Braughing in the Past  March 1908 

14 March 1908

Funeral of Mr FR Newman – An old and respected inhabitant passed away on the 6^th inst. in the person of Mr FR Newman at the age of 69. He had been ailing for a few months, but his illness only took a serious turn some three weeks ago. The deceased was for a number of years a Parish Councillor and a member of the Braughing School Board, and discharged his duties in a highly satisfactory manner. He had two fascinating hobbies, the collection of antique furniture and ancient coins. Living at Braughing, once an old Roman settlement, he had facilities for securing old coins, and his very fine collection, dating from the time of the ancient Britains, is certainly unique. Collectors from far and near paid him visits to inspect his collection and hear his interesting description of the rarest treasures. He leaves a widow and five daughters to mourn his loss. He funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, the remains being interred in Braughing churchyard. The immediate daughters were his five daughters, Mr H Newman (Bournemouth), brother, Messrs W Bush (Hammersmith) G Bush (Tottenham) brothers in law, G Bush jnr., A Bush (Colliers End), LS Drage (son in law), AE Drage, HW Drage, G Drage, and James Johnson. Among the large number of persons present to show their respect for the memory of the deceased were Messrs WC Mole, J Keast, A Weir, E Merchant, AG Hart, WB Woodward, Watson and G Gray etc. The funeral service was impressively read by the vicar the Rev. SM Stanley.  

21 March 1908

Appointment of New Stationmaster – After twenty four years service as station master at Braughing, Mr JB Buttivant has been transferred to Bishopsgate Goods Station. His successor at Braughing is Mr AH Stokes, who has been twenty two years in the Company’s service, and for the past seventeen years has been shipping clerk at Bishopsgate office. Prior to his leaving his last post, Mr Stokes was in receipt from the office staff of a handsome testimonial. He comes from a family that has faithfully served the company, his father Mr H Stokes, having been stationmaster in Norfolk for many years.  

28 March 1908

Peary’s “Dash for the North Pole” – A lantern lecture on this subject was given to the members of the Men’s Club last week in the Church Room by Mr FJ Hubble. Previously it was given to the school children. The lecture was very interesting and instructive, and showed what this daring Arctic explorer accomplished in his dash for the Pole from his northerly base. As yet, Peary has reached the farthest north. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Hubble at the close.  

Conservative Van – One of the Conservative vans visited Braughing on the 19^th inst. and Mr C England Cowan addressed a good meeting in the village square. A gramophone gave some capital selections.  

“The British Workman” – Mr JW Harvey gave a lecture on “The British Workman” in the Braughing Hall on the 25^th instant. His aim was to show that the temperate workman always achieves the greatest success.