Rat and Sparrow club

[lucretia]

At the moment I am looking into clubs and organization's in Victorian Wadhurst like the one above. usual suspects involved. have either of you got any to add?

[emma@esh]

Not quite Victorian but soon after, I have a report in the 1911 Tunbridge Wells advertiser of a meeting of C.E.M.S the local branch of the Church of Englands Mens Society who met in the Vicarage in the Parish Room. On that particular night in October they had a reading of the Church History By Mr John Courthope. Apparently everyone liked it so much they asked him to write another essay.

[emma@esh]

I have another one, also in the same paper but am certain they are around much earlier. The Temperence Mission. To list a few names
Rev Leslie Stevenson
H.Boorman
Sidney Ansell
Mr G T Wallis Jnr
Mrs P Smith
Mr George Garlick

[Robin]

Kent & Sussex Courier August 23rd 1903

Wadhurst Amateur Athletic Sports

These were held on Wednesday afternoon on Mr Leney’s field

Prizes presented by Miss Courthope.

Judges:- Rev. G. G. Mclean, Messrs H.P. Lee. H.C. Cooke, G. Luck and F.W. Larcombe.

Starter :- Mr W. B. Bacon: Lap Scorers Messrs S.T. Wallis jun., and W. Edwards.

Clerks of the course. Messrs A Carpenter, Sid Wallis, H.Leney, H.C. Bocking and W. Bassett.;

Timekeeper Mr H. Newington; Hon. Sec. Mr W. Gadd.

Prize list to follow….

[Robin]

In the high jump Markwick won with 5ft 3ins. ;Ticehurst second 5ft 2½ins.

;Spearman 3ft. 5¼ins.

The following is the prize list:-

Boys flat Handicap ,440yds,under 16yrs:

1)watch, F. Newington; 2)desk, Harold Watts; 3)walking-stick, H. Martin; .4) A.Crust.

One mile cycle handicap(open):-

1) case of knives & forks, Jack Kemp. 2)clock & barometer, H. Newick. 3)table lamp, W.Harris.

100 yards flat handicap (open):-

1)pair Morley horses, A. P. Acott; 2)salad bowl & servers, J.Rungay; 3) breakfast cruet, J.Corbett.

100 yards boys flat handicap under 16 yrs:-

1)nickel timepiece, A.Crust ; 2)case brushes, F.Newington; 3)blotter, H.Wattsle cycle handicap(open):-

1) case of knives & forks, Jack Kemp. 2)clock & barometer, H. Newick. 3)table lamp, W.Harris.

100 yards flat handicap (open):-

1)pair Morley horses, A. P. Acott; 2)salad bowl & servers, J.Rungay; 3) breakfast cruet, J.Corbett.

100 yards boys flat handicap under 16 yrs:-

1)nickel timepiece, A.Crust ; 2)case brushes, F.Newington; 3)blotter, H.Watts; 4)walking-stick, F.Gadd.

Girls flat race:-

1) prize album, G.Maryan; 2)companion, G. Weekes; 3)purse, M.Power.

[Robin]

At the moment I am looking into clubs and organization's in Victorian Wadhurst like the one above. usual suspects involved. have either of you got any to add?I sure I have something on this........somewhere.....???

[Robin]

Full Article extracted from Kent & Sussex Courier Sept 4th 1903.
A Rat & Sparrow Club for the parish has recently been formed having its headquarters at the Queens Head Hotel. With Mr. H.P Lee as its Hon. Secretary and Treasurer it should prove a great success. It is understood that one of its members, ambitious to win the first prize offered, is trying to induce all the rats and sparrows to visit his locality by judiciously scattering oats broadcast. His first venture, however, in ratting was not a success, the result being nil, but a ferret lost. His motto is “nil desperandum”, so he may achieve his ambition

[emma@esh]

Can't imagine Kelly Holmes collecting her food processor after her olympic wins :)

[lucretia]

The Annual dinner of this flourishing, club was held at the Queen's Head Hotel on Wednesday evening, when Mr Frank Austen presided. Amongst the numerous company were Messrs J Luxford,H Boorman, H.P.Lee, A Gibbs,J. Eley,F.Gadd,J. Giles, P. Tompsett, A. Leach, J. Baker,
G. Streeter, [many more] Host and Hostess Tulley catered in their good style, On the removal of the cloth, the chairman submitted the usual loyal toast. It then goes on to give the report of the year.

What I want to know is how these people had time to work. They seem to do nothing but attend these meeting's. and there is a lot of eating, drinking and singing involved.

[lucretia]

The Wadhurst branch of the young leaguers union, who throughout the year work on behalf of this home and orphanage, held a most successful sale of work on Wednesday afternoon. This was followed by a social evening and concert. The rev. R. Jenkins presided, and in his opening remarks -spoke of the good work carried out by this undenominational society. More than 8,000 destitute and afflicted children have been rescued, and at the present time there are nearly 2,000 children in the homes, many of them being crippled or afflicted. The hon. secretary Miss Couchman, gave a most promising report - of the work of the local branch. Last year, they had sent up £10, but this year she expressed the hope that they would be able to send up £15. During the evening an excellent programme was well renderd, consisting of part - songs,duets, solos, readings, and recitations, etc., contributed by members and associates of the young leaguer's union.

[Robin]

High Jump (open):-

1) Gladstone Bag, R.Markwick; 2)Brass and Oak inkstand, G. Ticehurst, Heathfield; 3)E.P. sugar basin, R. Spearman



Two Mile Cycle Race(open): 1) China tea set, H. Newick; 2) telescopic shaving mirror, J. Kemp; 3)E.P. bread board and knife, J. Martin, Mayfield; 4) case of dessert knives and forks,presented by Mr. G. Tully, S.Bishop.



440 yds flat handicap(open): 1)clock and barometer, T. Corbett; 2)pair of vases, T. Moon; 3)E.P. butter dish, G. Gilbert.



Obstacle race (cycle): 1) brass kettle and spirit lamp, presented by Rev.G.G. Maclean, W. Vinall, Berwick; 2) E.P. dinner cruet, W. Robertson, 3) marmalade dish, S. Bishop.



One mile walking handicap(open): 1) onyx timepiece, P. Markwick,Crowbourgh; 2) silver chain and charm, C. Manktelow; 3) case of tea spoons and tongs, Jas. Skinner; 4)A. Anscombe(cigares New Roman" size=3>

440 yds flat handicap(open): 1)clock and barometer, T. Corbett; 2)pair of vases, T. Moon%; 2)pair of vases, T. Moon; 3)E.P. butter dish, G. Gilbert.



Obstacle race (cycle): 1) brass kettle and spirit lamp, presented by Rev.G.G. Maclean, W. Vinall, Berwick; 2) E.P. dinner cruet, W. Robertson, 3) marmalade dish, S. Bishop.



One mile walking handicap(open): 1) onyx timepiece, P. Markwick,Crowbourgh; 2) silver chain and charm, C. Manktelow; 3) case of tea spoons and tongs, Jas. Skinner; 4)A. Anscombe(cigares New Roman" size=3>

440 yds flat handicap(open): 1)clock and barometer, T. Corbett; 2)pair of vases, T. Moon; 3)E.P. butter dish, G. Gilbert.



Obstacle race (cycle): 1) brass kettle and spirit lamp, presented by Rev.G.G. Maclean, W. Vinall, Berwick; 2) E.P. dinner cruet, W. Robertson, 3) marmalade dish, S. Bishop.



One mile walking handicap(open): 1) onyx timepiece, P. Markwick,Crowbourgh; 2) silver chain and charm, C. Manktelow; 3) case of tea spoons and tongs, Jas. Skinner; 4)A. Anscombe(cigarette case)



Boys sack race , 100 yds; 1) H. Watts; 3B 3)E.P. butter dish, G. Gilbert.



Obstacle race (cycle): 1) brass kettle and spirit lamp, presented by Rev.G.G. Maclean, W. Vinall, Berwick; 2) E.P. dinner cruet, W. Robertson, 3) marmalade dish, S. Bishop.



One mile walking handicap(open): 1) onyx timepiece, P. Markwick,Crowbourgh; 2) silver chain and charm, C. Manktelow; 3) case of tea spoons and tongs, Jas. Skinner; 4)A. Anscombe(cigarette case)



Boys sack race , 100 yds; 1) H. Watts; 2) F. Newington; 3)W. Newington



Obstacle Race: 1) stationary cabinet, W. Vinall, Berwick; 2)inkstand with draw, R. Markwick, Crowbourgh; 3) set hall brushes, C. Manktellow, Wadhurst.



One mile cycle handicap(local): 1) liqueur frame, J. Kemp; 2)E.P. jam frame, H. Newick; 3)hand bag, presented ette case)



Boys sack race , 100 yds; 1) H. Watts; 2) F. Newington; 3)W. Newington

[Robin]

Who decided on the prizes, how would you feel if your prize was given for third or even fourth place?
Imagine the Pillow or Mop fight on a donkey............
What is a liqueur frame? (or a jam one)?..........
How do you electroplate a bread board?........
Assuming that W. Robeson (one mile cycle hanicap local) was a man what did he think of the handbag?......

[lucretia]

We should have these races every summer in the village.
Why would a boy under 16 who had just run 440 yds want a walking stick? and where did Rev.G.G.Maclean get all those brass kettle and spirit lamp sets.

[lucretia]

The Red Lion Slate Club - The annual report of this club has just been issued. It has a membership of 58. The share out amounted to £1.4s.2d per member.

[lucretia]

Many will regret to hear that it has been found neccessary to dissolve The Tradesman's Club, which started in 1851, and which has had its headquarters at The Queens Head Hotel, for many years after its formation it was what is termed a "sharing-out" club , but a few years ago the rules were revised , and efforts were made to work it on a sounder basis. Unfortunately these remedies were too late to have the effect desired, the members became older, and a greater expence to the society, and very few young ones joined. During the present year, the treasurer has paid out £41. 10s more than the subscriptions received, with only a balance in hand of £80. The thirty nine members agreed to dissolve the society.

[Robin]

The Courier Aug 28 1903

Bonfire Society.
It is proposed to start a Bonfire Society, and a meeting has been called for Saturday 5th Sept.

No details of where or who........

[Robin]

The Courier Aug 28 1903

Technical Lectures.

During the winter months it is proposed to hold a series of Lectures on horticulture, poultry-keeping, and dress cutting both at Wadhurst and Cousley Wood, under the auspices of the Technical Committee of the East Sussex County Council.

any minutes at Lewes?

[lucretia]

The members of the Wadhurst Quadrille class gave their first ball for the season on Wednesday evening at the Greyhound Hotel. The large ball-room was very Tastefully decorated. Mr Wm. Ballard. proved an admirable M.C.,
and Miss A. Newington, pianist. There were between 50 and 60 there.

[emma@esh]

Where was the ballroom in the greyhound? I would love to see a photo of that!

[lucretia]

I would'nt think the room above would hold 50 or 60 people. and would Miss A newington be Alice?

[emma@esh]

That is the only Miss A I can see. She is 19 and the daughter of Horace and Elizabeth. Horace being the Watchmaker in the village. That's Clockhouse isn't it? If that is her - she has no occupation on the 1901 census, but as you say she is the pianist at the Ball it makes you think about the talents that these people had that you will probably never know about. Presumably she had lessons somewhere which means the family must have been able to afford them. I wonder who taught her to play. I wonder if that was a bit 'shocking' in it's day? A single teenage girl playing the piano in a pub? :)

[emma@esh]

But I can't see it...

Tunbridge Wells Advertiser November 3rd 1911

Short time played

The Wadhurst Reserves easily defeated Whitefriars Press Reserves at home on Saturday 4-0. Play was of a rather one sided nature, and did not excite much interest. Owing to the absence of the Referee the teams played short time.

[emma@esh]

I have found another club, this one started by Doctor White in 1889. The Wadhurst Cyclist Society.

The report was only of the founding of it so it didn't go into much detail like where they cycled to etc but I am sure that we will find some reports about it :)

[lucretia]

That's a great one, hope we find more on it. It sounds like it should still be going.

[lucretia]

Tennis Club --- Efforts are being made to restart the tennis club, independently of the cricket club. It is felt that little. If anything is done for the lady section of the community. The cricket club has offered, if a club can be formed before July 1st, to present all the tennis tackle in their possession. The difficulty of the ground has been overcome through the kindness of Mr O.T.Corke.

[emma@esh]

Never heard of it myself but in March 1927 lots was going on there..

Rabbit show
A small exhibition of rabbits was shown at the Best Beech Hut on Saturday when in addition to the Beverons and chinchillas the following breeds were exhibited.. Silver Grey, havannah, Silver Fawn, and Silver Brown.

Best Beech Hut

A successful Whist Drive was held in the hut on Thursday week. The result raised was £5 14s 6d.
A cake competition raised 12 shillings.

Where was/is this hut then?

[Robin]

I think if you go up to the Best Beech Pub, heading fro mark cross and turn right by the Car park, it is now David Horner's workshop. The road used to join the road from the Station to Eaton' s garage but was closed following land subsidence.

[emma@esh]

I know where that is! Thanks

Strange out of the way sort of building for a meeting place?!