Wateringbury regatta (1894)

Post date: Apr 11, 2015 4:36:9 PM

In 1894 there was a once-off revival of the Wateringbury regattas involving women rowing for the first time, and attracting particularly favourable commentary.

Women were not allowed to compete in rowing in the Olympics until 1976. However, in 1849 a crew of fisherwomen from Saltash in Devon who had raced and beaten men’s crews all over the country was presented to Queen Vicoria; an image of a women’s double scullers race made the cover of Harpers Weekly magazine in 1870. Somerville and Lady Margaret Hall Colleges in Oxford had boat clubs from 1884. The first rules of the Oxford University Women’s Boat Club in 1906 included the following: “They shall have a draw string in their skirt hems so that no ankle is exposed.” The first Women's Boat Race (Oxford versus Cambridge) took place in 1935 (although there had been competitions with the teams rowing one after each other from 1927). In 2015 the Women's boat race was held on same day and at same day as the men's.

Extract from South Eastern Gazette 1^st September 1894.

WATERINGBURY REGATTA.

On Saturday last a very successful attempt was made to revive the annual regatta in connection with the Wateringbury Rowing Club. Thanks to an energetic managing committee, of which Colonel Davies was President, and Mr. A. B. Fry Secretary, the whole of the necessary details were admirably carried through, and the arrangements afforded considerable satisfaction to all concerned. The preliminary heats of all the contests had been previously decided, thus on Saturday finals only were witnessed, but these proved quite sufficient in number to occupy the whole of the afternoon. The attendance was highly satisfactory, a goodly number of the principal residents in the neighbourhood assembling at a meadow by the riverside, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Leney. The most evenly contested races were those in which the ladies competed, and in that for the ladies’ single sculling race the Umpire had to step in and decide as to who was winner, the competitors reaching the winning posts almost simultaneously. The following were the results of the various events:—

Gentlemen's single sculling race, 1 1/4 mile, prize presented by Mrs. A. Fremlin—R. Fremlin beat A. B. Fry.

Mixed doubles, 1/2 mile, prizes presented by Colonel Warde—Won by R. Fremlin and Miss R. Fremlin.

Ladies’ single sculling race, 1/2 mile, prizes by Mr. J. W . Fry —Miss F. Fremlin beat Miss R. Fremlin.

Four-oared race, 1 3/4 mile, prizes presented by Mr. R. Fremlin—Teston (J. L. Fremlin, bow, A. R. Kent, R. Fremlin, A. J. Fremlin, stroke, and H. Jude, cox.) beat Wateringbury (A. B.Fox, bow, A. H. Brown, J. McDougall, H. G. Davies, stroke, C.Blest, cox.).

Pair-oared race, 1 3/4 mile, prizes presented by Mrs. Leney—A. R. Kent and R. Fremlin beat H. G. Davies and A . H. Brown.

Canadian canoe race, 3/4 mile, raced with a turn, prizes pre­sented by Mr. A. H. Brown—Won by Brown and Leney. Four crews started, the remaining three capsizing in the course of the race.

At the conclusion of the racing Mrs. Davies distributed the prizes, and, in response to a vote of thanks, apologised for the absence of Colonel Davies, who was unavoidably prevented from attending. She said she was very pleased indeed to present the prizes, and hoped she might be called upon to perform the duty on future occasions, when both events and prizes might be more numerous. Upon the motion of the Rev. C.H. Fielding a vote of thanks was awarded Dr.Fry for his efforts in regard to the event. The Doctor, in reply, said he hoped that the regatta that day would lead to a revival of the former glories of Wateringbury in the aquatic way [applause]. The following acted as the officials during the day:—

Judges: Messrs.J.W. Fry and H. White;

Umpire: Mr. E. Lattimer;

Starter: Mr. W. W. Blest.

Those present included the following:—

Colonel Warde, M.P., the Rev. J. and Miss Phillips, Mr. H. White, C.C., Miss Stapleton, General Schneider, the Rev. M. E. Jones, Mrs. and the Misses Fremlin, Miss Bashfield, Mrs. Cotes, Mr. Judge, Mrs. Key, Mr. W.P. Key, Mr. and Mrs. A. S. White, Dr. and Mrs. Beaumont, Mrs. Davies and party, Miss Simmonds, Mrs. and the Misses Norton, &c.

The parish magazine of September 1894 reported as follows:

Wateringbury Rowing Club:

'This newly-established Club held its first regatta on Saturday, August 25th. Considering the short time for preparations (about three weeks) , the various competitors acquitted themselves most creditably though 'want of condition' showed itself very plainly. We wish every success to this new venture, and hope that the next year will see the Club fully established and conducive to the pleasure of many more members than have been able to join this year.'