10th Feb 1928 - Death of Mr H. Prior

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Death of Mr H. Prior

We regret to record the death of Mr H. Prior, son of Mr and Mrs George Prior, of Church Street, Buntingford.

The deceased, who had been an invalid for some considerable time, passed away at the age of 23 years on Sunday last. The funeral took place at Layston on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Rev. A. Howard.

The immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs G. Prior (father and mother), Messrs. T. and J. Prior (brothers), Mr F. Dearman (step-brother) and Mrs Miller (cousin). A number of friends were also present, and some beautiful wreaths were sent.

10th Feb 1928 - Death of Mrs Harradence

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Death of Mrs Harradence

The death of Mrs E. Harradence has removed yet another of our old inhabitants.

The deceased has been in failing health since her husband's death a year ago. She was 74 years of age, and during her illness received every possible attention and kindness from her daughter, Mrs H. Jackson, with whom she has resided for over twelve months.

He [sic] end came on February 8th. Her large family are now greatly scattered - two sons being in Canada and one at Southend. The funeral takes place at Layston on Monday. The deep sympathy of many friends in Buntingford is extended to the family.

Announcement of Mrs Harradence's death.

3rd Feb 1928 - Memorial Service to Christopher Fell

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Memorial Service to Christopher Fell

Dr and Mrs Fell and their daughter (Miss M. Fell) were amongst many present at a memorial service held for their son, Christopher Lovat Fell, at Epsom College Chapel last week.

Christopher Fell was a pupil at Hollman House, Epsom College, from September, 1925, till his death on December 30th, 1927.

The service was conducted by the head master of the College, Mr A.C. Powell, M.A., assisted by the Rev. A.J. Agard-Butler, M.A. (Chaplain to the College), Rev. W.M. Robertston, M.A. (house master at Fayror House) and Mr E.S. Gandy, M.A. (house master of Hollman House), who read the Lesson, which was taken from I. Thes., chapter iv. verses 13 to 18. The address was delivered by the head master, who took for his text I. Cor., xv., verse 22, "In Christ shall all be made alive."

The service included the singing of the hymns "Nearer, my God, to Thee," "Hark, hark, my soul," and "Jesus lives!"

The organist, Mr A.E. Meyrick, B.A., B.-Mus., closed the impressive service by playing Chopin's Funeral March.

All the boys of the College were present, as also were several relations and friends of Dr and Mrs Fell, who were unable, owing to the floods prevailing at the time, to attend the funeral at Layston, Buntingford.

3rd Feb 1928 - Hare Street, Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

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Hare Street

Funeral of Mr Thomas Bardwell

The second funeral in the new Catholic Cemetery at Hare Street took place last Saturday, when the body of Mr Thomas Bardwell, of Hare Street, was laid to rest.

The death occured the previous Wednesday, January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. Mr Bardwell had been ailing for some days, but his death was unexpectedly sudden.

A large number of relatives and friends were present at the Service in Hare Street Chapel, and many went to the grave-side also in spite of a heavy downpour of rain. In the Chapel, the Choir from the Buntingford Convent sang a hymn beloved by the deceased, "Jesu, the very thought of Thee with sweetness fills my breast"; and the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus was then said for the repose of his soul, as well as the psalm used for the departed through all the ages of Christianity, "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord."

Father Morgan, in a short address, commented on Mr Bardwell's intense love for our Blessed Lord, which he was able to satisfy so perfectly in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Presence of our Divine Lord on the Altars of the Church was a great joy to him; he came and talked to Jesus as to a death Friend. In the Holy Mass also he found his Redeemer, for Christ is the Great High Priest Who offers every Mass, using the human priest as His tool or instrument. And the magnet that drew Mr Bardwell to undertake his long walks to Buntingford Church was the Sacred Host, veiling the presence of Jesus, and raised above the Altar for the adoration of the faithful. 

The Holy Name of Jesus also was constantly on his lips; he often repeated the Divine Praises, taught by the Catholic Church to her children, "Blessed be Jesus Chris, Blessed be the Name of Jesus." And that Holy Name was the last word ever uttered by the deceased, for he died saying "Dear Jesus." He has seen his saviour now, for on Wednesday morning he met Him face to face. To His gracious mercy we commit our departed friend. May he rest in peace.

It was intended to sing at the grave-side another favourite hymn of the deceased, "Oh Jesus, Jesus, dearest Lord," but the inclement weather prevented a lengthy stay in he Cemetery; the priest merely blessed the grave in the accustomed manner with incense and holy water, and said the brief prayers which accompany the committal of the body to the grave.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered at Buntingford Church for the repose of Mr Bardwell's soul on the day of the burial; and at Benediction on Sunday afternoon the congregation sang the hymn omitted at the grave-side and said once more the Litany of the Holy Name, offering it for the deceased.

All who knew Mr Bardwell will long remember him for his simple and unaffected piety. R.I.P.

The immediate mourners were: Miss Emily Bardwell (daughter), Mr N. Bardwell (brother), Mrs D. Bardwell and Mrs W. King (sisters-in-law), Mr and Mrs H.E. Bardwell (nephew and niece), Mr and Mrs Player and Mrs Darton (brother-in-law and sisters-in-law) and Mrs Norris (niece).

Others present included Miss Lyall, Mrs Waterton, the Misses Marriott, Mr and Mrs S. Wick, Mrs Gillett, Mr Reg. Wilson, Mr Corbett, and Miss L. Norris.