| Date | July 1939 |
|---|---|
| Source | Unknown |
| Reference | EE01-0177 |
| Volume | Eton Excelsior Rowing Club, Volume 1 |
| Collection | Eton Excelsior |
Transcript
THE RIVER CARNIVAL
Good Sport Despite the Rain
A Hat Trick at Pillow Fighting
Despite the unfavourable conditions, rain falling throughout the evening, the river carnival arranged for 6th July in connexion with the town’s Royal Show Week celebrations was carried through according to plan.
A more miserable night for a river fete could hardly be imagined but those spectators who did brave the rain and cold and watched the sport from the promenade were rewarded by some first-rate sport, the competitors caring little for the weather and entering into the spirit of carnival with zest and enthusiasm. The river was floodlit and the promenade and Eton College boathouses illuminated.
Princess Alice and the Earl of Athlone who earlier in the evening dined at the Old House Hotel as the guests of the Mayor (Councillor Mrs. F. Carteret Carey) watched the concluding events from the lawn of the Hotel and afterwards presented the prizes to the successful competitors.
Her Royal Highness before presenting the awards said how sorry she was that rain had proved such a spoil sport but she congratulated the organizers on carrying the programme through so well under such difficult circumstances and heartily congratulated the competitors and thanked them for the splendid sport they had provided.
The Mayor thanked the Princess for attending and Mr. C. Dyson and the Eton Excelsior Club for organizing the event at such short notice. She also mentioned the debt they owed to Eton College and the boathouse staff for their help.
In addition to dongola races, pillow fighting and canoe polo there were several novelty numbers including boxing on a raft in the middle of the river and the battle of soot and flour provided great sport for the onlookers although those taking part were in the end. glad to jump into the water to try and rid themselves of the combination of flour and soot.
P. Cooley, the winner of the pillow fighting event completed a noteworthy hat trick for he won the same event in the carnivals of Jubilee and Coronation years.
The procession of decorated craft made a very brave show despite the weather and Princess Alice who acted as judge for this event must have had considerable difficulty in making the final choice.
The officials were: Starter, Mr. T. Boswell; Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. Dyson; Assistant Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. Bellringer; Stewards: Messrs. F. W. Birch, V. H. Hobbs, C. L. Andrews, T. Watson, H. Brooks, W. Dodds, K. Dodds, H. Luff, T. Luff and L. Blane.
Results:
WOMENS’ DONGOLAS: Wraysbury S. and P.C. (H. Innes, V. Bodilly, E. Haines, K. Powell and P. Clarke.
MEN’S DONGLOAS: Wraysbury S. and P.C. (V. A. Wood, K. Dodds, S. Nicholl, V. Rowlands and N. Cross).
PILLOW FIGHT: P, Cooley.
GREASY POLE: A. J. Springford.
CANOE RACE: W. P. Martinson, E. H. Chasty and B. J. Cork.
COSTUME RACE: T. Thirkettle, H. Mansell and W. Brades.
PROCESSION OF DECORATED BOATS: 1, T. Thirkettle, “Road Up”; 2, Messrs, Woolworth Girls, “Lavender Ladies”.
Images
