Medway regattas (1866)

Extract from From The Sussex Advertiser 12^th June 1866

THE TONBRIDGE ANNUAL REGATTA.

Patrons :-T. F. Bailey, Esq., Major Scoones, J. P. W. Gorham. J. Gorham, J. Plant Fleming, Alfred Beeching Arthur Beeching, H. Unwin, Esqrs., Colonel Davenport, Julian Golddsmid, Esq. M. P., etc., etc.

The Tonbridge annual regatta took place on Wednesday last, on the piece of the Medway known as the Canon as Bridge course. In consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather in the early part of the day, the races did not commence till after noon, instead of at ten o'clock, as stated in the programme. A heavy "Scotch mist," however, but little affected those who had resolved to witness the various contests. For a long time before the first race came off the meadows were thickly dotted with spectators, and seldom have the banks of the Medway been graced with a more fashionable and numerous assembly, and so many of the fair sex as on Wednesday last, and but for the report which was current in the morning, that the regatta was postponed, the company would have been far more numerous. Although the piece of water constituting the course (nearly half a mile in length) well favours spectators, its crooked nature renders it most unsuited to the regatta, and the committee of the Castle and Town Clubs rightly resolved on having " bump " races, the foremost boat in each race to have a start of one and a half boat's length.

P. A. Saville Esq. officiated as starter, Mr Joseph Snelling as Judge, and A. Law, Esq., (Oxford) as referee. And well and most satisfactorily did these gentlemen discharge their duties. The general arrangements of the day were managed by the following gentlemen, who acted as stewards-Capt. Bartram, H. Bishop, G Stenning, C. R. Peake, J. Abbot Jarmin, and C. D. Hay, Esqrs. The grand stand evidently did credit to its builder (Mr Woodroffe), especially when we take into consideration that of last year. Mr Woodroffe, in consequence of the seats being somewhat damp after a shower, provided the spectators with a number of dry boards to sit upon. An excellent brass band played during the day, under the leadership of Herr von Bingen.

The first race was rowed in

four-oared tubs, for the Tonbridge Cup,

for which the following crews competed :-

1. " Swift"-Messrs. A. S. White, W. Jude, James Cox, A. Fremlin, and E. Towner (cox).

2. " Cam"-”Messrs. G. Towner, T. J. White, H. Miller, F. Bennett, and J. Wells (cox).

3. " Flora"-C. D. Radcliffe, Esq., J. A. Jarman, Esq., G. H. Hill, Esq., H. T. H. Hallett, Esq., and - Halifax, Esq. (cox).

4. "Venus" -G. Crampton, Esq., - Spencer, Esq., H. B. Ternan, Esq., M. Martin, Esq., and J. Lambarde, Esq. (cox).

5."Trinity’’-Messrs, M. Elliott, J. Vinten, E. Haswell, J. Kellv, and A. Benzie (cox).

6."Juno”-Messrs. R.Bearman, J.Vinton, C.McKenzie, G. Farr, and H. Farr (cox).

In drawing for the first lists 1 and 5, 2 and 3, and 4 and 6 were drawn to race together. The first two boats scratched. Nos. 2 and 3 then rowed, the former winning the toss went behind, and having the advantage in boats, as the "Flora" was one of very heavy build, contrasted with that of "Cam," it was thought that a "bump" would be easily effected. The "Flora" crew, however, pulled well and strong together, and were not "over hauled" until within a boat's length of the winning post. Nos. 4 and 6 then pulled; the former lost the toss, were sent before, and were "bumped" within forty yards of the starting post.

The next was

The Pair Oared Tub Race.

-First boat, 15s.; second boat to save stakes. The following are the crews :-

1. "Flora"-Messrs. H. Cheal, E. Bowles, and W. Cheal (cox)

2."Janitor"-Mr. T. Hutson, W. S. Brown, Esq., and Mr. A. Hutson (cox).

3. "Water Lily"-Messrs. M. Elliott, J. Vinten, and A. Benzie (cox).

4. "Crinoline" -Messrs. H. Corke, T. Norton, sen., and T.Norton, jun., (cox).

In this race Nos. 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 drew together. "The Flora" had advantage of position, and soon effected a " bump." In the race between 2 and 4, the ''Crinoline" "overhauled" the "Janitor" about half way over the course, and in the final heats between "Flora" and "Crinolin" the former "bumped" the latter nearly opposite the grand stand.

The next race was

The Four Oar Race for the Medway Plate,

in which the following crews contested:-

1. "Nymph"-Messrs. G. Boorman, James Godden, R. Cripps, W. Brown, Esq., and Mr E. Towner (cox).

2. "Sea Gull"-Messrs. F. Towner, T. J. White, H* Miller, F. Bennett, and J. Wells (cox).

4. "Blue Jacket."-Messrs R. Bearman, J. Vinten, C. Mc Kenzie, G. Farr, and H. Farr, (cox).

5. "Waterwitch." -Messrs M. Elliot, H. Haswell, J. W. Johnson, J. Kelly, and A. Benzie, (cox).

6. "Red Rovers." -C. D. Radcliffe, Esq.. J. A. Jarman, Esq. G. H. Hill, Esq., H. T. H. Hallet, Esq., and H. N. Webb, Esq., (cox.)

7.''The Buccaneers."-A Terry, Esq., H. Lugard, Esq , F. Dawson, Esq., H. Ritchie, Esq., and - Brett, Esq',' (cox.)

In this race numbers 1 and 2, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5, were drawn together. No. 2, " Sea Gull," won the toss, and got away at a rapid pace, and overhauled their opponents in about 20 strokes. In the next heat, the "Buccaneers" having won the toss, sent the "Blue Jackets" in front, and soon effected a " bump." Nos. 4 and 5 then pulled. The "Red Rovers," although pulling in a boat of much heavier build than their opponents, got well away, and escaped the "bump." They next took up the hinder position, and, pulling away in the same good form, soon overhauled the "Water Witch." Nos. 2, 5 and 6 then drew for places, which resulted in the "Red Rovers" having to pull against the "Sea Gull." The latter won the toss, and the former took up the front position, Odds were freely offered on the "Sea Gull." which was a boat built, expressly for racing purposes, whereas the "Red Rovers" pulled in an out-rigged gig only. But contrary to expectation, after a most well-contested race, they passed the winning-post, half a boat's-length before their opponents, and hence no bump was effected. The "Sea Gull" next took up the foremost position, and both crews dashed away in a brilliant manner; and although the ‘’Red Rovers" slightly lessened the distance between the boats at the starting, they did not overhaul the "Sea Gull." The excitement amongst spectators and crews, as to the final result in the time race between those two boats was intense. The "Red Rovers" won the toss, and sent their opponents over the course first, who did it in 2 min. 8 sec. The "Red Rovers" then got. into position, and amid the most enthusiastic cheers, rowed in excellent, form throughout, and passed the, winning post, in 2 min. 7 3/4 sec, as given by the referee although the general opinion which prevailed was that they had rowed the course in some few seconds less. As the Tonbridge Castle Boating Club was represented in this race by the "Red Rovers" and the "Buccaneers," the latter honourably scratched as they wished to reserve their strength for the Ladies Challenge Cup; the former, therefore became the well-earned possessors of the Medway Plate.

The Scullers' Race

was next on the programme for a prize of 10s., and although expected to create some interest, as Mr. J. A. Caffin, of London who recently beat Miller, at Putney in a match for £60 and who is now matched in another race for £50 a-side, against xxxx of Lambeth, was matched against Mr. T. Hudson,of Wateringbury, who scratched. No excitement prevailed, Mr. Caffin and Mr. Vinten having made an arrangement between themselves gently paddled over the course.

The next race par excellence of the day was

The Ladies' Challenge Cup,

kindly given by the Ladies of Tonbridge, at present held by the Tonbridge Castle Club, represented by the Bucaneers, and although previous to the day the odds were offered on the town yet after the display of rowing which the Buccaneers had made in the race for the Medway Plate, the betting fell to evens. For this race the following crows contested. 1. " Nymph’.-Messrs G. Boorman, James Godden, R.Cripp , W. Brown, Esq., and Mr E. Towner, (cox).

2. Sea Gull,-Messrs F. Towner, T. J. White, H Miller, F. Bennet, and J. Wells, (cox.)

3. ' Blue Jacket'-Messrs. R. Bearman, J. Vinten, C. McKenzie, G. Farr, and H. Farr (cox). 4. " Waterwitch"-Messrs. M. Elliot H. Haswell, J. W. Johnson, J. Kelley, and A. Benzie (cox),.

5. 'Red Rovers' -C. D. Radcliffe, Esq., J. A. Jarman, Esq., G. H. Hill, Esq., H. T. H. Hallett, Esq., and H. N. Webb, Esq (cox).

6. " The Buccaneers"-A Terry, Esq., H. Lugard, Esq., E. Dawson, Esq., H. Ritchie, Esq,, and - Brett, Esq. (cox).

In drawing for pairs of boats, 1 and 6 pulled together, 2 and 4. and 3 and 5. The "Nymph" had advantage of position in going behind. The "Buccaneers got well away, and pulling in good form maintained their distance throughout, pulling at their ease as the coxs of the Nymph," whose steering had been generally admired during the day unfortunately took them too near the bank shortly after, starting. They then reversed their positions, and after a capital and exciting race to the Grand Stand, and having effected the bump in a most skilful manner they were soon "over hauled," and the heat won by the "Buccaneers." The steering of Mr. Brett was generally admired. Nos. 2 and 4 then pulled together; the latter going in front were soon bumped. Nos. 3 and 5 next pulled together, and the latter having won the toss, took up the hindmost position, and soon "over lapped" their opponents. The three winning boats then drew for pairs, which resulted in Nos. 2 and 5 having to pull against each other, the latter won the toss and went behind, but it was evident from the excessive amount of work and fatigue which they had experienced from previous races, that they could not effect a "bump." They however rowed in the most plucky manner throughout the course, and then scratched. The race now laid between the representative crews of the Castle and Tonbridge Boating Clubs. The " Sea Gull'' won the toss, and sent the "Buccaneer" in the front. Both crews pulled admirably throughout, but towards the finish of the course the "Buccaneers" pulled away and passed the winning post nearly two boats' length ahead of their opponents. Owing to the lateness of the evening it was deemed advisable to postpone further rowing for the cup.

Although it is much to be regretted that the races could not be finished on the same day which indeed they would had there not been an interval between the various races, this was the only drawback to the regatta's complete success, and it is to be that on future occasions there will be some arrangements as regards the time of each race which will obviate all delay. As an evidence of the interest which the ladies and gentlemen took in the race for the Challenge Cup, we have only to mention that they did not vacate their seats on the grandstand until the referee had given his decision as to the postponement of the races. The committee met on Thursday, and decided that the final heats of the Challenge Cup and the Tonbridge Cup shall be rowed on Wednesday next at five o'clock, when we should expect a good struggle.

During the heats of the Challenge Cup the spectators were amused by some young lads and men attempting to Walk the Greasy Pole, which was extended over the river with a flag nearly at the extreme end, the possessor of which was the winner of a prize of 10s. After several attempts, a labouring youth managed to walk up to the flag, and procure it. A gentleman of title was at the time engaged in collecting "coppers" in his hat for the winner, and after procuring a goodly sum, handed it over to the man, with 5s. of his own, as extra prizes. The Hon. Mrs. Savile had kindly consented to distribute the prizes, but in consequence of the postponement they were not given away, but will be on the above named day (Wednesday).

The crews then adjourned to the Castle Inn, where a most excellent and recherche spread was provided for them by the host, Mr. Viger; indeed too much praise cannot be bestowed upon him for the manner in which the viands were served up. J. Gorham, Esq., had kindly consented to take the chair, but in consequence of the late hour to which the racing had extended (9.15 p.m.) was obliged to be absent. J. A. Jarman, Esq., was however unanimously voted to the chair, and W. Brown, Esq., the vice-chair. The supper having been partaken, and the cloth removed, The Chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were well received. Mr. Saville favoured the company with a song, and The Chairman next rose to propose the "Army and Navy." In doing so, he said that although there was not present any gentleman as a representative of either of these forces which have won such renown for "this tight little Island," yet there were present many of those, who were most sanguine in their hopes to become subjects in Her Majesty's service. He alluded to the gentlemen at the Castle, and expressed a wish that theirs might be a bright and glorious future, and that the honours which some had won to-day might only prove the earnest of still higher laurels to be won in their noble and honoured profession (applause.) He coupled with tha toast the name of Mr. Lugard. The toast was most enthusiastically received, and Mr. Radcliffe favoured the company with a song.

Mr. Lugard, in rising to reply to the above toast, said he did so express his thanks on behalf of the Army and Navy, and also of the gentlemen of the Castle for the very high compliment which had been paid to them by the chairman. He only hoped that the wishes that he had expressed might be fully realised by them. He remarked that if left to individual effort he was afraid that few would reap that renown to which the chairman had alluded. All praise should be given and would be due to Mr. Fleming, who was the instrument of preparing them for the service, and who has had with him so many who are now in that position to which he and many of tho gentlemen present hoped to belong. The Chairman then rose, and said-”We have now, gentleman, come to one of the toasts of the evening. I would however, in the first place make one or two brief observations respecting the events of to-day. The morning, as you are well aware, was gloomy and unpropitious ; the rain would come down; the clouds would maintain their sullen aspect, the sun would not come out of his hiding place. Now could we be weather choosers as well as weather prophets we should certainly have secured for ourselves one of June's bright hot days. But we thought and prophesied falsely. The sun at last shines out, and we have been favoured with a splendid day; we have also had a very large concourse of people to witness the races, an evidence of the interest they take in boating matters, and glad was I as doubtless you all were to see such a vast number of ladies present whose bright smiles cannot but have a most beneficial influence at all times on those who have to compete for such prizes as were held forth to us to-day (hear, hear) I am glad , moreover, that, the regatta has thus far passed off so satisfactory . Severe have been the contests and hard the struggles of the various crews-each has striven with might and main not only for tbe prizes themselves but for the honour (applause). And although, if I may be allowed to express my own opinion, I should have been glad to have seen the three prizes-the Tonbridge Cup the Medway Plate, and the Ladies Challenge Cup, divided equally amongst the three competitive clubs, yet I do hope that the gentlemen from Wateringbury will be more fortunate than they have to-day (hear, hear). I regret that time would not allow the races to be finished today, but whatever the result of the struggle might be on the day not yet fixed for The Ladies Challenge Cup, I hope that the best crew may win (cheers) and the cup may not be won by accident or any misfortune which may befall either crew. With reference to the Medway Plate the less I say perhaps the better -modesty bids me be silent. The rowing today has generally been good, but good rowing on such a crooked piece of water will not alone suffice , or lead to victory we must also have good coxing, and for this Mr E. Towner, who has striven today so hard to win honours for Wateringburv, must, I think take the palm(cries of '' no, no, Mr. Brett.")' Let us, gentlemen give praise to both for excellence of their steering for well they deserve it (hear, hear). Nevertheless, Mr. Towner did take the boat rather too close to the bank in one race, and but for that circumstance, the result might have been different- I say it might bave been. The Chairman then went on to remark on what he thought the boats best fitted for such a piece of water, and referred to the great disadvantage of an "outrigged gig " against a race four outrigged," and stated that it he could secure boat of light build, and short withal, such a boat would be much better adapted for rowing on that water, than the boats in which they had rowed to-day. He was also glad to find that there had been such unanimity and good feeling amongst the various crews, and hoped that the same would always prevail. He then proposed the toast of the crews from Wateringbury, coupling therewith the name of W. Brown, Esq. He begged the Tonbridge Boating Club to excuse him proposing the health of the Wateringbury gentlemen first; but coming, as they did from a great distance, to enter into competition with them he could not do less than bestow upon them the first honour in the matter of toast (cheers).The toast was most enthusiastically drunk, with musical honours, and Mr Cripps sang a good song.

Mr. Brown replied, and in doing so trust that soon to reverse the position they held today (cheers). He hoped they would live, both crews, to contend again at Wateringbury and should like to see them carry away the Challenge Cup. As Captain of the Wateringbury crew, he felt it his duty to acknowledge the kindness and courtesy with which the Castle gentlemen had received them, and for which he could not sufficiently thank them . He considered they had a chance of the first race, had it not been for the mishap that the coxswain had unfortunately ran them into the bank. He with great pleasure should propose the health of the Castle Crews, trusting that they would always meet in the same friendly and courteous manner.

The Chairman in rising to return thanks for the Castle Crews, expressed the great pleasure it gave him to see the Wateringbury gentlemen present and thanked them most cordially for the very high compliment Mr. Brown had paid them. Their warmest desire had been to secure good feeling and unanimity amongst the various crews as also that of a successful regatta and in this they had only done their duty, and he was sure that it would be at all times their earnest effort to promote everything which constitutes such a regatta (hear, hear). Before sitting down he again alluded to the very close competition, and energetic struggles which each crew had made to win for themselves such a valuable prize as that of the Ladies' Challenge Cup as evidenced by the length of of time to which the races had extended. He said that should the time at which the Wateringbury regattas would take place be when the gentlemen of the Castle would be present they would be most happy to enter into competition for the cup which they had for the last two years striven so hard to win, and he hoped that its place of rest would then be transferred from Maidstone to Tonbridge (hear, hear). He had another toast to propose, that of the gentlemen comprising the Tonbndge Town Boating Club (cheers). Everyone who had witnessed the pulling of the Tonbridge crews that day, would feel convinced that they, like the Wateringburv and the Castle crews, ???? the determination of winning; theirs was a long ??????. and a pull altogether (hear, hear); and all his ???? witnessed the stroke and pulling of Mr. Ben??????????river Medway (hear, ??????????existed such a good feeling ?? ?????. ????hoped that on all future ????? would exist (hear, hear), ????found a more energetic man in boating matters could not ?????In Tonbridge (cheers); and as such, be believes ????? " right man in the right place." He has done for his????? all captains of crews would or ought to do, look ????????men (hear hear). He then gave the toast of the Tonbridge Town Boating Club, coupling therewith the name of Mr. Fred Towner the captain, and Mr. Bennett, as stroke of the first boat (hear hear). The toast was most heartily drank, and Mr. Kelly favoured the company with a song.

Mr. Towner, in returning thanks, assured them he had done all he possibly could in order to get his crew in trim for winning the cup , and he trusted that when the final heats came off, the best would win (cheers). . The Vice-Chairman thought they had been talking a good deal about boat racing, and he did not see why they should not say something about cricket (hear, hear) ; for he believed they had in the room an old representative of the county of Kent (Mr. Lipscombe), (cheers). He would therefore beg them to drink to that gentleman's health and the cricketers of England (cheers). The toast was drank with musical honours; after which the Chairman obliged the company with a song.

Mr. Lipscombe, in returning thanks, thought he could cross the Medway on the back of a horse much safer than in a boat, (laughter). As far as the County Cricket Club was concerned he thought it was at a very low ebb-short of money. He had this year given up being a member, in order that better and younger members should go in. Any local cricket club he would pleased to support and subscribe to (cheers). Mr E. Towner then proposed the health of the Chairman in a few eulogistic terms. He should like to contest with the Castle crew at Wateringbury ; but as far as the Tonbridge Town Crew were concerned, they could beat them at any time (hear, hear, and no no). He was the first who rowed in a match at the commencement of the Tonbridge regettas. He considered it would be better for them to have a committee at each place, no committee man to be in the rowing club, and then they could do the work properly and get them over in proper time. The toast was drank with musical honours, and Mr. Ritchie obliged the company with a song.

The Chairman in responding said- Gentlemen, it is with a great diffidence that I rise to return thanks for the honour which has been paid me by Mr. Towner in proposing my health, and for the kind manner you gentlemen have received it (hear, hear). You are well aware that I was this evening quite unprepared to fill the office of chairman, and I could have wished that it had fallen into far better and more experienced hands (cries of no, no). But whatever post may be assigned me, whether in connection with boating matters or legitimate sports, I shall at all times use my humble endeavours to fill the said post to the best of my ability (hear, hear). I trust you will pardon me for any omission which I might have made this evening. Having so short a notice I had no time whatever to think of set speeches and as I suppose it to be my duty to promote the harmony and conviviality of evening, for it has bean truly said that after training comes a draining " (cheers and laughter), I have but again to thank you for the hearty manner in which you have received the toast and shall leave the next toast in the hands of Mr. Saville (cheers).

Mr. Saville, in proposing the next toast, observed that they had had some good racing today, but he would say that the Red Rovers had rowed almost the best, for they must remember that that crew had not rowed together until the day previous. Considering they won the first prize, they deserve praise for they rowed four races running ("Voices : Six). He would, therefore propose the health of the Red Rovers, coupling with the toast the name of Mr. Hallett. The toast was well received, and Mr. Brown favoured the company with a song.

Mr. Hallett responded, and after thanking the company for the honour paid to his crew, assured them that they did their best and what the proposer had said was perfectly correct, for they did not expect to do anything at the regatta to-day (hear, hear).

The Vice Chairman then proposed the health of Mr. Caffin and the public scullers and oarsmen of England. The toast being duly received, Mr. Caffin returned thanks, alluding to his coming among them merely for the training of the Tonbridge Town Crew.

Mr. Kelly next proposed the health of Mr. Savile, who had acted as their starter, in a most efficient and courteous manner He had great pleasure in proposing the toast, because, at one time it was considered Mr. Savile was in favour of the Castle Crews.

The toast having been drank with musical honours, Mr. Savile returned thanks, and in doing so, expressed his surprise at his health being proposed at all. There was one thing connected with the rowing to-day, and that was that at no time was put down for the individual races. There should, he, considered, be time put down, and if the crews were not at post when the time was up, they should be scratched, and their opponents row the course over. He was glad Mr. Kelly had mentioned the subject of his being considered partial to the Castle Crew, inasmuch as he could now deny that statement, for his only wish was that the best boat should win (hear, near, and Cheers). They did not give the preference to any boat, nor did they have one bad start. At all times he should be glad to do his best, and with reference to the challenge cup, he expressed that last year it belonged to no one, only the club, because the Castle fid not row over the course. He congratulated the club on a most successful regatta (cheers). The toasts of Mr. Lawes, referee, and The Ladles, concluded the list of toasts, and the party separated at an early hour.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 07 July 1866

Rowing.—The lovers of acquatic sports will be glad to learn, on reference to our advertising columns, that Mr Verey, the indefatigable landlord of the Gibraltar Inn, near Maidstone, has in contemplation a good day's acquatic sports on the River Medway, on the 18th of July, on which occasion a splendid silver cup will be given to the winner of the pair-oar race. Several entries have already been made, and those desiring to contest must do so by the 14th inst. Other races are in contemplation. Through the enterprise of Mr Verey and the Committee of Management, hopes are entertained of a revival of the Maidstone Regatta, if the arrangements should come off satisfactorily.

Extract from South Eastern Gazette 24^th July 1866 (and following weeks)

WATERINGBURY REGATTA.

THE ANNUAL REGATTA will be held at

Wateringbury, on the River Medway, between

Tutsham Lock and Bow Bridge, on Wednesday, the 15th of August.

Ladies Patronesses

Mrs. Wingfield Stratford

Mrs. Stevens

Mrs. Wildman

Mrs. Brown

The Viscountess Falmouth

The Lady Frances Fletcher

The Lady Isabel Bligh

The Hon. Lady Stapleton

Lady Hawley

P r e s id e n t.

William Brown, Esq.

St e w a r d s.

The Hon. and Rev. Sir Francis J. Stapleton, Bart.

Henry E. Brown, Esq.

Thomas White, Esq.

Henry White, Esq.

John von Dadelszen, Esq.

The Rev. Edward Jones

The Rev. A. C. Lee

Capt. King, R.H.A.

Capt. Fisher Evans

Selby Norton, Esq., M.D.

The Races, with the exception of the Ladies’ Challenge Cap, are open only to amateurs. All applications for entries to be made to the Secretary, Mr. William Jude, on or before Wednesday, the 8th August.

The winning post is within twenty yards of the Railway Station of the South Eastern Railway.

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph Saturday 18^th August 1866

WATERINGBURY REGATTA. The annual regatta in connection with the Wateringbury Rowing Club, came off on Wednesday last, with, but one exception, general satisfaction. The weather was all that could have been desired, and drew together a large concourse, upwards of 2,000 being present.

The lady patronesses were the Viscountess Falmouth, the Lady Frances Fletcher, the Lady Isabel Bligh, the Hon Lady Stapleton, Lady Hawley, Mrs Wingfield Stratford, Mrs Wildman, Mrs. Stevens, and Mrs. Brown.

President, W. Brown, Esq.

The stewards were the Hon and Rev Sir F. J. Stapleton, Bart, the Rev E. Jones, the Rev A. C. Lee, Captain King, R.H.A., Captain Fisher Evans, Selby Norton, Esq., M.D., H. E. Brown, Esq, T. White, Esq, H. White, Esq, and John Von Dadelszen, Esq.

Amongst the company present were :—Major General Fletcher, Lady Frances Fletcher and party, J. B. Wildman, Esq., Mrs. Wildman, J. W. Stratford Esq., and party, Mr. D. Dalison, Esq., Mrs. and Miss Datison, Mrs. Betts and party, the Rev. A. C. Lee, the Rev G. Paulson, the Rev E. R. Earle, the Rev. H. Stevens Mrs. Stevens and party, the Rev. W. Cobb, Mrs Cobb and party, Capt. and Mrs. King, Dr. Franklyn, M.D., Dr. S. Norton, M.D and party, W. Brown, Esq., Mrs. Brown and the Misses Brown, T. White, Esq., Mrs. T. White, Miss White, and Miss Helen White, Mr. W. S. Brown, A. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Fraser, Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay, H. H. Oldman, Esq., (48th Regt), H. Brooke, Esq., (48th Regt), Capt. and Mrs. Fisher Evans, Miss Evans, and Mr. G. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Moneypenny, the Misses Moneypenny, Mr. and Mrs. Little and party, W. Kelley Esq., J. T. Townsend, Esq., C. Smith Esq., Miss Trent, Miss Allchin, B Roper Esq., and party, Mr. G. Fry, Miss Finley, Miss North, Mr. W. Haymen, Mr. Hooper, Fremlin (4) Mr. G. F. Busbridge and party. Along the banks the river were marquees erected and a grandstand, which was well attended. On the opposite bank of the river a platform was also erected for the West Kent Militia Band, who played during the day, under the direction of Bugle Major Berry, some excellent selections. The first race the card was announced to take place at two o'clock but it was nearly three before a start was effected. The following was the day's sport:—

First Heats for the Medway Cup, for four oars, 10s entrance, half-forfeit. Half-mile. First Heat. The " Mabel'' (Maidstone Crew) R. Gibbons, J. Jewell, W. Down, T. Potter, E. Headford (cox) 1 " W.B.C" (Wateringbury Crew) :—G. H. Evans, Esq., W. Jude, R. Cripps, G. Boorman, E. T. Towner (cox) 2 A good start was effected, the Maidstone crew having a little the best it, the Mabel winning a closely contested race throughout by half a boat. The boats started 30 yards apart, the winning posts of each being separated the same distant. Second Heat. " The Flying Sap," (Chatham Engineers : Lieut. North, Lieut. Westaway, Capt Maridin, Lieut Macpherson, Lieut. Lee, (cox) 1 The Sea Gull :—(F. Towner, F. Johnson, H. Milles, F. Bennett, J. Wells (cox) 2 The "Flying Sap" won easy.

A Dingee Race for £1. All comers, two oars, no steerer, 2s 6d entrance, second to save his stakes. About half-mile. White.—(A Bow, Esq., and A Stroke, Esq.,) 1 Dark Blue —Mr Jas Cox and H. Harris) 2 Greek. —(Mr. E. T. Towner, J. Pickup) 3 The race lay entirely with the first and second boats, green being out-distanced. Just previous to reaching the goal, "dark blue," who had been gaining upon her opponent, and looked like winning, rowed into the bank. "White" coming in first by about half a boat's length, one of whose oarsmen lost his oar just on the winning post.

The Final Heat for the Ladies' Challenge Cup for four oars. All comers, 10s entry. About one mile. The conditions for the possession of the above are that one crew must win it three years in succession before it becomes their property. The Garibaldi Crew had won it the two years previous, and had they have won to-day it would have been their Cup. The trial heats for the contest was rowed for on the previous day, when four boats out of the five entered (independent of the Garibaldi). The results of the two heats were :— " W.B.C" (dark blue and white horse) : —A. White, Esq., A. Fremlin, Esq., W. S. Brown Esq, Mr Jas. Godden, L. A. White, Esq., (cox) 1 " Flying Sap."—(Scarlet and blue)—Lieut. North, R.E.. Lieut. Westaway, R.E. Capt. Marindin, R.E., Lieut. Macpherson, R.E., Lieut. Lee, R.E., (cox) 2 Second Heat. " W.B.C." (Second Crew; (dark blue and White Horse) —G. H. Evans, Esq., Messrs. W. Jude, R. Cripps, G. Boorman, E. T. Towner (cox) ... " Sea Gull," —(dark blue)—(Messrs. F. Towner .. E. Johnson, H. Mills, F. Bennett, J. Wells (cox). The Wateringbury crews having won their heats, it was agreed that the first of the above four boats (A. White, Esq's., crew) should row the "Garibaldi" this day for the cup. As the two boats rowed down to the scratch, comment was busy as to their respective merits, the Garibaldians having the most admirers. The two boats were placed thirty yards apart, the "W.B.C." being in the first position, and when the pistol was fired a good start was effected, the Wateringbury men rowing a much steadier, longer, and apparently stronger stroke and gradually went away from their opponents, winning in the most hollow manner. In fact it was the worst contested race of the day, and although the Garibaldi crew had the worst boat, we could see no chance of their beating the" W.B.C," with a better. The best men undoubtedly won. The race of course was a disappointment for the "Garibaldi," for if they had won, the trophy would have been their's.

A Sculling Race for a Cup, 5s entry. About half-a-mile. "Lord Lyon" (G. Nurse) "Nelly," (A. White Esq.,) 2 " Kitty." (T. Hutson) The race was confined to the first two. Nurse winning a splendid-race by about a boat's head only.

Final Heat for the Medway Cup. The “Flying Sap" and the " Mabel'' then went down the river for the final heat the above cup. The race throughout was capitally rowed and closely contested. The judge placing them as under: The "Flying Sap" 1 The " Mabel" The decision of the judge gave the greatest dissatisfaction, as it was the firm conviction of 99 out of every hundred that the Mabel won by nearly half a length, the pistol not being fired till she had passed her post that distance. The decision of the judge was at once impugned and the Committee consulted, who said they could only be guided by that of the judge, which was final. A Pair-oared Race with steerer for Silver Challenge Oars, presented C. J. Mercer, Esq., (to be held from year to year only). 9s entrance. About half-a-mile. "Dark Blue and White Horse," —(A. Fremlin, Esq., James Cox, Esq., and G. M. White, Esq., (cox) "White, Brown, and White," —W. S. Brown, Esq., A. White, Esq., and L. A. White, Esq., (cox) 2 The boats kept the course well within the distance, but the former won, closely pressed, by half a length.

This concluded the racing for the day. "Tunbridge" against "Wateringbury" was marked on the card, but did not come off. There were besides the above a variety of other amusements provided, such tub racing, climbing the greasy pole, &c. With the exception of the dispute for the Medway Cup the whole of the proceedings passed off very pleasantly, the only other complaint was the delay in commencing the sports. Mr Jude (the Secretary) and the Committee, however, exerted themselves to their utmost to make the day one of general pleasure. After the sports Mr. Brown and Mr. Jude entertained, at their respective residences, a large party of friends.

Extract from Dover Express - Friday 24 August 1866

Wateringbury regatta took place on Wednesday, under the most favourable circumstances. The weather was all that could be desired, and a numerous company, composed of the elite of the neighbourhood, assembled to witness the racing, which was very good, and comprised five contests, divided into heats.