Medway regattas (1868)

Post date: Apr 14, 2015 2:4:49 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 22 August 1868

WATERINGBURY REGATTA.

The annual holiday, in connection with acquatic sports for the inhabitants of Wateringbury, Tunbridge, Maidstone and districts took place on Wednesday last the river Medway, near the Wateringbury-bridge. The above regatta since its inauguration has been generally looked forward to a day's pleasure by those residing within its vicinity and accessible by rail. The popularity of the regatta instead of being on the wane, like that of Maidstone, shortly after its starting, has increased, as might be testified by the great number present on Wednesday last, amounting to something between three and four thousand spectators. Amongst its patronesses are the Viscountess Falmouth, the Hon. Lady Stapleton, Lady Frances Fletcher, Mrs Pratt Barlow, Mrs Brown, and Mrs Brenchley. The president for the present year is the Hon. Hugh Le Despencer Boscawen, and the stewards number the Rev. A. C. Lee, F. Pratt Barlow, Esqs, senior and junior, Capt. Brenchley, H. White, F. Geary, B. W. Horne, S. Norton, H. E. Brown, Capt. Fisher Evans, T. White, and A. Fremlin, Esqs. The treasurer and secretary are W. S Brown, Esq., and A. Leney, Esq, respectively. Amongst the elite of the conpany who patronised the sports of Wednesday we observed Lady Falmouth, Ladies Marsham, the Misses Jones, Misses Marsham, the Hon. Mary and Mabel Boscawen, Sir John and Lady Anson, Miss Stapleton, Mr and Miss Rose, F. Russell, Esq., and lady, F. Leney, Esq., J. B. Jude, Esq., R. Fremlin, Esq., Capt King, R.H.A., H. White, Esq, the Misses White, H. Allwork, Esq., and party, Mrs C. Arkcoll, and family, E. B. Home, Esq., Colonel Johnson, Major Johnson, W. S. Brown, Esq., and party, E. Goodwin, Esq., F. P. Barlow, Esq., jun., T. White, Esq., Major Battye etc.

The sports commenced half-past two o'clock with the FIRST HEAT FOR THE CUP. The following were the crews T.B.C.—" Sea Gull"—red, white and blue, G. Feldon, W. Goldsmith, T. Goulds, H. Cheat, W. Cheal, (cox)... 1 W.B.C.—" Rose of Kent." —blue and white horse, H. Allwork[1], A. Allwork[2], L. Ongley[3], J. Ongley,[4] and A. Hutson, (cox.) 2 The boats started about 30 yards apart, each having to come to their respective post. The race was a good one throughout, Tonbridge (the second boat) winning.

A DINGEE RACE FOR A CUP. Open to all comers, distance about half mile, was the next on the card, and brought the following competitors. "The Rose" (F. Towner and J. Paine) 1 " Bluegown" (H. Cheal and T. Goulds) 2 " Flossy" (H. Allwork and A Allwork) 0 A fourth crew started (not on the card, consisting of the brothers Barlow) which came in third. The crew of the Flossy" had the misfortune to break scull and therefore put themselves entirely out of the race.

THE FINAL HEAT OF THE LADIES CHALLENGE CUP. Six Crews had entered for the race. The final heat having only to be decided to-day, between the W.B.C.—" Rose of Kent," —blue and white horse, G. Hutson, J. Hutson, R. Cripps[5], J. Godden[6], and A. Hutson, (cox.) 1 T.B.C.—" Nell'—blue, E. Bowles, F. Bennett, F. Collings, W. Flood[7], and T. Turner 2 The contest was extremely exciting, but Wateringbury was declared the winner amidst loud shouts from their supporters. On the previous day the heats for the above contest were rowed consisting of the R.E.B. Club, " The Heather Bell the T.B.C. " Seagull," red white and blue, G. Feldon, W. Goldsmith, T. Goulds, H. Cheal, and W. Cheal (cox.), the M.B.C., " Isis," white, T. Winch, Aveling, J. Tuffill, C. J. Tuffill, and D. F. Tuffill, (cox).

THE FIRST HEAT THE SCULLING RACE brought two boats in competition, the Wateringbury pick manned by Mr T. Hutson and the Tunbridge propelled by E. Bowles. The former won after a severe struggle.

A CANOE RACE. Was the next to amuse the public, and brought out four competitors, who found their way in the water very shortly after their start. The conditions of the race were that the men were to padddle a certain distance in the water, take out their canoe, drag it to another spot in the river, launch themselves, return again to the same place, land their boat, and take to the paddle again. Only one of the competitors succeeded in accomplishing the feat, and just as A. Hutson, the successful candidate, was within a few yards of the goal, an attempt was made by one of the aspirants for the silver cup to overthrow him but signally failed, Hutson arriving at the winning post amidst loud cheers from his friends and the spectators.

A TUB RACE, If such it could be called, was next in succession. Four entered their washing tubs, but had scarcely propelled their "carriages" twenty yards before the whole of them were floundering in the water, and had take to the land.

THE FAIR-OARED CHALLENGE RACE. As the gun had fired from the starting post for the above. The boats were the LR.C. " Jack Clasper" (A. Nevill, W. S. Brown, and C. Towner, Cox. 1. W.B.C. " Fly" (A Hutson, T. Hutson, and A. Hutson) 2. The race was closely contested throughout, the L.R.C. winning by a few seconds only. A preliminary heat was rowed on the previous day between the Mereworth Rowing Club, consisting of Mr C. J. Tuflill, and D. F. Tuffill, and the victors of today.

THE FINAL HEAT FOR THE SCULLING RACE Closed the regatta. The aspirants were T. Hutson (winner of the first heat) and Mr Neville (Mr Long of London Rowing Club). The race throughout was a very hollow one Mr Long winning about 201 yards, which he might have doubled had he pleased. Mr Long, however, resigned his claim to the prize in favour of vanquished Mr T. Hutson.

At the conclusion of the sports the successful candidates made their appearance in front of the grand stand where the prizes were distributed to them by Lady Falmouth, amidst hearty cheers from the spectators. T. White, Esq, acted as judge and T. Goodwin, Esq, of Mereworth, as starter. Too much praise could not bestowed upon A Leney, Esq, the hon Secretary aud the gentlemen of the Committee for the satisfactory manner in which they carried out their arduous task. The afternoon's amusement was greatly enhanced the strains from the West Kent Militia Band, which were stationed on the bank of the river, nearly opposite the grand stand. The sports of the day were diversified the climbing a greasy pole for a leg of mutton and a couple of Dutch cheese. At the conclusion of the entertainment the company dispersed either by tramp, rail, or carriage to their respective destinations. In the evening the committee sat down to dinner at the King's Head Inn, the Militia Band being in attendance. On the whole the regatta, although the rowing was not up to the mark of previous years, may be said to be the most successful that has hitherto taken place.

South Eastern Express 24 August 1868

WATERINGBURY AMATEUR REGATTA.

On Wednesday last the fifth Wateringbury regatta took place, and generally speaking it may be called a success. The weather during the earlier part of the day was lowering and doubtful, but in the afternoon it cleared up, and the regatta passed off without rain.

The course was between Tutsham lock and Bow bridge, and the banks were lined with a crowd of over two thousand people. The grand stand was occupied by a brilliant and fashionable company, among whom we observed Lady Falmouth, Sir John and Lady Anson and party, the Hon. Mary and the Hon. Mabel Boscawen, the Ladies Marsham, the Misses Jones, Colonel Johnson and Major Johnson, Major Battye, Capt and Mrs King,

F.Leney Esq., J.B.Jude, A.J. Fremlin,Esq., R. Fremlin, Esq., B.W. Horne, Esq., Mr. and Mrs. Brown and party, E. Goodwin,Esq., - Wright Esq., F. Pratt Barlow, Esq.,and party, F.Pratt Barlow jnr, A. Pratt Barlow esq., T. White, Esq., G. Marsham, Esq., Mr H. Allwork, Mrs. C. Arkcoll and party, Miss Stapleton, F. Russell, Esq , Mrs. Russell, and party, Mr. and Mrs. Rose &tc.

The rowing commenced shortly before three o’clock. Taking the regatta throughout the rowing was not up to the mark of previous years, though two or three races were most pluckily contested, and some very good sport was exhibited to the spectators. The competition was not so extensive as in previous years, inasmuch as the Royal Engineers, from Chatham, who carried off the Medway Cup last year, had not entered for any of the races. A crew from Maidstone had entered for the Ladies’ Challenge Cup, but was beaten in the trial heat on Tuesday night, and having scratched in the Challenge Oars, did not row in any race off Wednesday.

We are glad to see that at last some signs of animation with regard to rowing are showing themselves in Maidstone. There have been some good oars in Maidstone, and there seems no reason why Maidstone should not send out as good a crew as Tunbridge, Wateringbury, or Chatham. The indifferent figure which the Maidstonians cut on Wednesday is not to be wondered at,the crew having been in training but a few weeks ; in fact their pluck in entering is to be admired. The honours of the regatta lay between Wateringbury and Tun­bridge, and the former club must be congratulated on its success, both the Medway and the Ladies’ Cup falling to the Rose of Kent. The sculling prize was carried off by Mr. A. Neville (a fictitious name), of a London club.

The band of the West Kent Militia was stationed on that right bank of the river, and, under the able direction of Bugle-Major George Berry, played some operatic and other selections in splendid style.

The following are the details of the races, which were rowed in heats, the boats being started thirty yards apart:—

Medway Cup; about half a mile. The regatta was opened by the first heat for the cup, rowed by the Seagull, red, white, and blue (Tunbridge) manned by G. Feldon, W. Goldsmith, T. Goulds, H. Cheal; W. Cheal, cox. Rose of Kent, blue, and white horse (Wateringbury), manned by H. and A. Allwork, L. and J. Ongley; A. Hutson, cox. The Rose of Kent won by several lengths. Later in the afternoon the final

heat was rowed by the Rose of Kent, blue, and white horse, with a different crew, viz. J. Hutson, T. Hutson, R. Cripps, J. Godden ; A. Hutson, cox., against the Nell of Tunbridge, dark blue, crew—E. Bowles, F. Bennett, F. Collins, W. Flood; F. Towner, cox. The blue, and white horse, had it all its own way, and came in victorious amid the cheers of the spectators.

Dingee Race, for a cup. All comers; half a mile. The Rose, blue, F. Towner and J.. Paine ; Bluegown, red, white, and blue, H. Cheal and F. Goulds; Flossy, blue and white, H. and A. Allwork, entered; and another dingee put in an appearance at the last moment. The Flossy immediately on the start broke an oar, and gave up. The Rose came in first. Bluegown and the Unknown a bad second and third.

Ladies’ Challenge Cup.; about a mile; held by the Tunbridge club. The first heat was rowed on Tuesday evening, when the Seagull (Tunbridge), and Isis (Maidstone) were beaten and stood out of the race. The Rose of Kent (Wateringbury), manned by the Allworks and the Ongleys, with A. Hutson, cox., scratched, and the final heat was accordingly left to the other Wateringbury crew and the Nell of Tunbridge to decide, being the same crews that rowed the final heat for the Medway cup. The Tunbridge crew was unable to retrieve its previous defeat, and after a plucky though unequal race was again beaten.

Sculling Race; about half a mile. Three entries. A. Neville, London, blue and w hite; G. Bowles, Tunbridge, blue ; T. Hutson, Wateringbury, blue. Rowed in heats. The first heat was rowed by Bowles and Hutson, and won by the latter. In rowing off the final heat with Neville, Hutson was nowhere. Neville drew away all along, and won without an effort, and with a form and style that were admirable. Mr. Neville generously gave

up the prize, a cup, to Hutson.

Canoe Race, for a cup; about half a mile; four started. After an amusing race the cup was won by A. Hutson.

Tub Race, for a cup. Four started. Won by — Swan.

Pair-oared Race, for Challenge Oars, presented by C. J . Mercer, Esq., held from year to year. About half a mile. Three entries. Maidstone scratched, leaving the contest to be decided by the Jack Clasper (London), blue and white, manned by A. Neville, W. S. Brown, and C. Towner, cox.; and the Fly (Wateringbury), blue, manned by three Hutsons. The Clasper won easily.

The general arrangements throughout were excellent.I. White, Esq., acted as judge, and T. Goodwin, Esq., of Mereworth, as starter.

At the conclusion of the races the prizes, which reflected credit on the establishment of Mr. Barling, silversmith, Maidstone, were presented to the successful

competitors by Lady Falmouth.

Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 29 August 1868

Suggested Regatta for Maidstone.—We learn that some enthusiastic admirers of acquatic sports are endeavouring to raise subscriptions for a regatta for Maidstone. It purposed to hold it on 16th Sept. Much as we might desire see such sports, we are afraid it is too late in the year to receive anything like influential patronage. The last Maidstone regatta had amongst its many patrons our respected members, but the Committee failed to raise a second.

Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 12 September 1868

THE MAIDSTONE REGATTA AND THE EARLV CLOSING. the Editor of the Maidstone Telegraph. Dear Sir—Will you oblige me by a small space in your columns to suggest and to ask the favour of those tradesmen who have conceded the closing of their business during the past summer to grant another three hours on Wednesday next, it is the final day of the early closing movement. On that day the Maidstone Regatta takes place and as it commences at two the greater part of the amusements will be over before the shop-assistants can witness it. I am sure if such a boon was granted as the wind-up of the season those participating in it would show their gratitude by renewed attention to the interests of those employers who made a study to render all the pleasure they possibly can to their assistants.

I am, yours obediently,

A Shopman.

Maidstone, Sept, 9th.

Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 19 September 1868

MAIDSTONE REGATTA. Thanks to the energetic and unflagging perseverance of a praiseworthy committee, the town of Maidstone was provided on Wednesday last with an afternoon's rational amusement, unparalleled. In past years the town produced regattas, but of a meagre and uninteresting description, but this season, in a very short space of time, the promoters of the undertaking obtained the patronage of Viscount Holmesdale, M.P., W. Hart Dyke Esq M.P., Sir Edmund Kilmer, Bart., Colonel Johnson R.H.A., Captain King, R.H.A., George Parbury Esq., Foster White, Esq., William Lee, Esq., M.P. James Whatman, Esq., M.P., Captain Hunt, R.H.A.Captain Murray; R.H.A., A. M. Murray, Esq, R.H. A., F. Ripping, Esq., and R. J. Fremlin, Esq. which enabled them to offer prizes of substantial value to competitors in a truly English pastime. That part of the picturesque river Medway between Maidstone bridge and the Gibralter Inn, was chosen as the scene of the contest. The landlord of the inn provided good accommodation for visitors, a grand stand was erected on a site which had a good view of the river, and refreshments were provided al fresco, both sides of the lovely winding river. The green sward on the opposite side of the stream, was much patronised by the fair sex and the elete of the assemblage, and the ferry boats did good trade in conveying persons to and fro. The band of the Rifle Volunteers were stationed in the meadow adjoining the fine old ruins of Allington Castle, and discoursed a good selection music to the delectation of visitors on both sides of the stream. As usual, the time stated on the card for the different races was not punctually attended to, but the lovely scenery, and the pleasing intercourse between friends, fully made amends for any delay. At about four o clock, when the sports had commenced, the banks of the river were thickly lined with a large concourse persons, numbering by thousands, the ladies mustering in force, and appearing take great interest in the proceedings. The mishaps were very slight; one lad in endeavouring to reach terra firma from a boat slipped into the water, but was instantly rescued by gallant young gentleman, with no further injury save a soaking which extended to his arm-pits. A crew of Tonbridge gentlemen managed to upset their boat, and get a bath free of expense. We cannot compliment too , highly Mr F. Le Goupillot, hon. sec., the stewards, and all who lent their aid, upon the highly satisfac tory manner in which all the arrangements were carried out, and we trust that the regatta 1868will be the commencement of an annual one, which year by year shall receive increased popularity. This occasion being the last of the season for early closing, afforded opportunity of large numbers attending who otherwise would have been debarred the treat, and the tradesmen of Maidstone deserve the highest eulogium for the benefits conferred upon the employes by the weekly relaxation from business. The prize cups were exhibited in front of the grand stand during the afternoon, and received the admiration of all, especially the successful competitors, to whom they were presented at the close of the races. The supporters of the regatta and friends enjoyed a very pleasant evening at the Bull Inn, Gabriel's Hill, where a first-class dinner was provided by Host Ambrose. Mr Dickenson presided, and Mr F. Towner occupied the vice-chair. The hours passed away very harmoniously, and the day was brought to a close in abrought to a close in a highly satisfactory manner. The time fixed for the races was eleven o'clock, and shortly after that time the trial heats commenced. The Tonbridge and Maidstone crews rowed for the challenge cup, a distance of about a mile, the latter winning easily. The crews were Tonbridge—"Nell"—G. Feldon, W. Goldsmith, T. Gould. T. Gabriel, and G. Garrett (cox.). Maidstone—"Dane"—T. R. Price, E. Jones, G. Puzev, L. C. Maggi, and A. Maskell (cox.). In the second heat two other crews contested. Maidstone—" Battler"—C. A. Bushnell. A. J. Davies, F. Le Goupillot, J. Reeves, H. Holliday (cox.). Tonbridge—"Tyne"—H. Cheal, F. Bennett, F. Collins, W. Flood, and W. Cheal (cox). The latter beat in a sharp race. The "Tyne" and the "Dane" rowed the third heat, the former winning. The final heat was between Maidstone Grammar School and the "Tyne" crews. This was an exciting race, the school only losing by about half a minute. The following comprised the last-named crews M. Helmore, J. Phillips, H. Gould, J. Hakewell, and H. A. Boning (cox.). The pair-oared race for out-riggers, distance about half a mile, was next rowed in heats. The following were the boats and crews entered :— T.B.C.—"George"—W. Goldsmith, F. Collins, and F. Peckham(cox.). T.B.C.—"Jenny"—E. Bowles, F. Bennett, and G. Garrett (cox.) T.B.C.—"Excelsior"—H. Cheal, W. Flood, and W. Cheal (cox), "Star"—F. Le Goupillot, T. Sergeant, and H. Holliday (cox.). " Ariel"—J. Knight, W. Ballard, and F. Chesterton (cox.). A.R.C.—"Dove"—C. A. Bushnell, G. Puzey, and T. B. Price (cox.). The " Dove" was beaten the " Star," and the George" beat the " Ariel." Finally, the " Excelsior" defeated the " Star." The canoe race for a cup, distance about half mile, was next on the list. There were four Gould, Collins, Price,and Brophy. This was a very interesting race, Gould coming in first, and the others in succession as stated. Scullers race for cup, about half a mile, two entries—" Hawk," C. Chesterton, and the " Bessy," F. Towner. The latter won well-contested race. Pair-oared race for outriggers : half mile. The same boat's crew in the first race, with the exception of the Ariel." The Tonbridge " Excelsior" carried off the cup. Consolation cup for the crews disqualified in the heats for the challenge cup ; distance one mile. The " Battler," A.8.C., beat “Nell," T.B.C. The last race—namely, tub race—caused a vast amqunt of amusement. Messrs. Crouch, Finey, and Hickmott entered their respective tubs, and, after a little preliminary exercise, the gun was fired and they started on their journey of 100 yards. Hickmott was very unfortunate, for after he had gone few yards himself and the tub could not agree, and they Part company. Crouch managed to keep his seat, but had chance with Finey, who appeared to be perfect master of his frail barque. Upon reaching the goal he leaped out of his tub, and, after performing various evolutions in the water, was picked up a by boat, and rowed up the river in triumph.

Maidstone Telegraph 19^th September 1868

Boat Club Supper —At the Bull Inn, on Monday night, the members the Tonbridge Boating Club celebrated the wind-up of the season by a supper the Bull Inn, having previously rowed in procession to Broadwater and back, accompanied some of the Maidstone and Wateringbury boats. The rifle band was in attendance, and amongst those present, numbering 60 altogether, were R. Lipscombe, W. W. Rodger, and R. Rodger, Esqrs, Messrs C. Towner (captain of the Wateringbury club), F. Legoupillot (secretary of the Maidstone Amateur Rowing Club), J. Vigor, H. Crispe, W. Dove, F. Powell, H. Pearson, W. Goddard, C Payne, &c. There were several complimentary toasts given, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

[1] Henry Allwork born c.1848/was the son of a grocer and draper (employing 4 hands in 1851) living on Wateringbury Street.

[2] Alfred or Arthur Allwork born c.1849/50were sons of a grocer and draper (employing 4 hands in 1851) living on Wateringbury Street.

[3] Lewis Ongley born c.1850, son of Charles Ongley, a tailor (employing 3 men) living on Wateringbury Street (now Tonbridge Road).

[4] John Ongley born c. 1847 , son of Charles Ongley, a tailor (employing 3 men) living on Wateringbury Street (now Tonbridge Road).

[5] Richard Cripps, born 1833/4, son of a shoemaker(employing 2 men) . lived on the Street.

[6] James Godden born 1846/7, son of a Butler, lived at Church Green (possibly Beck Cottage) .

[7] William Flood, born 1840, lived (1871 census) in High Street Engineers house attached to Water Works, Tonbridge. A regular at many regattas on the Medway.