Wateringbury regatta (1870)

Post date: Nov 01, 2013 8:52:43 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 Maid- stone 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.