Medway regattas (1870)

Post date: Apr 14, 2015 2:44:45 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 6th August 1870

WATERINGBURY.

The ANNUAL REGATTA.—

The annual festivities in connection with the Wateringbury Regatta took place Wednesday last, near Wateringbury bridge. A large covered stand was erected for the gentry which was well patronised, and the field decorated with immense number of flags and banners. The attendance of the public was not so large as usual, and by whom considerable dissatisfaction was expressed in consequence of the limited character of the places represented contest in the matches. In consequence the lamented death of Lieut. Turner, who was unfortunately drowned at Chatham, the Royal Engineers took no part in the day's proceedings. The great discontent was not excited on this score it was only mark of respect due to a brother officer. The dissatisfaction prevailing arose from the fact that the best Maidstone crew had been objected to in consequence one of their crew having rowed previously for money. Another man, we are informed, was nominated to fill the place of the rower objected to, but the Committee stated that the entries were closed. It was thought that under those conditions the committee would only be acting in equity had they allowed the Maidstone Alexander crew to row, when probably closer contests would have resulted; as it was the proceedings were extremely tame.

The trial racing for the competitors take part in the contests for the prizes took place on the river Tuesday, when a very indifferent Maidstone crew was easily beaten. The first race on the programme was Dingee Race for two cups, half a mile distance, which was won by the "Barlow," with a Wateringbury crew, consisting of A. Hutson and R. M. Hutson; the "Flossie," with A. Alwork and T. Woolley, second ; and the "May Blossom," with T. A. White 1 and A. S. White, third. Several fouls took place between the two latter boats which enabled the Hutsons win. At half-past two the Wateringbury and Tonbridge crews rowed for the Lady Challenge Cup and tankards, which was won by the Wateringbury's second crew, consisting of F. Warde, A. Hutson,and R. M. Hutson (stroke), with E. Woolley coxswain. The Tonbridge crew were H. Johnson, H. CHeal, G. Gabriel, and W. Flood (stroke), with J. Pearson (coxswain).

The next on the card was pair-oar race, for Silver Challenge Oars and Rudder, when Wateringbury was again the victors with J. Hay and E. Hay, A. Hutson cox. The Tonbridge pair were H. Cheal and W. Flood, J. Pearson (cox). This was a good race.

The Sculler's race for a cup, half mile, was reduced to a match between A. Hutson and R. M. Hutson, and was won in the point by the former.

The Canoe Race for a cup, half mile brought F. Warde, A. Hutson, and R. M. Hutson who came in in the above order.

Now came the best race of the day, for the Medway Challenge Cup and Silver Slippers, distance half a mile. To be entitled to the trophy it must be held two years in succession. Two crews entered for the competition, viz., Rochester and Tonbridge, the victors of their trial heats on the previous day. The Medway Rowing Club crew (Rochester) were A. Coulter, J. Tufill, J. F. Jones, J. C. Tufill (stroke), and J. Short (cox). The Tunbridge crew were H. Johnson, H. Cheal, G. Gabriel, W. Flood, and J. Pearson, (cox). The boats started 30 yards apart the Medway crew having the front position, thus giving the Tunbridge their wash. Both parties pulled strong and well together, the Medway gaining slightly on her distance, and arriving at the goal just landed themselves the winners —both telegraphs falling almost simultaneously, but we observed that half the Medway boat had passed the telegraph before it descended.

The programme concluded with amusing tub race, for a cup, which was won by E. Hickmott, whose opponents were his brother, W. Hickmott, and T. Finey.

A greasy pole was erected in a meadow opposite the grand stand upon which was suspended a Dutch cheese and a leg of mutton, and which attracted the attention of a gentleman in a white slop, who, after two unsuccessful efforts, and by the aid of irons, succeeded in obtaining the coveted prizes, and who liberally distributed it amongst those around him.

The West Kent Militia Band was in attendance and played some good music, under the direction of Bugle Major Berry.

Mr Barton, of the Queen's Head Inn, Wateringbury, appeared to be well patronised on the ground by the visitors, and other refreshments stalls were equally well attended.

It is to be hoped that next year a better programme will provided if spectators are to be expected to attend. However, as it was, those who were present, determined to enjoy themselves as the weather was very fine.

Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 27 August 1870

MAIDSTONE REGATTA.

The above annual Regatta took place on the River Medway, on Wednesday afternoon last, when a vast concourse attended to witness the sports; the racing took place between the Maidstone bridge and the Gibraltar Inn. At the latter place, on the opposite bank, a grand stand was erected, which was made available for the residents on the Maidstone side to cross on a barge moored across the river. In the meadow adjacent to the grand stand was stationed the band of the West Kent Militia, under the direction of Bugle-Major Berry, which enlivened what would otherwise have been a somewhat monotonous afternoon. The programme, however, set down for the afternuon was a good one, but through several mishaps (unforeseen by the committee, and over which they had no control,) some disappointment was experienced by the spectators. The heats for the competition for the Town Challenge Cup and Tankards (held by the Tonbridge Boat Club) and also the heats for Ladies Wateringbury crews did not put in an appearance owing to want of practice, and the Tonbride crew, according to regulations, were not required to row, as they were the possessors of the cups. The first heat on Tuesday took place between the Albion Medway and the Second Maidstone crew, which was won by the former by about boat and half's length. The second heat was rowed over by the Maidstone Alexandra's first crew. The third heat was competed for, for competition for next day, by the 1st Maidstone Alexandra crew and the Albion Medway, the Maidstone crew winning by about 2 boats' lengths. The first heat for competition with Tonbridge for the Ladies Challenge Cup was won the 1st Maidstone Alexandra crew also, beating the Medway crew. The 1st Maidstone crew had then to contest with the 2nd Maidstone crew, but the latter declining the contest the Maidstone 1st crew rowed over, thus leaving the Maidstone Alexandra 1st crew to compete for the two cups on the following day. The first race on the card for Wednesday was that of 600 yards straight, by canoes, but the canoes not arriving in time the Maidstone Alexandra crew with the Tonbridge crew rowed down to the starting post for the Final Heat of the Town Challenge Cup and Tankards.The boats started 30yds. apart, the same distance separating the respective winning posts. Both boats got well away together, the Maidstone having the first position, and gradually increasing the gap between them, won by two lengths. The Tunbridge crew had thus to relinquish their coveted honour of possession of the cup. The Maidstone crew were J. Payne (stroke), T. Finey, F. Hickmott, and W. Hickmott; Holliday (cox). The Tunbridge crew were G. Gabriel, F. Bennett, G. Humphrey, W. Flood (stroke), E. Peckham (cox). First Heat Pair oar Race for Two Clocks and Silver Rudder.—Two boats' crews entered (W. Hickmott and E. Hickmott ; and J. Reeves and F. Ransley), but a boat not being obtainable by the former, the latter crew rowed over. The canoes having now arrived two competitors entered for the Canoe Race for Cup (straight away) 600 Yds. —The competitors were T. R. Price and G. Crouch. The race was won very easily by the latter, although it was stated he had never before entered a canoe.

Final Heat of Ladies' Challenge Cup. - About 1 mile (held by Tunbridge Boat Club). The two crews were the Maidstone Alexandra Boat Club and the Tunbridge. The former were victorious, and thus Tunbridge had likewise to relinquish this prize. Both crews were the same as rowed for the Town Challenge Cup. 2nd Heat or Pair-oar Race.—T. Finey and J. Payne (stroke) rowed over. 3rd Heat of Pair-oar Race.—A. Jury and G. Crouch, rowed over. 2nd Trial Heat of Pair-oar Race.—The crews were A. Jury and G. Crouch (L. R. Price, cox.), and J. Reeves and F. Ransley (H. Holliday, cox ). This was good race, but would have been much closer had not Jury broken his footboard. It resulted in Reeves and Ransley winning. Final Heat Pair-oar Race.—Raneley and Reeves were left compete in this final with Paine and Finey. The latter won very easily. Canoe Race (turning) for Cup.—About half a mile.—Three had entered for this race, viz., T. R Price, G. Crouch, and J. M. Hounslow ; but the latter two declining to contest, T. R. Price paddled over the course and took the cup.

Challenge Cup (likewise held by the Tonbridge Boat Club) took place on the day previous (Tuesday). Three crews only entered for the heats : The Albion Medway (Chatham), and the Ist and 2nd Maidstone Alexandra crews.

Consolation Race for Four oars. —This was one the best races the day. The unsuccessful crews —(the Maidstone second crew and the Tunbridge)—had to contend, and although it was booked as a certainty for Tunbridge, the Maidstone crew won by a couple lengths, after a most arduous struggle. Both competitors were greeted with loud cheers. The second Maidstone crew were J. Reeves, G. Crouch, A. Jury, F. Ransley (stroke), H. Holliday (cox).

Tub Race for a Silver mounted Spirit Flask.- Four men entered their tubs. —E. Hickmott, W. Hickmott, G. Crouch, and T. Finey. A capital start was effected, Crouch going on with the lead with Finey second, after about five minutes one the Hickmott's fell out of his tub; but he revenged himself by turning over his brother. Finey and Crouch still going ahead, when the former's tub filled and he was likewise immersed. Crouch kept on the even tenor of his way, and eventually won; but the goal had scarcely been reached when he likewise was seen disporting himself in the water. Some rare sports was now afforded by the four competitors, who appeared perfectly at home in their watery element.

Several scullers' races were upon the programme, but through lack of boats the races did not come off, as the party with whom the arrangements had been made, would not permit their use, by which means the public were debarred of further sport. Had the heats for the two principal prizes been rowed the same day, there would have been no lack of amusement, nor can we see any objection; on the contrary both the competitors and the public would advantaged it. The men would save a day's loss of time and the public afforded more sport. There was more than ample time to have rowed them, as it was the public were kept waiting some considerable time for the few races that did occur, causing weariness and loud expressions of discontent. We hope the committee will receive the suggestion in the spirit it has been rendered, and set themselves earnestly to work to have an unexampled regatta next year. A better spot could not be selected -far before that of Wateringbury-for a regatta.

Maidstone Telegraph - Saturday 10 September 1870

Medway Rowing Club Regatta.

The fifth annual regatta of this club took place above Rochester Bridge Wednesday. A grand stand was erected on the Esplanade, which was crowded with the elite of the Towns, while large numbers of persons assembled on the Esplanades. The Members for the City, Messrs. P. W. Martin and Julian Goldsmid, were present during the day; Julian Goldsmid, were present during the day ; seats on the stand. Mr J. Hulkes, president of the Club, Mr T. Aveling, Vice-President, and Mr the Club, Mr T. Aveling, Vice-President, and Mr J. Layton, President of the London Rowing Club duties imposed on them, and every arrangement had been made for the accommodation of the public. The Band of the Royal Eugineers was engaged for the occasion ; and during the afternoon played a selection music under the direction played a selection music under the direction of Mr Newstead, the bandmaster. There contested, and much interest was taken in them. contested, and much interest was taken in them. The Royal Engineers' challenge cup was won by time, so that it now becomes their property. The time, so that it now becomes their property. The upon each race.

The following is a return of each race. —Mosquito (William Iden, 10s, £1 5s, 15s, and 10s,—Mosquito (William Iden, owner), first ; Elizabeth (John Vickers, owner) second ; George (George Smith, owner) third ; Gazelle (James Daniel, owner), fourth.

Double's Sailing Match—first prize, £2 10s; Maid of Kent (Thomas Seagull, owner), first; Caroline (Wm. Page, owner), second; Eliza, Caroline (Wm. Page, owner), second ; Eliza, Hill, owner), fourth. Sculling Race for Ladies' Cup, by Members of Medway Rowing Club.—Mr J. E. Schon, first; Mr T. Crockford, second; and Mr D. T. Tuffill, third. Won by half a length.

—Royal Engineers' Challenge Cup (course one mile). —Royal Engineers' Hoskyne, Lieut. A. Bogle, Lieut. J. C. Barker ; D. S. Smith (cox) —first. Medway R.C.—W. F. Fletcher, J. T. Jones, J. Tuffill, C. J. Tuffill; J. Shute (cox.)—second. Royal Engineers' B.C.—. Lieut. B. Blood, C. J. Brooks, A. T. Preston, L. F. Browne ; J. T. Mann (cox,) third.—Watering F. Browne ; J. T. Mann (cox,) third.—Wateringbury.B.C. –F.Warde, F. Woolley, A.Hutson, R. M. Hutson; E. Woolley (cox.) —fourth. On starting, the Engineers Boat Club led, but soon afterwards the Medway boat got level. They preserved their relative positions until near home, j drew ahead, and finally won a magnificent race by drew ahead, and finally won a magnificent race

Four-oared Race, for the Ladies' Cup.—W. H. Young, W. L. Cail, R. Schon, T. Crockford; C. Grant, (cox.)—first. E. J. Wright, J. E. Schon Grant, (cox.)—first. E. J. Wright, J. E. Schon, R. L. Knight, D. F. Tuffill J. Shute (cox). 0

Four-oared Race, in outriggers, for a Silver Cup. The competing crews were the same as in the four-oared race given above. The Medway crew four-oared race given above. The Medway crew Engineers. The cup therefore becomes their own property, they having won it three years in cession. Pair oared Race, for City Members' (members Pair oared Race, for City Members' Cups (members of the Medway Rowing Club). —E. J. Wright and R. L. Knight, W. H. Young, (cox),—first. R.Schon Won length and a half. Won by a length and a half. Double Rowing Match—first prize, £2 ; second £1 5s.; third, 15s ; fourth, 10s. The Brothers (Joliu T. Hill, owner), second, ; Caroline Brothers (John T. Hill, owner), second, ; Caroline (Wm. Page, owner), third; and Florence (Alfred Sculling llace for the Mayor's Cup, rowed in Sculling race for the Mayor's Cup, rowed in out-rigged clinker-built boats.—J. Tuffill, M.R.C., first; Lieut. A. Bogle, Royal Engineers, second.