. H.F. Webb-Bowen, presided, and at the close proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the artists for having given their services, and for the excellent way in which they had rendered the various items on the programme.

Capt. F.C. Gosden, replying for the concert party, said how grateful they were for the Rector's words, and assured the audience that they themselves had much enjoyed the concert.

The room afterwards cleared for dancing, which was indulged in with great zest, Mrs Isaacson being the accompanist.

The concert and dance were arranged by the members of the Social Club, and the proceeds given to the Piano Fund. The proceeds of the concert amounted to £2 9s. 6d. The balance from the dance, after expenses were paid, was 9/-. A further 1/6 was given at the committee meeting, making a total of £3 for the Piano Fund.

10th June 1927 - Organ Recital

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Organ Recital

Last Sunday evening and organ recital was given in the Buntingford Congregational Church by Mr W.S. Dellow, of Roydon.

Mr Dellow played a number of selections, and the recital, which lasted for half-an-hour, was very much enjoyed.

The Minister expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Church, and an offering was taken for organ expenses.

9th July 1926 - Band Concert

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Band Concert

To have won the Thousand Guinea Band Trophy five times is a record of which any band might be proud.

The famous St Hilda Band, who are visiting the town on Monday next, hold this distinct honour, and there is no doubt that there will be a large attendance at the Red House, kindly placed at the disposal of the Band by Mr and Mrs Claud Fraser.

Capt. and Mrs Williams have also kindly lent their charming grounds for the afternoon performance. The Band have with them this time Mr Lawson Williams, a tenor of repute.

Mr Lawson Williams was late principal tenor of the Carl Rosa Opera Company and Queen's Hall Concerts, London.

The concert will be the musical event of the season.

12th Nov 1926 - Women's Institute Concert

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Women's Institute Concert

Dear Sir,

May I, through your Paper, thank all who so kindly helped in various ways with the concert held in the Benson Hall on November 3rd.

The sum taken altogether was £15 16s. 10 and a half pence. After deducting £7 4s. for expenses, and giving £3 to the Nursing Association, the balance of £5 12s. 10 and a half pence has been paid into our account.

Yours faithfully,

A.M. Boniwell, Hon. Sec. B.W.I.

Buntingford, Nov. 11th, 1926.

30th April 1926 - Westmill, Organ Recital

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Westmill

Organ Recital

A most successful organ recital was held in St Mary's Church on Sunday, April 18th after shortened evensong.

Mr J. Dykes Bower, from Cambridge, and Mr Mark Pasteur, from Hadham, gave solos on the organ; Miss Douglas played two violin solos; and Mr C. Longdon-Thurgood sang "Angels ever bright and fair" and "Easter Hymn"; Mrs Thurgood and Miss Pasteur sang a descant to the hymn "Oh worship the Lord" while the collection in aid of the Church Renovation Fund was being taken.

It amount to £12 11s., and on Monday further donations amounting to £11 3s. were received.

The Hon. Sec. of the Parochial Church Council is most grateful to all who so kindly helped.

2nd April 1926 - Cottered School Concert

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Cottered School Concert

"Encore" Cottered School Concert, was the demand of those who had seen the entertainment of the 20th ult.

Miss Wilderspin (head teacher) with her very able assistants (Miss Pugh and Miss Anable) most kindly consented to meet the demand they had created by reproducing the charming production that they, by infinite care and hard work, had so successfully achieved.

The youthful actors responded generously by their sweet singing and intelligent rendering of their various characters, representing sword dancers, butterlies, spiders, &c. The elocution of the children was really surprising. Ages ranging from 5 to 14 years. That in its self was a great triumph for both pupils and preceptors.

The very crowded audiences on both occasions, March 20th and 27th, were very enthusiastic, giving cheers for all concerned. Where all excelled individual praise is impossible, so in thanking the head teacher, teachers and scholars, pianist (Miss Pugh, a teacher), and chairman announcer (Mr Beadle), the writer joins in the hearty cheers of the delighted audience.

12th Oct 1928 - Country Town Concert at Buntingford

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Country Town Concert at Buntingford

Arranged by the Herts Rural Community Council

By the direction of the Herts Rural Community Council, a grand variety concert was given in the Women's Institute Hall on Wednesday evening.

A good number of persons seized the advantage of listening to the professional artistes who have so often been heard in broadcast concerts. The artistes taking part were Miss Margaret Stephen (soprano and accompanist), Miss Phyllis Nash (violinist), Miss Rita Sharpe (cellist) and Mr David Hutchinson (tenor), who took the part, owing to indisposition, of Mr Owen Bryngwyn.

The object of this and similar concerts to be held in Hertfordshire is for the purpose of keeping the various musical and choral societies in touch with one another, arranging tours of the village, country town and school concert parties, and generally helping to promote musical enterprise in the country towns and villages of the county. Any surplus money which is left in hand after paying the expenses involved will be expended by arranging for concerts to be held in hospitals and similar institutions where circumstanes do not allow for charging any fees.

The programme opened with two delightful trios by the Misses Nash, Stephen and Sharpe, which were followed by two songs by Mr Hutchinson, who fine voice was greatly admired; his song "Sigh no more, lady" was exceptionally well sung. The "Hungarian Rhapsody," the cello solo which commences with a mournfully and rhythm gradually changing to a wild composition, too, was well rendered by Miss Sharpe. 

Then followed Miss Stephen's three soprano songs (1) "My true love day," (2) "By and by," said to have been sung by people of the Hebrides when they were thinking of the joys of Heaven, and (3) "The route of the isles," the words of which are supposed to have been uttered by an old native journeying back to his land of Scotland, all of which were extremely charming. Equally charming were the two violin solos "Minuet" and "Air and Variations" by Miss Nash, and Miss Stephen and Mr Hutchinson sang as a blosing item to the first part of the programme the familiar duet "Oh no, John," for which they were loudly encored.

Following a brief interval, during which a representative of the Herts Rural Community Council explained what the scheme is and how it is worked, Miss Sharpe illuminated the commencement of part 2 by two other praiseworthy cello solos "Drink to me only with thine eyes" and an oriental dance tune; Miss Sharpe was clamourously encored, and she replied with "Le Cygne." Mr Hutchinson was also vociferously applauded, and as an encore he sang "My love, she's but a laddie," which was very amusing.

Miss Nash's two violin solos of her own composition, "Miniature in G" and "African Dance" were well received, as also were the humourous duets "Keep away, my Johnny" and "My boy, Billy" so excellently sung by Miss Stephen and Mr Hutchinson. Two other trios, preceded by a cello solo, was followed by community singing, when all the audience joined in the singing of "John Brown's body" and songs of a similar character. The accompaniments of Miss Stephen at the piano deserve special mention.

Various explanatory notes on music were given by the artistes during the evening, and Mr Hutchinson laid emphasis on the importance of sounding the consonants as well as the vowels in singing, and not relying upon the audience as always having a book of words before them. It was articulation and interpretation that were most essential.

Special thanks are due to Mr E.E. Dennis who made the necessary arrangements for the concert; to Mr H. Fry who sold tickets; to Misses M. Wornham and M. Coxall who sold programmes; and Mr F.W. Butler and others who kindly acted as stewards.

5th Oct 1928 - Grand Concert

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Grand Concert

The concert to be given at the W.I. Hall next Tuesday should be one well worth attending, for all the artistes taking part are famous in the wireless circles. They are Miss Margaret Stephen (pianist), Miss Phyllis Nash (violinist), Miss Rita Sharpe (cellist) and Mr Owen Bryngwyn (baritone).

Tickets can be obtained from Mr H. Fry, or at the doors. Fuller information can be gained from the posters exhibited in the town. Price etc., can be seen in our advertisement columns.

19th Oct 1928 - Next Week's Concert

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Next Week's Concert

It would not be exaggerating to say that the concert to be given in the Women's Institute Hall on Wednesday, 24th October, promises to be one of the best of recent years.

The artistes that are taking part need no introduction, for they have gained high admiration for the excellence of their contributions from all local audiences. They are Mrs Scarborough Taylor, Mrs G. Armstrong, Mr E. Newey, Mr E. Lake, Mr Basil Jarman, and Mr Brian Kennedy.

The popular Mavis Dance Band will take part. The programme includes in addition to songs, comedy and elocution, the one-act farce "In the cellar," which is certain to evoke laughter and amusement.

Tickets can be obtained from Mr H. Fry, price 3s., 2s. and 1s.

5th Feb 1926 - Concert at Buckland

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Cambridgeshire Council of Muscial Education

Village Concerts Committee

Concert at Buckland

Under the auspices of the Village and Town School Concerts Committee of the Cambridgeshire Council of Muscial Education, a delightful concert was given at the Schoolroom, Buckland, on Friday evening last.

This Committee has been formed to facilitate the practice and performance of music in the County. It proposes to work by (1) Assisting Choral and Orchestral Societies by providing them with (A) Conductors or Instructors; (B) Music or Instruments. (2) Organising Concert Parties - which may be for (A) General Concerts by parties of Amateurs; (B) Lecture Concerts; (C) Children's Concerts; (D) Community Singing Concerts; (E) Village, Country Town and School Concerts.

The platform was adorned with plants and ferns by the Rev, Mrs. and Miss Phillips, and was much admired. 

The programme itself was of exceptional merit, and the concert quite a musical event. The artistes were Miss Eva Hayden (pianist), Miss Phillips (chello) [sic], Miss Edith Fehr (reciter), Miss Phyllis Rickaby (contralto), and Mr John Wightman (singer).

Afternoon Concert

During the afternoon the artistes visited the school and gave a delightful programme to the children. All the items were loudly applauded, and at the close, the Rev F.B. Phillips, on behalf of the teachers and scholars, thanked the artistes for a most enjoyable event.

Evening Concert

The evening concert was well attended, and the programme was one of the best presented in the village. All the items were loudly encored, and at the close the aritistes were accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

The programme was as follows: "Choral- Prelude," Miss Eva Hayden; "Oh no, John!" Mr John Wightman and Miss Rickaby; Negro Spiritual, Folk Songs and "The Forsaken Merman," Mr John Wightman; "Cherry Ripe," "Where the Bee Sucks," "Cuckoo Madrigal," "Charming Chloe," Miss Phyllis Rickaby; "David and the Waiter," Miss Edith Fehr.