| Date | 1928 |
|---|---|
| Reference | EE01-0019 |
Transcript
Substantial Profit for the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club.
The fair organised by the Eton Excelsior R.C. on Whit-Monday, in the grounds of Long Walk House, in aid of funds for the new club house, was most successful. There was a very large attendance, over 2,600 persons passing through the gate, the weather being beautifully fine. In addition to the fair there were a number of competitions, the results of which were as follows:-
TUG-OF-WAR (for which a prize was presented by the President of the Club, Sir George Peters) was won by the “Man of Kent” team.
OPEN DARTS. Won by the Windsor Swimming Club.
THE INTER-PUBLIC HOUSE DARTS. Won by the “Bell,” Clewer, ‘A’ team. Their ‘B’ team was second.
ANKLE COMPETITIONS (for which prizes were presented by Messrs, Luff and Sons, W. Bayley, and the Klinger Hosiery Co.)
3.30 p.m. (Judge, Lady Peters): 1, Miss Grosmith; 2, Miss Bailey; 3, Miss V. Ottrey; 4, Miss P. Marment.
7.30 p.m. (Judge, Miss V. Ottrey): 1, Miss D. Hockley; 2, Miss Taylor; 3, Miss I. Hampshire.
8.30 p.m. (Judge, Miss V. Ottrey): 1, Miss Sunnage; 2, Miss Mills. The stewards were Messrs. J. E. Ottrey, J. H. Webb and T. Luff.
HIDDEN TREASURE. Won by Mrs. Burten, of Windsor.
LEG OF PORK, weight 6lb. 1oz. (presented by Mr. E. Pridmore). Won by Mr. Drake, of Sheet Street, Windsor, who guessed 61b. 3oz.
DOLL’S BIRTHDAY Won by Mrs. Turner.
WEIGHT OF CAKE (given by Messrs. H. Rhymes, of Langley). Won by Mr. F. Hughes.
The gates were opened at 11.30 a.m., when the fair started. A good number of people were present until the arrival of the President and Lady Peters, who rode down to the grounds from the Town Hall in a decorated motor car, preceded by the Slough Police Reserve Band. On their arrival at the grounds a maroon [sic] was fired, and they were received by Mrs. Thomson. The sports commenced after a tour of inspection of the stalls by the President and Lady Peters, who after judging the ankle competition partook of tea in the garden. The crowd increased during the afternoon and evening, and all forms of holiday amusements took place.
After the sports, Mr. Grainger, of Windsor, the ex-champion of all the Services for three years, gave a display of swordsmanship with ex-Corpl.-Major Macintosh, an ex-champion of the Army, followed by an exhibition of Jujitsu and wrestling with Mr. Alf. Hewitt, who is a well-known expert, and had come straight from a performance at the Crystal Palace.
The evening was concluded with dancing on the lawn, and an excellent display of fireworks by Messrs. Brock and Co., and fired by the Captain of the Club.
The fair was continued on Tuesday evening, and there was again a good attendance.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to the following firms for their help and gifts of prizes: Messrs. Luff and Sons, St. Martin’s Preserving Co., Cadbury’s, J. S. Fry and Sons, Ltd., Klinger Hosiery Co., Dyson and Sons, O’Cedar Mop Co., Mr. Starkey, Messrs. Hed es and Keep, Nestle’s Co., Mintips, Gillette Razors Co., John Player and Sons, W. D. and H. O. Wills, De Reske, Mr. E. Pridmore Messrs. W. J. Tull and Sons, Draft Cheese Co., Ltd., Mr. G. W. Bayley, Mr. George Bennett, Mr. T. Luff, Eton Fire Brigade, Mr. W. J.p Bedford, Mr. H. Rhymes, the Berova Cafe, Amami Shampoo Co., Mr. A. C. Tucker, Hygienic Ice Co., Fredk. Thorley, Mr. Mills and Horlick’s Malted Milk Co.
The Captain of the Club (Captain A. M. L. Thomson), in the course of the afternoon, thanked all those very willing helpers some not connected with the Club – who had assisted in making the day such a success, and also the members themselves for the hard work that they had put in, not only during the fair itself, but during the preceding weeks. He was specially grateful to the Old Etonian Association and the manager of the Castle Hotel for the loan of marquees; the officer commanding the Coldstream Guards for the loan of chairs and various equipment, and to Mr. Hamblin, for the loan of bunting and canvas.
It is hoped to hand over a substantial sum to the fund. The takings, all of which have not yet been received, at the present amount to over £200.
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![A newspaper article from 1928 detailing a fair organised by the Eton Excelsior Rowing Club at Long Walk House, highlighting activities, competitions, and financial success. [P1011847]](https://i0.wp.com/windsorlocalhistorygroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1011847.jpg?ssl=1)