Wheathampstead
as seen by the
Hertfordshire News - 1919/1920

Whst's History Page

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WHEATHAMPSTEAD WAR MEMORIAL

Village Tribute Unveiled.
Lord Cavan Proud of Village Heroes.

A ceremony htah will be memorable in the annals of Whethampstead village marked the unveiling and dedication, on Sunday afternoon, of the Portland stone cross that has ben erected beside the High-stree, as a token of affection and remembrance onthe part of the people of the district to those who gave their lives for King and country in the course of the Geat War.

10th December 1919

FIRE AT LAMER PARK

Whilst the machinemen at Lamer Park were having their dinner, on Thursday, a fire broke out in a rick nearby, probably kindled from a spark from the engine of the threshing machine.  In spite of the efforts of the workmen, four stacks were soon ablaze. Luckily one was only straw and another was partially thrashed but the other two were corn stacks. The owner, Mr. Gorge Seabrook, apprised the local fire brigade of the outbreak, and in a few minutes it was on the scene.  Harpenden, too was· cal1ed and in half-an-hour that Brigade also arrived and rendered efficient help

10th December 1919

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

The Second Concert of the series organised by Mr Jimy Milller was given in the Village Hall on Thursday.  There was a large and keenly appreciative audience.  Fun again seemed the predominant note, and from the beginning to end the audience was fully gratified in this respect, encores being given to nearly every item.  Mrs D Goddard and Mr A Abbott were the accompanists.  Mr Abbott opened part I, with a pianoforte solo, "Chanson Russe," which he played in his usually efficient style.  Mr. Gifford Allison gave a very pleasing rendering of Sanderson's "Drake goes West."  The inimitable "Jimmy" gave "I'm a dadda," which convulsed the house, and he was recalled.  "Bird of love divine" was prettily sung by Miss Novelle Allison, and in response to a well-deserved encore she sang "Rose in the bud".  The character song, "I dillied , I dallied" sung by Mrs. Dolly Goddard, was irresistibly funny.  She was rewarded with rounds of applause, and sang as an encore, "Oh! Algernon."  "I made thee mine" and "Songs of Araby" were capitally sung by Mr. A. Abbott.  "The beggar's dream," an original song scena by Jimy Miller, was effectively presented by Mrs. Jenner and Mr. Jimmy Miller, and was much cheered as the curtain dropped.

Part II, was also opened by Mr. A. Abbott, who played Liszt's "La Regatta Veneziana.  Mr. Clifford Allison followed with the song "Shipmates o' Mine,"  and as an encore sang "The floral dance."  Miss Allison proved an efficient accompanist.  The song, "Break o' day" was charmingly rendered by Miss Novelle Allison, and her cultured treatment of the song "Until" was much appreciated.  The musical moologue, "Domesticated Kate," by Jimmy Miller was very amusingly rendered by Mrs. Jenner, and caused much laughter.  Mr. A. Abbott then sang "If I might come to you," and, being encored, gave "Two little eyes."  Mrs. Dolly Goddard, who is "great" on coster songs sang with excellent effect "A common little girl."  She was recalled.  The last item of the programme was the humorous sketch, "The Night Watchman," by Wilkie Bard, the characters being represented as follows:- "Miss Vere-de-Vere,"  Mrs. Jenner:  "Frizzie Lizzie," Mrs. Dorothy goddard; "Colonel Fitzbangs," Mr. fred Jenner;  "The Night Watchman," Mr. Jimmie Miller.

7th
January
1920

Wesleyan New Year's Party. - The scholars of the wesleyan Sunday-school were on New Year's eve entertained by the members, and the Christmas tea was given.  The repast was enjoyed by about fifty children, who afterwards by means of songs and recitations, spent a pleasant evening.  Mr. T. Wren, the superintendent, presided, and was ably assisted by the members of his family and teachers of the Sunday-school.  On leaving, each child received an orange and a mince pie.

Churchpeople's Social Evening. - On Thursday - New Year's Day - the children and members of St Helen's Church were entertained at the Schools, the young people during the after-noon, and the adults at 7.  A conjurer and ventriloquist performed some amazing tricks, quite delighting the audience.  Canon Nance gave a short address, urging the laity to support their clergy all they possibly could both by their earnest co-operation and with their prayers, - The rev. E. D. Gilbert also spoke the subject of his address being the "Enabling Bill."  Carols wee afterwards subg, and the handbell ringers gave another exhibition of their skill.  Rev. E. D. Gilbert sang "The task,"  Mrs. Gilbert accompanied him; and after a vote of thanks to and cheers for the Rector, the National Anthem was sung.

Girls' Club "Social." - On Wednesday evening a highly successful social and dance was held in the Schools, inaugurated and admiably carried out by the members of the Wheatahmpstead Girl' Club.  Quite a number of very effective fancy costumers gave colour and variety to a crowded and animated assembly.  The schoolroom had been prettily decorated.  At the opening about two hundred were present, far exceeding the Committee's expectations, but before the old year breathed her last, the numbers had swollen to near about three hundred.  For those who did not dance games were provided, but the centre of th fun was in the large main room and thither the majority went, unfortunately, too many to be comfortably seated.  Interspersed with the dnces were song, games and individual dancing.  Such games as "Human chairs," "Winking,"  "Family coach"  "Queen of Sheba,"  "Martha soops to conquer,"  "Chumps," etc., were productive of much fun, and provoked screams of laughter.  Refresh-

Congregational Tea. - At the same time as the entertainments ere in progress at th National Schools, the Congretaional children and members of chapel ere by the good offices of the Re. G. W. and Mrs Berry being entertained at the Village Hall.  Ninety-one scholars sat down to tea.  Mr. and Mrs. Berry, ably assisted by Mr. and Crs. Hyde, Mr. and  Mrs. r. Smith, Miss A. Baulk, Miss Will, Miss Williams, Miss C. Brown,Miss G. Hyde,, Mrs Cantle, and Miss Ccurtis, having appeased the miner cravings, wet out to please their chrges in other ways.  A  number of bran pies caused much amusement, and were afterwards productive of more din, as many of the toys were either whistles or trumpets.  When at 7:30, 'Father Christmas" arrived on the stage in a conventioal motor-car laden with presents, their delight was unbounded.  Prizes for attendance at Sunday-school were distributed, and at 8 p.m. the young people dispersed, each being the recipient of an orange and an apple.  The adults were entertained from 8 p.m. to 10:30 pm and a very happy evening was spent.

ments were served at 10 p.m. and a few words of commendation are certainly deserved by those who were responsible for the arangement of this part of the evening's programme, viz., Miss A Young, Mrs Gilbert, Mrs. T. Westwood, Mrs. S. Westwood, and Mrs Cook.  As 1919 departed, the whole of this large assembly linked hands and sang "Auld Lang Syne", the hope being expressed that the New Year of 1920 may bring with it the blessings of peace, prosperity and happiness.  It was then announced that Mrs. Walker and Dr. Smalwood wished to present prizes consisting of silver candelsticks for the two best fancy dresses.  A parade was aranged, and the judging was done by vote.  the result was that "Puss in boots" (Miss Gladys Westwood) received the first prize, and "Powder puff" (Miss Hilda Gray) was awarded the second.  Both  received qiote an ovation as they mounted the stage.  Refreshments were again served between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. but festivities did not cease till later.  On all sides it was decalred to be a most brilliant success and a triumph of organisation.  Besides the happy prize-winners other characters were: "Apierrete" (Miss L. Brothers), "A Hindoo princess" (Miss Freeman), "Egyptian lady" (Miss M. collins), "A pierrette" (Mrs. T. Westwood), "A flower girls" (Miss G. Collins), "A pierrette" (Miss A. Young), "An Italian lady" (Miss M. Young), "An artist" (Mrs. Gilbert), "Italian girl" (Miss D Cook), "Gipsy dancers" (Miss L. Cook and Miss Varnon), "Hay-maker" (Miss Swain and Miss Elmore), "Japanese lady" (Miss Stella Seabrook), "Clown" (Miss Q. Odell), "Milk maid" (Miss D. Simons), "Collisen" (Miss Norris), "Jester " (Mrs Young), "An elderly lady" (Mr. G Kerrison).

21st
Jan
1920

WHEATHAMPSTEAD RANGERS RES.  v.  HATFIELD CADETS.

Played at W Wheathampstead on Saturday, and after a very pleaseant game, enjoyed by both sides, ended in a win for the homesters by four goals to nil.

Wed
28th
Jan
1920

WHEATHAMPSTEAD PARISH COUNCIL

A meeting of Wheathampstead Parish council was held in the  Schoolroom on Thrusday evening when Mr. W. Pearce, Mr. Thomas Clark, the Rev G. W. Berry, Mr. Hampton, Mr. Beard, Mr. Cobb, and Mr. R. W. Seabrook (cleerk) were present.  On the motion of Mr. W. Pearce, the Rev. G. W. Berry was voted to the chair:

The Churchyard Gates:  Mr Berry brought up the question of the churchyard gate, and the Clerk was directed to write to the Ministry of Health to ascerrtain who is liable for the upkeep of the gates at the end of the public paths runing through the churchyard.

Village Lighting:  Mr. Beard stated there were only fifteen seviceable lamps and that Mr. Dench, of the Swan Hotel, had contracted to do the lighting and supply oil for the winter for £30.  The Clerk was instructed to write ot he manager of the Gas Works at Harpenden so as to make arrangements for the lighting of the village by gas during next winter.

The Folly Allotments:  A deputation from the Folly allotment holders again attended the meeting and asked that extra ground should be provided for the people at the Folly who desired allotments.  Mr Grey said he attended a meeting of the Council three months ago and presented a petition signed by forty people at the folly, but nothing had been done in the matter.  It was time something was done, as the season was almost upon us when gardening operations would be in full swing.  If they were to have the extended allotments is must be arranged at once, as the men would want to get on them.  It was arranged that Rev. G. W. Berry and the Folly Allotment Committee (Messrs. W. Pearce and H. F. Wollatt) should meet the petitioners' representatives and see what could be done.

Mr. Hampton suggested that the people of the Folly should do as has been done on Wheathampstead Hill, treat directly with Mr. Throssell, and so save themselves consideratly expense.

Mr. Clard thought this would be the better plan, as if the Parish Council took over the ground seven acres or nine acres required, as the case might be, besides fees there would be the question of fencing which would be a serious item, and as the allotments must be self supporting the holders would have to pay considerably more per pole for their land.  He recommended them to make arrangements with Mr. Throssell direct.  The deputation then withdrew.

Post Office Changes. A letter from the central office of the districe was read stating that the local post office would in future close at one p.m. on Thursday for letters, etc., but would be open from 6.30 to 6.45 for telegrams.  No adverse comments were made.

The Fire Brigade Station.  The Chairman made a statement about the condition of the housing shed for the fire engine, but as there will be some changes as to ownership of the pemises in the near future no steps were taken beyond ascertaining the cost of a heating apparatus for the shed.

Marshall's Grave.  Mr. Pearce thought the Marshall grave stone in the churchyard should  be cleaned. -  The matter was left to the 'Marshall's Committee.

Wed.
18th
Feb
1920
How to Grow Potatoes.  At the Schools, Wheathampstead, on Wednesday, Canon J. T. Nance presiding, a very useful lecture on "How to grow potatoes" was given by Mr. F, W, Miles, F.R.H.S., horticultural lecturer to the Herts County Council, who strongly advised the deep working of the land, whether heavy or light, and advocated th use of ordinary farmyard manure on light soilds and horse manure on heavy land.  He also insisted that it is vitally necessary to sprout the sets before planting, because it had been proved by reliable experiments that an acre planted with sprouted sets yielded on an average at least three tons of potatoes more than an acre planted with unsprouted sets.  The varieties which the lecturer recommended for the allotments were: - sharpe's Express (1st Early), Eclipse (2nd early), and Majestic (main crop).  An interesting discussion followed the lecture, and the proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks.
Wed.
25
Feb
1920
Football Club Concert:  On Saturday evening the Wheathampstead rangers F.C. were able to secure the services of the Redbourn Jazz Band and Variety Concert Party, and a very successful concert was held in the schools, before a crowded and highly appreciative audience.  The Jazz Band and party are to be congratulated on the excellenct programme they presented and the smart and effective way in which each item is rendered: -Overture, "Cromartie"; song, "Friend of mine," Mrs. L. Halsey; song, "When my ships come sailing home," Mr. S. Dunn; banjo, "Comical coons," Mr. Hopkins, scientific lecture, "Talkiphone."  Mr. Laytons; song, "When you come home," Mr . S. dunn; song, "I think of you," Miss L. Halsey; song, "At a minute to seven last night," Mr. Layton, overture, " Coloney Bogey March"; overture and song, Redbourn Jazz Band; banjo solo, "Gallup de Concert," Mr. Hopkins; sketch, "Whizz Bang Corner, Ypres" song, "Algernon, go hon," Miss L; Halsey; song "What a mouth," Mr. Layton; duet, "Finnigan's ball," Messrs. Austin and Fox; duet, "Charlie Digby"  Messr Layton and Halsey, violin duet, Messrs Austin and Gibbopns, duet "In these hard times";  Messrs J Halsey and B Halsey; Jazz Band and "Auld Lang Syne".
Wed.
17
Mar
1920

Wheathampstead Tenant Sued.

Ordered to Pay  for Repairs to His House - Peculiar circumstances attached to an action brought before Mr. Ronald walker (Deputy Judge) in St. Albans county court on Monday by Mr. robert Williams Hawes Seabrook. of Wheahampstead, for £91 7s. 6d.for delapidations to the premises, which the defendant ocupied as tenant of the plaintiff.  Mr. Monier Williams (instructed by Mr. T. Ottaway appeard for the plaintiff, and Mr. H. Doff (instructed by Mr. E. E. Clark, of Eastcheap, London) appeared for the defendant.

The position was that in 1911, defendant entered into an agreement with the late Mr. Lattimore, for a three years lease of the premises in Wheathampstead previously known as the "Ship" beerhouse, and in the terms of the agreement, it was stated that defendant was to carry our repairs.  That lease expired in March 1914, and the defendant continued to occupy these premises without further written agreement.  Mr. Latimore had since died, and his executors in 1918 gave the defendant notice to quit, which expired in March, 1919.  Later in 1918 the executors sold the property to the plaintiff in thsi action.

The question at issue was as to whether the defendant had held over as a yearly teneancy or hak entered into a new agreemaent.  The Judge held that the fact that defendant continued in  occupation of the house at the same rent, and without a further written agreement, was prima facie proof that the terms of the original agreement were applicable, ant that on the defendant was the onus of proving a subsequen agreement.

The defendant gave evidence inwhich he said that about March 25th, 1914, on the ocction of the expiry of his original three years lease, he saw Mr. Lattimore and asked for a further seven year's lease.  This Mr. Lattimore would not give, saying he did  not know what he would want to do  with the house, but he would agree to Mr. Goodman continuing as a quarterly tenant, the landlord to undertake the repairs.

Evidence was given in support of both sides, and after considerable legal argument, the Judge held there was insuffiecient coroboration of the defendant's evidence, and judgment was given for the plaintiff with costs, the schedule of delapidations to be refered for examination to an expert to be agreed upon between the parties, who would report as to what the plaintiff was entitled to.

Wed.
7
Apr
1920
Evening Concert - More than the  proverbial showers ushered in the month of April, but in spite of the heavy rain and unfavourable circumstances, the spirits of the contributors to the concert held in the Villave Hall on Thursday were brigh 'and cheery.  Under the able manaagement and directorship of Mr. Jimmy Miller, another enjoyable evening was spent by the large 'company which assembled.  Punctually at eigth o'clock the curtain rose, and from start to finish the audience was exceedingly well entertained, and manifested their appreciation by numerbous encores, which were "extras" to a full and interesting programme.  The accompanists were Mrs. Dolly Goddard, Miss Austin, and Mr. arthur Abbot, the latter opening in excellent style with the pianoforte solo, "Pas Redoubte."  Mr. G. Kerrisons's humorous song, "Another little drink," was well received, as was also "Devon, Glorious Devon," by Mr. S. Basrretto.  The song (in characcter), "I wan the dear old strand," given by Mr. C. A. Jenner, was loudly encored, and "Burlington Bertie" was the response.  Both items were remarkably well done.  The song, "Flower of all the sorld." was well rendered by Miss D. Austin, followed by and impersonation, "Mother's had a row with  father," by Mrs. Dolly Goddard, who was recalled and gave as an encore, "I'm a good girl now."  The songs, "The sun is shining somewhere" and "If I might come to you" (encore) were given by Mr. Abbott.  The double turn, "Solly from Petticoat Lane," by Mr. F. Jenner and Mr. J. Miller was a scream,' and was responded to by "When the circus comes to town."  In the second half Mr. Abbot again led the way with a pianoforte solo, "Melody in F." and Mr. G. Kerrison's humorous song, "I'm in love with a soldier and a sailor," with patter and dance, "caught on," and for an encore he gave "My little wigger wagger."  Miss D. Austin was recalled for her song.  "Keep on hopin'" and gave an equally appreciative song, "A prayer in absence."  Mr. F. Jenner was "great" in "Where do the flies go?" and in response to the applause had to return with the information "I know where the flies go."  The encore to Mr. Abbott's song, "Grey days." was "Brown eyes."  and Mr. J. Miller's humorous piece, "The p'lice'll have me." was a fine turn and being recalled he gave "Tennessee" and Alabama," which also were very much enjoyed.  In the song, "Jack has fone a -sailing." Mr. Barretto's fine raange of voice was displayed, and called forth the encore, 'A chip of the old block'  Mrs. Dolly goddard made a "hit" in "I'm real arisocracy now."  The ausience calling for more, she gave "Touching fings" (a boy's monologue).  The original humorous sketch, "Nomanstead." written by Mr. Jimmy Miller, (the lady).  Mr. Jenner (tyhe gent), and Mr. Miller (the porter), each did their part ixceedingly well, and the representation of "Nomanstead," a wayside railway staion, the scene of strange and amusing happenings, was just "it."  A very pleasant eveing concluded with the singing of the National Athem.  The proceeds of the concert are to assist the funds of Wheathampstead Rovers' Football Club.
Wed.
14
Apr
1920
A Wheathampstead Tenancy - Application for a New Trial - In the action heard before the Deputy Judge, Mr. Ronald Walker, at the last sitting of the St Albans County Court wherein Robert William Hawes Seabrook, of High-street, Wheathampstead, assistant overseer, sued Osborne Goodman, painter and decorator of Wheathampstead, for £91 7s. 6d. damages for alleged beach of covenant, Mr. Edwin E. Clark, solicitor for he defendant, made appplication to his Honour Judge Macklin at the Court House, St. Albans, on Monday, for a new trial.
According to the notice, the new trial was asked for on the grounds (1) That the learned Deputy Judge was wrong in holding that the purchaser (the present owner of the property of the plaintiff herein) was entitled to assume and the court to deduce that prima facie the defendant, by being in possession of the property was liable under the covenant of the expired tenancy agreement;  (2) that the judgment was due to mis-diirection and that there was no evidence to prove that he defendant was liable for repairs and alternativley that there be a ne trial of this action on the following ground: (a) That the defendant was taken by surprise by the evidence brought forward by the plaintiff to the effect that an interview had taken place after the date fixed for the auction sale, whereas in point of fact such interview took place prior to the sale of the property by the executors and was in consequence of the executors and was in consequence of the executor's notice to quirt;-(b) that the judgment was obtained by a mis-statement of a material fact by the plaintiff to the effect that no cementing had been done at all to the premises, whereas the defendant can adduce evidence to the contrary effect.
..................              
        (this is only a short part of the entry in the newspaper for further information refer to any archived records)
Wed.
14
Apr
1920

Re JOHN VICKERS WLLIS. - John Vickers Willis (35), decorator, etc., Golder's Green applied for his discharge i bankruptcy, and said he was not in a position to make any offer.  He started in business as a decorator and art furnisher in 1910, but failed through insufficiency of trade and want of capital.  He was now employed at Maples's at a salary of £400 per annum, and had been in that employ five years.
      Discharge suspended for two years

A HORSE DEAL. - Ernest Bracey, grocer, of Gustard Wood, sued C Harding, of Camp view-road, St. albans, horse dealer, for £6, balance of an account of £20.  Defendant, who did not appear, was ordered to pay the amount in fourteen days, with costs.

SCHOOL-TEACHER'S CLAIM. - Helena Louise Ellie, school-teacher, now of Birmingham, sued Wm. A. Millington, of Wellington Court. Bricket-road, St.Albans, for £47 6s., damages for wrongful dismissal.
     Mr. Monier Williams admitted that inasmuch as the plaintiff had secured another appointment there was no justification for the claim, except so far as a sum of £3 10s., agency fees were concerned.
     Mr Wylie, counsel for the defendant, said the claim had been resisted on principle, and denied that his client could be held responsible for an agncy fee which would have  been incurred in any case.
     His Honour suggested that in the circumstances the case should  be withdrawn, each side paying its own costs.  The suggestion was accepted, and the claim was withdrawn by consent.

Wed.
21
Apr
1920
Wedding at Wheathampstead. - An exceptionally pretty wedding was solemnised at Wheathampstead Parish Church on Wednesday lasst week when Miss Phillis Eddith Cook, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs C. R. Cook of High Street, Wheathampstead was married to Captain Robert Henry C. Higgens, M.B.E., R.A.V.C., eldest son of Lieut. Col. Higgens of Park Place, Dublin.  The Rector (the Rev. Canon Nance) officiated and the choir was in attendnce.  Mr. R. W. Seabrook presided at the organ and played the "Melodie" by Rubenstein, the "Intermezzo," by Mascagni, and, as the party left the church Mendelsosohn's "Wedding March."  The hymns sung during the sevice were "Lead us Heavenly Father," and "The Voice that breathed over Eden."  The bride, who was given away by her father, was prettily attired in a ddress of white georgette and silver with a handsom hand-embroidered veil, the corners of which were borne by the younges of the bridesmaids (Miss Lotty Cook), the bridal veil being surmounted by a wreath of orange blossom.  The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of carnations, lilies, and roses, and also a spray of white heather, all of which were the gifts of the bridesgroom.  The five bridesmaid, the sisters of the bride (the Misses Eva, Dorothy, catherine, May and Lotty Cook) word dresses of mauve georgette trimmed with pink, and veils wreathed with pink roses and violeta, fastedned with regimental brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom.  The four elder bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink and mauve tulkips, whilst the youngest one carried a shepherd's crook adorned with tulips.  Major G. Williamson performed the duties of best man.  Ass the bride left the church a large number of parishioners greeted them; the weather was prpitious and th sun smiled upon them and the veilbearer strewed the pathway with rosepetals.
   A reception was afterwards hel at the Workman's Club, where a large number of relatives and freinds were entertained.  The happy couple received a heraty send-off as they departed by the 6.55 train for Arbroath, Scotland, where the honeymoon is being spent.  The bride's travelling dress was a blue patel costume, with brlack hat and white fox furs.  The presents wer very 'handsome and numberous.  The give of the bride to the bridegroom was a gold cigarette case and that of the bridegroom to bride a tortoisshell and gold toilet set.
Wed.
28
Apr
1920
Annual Meeting. - The annual parish meeting was held in the Schoolroom of Thursday for the election of officers for the ensuing year, when there were present:  Canon Nance, rev. G. W. Berry, and Messrs. G. L. Whatley,

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