Medway regattas (1864)

Post date: Apr 12, 2015 2:49:41 PM

Extract from Sussex Advertiser, 24 May 1864

Tonbridge Regatta.

Stewards : Capt. Wm. Bartram, H. Hayden, Esq., A. Beeching, Esq., C. R. Peake, Esq., H. Bishop, Esq., Geo. Stenning, Esq., J. Fleming, Esq., A. A. Streeten, Esq.

THE committee of the TONBRIDGE BOATING CLUB have great pleasure in announcing that their first Regatta will take place on the River Medway, between the Bathing Lock and Cannon Bridge, on THURSDAY, June 2nd, 1864, first race to start at 12.15 precisely.

First.-A pair-oar TUB-BOAT RACE, with crew of 3. Open to all comers. Boat entry, 3s. Four boats to enter or no prize will be given.

Second.-A FOUR-OAR MATCH, Wateringbury v. Tonbridge.

Third.-A SCULLERS' RACE, open to all comers. Boat entry, 2s. 6d.

Fourth.-A PRIZE given by the Ladies of Tonbridge for 4 oars, open to all comers. Boat entry, 5s.

Fifth.-A TUB RACE for the Gentleman of Tonbridge only. Entry, Is. Six to enter. None but swimmers allowed to compete.

The committee reserve to themselves the power of rejecting any boat or entry. Starter.-A. A. Streeten, Esq.; Umpires.-C. D. Hay, Esq., J. Bailey, Esq., Mr. F. Walters, and Mr. W. Dove; Judge.- Fleming, Esq. All entries to be made and colours named to the treasurer, Mr. W. Goddard, on or before Friday, the 27th instant.

A tent and seats will be provided for Subscribers.

The above races being got up in honour of several young gentlemen about to leave the Castle Military Establishment, they have kindly provided a Band to be in attendance.

All boats to muster at the Town Lock at 12 o'clock precisely, and it is hoped that all boats will leave the course in procession at the conclusion of the Races.

Programmes of the prizes, names of crews, and colours of boats, will be issued on the day of the Regatta.

N.B.-lt is requested that those gentlemen wishing to enter the tub race in the above Regatta will send in their names and colours to Mr. Goddard as early as possible, so that the tubs may be coloured accordingly. B. PAYNE, JUN., Secretary.

Extract from Sussex Advertiser - Tuesday 7 June 1864

THE TONBRIDGE REGATTA.

The first Regatta ever held on the River Medwav at Tonbridge came off on Thursday last. We have had from time to time to notice the progress of the Tonbridge Boating Club, only established about two months ago, and we now have to chronicle their successful effort in getting up a Regatta which would have done honour to a much larger and a much longer established club. While the members generally were energetic in the furtherance of this object, the burden of management and organization fell entirely on Mr. William Goddard, the treasurer of the club, and if there were some slips and mistakes, and now and then an unnecessary delay in starting the boats, they can as easily be forgiven in this good attempt as they can be easily remedied on a future occasion. The number of boats entered enabled the club to produce a flattering programme, and Thursday morning, although dull, and not unlike rain, was just the temperature for the rowers distinguishing themselves.

As the hour drew near for the first race, large numbers of people began to congregate on the banks of the river between Cannon Bridge and the Bathing Lock, and a grand stand capable of holding 500 persons began rapidly to fill. There we observed ladies and gentlemen from Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and many from a greater distance. About two o'clock, and just before a start was made, a few drops of rain fell, which added to the delay was gradually fostering some dissatisfaction, but a crowd of Englishmen is easily put in good humour, and as the firing of a pistol was heard in the distance up went a cheer, and the threatening rain and the hour's delay was alike forgotten.

Before entering into a description of the races we must mention that the stewards were Captain Bartram, A. Beeching, H. Bishop, J. P. Fleming, C. R. Peake, G. Stenning, A. A. Streeten, and H. Haydon, Esqrs.; Mr. Streeten kindly acted as starter, a position he was admirably qualified for; Mr. P. Baddeley and Mr. Naylor gave great satisfaction as judges, and Mr. Emson and Mr. W. Dove equally so as umpires.

By three o'clock the number of spectators had increased to over 3,000, for by this time the majority of the shops in the town were closed, so that the holiday might be general. Between the races the holiday look appeared in everybody's face and a good deal of chaff and fun went on about some of the unfortunate rowers who forsook rowing and took to swimming. Kesler's brass band was in attendance and played a number of airs immediately below the grand stand.

We have had occasion before to remark that although the banks of the Medway are most accessible between Cannon Bridge and the Bathing Lock the tortuous nature of the river must for ever prevent boat racing from being carried out efficiently. There is no chance but to run a bumping race and every chance as further particulars will show of a bump terminating in a ducking. Those who have witnessed the racing of the Castle gentlemen above Lucifer Bridge must have at once seen how preferable the regatta would have been in one sense held there. But apart from the difficulty of access to the bank of the river there Mr. Thompson, the proprietor, would have objected to the public trespassing and injuring the grass at the present season of the year.

We must now hasten to describe the racing, remarking that the boats with their different crews were loudly cheered as they passed the grand stand on their way to the starting point. The boats all started from the bathing lock, and the terminating point and winning post was opposite the grand stand, a distance of half a mile.

First Race for Dingeys, with crew of three: lst boat, £1; 2nd to save her stakes. Boat entry, 3s.

lst Heat. -Bee (Tonbridge), C. D. Hay, Esq., T. F. Bailev, Esq., -Rose, Esq. (cox.), dark blue. Rose (Tonbridge), Mr. F. Walters, Mr. W. Turner, Mr. F. Towner (cox.), green. The Rose won.

2nd Heat- Smoker (Tonbridge), Mr. Clabby, Mr. T. Murphy, Mr. Kelly (cox.), scarlet. Tartar (Wateringbury), Mr. J. Harris[1], Mr. R. Cripps[2], Mr. G. Boorman[3] (cox.), red and white. Tartar won.

ROWING OFF. Tartar v. Rose. -Tartar won.

Mary (Tonbridge), T. C. Ellis, Esq., W. Gorham, Esq., F. P. Gurney, Esq. (cox.), red and white, v. Tartar-Mary won. In the concluding heat the Tartar fouled the Mary, and both claimed the foul. The umpire decided in favour of the Mary.

Second Race.- Four oared match. Wateringbury v. Tonbridge-Fire Fly (Wateringbury), Messrs. E. Towner[4], R. Cripps, J. Harris, H. Harris[5], G. Boorman (cox.), scarlet and white. Trinity (Tonbridge)-Messrs. F. Towner, W. Goddard, T. White, B. Payne, and Master G. Payne (cox.), blue and gold, T.B.C. No. 1 Wateringbury objected to Tonbridge rowing in their own boat, as longer than theirs and faster. Tonbridge gave way and were accommodated with a Castle boat, but the oars were not unfortunately with the boat and they had to use their own, which must have been a great disadvantage. A toss was then made for the start, and Tonbridge went first. The race was even for about 300 yards, when Tonbridge drew slightly away, but in turning one of the unfortunate corners already alluded to, one of the oarsmen caught a crab and the boat was partially upset, throwing Goddard and Towner, 1 and 2, into the water, to the merriment, of course, of the spectators, but allowing Wateringbury to go in and win.

Third Race for Scullers :-Open to all Comers. Prize, £1. Boat entry, 2s. 6d. Five boats had been entered for this race, but three were scratched. Sylph(?)(Tonbridgc), J. Fleming, Esq., Light blue; Garibaldi, (Maidstone), Mr. Nurse. Mr. Fleming went twenty yards in front and drew away in capital style from the beginning, being loudly cheered all the way to the winning post, where he came in a winner about sixty yards, without distressing himself.

Fourth Race, for Four Oars. Challenge Cup, given by the Ladies of Tonbridge, Boat entry, 5s. This of course was the race of the day. Seven boats were entered, but two scratched.

lst Heat-Red Rover (Tonbridge), J. M. Lewis, T. F. Buily, W. Atkin, H. J. Nares, and A. C. Poles (cox.) Esqrs. Red burgee caps. Garibaldi (Maidstone) Messrs. G. Nurse, C. Nurse, Payne, Clegg, Nurse (cox.). Red and white. Garibaldi led, but Red Rover bumped about 150 yards from the winning post, but paid for their success by a ducking, the boat capsizing.

2nd Heat T. B. C. No. 2, Messrs. E. Harris, Clabbv, Murphy, Kelly, Wheatly (cox.). Blue and gold. Buccaneer (Tonbridge), E. Nesbit, F. G. Doyle, C. D. Hay, J. Fleming, J. 0. Nose (cox.), Esqrs. Light blue. This heat was easily won by Buccaneer, but it is only fair to say that their boat was superior to the Tonbridge Boating Club.

The final heat between the Red Rover and Buccaneer was rowed to time, and Buccaneer came in first by 25 seconds, the crew being loudly cheered.

The cup has fallen into the hands therefore of the Castle Boat, No.1. It is a handsome silver cup, bearing the following inscription: Regatta Challenge cup, presented by the Ladies of Tonbridge, and provided by Mr. Thompson, watchmaker and jeweller,etc.

Fifth race for tubs belonging to gentlemen of Tonbridge. First prize, 7s. 6d; second, 2 s. 6d. The following are the gentlemen who immortalised themselves in tubs :-

Will-o-the-wisp, C. D. Hay, Esq., blue.

Sharpshooter, T. F. Baily, Esq., magenta.

Lightfoot, F. P. Gurney, Esq., light blue.

Water Lily, A. A. Streeten, Esq., blue and white.

Kangaroo, J. C. Ellis, mauve and white, death's head and bones.

Jumping Jenny, Mr. T. White, scarlet.

Ratler, Mr. A. Tooth, cure.

Spinner, Mr. F. Towner, pink.

Safety, Mr. G. Nurse, red.

Swiftseive, H. R. Emson, Esq., scarlet, blue,and vellow.

Ocean Bride, Mr. W. Turner, verdant green.

Mopsy, E. B. Lindsell, Esq., scarlet, white, and yellow.

Popsy, W. F. Parker, Esq., scarlet and white.

Rapid, H. H. Batten, Esq., blue and gold.

Vivid, G. F. Harmar, Esq., light blue and silver.

Wayward, J. D. Pyne, Esq., red and white.

The fun was uproarious. Mr. White first entered his tub, followed by Messrs. Guney, Baily, Ellis, Streeten, and then the others. Persons were advised not to enter this race unless they could swim-and well it was so. A single flat paddle was to be used for rowing, or rather propelling, and any tub capsized was to be righted by the owner before proceeding in the race. One or two gentlemen, as an inevitable consequence, got in the water, Mr. White showing considerable skill in propelling, and had he been left alone no doubt would have won the race. But a wicked spirit was abroad, and after several had been ducked, the swimmers capsized the tubs of the others so that all had to swim for it. In fact there was never a start made. The tub gentlemen, not content with being ducked themselves, upset a gentleman paddling about in another boat seeing the sport, and that was great fun to the bystanders. The band struck up "God save the Queen," which intimated that the regatta was over.

A number of the members of the Tonbridge Boating Club and their friends dined at the Castle Inn (Mr. Vigar) under the presidency of Mr. Sims, and the vice - presidency of Mr. W. Goddard. Mr. Vigar as usual provided a most sumptuous spread, and the evening was passed in a highly social manner. Many complimentary toasts were given and drunk, the health of Mr. Wm. Goddard for the interest he had taken in getting up the Regatta, and the health of Mr. F. Towner, the captain of the Tonbridge Boating Club, whose exertion on its behalf has been unwearied, met with great enthusiasm.

Kentish Gazette - Tuesday 21 June 1864

WATERINGBURY.—Regatta on the Medway.— The Boating Club of this place are endeavouring to get up a regatta, for the 4th of July. The hon. secretaries, Messrs. Mercer and Harris, will be very glad to receive subscriptions. An event of this kind will afford both a novel and pleasant holiday to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood; and we hope therefore to see the promoters well supported.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 9^th July 1864

[text is difficult; article very critical about arrangements

-“numerous and distinguished company”

-“never been our misfortune to be witness to a regatta where arrangements were so badly conducted”

-“an hour after appointed hour that first race rowed”

-“The West Kent Band under the able direction of Mr. Berry, was present, which very much enlivened the monotonous proceedings”.]

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 17th September 1864

WATERINGBURY.—The Boating Club - A dinner took place in connection with this spirited club on Monday. In the afternoon there was a race between the Wateringbury and Tunbridge crews which, after a gallant struggle, was won by the former. Some other racing also took place, and the sport was concluded with a tub race, which afforded slight amusement to the spectators. The dinner in the evening was well provided by Mr. Luther of the King's Head; and the success which had attended the club the past season materially enhanced the enjoyment of all present.

Extract from The Sussex Advertiser 1^st October 1864

THE TONBRIDGE BOATING CLUB.-COMPLETION OF THE SEASON.

This club wound up the present season, under most favourable circumstances, on Monday last. Several races were engaged in, in which the Wateringbury Club and the Castle Gentlemen took a prominent part. J. Thompson, Esq., of Haysden, kindly permitted the competition to come off between Haysden and Lucifer Bridges, and the races were run without bumping. Distant as this spot is from the town, and difficult of access, from 300 to 400 ladies and gentlemen found their way to the banks by two p.m. Shortly after this time, all was in readiness. Mr. W, Goddard acted as starter, most, efficiently performing that duty. The judges were Mr. Sicklemore and Mr. F. Walters, and the umpires, Mr. Fremlin for Wateringbury, and Mr. Shepherd for Tonbridge. The starting posts were three yards apart, and the winning posts at the other end corresponded.

The first race was

WATERINGBURY v. TONBRIDGE

Tonbridge Crewe- E. Harris, T. J. White, J. Murphy, J. Freeman. J. Wheatley (cox). Wateringbury Crewe-G. Boorman, H. Harris, R, Cripps, E. Towner, T. A. S. White (cox.)[6] Wateringbury won the toss and took first place. The start was capital, Tonbridge making way when No. 1 lost an oar. Wateringbury. had then an advantage it did not fail to embrace. Tonbridge put on a second capital spurt and regained very nearly its lost ground. Wateringbury, however, went in to win by about a boat's length and a half. Distance about half-a-mile.

WATERINGBURY V. CASTLE CREW.

Wateringbury-J. Boorman. A. White[7], T. A. White, H. Key[8], E. Towner (cox).

Castle -Scott, Emson. Hay, Young, J. Fleming (cox).

The Castle crew won the toss. The start was admirable and the race excellently contested. Somewhat to the surprise of the spectators Wateringbury gained on the Castle at first, but straining every nerve, No. 2 lost an oar, and the Castle put on a fine spur. Notwithstanding the race resulted in a dead heat, which was not rowed off

WATERINGBURY V. TONBRIDGE OUTRIGGERS RACE.

This was the race of the day, the Tonbridge Boating Club offering for competition four silver oars and a silver rudder, for the winning boat.

Wateringbury- J. Boorman, H. Key, Fremlin[9], T. A. S. White, A. White, (cox). Tonbridge-Gorham, F. Towner, Ellis, Doyle, Wood, (cox).

Wateringbury won the toss, but no sooner had they made a fair start then they ran in the bank. The Tonbridge crew shot past them and indulged in a walk over. The race to test the capabilities of the rowers was re-run. Tonbridge won easily. Consequently the prize remains with Tonbridge.

THE WASP v. THE BEE.

(Both of Tonbridge).

Wasp- A. Shepperd, A. J. Nottidge. J. Fleming, R. Shepperd. A. B Shepperd, (cox).

Bee- Young. Freeman, Emson, Doyle, Westby (cox).

The Wasp won the toss, took the lead and won easily by several lengths. The rowing was admirable.

THE BEE V. THE WASP

(different crews).

Bee-Gorham, Naylor, Ellis. Doyle. Wood (cox).

Wasp-Scott, Emson, Hay, Young, Westby (cox). This was a most exciting race, and won by the Bee, by scarcely a boat's length. The strength of the various crews having been by this time fairly tried the racing was pronounced over, and the competitors retraced their steps to Tonbridge, to refresh the inner man,

THE DINNER.

The dinner took place in the handsome new room adjoining the Rose and Crown Hotel, at 6 p. m., under the able presidency of Sydney Allevne, Esq. There were also present H. Bishop, H. Key. R. Cripps, W. Jm'e, S. Norton, A. A. Streeter, Esqrs., Messrs. Mercer, E. White, sen., A. White, T. A. S. White, H. White[10], Fremlin, E. Towner, H. Harris, G. Boorman, D. Boorman, J. Bell, Hughes, F. Towner, E, Harris, J. Simes, Hag. Emson. Ellis, Wood, Freeman, Naylor, Scobie. Tofetg, Gill. Westbv, W. Goldard, J. Whestley, G. Wheatley, J. A. Tooth, T. J. White,etc.

Mrs. Parker placed upon the table a dinner most excellent in all its appointments, and the dessert was no less superior. On the removal of the cloth, the Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, received with all due honour, and hearty applause.

Sergeant Siriies was called upon to reply for the volunteers and in doing so said that, while rejoicing in the position of the volunteer force, he regretted deeply that our Government in its late diplomacy with Denmark had not listened less to Russia and France, and relied more on themselves. Had they done so they would have come out of it with better colours, even had they been defeated. As it was, in his opinion, our Government had lowered its position in tie eyes of all Europe.

Mr. Towner briefly proposed the health of the Chairman, who he said was ever found ready to support every movement for the good of the town and especially for the good of the rising generation (loud applause and drunk with enthusiasm). The Chairman, in returning thanks, said he had all his life time been, a dear lover of every manly English sport, and if he was past that time of life in which he could join in them he was still left the power to encourage and entertain them (cheers). It was an undoubted fact that in the Crimea and in India our bravest soldiers and sailors were invariably those men who had distinguished themselves as athletes, as cricketers, as boatsmen at our Universities (cheers). He always fancied himself that when he met a distinguished cricketer or a distinguished boatsman, he met a honest, hearty good fellow. Mr. Alleyne concluded by alluding to the success of the Tonbridge Boating Club since its organization, and the co-operation of the Wateringbury Club (also in its infancy) with it. He proposed success to the Wateringbury Club, with the name of Mr. Mercer, the secretary.

Mr. Mercer replied, and proposed the health of the Tonbridge Club, with the name of Mr. Kelly, the secretary, and the health of the Castle gentlemen who had so kindly taken part in the day's sports.

Mr. F. Towner begged to reply for Mr. Kelly, who was absent through indisposition. He regretted this fact very much indeed, as Mr. Kelly, since he had filled that position, had done much for thy success of the club. When he undertook the duties they were drifting into deep water, now they had a balance at the bankers (cheers).

Mr. Doyle replied for the Castle gentlemen, remarking that if the Waterbury and Tonbridge Clubs were only in their infancy they had made good use of their time and were very formidable rowers.

Mr. White proposed the health of the contributors to the Tonbridge Boating Club and specially called attention to a handsome donation of £10 sent, them by F. D. Goldsmid, Esq., of Somerhill (cheers). Subscriptions had come in so well that had a considerable surplus in hand after squaring up, and this he though; encouraging for the first year of the club's existence.

The Chairman then distributed the prizes to the successful competitors.

[1] There were 24 people with the surname Harris in the 1881 Wateringbury census including 3 with initial J. But the most likely is Jeremiah Harris aged 43 years in 1881(aged 26 at the time of the Regatta). He was lived in The Street with his widowed mother at 259 The Street and is recorded as a butcher’s master employing 2 men and 1 boy and married to Eliza, who was 4 years his junior.

[2] There were 9 people with the surname Cripps in the 1881 Wateringbury census but only one with the initial R, Richard Cripps, aged 48, (aged 31 at the time of the Regatta). living at 271 Tonbridge Road with his wife, Mary Jane, 10 years his junior, and 4 young children all born after the Regatta. He was a brewery clerk.

[3] There were 12 people with the surname Boorman in the 1881 Wateringbury census but only one George, aged 35 (aged 18 at the time of the Regatta), living in Old Road, married to Ellen, 5 years his junior, and 2 young children all born after the Regatta. He is described as a Surveyor & Builders Manager.

[4] No Towner’s in Wateringbury 1881 census.

[5] Henry Harris aged 44 (aged 27 at time of Regatta) was a butchers master employing one boy and living at 272 Tonbridge Road with his wife Eliza, 9 years his junior, and 8 young children and one servant.

[6] There were 7 Whites at the 1881 census living in 3 different houses but none identifiable as T.A.S. White. One family lived at Wateringbury Hall as substantial farmers/hop growers; another at Wateringbury Lodge also substantial farmers; a third was a grocer/servant aged 30 , originally from Brighton, at the Hubble household at 263 The Street . It is probable that it was Thomas Archibald Starnes White (b. 1843 ) who had left home by this time.

[7] Again no A. White in 1881 census.

[8] No Key’s in 1881 census.

[9] There were 5 Fremlins in 1881 Wateringbury, Richard the brewer (aged 45) at May Lodge with his sister Fanny and Nimrod , an agricultural labourer (aged 40) , his wife and son at 22 Bow Terrace.

[10] Possibly Henry White at Wateringbury Lodge (aged 39 ), a substantial farmer.