31st May
What a day for a boat race, the day was overcast but still pleasant.
Both sides of the river were lined with spectators; tents scattered
here and there, buntings waving in the breeze and much eager
conversation about who the victors would be. In the church tent, the
ladies were busy making cups of tea and serving slices of cake and
pie while Mr. Clutterback and the newly arrived curate, Mr. Dawson,
were busily making paper boats for the children to sail in the
shallows of the river; Mr. Dawson declaring himself the Admiral of
the Fleet of paper boats, which made the children laugh.
Admiral Endicott
arrived in full naval regalia, much to the delight of the crowd. Mr.
Penn had asked him to start the race, he being our resident seaman,
and he was taking it all very seriously indeed. His enthusiasm was
contagious as he wandered through the revellers talking and jesting
with them. A small group of boys trailed behind him, watching him
with awe, for he had been to battle, his medals many, and his stories
enthralling.
Sophia Marlowe,
Salley Owens and their new friend Simone St. Cyr had been busy all
the week through making rosettes and pennants to sell to the
villagers. They happily went along, calling “Rosettes one penny,
pennants a ha’penny.” Their baskets emptied quickly as everyone
was keen to show their support.
Jenny had mentioned
Old Mary intended to watch the race today; we were all eager to see
and speak to her. On walking down to Mr. Penn’s tent, a large
affair, pitched at a central location on the Glebe, we found Mr.
Penn, sherry in hand, sitting in an ornate cane chair, with plump
scarlet cushions, amiably bantering with his friends and relations
from Town who had made the journey to Amberleigh for the race. Old
Mary sat in a comfortable chair, a rug tucked around her, surrounded
by well-wishers who spoke excitedly to her and each other at seeing
her well again. Old Mary looked tired but was smiling, Dr. Woodforde
was concerned it may been too much excitement for Old Mary but she
was adamant she was fine. It was a happy sight to see Old Mary
amongst us again, Jenny looked cheerful, her charge was doing better
and all were merry.
Just before the race
began Mr. Thomas said a blessing. The men got their boat, ready to
row to the starting point after Admiral Endicott gave our side of the
river the rules of the race, while one of the Fullerton men did so on
the other side of the river. There was much excitement as it was
announced the boats shall begin at Belle’s Bridge and row down the
river as far as Old Carson’s Mill. There were judges posted at the
end line to make an accurate call on who was first, should it be a
close race. When the rules had been conveyed, the men got into their
boats and lined up at the starting point which was marked on both
sides of the river by a tall pole with a flag upon it. When Admiral
Endicott saw the boats were in position and at the ready, he held his
arm up and fired the shot that launched the men into action rowing.
The Fullerton crew
began the race by taking their oars and pushing Faro’s Revenge to
the side and laughing as they gained a lead. Not to be outdone, Mr.
Penn’s crew were even more determined to straighten the boat and
row with gusto. As soon as the race began, the cheering commenced
from the crowds along the banks on both sides of the river. Many so
excited they left their pic nics and stood on the river’s edge. A
group of boys ran along waving their pennants, trying to keep up, as
the boats made their way down the river, calling out to them to row
faster, faster.
Seahorse had an edge
on Faro’s Revenge for several lengths, but the latter gained on
them, little by little, until the boats were level. The cheering
grew even more fervent at this point, for it was anyone’s race now.
Just before the last length, the men of Faro’s Revenge, urged on
by the crowd, took the lead, paddling more purposefully, determined
to show the Seahorse crew they were superior, even after the
disadvantage they had been dealt at the start.
The Mill grew near,
the oarsmen, paddling for their lives, both teams eager to cross the
finish line first. The judges on both sides of the river were in
place, eyeing the boats as they neared. It was a close race, but in
the end, Faro’s Revenge was the victor, causing the crowd on the
west side of the river to erupt into a deafening cheer. The men
brought the boat to the shore, wearily climbing out, all smiling at
their triumph, the crowd rushing forth to congratulate them.
Admiral Endicott was on hand to give the purse of 10 guineas to Mr.
Penn, who shared it out amongst the crew, happy to have been
victorious over the Fullertons.
Afterwards there was
much excited talk and merriment on the Amberleigh side of the river,
while the crowds on the other side dispersed, downcast at their
defeat. What an exciting day it was for all, the oarsmen were the
heroes of the hour, the locals cheering, as the men moved through the
crowd to find their families. All were loathe for the merriment to
end but as the day grew long, pic nic hampers were packed up,
children called in from their play and slowly all became silent as
the day gently slipped into twilight after a such a glorious day.
