28th December 1928 - Death of Mrs Newling

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Death of Mrs Newling

A kind and cheerful old lady passed away on Saturday afternoon in the person of Mrs Elizabeth Newling, who was well-known and familiar among many people of the town.

Seventy-nine years of age, Mrs Newling had been in ill-health for a long time, in fact had not been well since her husband passed away some three years ago.

Mrs Newling was a friend of children, and it gave her great pleasure to hold little conversations with children on their way to and from school. She took every interest in local affairs during her more active days, but was scarcely seen out other than within the precincts of her cottage in Union Terrace.

Gifted with that remarkable old-fashioned disposition, the deceased was fond of speaking of the bygone days and events. A feeble figure for some time, many will remember her by her keen sense of sympathy, her affectionate friendship and her cheery smile.

The deceased was laid to rest at Layston on Thursday afternoon.

28th December 1928 - Buntingford Charities

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Buntingford Charities

The trustees of the Buntingford Charities at a meeting made arrangements for the annual distribution of coal to the necessitous families of the town, and this was delivered by local merchants last week.

Some 200 families come within the scope of the will of the testator who beqeathed this legacy, and the widows received approximately six hundredweight of coal, the less needy families receiving about four hundredweight.

28th December 1928 - Catholic Church

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Catholic Church

The Catholic Church is more beautifully decorated than in any previous year, owing to the exceptionally large number of flowers presented for the purpose. White chrysanthemums and narcissi predominate, and there is a profusion of holly and other evergreen.

The Church was packed for the Midnight Mass which ushered in the Feast of Christmas, and many were unable to get seats.

Father Morgan, in a short sermon, spoke of the "Good Tidings of Great Joy" announced to the Shepherds by the Angel, pointing out that the Source of that joy is our Blessed Lord. Our Lady and St. Joseph, in spite of their poverty and homelessness, were far happier than any of those who were comfortable housed and well-fed in Bethelehem, because they had Him with them. He alone can give us that happiness which thrills the heart and the very core of our being. By living for Him, doing everything for Him, with the object of pleasing Him, we can have Him perpetually in our hearts. And this gives the truly Joyful Christmas and the Happy New Year.

The organist, Mrs Castle, was unfortunately unable to be present, and was much missed by all. But a deputy accompanied the singing, which was tasteful and enjoyable.

The choir rendered the Kyrie from Turner's Mass of St. John the Baptist, the Adeste as an Offertory piece, a Benedictus by Terry, and all joined in the hymn "O Bread of Heaven" after receiving Holy Communion.

Carols were sung before and after the Mass - "Silent Night," "Angelic Messenger," and "A Child this day is born."

The Christmas Mass at the Convent was at 8 a.m., at which appropriate music was beautifully sung by the Sisters and boys; and the third Mass of Christmas was at the Church at 9 a.m.

It was announced that the first Mass was offered for all living in the parish, the second for the Convent, and the third for all who have in any way showed kindness to the parish priest.

In the Lady Chapel is the "Crib" or representation of the Cave in the hill-side, with figures of the Divine Baby, our Lady, St Joseph, the Shepherds and some of the sheep tended by the latter.

It is illuminated with a glow of red, and tends to aid the devotion of all who visit it, helping them to realise the scene at Bethlehem. This "Crib" remains till after the Epiphany, at which Feast the Wise Men are added to the company.

28th December 1928 - Benson Hall

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Buntingford

Benson Hall

The Variety Performance, being given throughout this week by Brett's Touring Company, is much appreciated by those who have already seen it.

And doubtless the hall will be filled to-night (Friday) and to-morrow for the concluding performances.