1895 ATHLETICS CLUB (FOUNDATION to 1914)

Dorset Constabulary Athletics Club   PART 1/ Founders

    Before I start I would like to thank Sylvia COLLINS for letting me use her great grandfathers photographs which he took with his own camera.  He was the only “CID” officer in the Constabulary at the time, so it may have been a police issued camera.   If have not seen Sylvia’s blog, then check it out now ! Sylvia has also a chapter on the Athletics day.

www.grandadbeck.co.uk

  This is a concise history of the Club, starting at the beginning with the meeting in November 1895 which was held at Dorchester Constabulary Headquarters, by senior ranks of the Force, to form an internal Athletics club. It was in the days when many sporting clubs were being set up, many years before the Cinema and TV. It is possible it was an idea put to the bosses by Sgt Edwin LEGG, as there were competitive athletics and cycling events held in Bridport from 1893 in which the local Police took part, where Sgt LEGG served.

  At this time in 1895 there were no other “County “ Constabulary’s that had Athletics clubs, but various “City” Forces had had them for several years. There are early records of the Metropolitan and Manchester City Forces having organised sporting events as far back as 1870, some involving several other local Forces in their areas. There were some very interesting events recorded, my favourite being the eight hour walking race, YES,  eight hours, to see how far an officer could walk, presumably in uniform.  In 1878 at the Manchester City Athletics festival, a Salford policeman managed to walk 40 miles in the eight hours, only just beating one of his colleagues and his prize presumably was a new pair of boots.

All sorts of events were listed at various City Constabulary sporting occasions, and here is a good list. The sack race, the hop skip and jump race, wrestling, quoits, tossing the caber, the three legged race, long jump, high jump, the blindfold wheelbarrow race, throwing the cricket ball, winding the cord, throwing the 16 pound hammer, shot putt, the one mile race in full uniform, chase the thief and of course the team event, tug-of-war.

With all these other country wide events, this was probably the reason why Dorset wanted to get involved. On the other hand, it may have come about as a result of PC Henry CARTER who in March 1895 whilst at Broadway came across two men whose military bearing drew his suspicion that they may be deserters from the Army. The two men on realising PC CARTER had suspicions decided to run off in the direction of Dorchester. PC CARTER tried to follow at a good pace but the two were very athletic, compared to PC CARTER ,who was carrying some extra baggage. After about a mile, with the constable who was now well behind, his fortunes changed as he spotted a member of the public in the distance so he started blowing his police whistle. The sound of the whistle made the two athletes divert off the road and into some allotments and then open fields, which then turned the pursuit into more like an obstacle race. The two deserters then hid in a hayrick. Now playing another game called hide and seek the offenders were lost for a short time. However, PC CARTER did not give up and then secured the help of two other athletic civilians to help locate them which took about another hour.   The two escaped athletes were then detained and taken into custody at Upwey where George SMALL and Richard SHARPLES admitted being deserters from the Royal Artillery at Weymouth. 

  Supt William PLUMMER (Dorchester HQ), realising his men needed to be physically fitter for the then modern day policing, championed the cause of an Athletics Club. It was he, that was made Chairman of the Athletics club at its inaugural meeting. The Chief Constable Capt AMYATT appealed for funds on behalf of the club and donations were received from Lord ILCHESTER,  Lord PORTMAN,  Colonel BRYMER MP,  Colonel WILLIAMS MP,  Hon H STURT MP,  Mr DIGBY MP and other country gentlemen. A meeting of members of the Force was held at Dorchester, for the purposes of electing officers, framing rules and making arrangements for an annual sports event.

Present were:       

Deputy Chief Constable HAINS, who took the chair.

Superintendents: HAZZARD,  MARSH,  BROOKS,  SIMPSON, and  PLUMMER. 

Inspectors:            BROWN and BURDEN.

Sergeants:             LONG,  LEGG,  CHAFFEY,  COLLINS,  KING,  SAINT and                BATTRICK.

Constables:           STRODE,  BOWLES,  CORNICK and  BURRIDGE.

Capt AMYATT was unanimously elected president, and the Supt’s and Insp’s were elected vice presidents.

The following officers were elected on the committee from the different areas:

Sgt   CHAFFEY       Beaminster

Sgt   LONG             Blandford

PC    BURRIDGE     Cerne

Sgt   KING              Dorchester

Sgt   BATTRICK      Shaftesbury

PC   CORNICK        Sturminster Newton

PC   STRODE          Sherborne

Sgt   COLLINS        Wareham

PC   BOWLES         Wimborne

Sgt   SAINT             Poole

The draft rules were passed and it was decided to try two meetings during 1896, the first being at Dorchester and a subsequent one to rotate at Poole,  Bridport or Wimborne.  The next meeting of the club took place in March 1896, where the sub-committee suggested the program of events with approximate costs and a date was decided for the first meeting at Dorchester where a police band would also play. The railway companies agreed to run cheap trains and another sub-committee was chosen to make ground arrangements.

1896

    The first Dorset Constabulary Athletics Club meeting was advertised to take place at the Dorchester Recreation Ground on Weymouth Avenue on Thursday 25th June 1896 at 1400 hours. Thursday was chosen instead of a weekend as it was half day closing for the shops in those days and therefore should attract more spectators. The sports would consist of Bicycle, Donkey, Flat, Hurdle and Obstacle races. There would also be the catch a thief race, a walking match and the ambulance competition.  The Tug-of-war was to be between a police team and the Royal Artillery. The Band of the Southampton Borough Police was to perform during the afternoon. Mr J PORTER had kindly consented to give a performance with his cleverly trained animals including the celebrated talking pony “Bill”. A grand promenade concert was to be held in the evening when many well known singers were to appear. Refreshments of all kinds were to be made available on the grounds. Admission was 6d, or 2 shillings 6 pence with a carriage, soldiers and sailors in uniform and children under 12, were half price.  Tickets could be purchased at Constabulary stations throughout the county and from any of the railway companies.

The local papers reported the event was attended and was a very satisfactory success although with the large programme of events it was a surprise they got through all the races within one afternoon. There was also a collection made on the ground in aid of Provincial Police Orphanage so that the children could be provided with clothes, maintenance and education.

Various members of the community and police senior ranks were used as judges and officials and the list of donors of prizes, were Capt AMYATT and the following companies: Hibbert & Co,  Livett Frank & Co,  Christy & Co, Sunlight Soap Co,  Foster & Co,  A J Symonds,  Godwin,  Thurman,  Hazel,  Jackman,  Scriven, Tilley,  Pouncy,  Frisby, Robinson and Ling, Dorchester Cash Tailoring Co, Hannah and Holland and J Goldie & Co.

The results were published in the western gazette a few days later with their prizes.

One mile walking race:

1:   PC W   HIGGINS            (butter dish)      

2:   PC H   VATCHER             (pair of boots)                      

3:   PC       DAMON              (hot water jug)       

 others that took part :   PC R PEARCE,      PC W J DAVIS   and   PC W J CHURCHILL

One mile bicycle handicap race, under 7 years, service:

1:   PC W   BOWLES               (lamp)              

2:   PC SC   GROVES               (biscuit box)                           

3:   PC R   HAYWARD             (set of carvers).

In a heat PC  BISHOP and  SPRACKLING collided and SPRACKLING’s machine was twisted up.

Putting the shot:

1:   PC T   CARTER                  (brief bag)  

2:   PC T   LARCOMBE            (photo album)            

3:    PC W   BOWLES               (pipe)

220 yards flat race, over 20 years, service:

1:   SGT W   LONG                  (tea caddy)                      

2:   PC H   GOULD                  (brief bag)                

3:   PC W   ANDREWS             (umbrella)

Donkey race (one lap)

1:   PC   MANUEL                    (cruet)           

2:   PC    PRIDE                        (lamp)                  

3:   PC H   SPRACKLING        (bread and board knife)

One mile bicycle handicap in uniform, under 12 years, service:

1:   PC F   HANSFORD            (Gladstone bag)  

2:    PC W   BOWLES               (egg cruet)  

3:   PC SC   GROVES               (knives and forks)     

4:   PC H   ELLIOTT                (biscuit box)             

5:   PC T   HANSFORD           (case of spoons) 

6:   PC W   MILLER

One mile bicycle handicap (7 – 15 years, service)

1:   PC F   HANSFORD           (silver cruet)                    

2:   PC T   HANSFORD            (spoons)              

3:   PC     ELLIOTT                   (teapot)

Ambulance Competition: application of splints and bandages for fractures and bleeding

1:   PC W   MEECH               (writing desk)    

2:   PC H   SPRACKLING      (bread trencher and knife) 

3:   PC J   SIMS                      (coffee pot)     

4:   PC J   SEARLEY                (knife)      

5:   PC I   CONWAY               (pipe)

Catch the thief race: The thief gets 20 yards start but carries a 4 lb bundle of stolen clothing.

Winner   PC J   SIMS             (pair of trousers worth 21 shillings)

120 yards hurdle race:

1:   PC V   WHITE                    (teapot)                   

2:    PC I   CONWAY                (ink stand)                               

3:   PC F   HANSFORD            (set of jugs)

One mile bicycle handicap (over 15 years, service)

1:   PC   SHEPHERD               (teapot)                                  

 2:   PC H   SPRACKLING       (kettle)               

3:   SGT   LONG                      (bronze clock)   

winner won in 3 mins 17 seconds

Quarter mile flat race:

1:    PC J    SIMS                     (brasses)                                  

2:   PC I   CONWAY                (pair of shoes)       

3:   PC   VATCHER                  (knife)

winner  won in 1min 34.5 seconds

One mile bicycle handicap in uniform (over 12 years, service)

1:   PC   SHEPHERD              (special lamp)                     

 2:   PC H   SPRACKLING      (biscuit barrel)                    

 3:   SGT W   LONG                (clock)                              

 4:   PC   STRODE                   (lamp)

Obstacle race:                                                                    

1:   PC   UFFIN                      (pair of carvers)          

2:   PC   VATCHER                (two butter knives)                 

3:   PC V   WHITE                  (razor)

Two miles bicycle championship, Challenge Cup.

Winner to receive box of cigars (to help his breathing afterwards)

1:   PC F   HANSFORD            

 2:   PC W   BOWLES          

 3:   PC H   ELLIOTT

One mile flat race:

1:   PC   SYMES                        (chair)             

2:   PC   BISHOP                      (clock)                                                         

3:   PC T   HANSFORD            (pair of opera glasses)

100 yards flat race:

1:   PC V   WHITE                       (pair of carvers)                

2:   PC   VATCHER                      (clock)                            

 3:   PC D   SYMES                      (walking stick)

Tilting at the bucket:

1:   PC MEECH &   SYMES            (2lbs of tobacco) 

2:   PC   PRIDE &   UFFIN             (pipes) 

3:   PC   KELLAWAY &   MAJOR    (pair of nut crackers and a pickle fork)

CHALLENGE CUP,  presented by the Chief Constable for the most efficient competitor:   PC J SIMS

TUG OF WAR:

Dorset Police v Royal Artillery

Police won by two pulls and each man won 10 shillings

TUG OF WAR:

Married versus single policemen

Married won by two pulls and won 30 shillings.

All the prizes were awarded by Mrs Captain Amyatt, the last being awarded well in top dusk and the large crowd eventually cleared by ten o’clock

   In September, the second event took place at the Poole Park cycle track, however there was only a small turn out, partly down to insufficient advertising. The band of the 1st V.B.D.R played selections of music during the afternoon and as at the Dorchester event, prizes where handed out by the Chief Constables wife.

The programme of events and results were:

One mile walking match:

1:   PC   LARCOME        (Fontmell Magna)        

2:   PC   VATCHER,        (Corscombe)                    

3:   PC   CLARKE            (Corfe Mullen)

One mile bicycle handicap, under 10 years, service

1:   PC F   HANSFORD  (Burton Bradstock)            

2:   PC   COOK               (Poole)                          

3:   PC   GOLDRING      (Poole)

220 yards flat race, men over 16 yrs,  service

1:   PC    SHEPHERD    (Longham)                 

2:   SGT   KIMBER        (Wimborne)                         

3:   SGT   LONG           (Broadwey)

One mile bicycle handicap:

1:   PC   ELLIOTT         (Chideock)                  

2:   SGT   KIMBER        (Wimborne)                            

3:   SGT   LONG           (Broadwey)

100 yards flat race:

1:   PC COOK                  

2:   PC   HINE              (Sturminster Newton)                                           

3:   PC   CORNICK       (Marnhull)

Tilting at the bucket:

1:   PC   ORCHARD  (Poole) and   MABER   (Longfleet)                                                      

2:   PC   HAINS   (Bridport) and  SGT   KING  (Dorchester)

Two mile bicycle championship:

1:   PC F   HANSFORD            

2:   PC   ELLIOTT                         

3:   PC   GOLDRING

One mile flat race:

1:    PC   ANDREWS      (Salterns)       

2:    PC   HINE          

3:    PC   SIMS              (Yetminster)

This photograph above is taken from “Bobbies on the Beat”, with thanks ro Melvin HANN and of course is part of the previous wider photograph.

Wheelbarrow race, 40 yards blindfolded:

1:   PC’s   HINE and   CORNICK           

2:   PS     SAINT (Parkstone)   and    PC   ANDREWS         

3:   PC’s  MABER   and   DUBBIN   (Poole)

One mile bicycle handicap, open to other civilian clubs:

1:   W PLUMLEY, Poole CC    

2:   W SEEVIOUR, Branksome  Ramblers                          

 3:   PC   ELLIOTT.

Quarter mile flat race:

1:    PC   SIMS                              

2:    PC   ANDREWS                          

3:    PC   CLARKE

Putting the shot:

1:   SGT  SAINT                  

2:   PC   SWATRIDGE     (Bourne Valley)                                                     

 3:   PC   BAULCH          (Sturminster Newton)

Three mile bicycle handicap:

1:   PC F   HANSFORD            

2:   PC   ELLIOTT        

3:   PC   BOWLES          (Lytchett Minster)

Tug of war:

Dorset beat Hampshire Constabulary

1897

    In June 1897   the 2nd annual event again took place at Dorchester recreation ground.  The ground was laid out in a most attractive and convenient manner with a grand trades’ exhibition which showed off the local trades in a spacious marquee, which included a fine display of “K” boots by Messrs. Morton.

 A pleasing selection of music was played by the Dorchester Military Band, and refreshments were supplied again by Mr SCRIVEN. A good number of spectators attended to watch the following events and here are the results.

One mile walking handicap match:

1:   H   VATCHER        ( Dorchester)               

 2:   J R   HUSSEY         (Broadmayne)                               

 3:   C   DAMON          (Thorncombe)

Quarter mile flat handicap:

1:   D   SYMES             (Blandford)            

2:    V E   WHITE          (Bradpole)            

3:    J   SIMS                (Yetminster)

One mile bicycle handicap (all UK police forces)

1:     B BAKER               Bristol police           

2:    H   ELLIOTT          (Chideock )  

3:   G   FRY                    Bristol.

Putting the shot

1:    T   CARTER           (Winterborne Kingston)           

2:    S  LARCOMBE      (Tarrant Hinton)         

3:    W   SAINT             (Parkstone)

220 yards flat handicap

1:   H   SHEPHERD     ( Longham)          

2:    W   LONG             (Broadwey)         

3:    E   LEGG               ( Bridport)

One mile bicycle handicap under 12 years, service:

1:    J W   UFFIN          (Branksome)       

2:   W   BOWLES        (Lytchett)          

3:   W   ADAMS          (Bridport)  

One mile bicycle handicap over 12 years, service:

1:   H   ELLIOTT         (Chideock)             

2:   H   SHEPHERD    (Longham)   

3:   E   LEGG              (Bridport)

Tilting the bucket:  ( google it or go to youtube)

1:    J   LIGHT (Puddletown) and   A   PRIDE  (Dorchester)                                                    

2:   S   BISHOP and   J   CONWAY Sherborne                                                                         

3:   A   KELLAWAY  (Beaminster)   and   A   RICHARDSON (Gillingham)

100 yards flat race:

1:    D   SYMES       (Blandford)            

2:    J   SIMS            (Yetminster)        

3:    VE   WHITE     (Bradpole)

 others:   F BISHOP    (Sherborne),     H SHEPHERD    (Longham)     and                           J SYMES    (Dorchester)

Three mile bicycle handicap, open to UK forces

1:    B   BAKER           Bristol       

2:   H   ELLIOTT        (Chideock)      

3:   W   BOWLES       (Lytchett Minster)

Best dressed rider in character:

A PRIDE (Dorchester)

Donkey race:

1:    WJ   MANUEL    (Bere Regis)                    

2:   A   PRIDE            (Dorchester)

Obstacle race:

1:   H   VATCHER     (Dorchester )      

 2:   VE   WHITE       (Bradpole)                                           

3:   I   CONWAY     (Longburton)

One mile flat handicap:

1:   F   BISHOP       (Upwey )         

2:    VE   WHITE     (Bradpole)         

3:    J   SIMS           ( Yetminster)

Championship bicycle race

1:    F   HANSFORD holder ( Burton Bradstock )

2:   W   BOWLES           ( Lytchett Minster)

Others: H ELLIOTT  , JW UFFIN and   HANSFORD  kept the cup .

TUG OF  WAR:

Dorset won the first two pulls against Wiltshire Constabulary and below is the winning team.

Back five row left to right:

PC’s   Arthur SWATRIDGE,    William RICHARDSON,    Sgt William GROVES,                 PC’s    Albert CULL,    Albert KELLAWAY,     and    James STOCKLEY.

Seated:  PC David NORTHOVER,      Supt William PLUMMER (trainer)   and             PC George CORNICK  

Lying down and posing:    PC’S Tom OTTER   and    Tom LARCOMBE.

This photograph was cherished by the Chief Constable who took it to the Police Committee meeting in July 1897, to show how physically fit his Force was. One of the Committee Mr G SALISBURY responded by saying that the Police team was one, the county could be proud of, the physique of the men generally being first class.  The photograph was also later published in the Police Review dated 17th December 1897 (above), with a short article about the team’s success and details of the officers.

1898

  The 3rd annual event took place in 1898 again at Dorchester.

The band of the 85th Kings Shropshire Light Infantry from Portsmouth played during the programme and also during the evening for the dancing. A grand stand was erected, the seating of which was covered in red cloth and the whole structure made gay with flags and flowers.  Luncheon was served in a pavilion on the ground for the competitors and bandsmen before the events and refreshments were supplied by Mr SCRIVEN from the Plume of Feathers.

During the meeting there was also a display by a team of Army gymnastic staff and a musical ride by the 7th Field Battery, Royal Artillery and PC RICHARDSON was presented with a silver medal for saving the life of a child a few months earlier at a burning house in Bridport.  No records of the event results have been located so far.

1899

   On the 22nd June 1899 the 4th annual event took place under the control of Inspector  Soloman  DENNETT who had taken over as Honourable Secretary. This year it was the band of the 2nd Battalion of Northumberland Fusiliers from Portland who performed during the afternoon and evening. There were extra exciting events added to the schedule, such as tent pegging and lemon cutting and refreshments again were from Mr SCRIVEN and sweets by Mr VIRGIN.  Unfortunately none of the results were published so maybe Mr SCRIVEN over refreshed the western gazette journalist.  

1900

   In 1900 the weather was described as wet, in fact it chucked it down all afternoon, on the Thursday at the Dorchester recreation ground. The decision to start the event was made at the last minute which meant the band turned up late, although in the meantime the officials and friends enjoyed a soggy lunch which Mr SCRIVEN’s refreshments helped to dispel the dispiriting state of the weather outside.

Despite the rain all the officers competing, made a jolly good show and somehow all 16 events were completed. The winners were presented with either money of prizes of other value. 

The results being:

Football Race.  Running with a football presumably !

1:    Sgt J   SIMS           (Dorchester)              

2:   PC V E   WHITE       (Dorchester)                             

3:   PC S   GROVE         (Handley)

Throwing the cricket Ball

1:    PC H   VATCHER     (Dorchester)            

2:   PC V E   WHITE                                             

3:   PC T   LARCOMBE    (Lulworth)

100 Yards Flat Race (handicap)

1:   Sgt J   SIMS                           

2:   PC S C   GROVES                                                                       

3:   PC H   MATTHEWS    (Blandford)

Putting the Shot

1:   PC S WOODMAN    (Dorchester)                        

2:   PC T   LARCOMBE                                

3:   PC T   CARTER         (Steepleton)

Obstacle Race

1:   PC J    STOCKLEY    (Puddletown)         

2:   PC H   VATCHER                                             

3:    PC H   MATTHEWS

One mile bicycle (handicap)

1:   PC S   BISHOP         (Upwey)           

2:   PC  V E   WHITE          

3:   PC J   UFFIN            (Branksome)

One mile walking match

1:   PC SC   GROVES               

2:   PC W   HIGGINS     (Whitchurch)                                                    

3:   PC A   JOLLIFFE      (Wimborne)

120 yards hurdle race

1:   PC V E   WHITE                          

2:   PC H   MATTHEWS                                                       

3:   PC G   BARTLETT     (Blandford)

Tilting the bucket

1:  PC A    RICHARDSON  (Evershot) and   PC G   CORNICK   (Poole)                                  

2:   PC S    BISHOP (Nether Compton)and  PC C   LIGHT   (Yetminster)                             

3:   PC A   PRIDE (Dorchester) and PC  H   VATCHER

Quarter mile flat handicap

1:   PC J R   WHITE            (Upwey)        

2:   PC G H   BARTLETT       

 3:   PC V E   WHITE

Roadster bicycle race for novices. The weight of the machine not less than 28 pounds.

1:   Sgt J   SIMS                         

2:   PC I   CONWAY       (Bridport)                                              

3:   PC W   HIGGINS     (Winterborne Whitchurch)

100 yards flat handicap (over 20 years service)

1:   PC F   NORTHOVER (Milborne St Andrew)              

2:   Sgt W   KIMBER                          

3:   PC A   STRODE       (Winterborne Kingston)

TUG OF WAR

Dorset Constabulary beat Weymouth Borough Force in the first round and then beat the Southern Reserve team in the final,who had already beaten the Dorchester Army Depot.

Three mile bicycle handicap race

1:   PC F   BISHOP                       

2:   PC H   POWELL                   

3:   PC I A   CONWAY

One mile flat handicap

1:   PC A   COURAGE                        

2:   PC S   BISHOP                 

3:   Sgt J   SIMS

Costume bicycle race

1:   PC H   POWELL                     

2:   PC J   JAMES                        

3:   PC V E   WHITE

Championship bicycle race, three miles run to time.

The track was divided into three lanes and the riders drew for places so they kept in lanes and started at different times.

1:   PC F   BISHOP                            

 2:   PC H  POWELL

Consolation race

1:  PC   CHURCHILL                   

2:  PC   RIDEOUT                           

3:  PC   MEECH

1901

  In the summer of June 1901 the event also turned out to be a damp affair as the rain drizzled all day and it was also hit by heavy fog.  Although a large number of tickets had been sold in advance the weather had a big bearing on the turn out, although the grand stand was full and a fair number of people were in the field nearest to the entrance.

There were 19 contested events which meant the last event was timed to take place at half past seven in the evening. Other attractions included a driving competition by the chestnut troop of the Royal Horse Artillery and in the marquee a varied gymnastics display by the Army staff and music was played by the 1st Battalion Kings Own who came all the way from Aldershot. The large marquee was put up by Sgt Major BOWLES and his men and was needed due to the weather. This was Sgt BOWLES 2nd year as secretary and therefore the main organiser of the event, but he was not having much luck as again after a dry spell the rain did not help the events and in total there were only about a thousand spectators.

These were some of the results:

Football race

1:    PC W   BLEATHMAN                      

2:    PC J R    WHITE             

3:    PC V E   WHITE

Photograph of Walter BLEATHMAN from around this era,  maybe in his football kit,  cricket ball throwing kit,  tug-o-war kit,  in fact only kit !

Throwing cricket ball

1:    PC H    VATCHER                 

2:    PC V E   WHITE                    

3:    PC W   BLEATHMAN

100 yards flat race handicap

 1: PC H LAWRENCE  in 11.8 seconds:?

 others PC V E WHITE, PC J R WHITE, PC G CLARKE, PC J J CHURCHILL and PC J HINE.

 Vic WHITE won his heat even though he was wearing a jacket and bowler hat to the amusement of the crowd. Lawrence won the final in 11 seconds dead. 

 

Putting the shot

1:   PC T   CARTER                            

2:   PC A   RICHARDSON                                              

 3:   PC T  LARCOMBE, Carter was described as the popular constable from Winterborne Abbas

Obstacle race

1:   PC C   HUNT                

2:   PC V E   WHITE              

3:   PC H   MATTHEWS

One mile bicycle race (handicap)

1:    PC F   BISHOP               

2:   PC J   JAMES                 

3:   PC H   POWELL

120 Yards flat race, handicap, over 20 years, service

1:    PC A   STRODE           

2:   PC H   SPRACKLING       

3:   PC W   TALBOT

120 Yards hurdle race

1:   PC V E   WHITE           

2:   PC H    MATTHEWS            

3:   PC JR   WHITE

One bicycle race, handicap over 15 years, service

1:   PC H   SPRACKLING                 

2:   PC H   ELLIOTT

  In the tug-of-war Dorset won easily in their heat by seeing off the Royal Horse Artillery and then in a confusing and close fought tussle lost to Weymouth Borough Police in the final. This was the first year the team had lost since the inauguration of the annual event.

Dorset team was coached by Sgt GROVES and were: PC’s   CORNICK,   CARTER, LARCOMBE,   SWATRIDGE,   BARTLETT,   THOMAS,   FARLEY,    RICHARDSON, SCOTT and   STOCKLEY.

Weymouth’s victorious team was coached by Insp MORRIS and were: Sgts LOVELESS and SAINT and PC’s   RICE,   WEBB,   MARTIN,   MARSH,   PALMER, HUTCHINGS,   HANSFORD and   MOWLEM.

Although this is not related, 1901 was the year that Dorchester got its electrical power supply.

1902

   In 1902 the  tug-o-war competition was highly anticipated and the main event, with Weymouth being the small borough Force realising that they now had a team that could compete with the County Force.  Bearing in mind their Force was about a fifth of the size of the County Force they knew under their new coaching chief officer Inspector DAY that they had been well drilled and were gaining in confidence and experience.    Sgt’s LOVELESS and SAINT were the backbone of their team again with PC’s  MARTYN,   PALMER,   HUTCHINGS,  HANSFORD,    KINDEN,    MOWLEM,    MARSH and   WEBB making up their ten. Their team again walked away with the cup to the astonishment of the large crowd as this was the second time they had witnessed the County team lose.

PS Frank BISHOP won the all around best athlete award.

1903

  In 1903 the event had expanded so now there were twenty events and Sgt Major BOWLES of the County Constabulary was under pressure to put Weymouth Borough Police back in their place.  BOWLES was now training the team and the DCC Supt MARSH was overseeing them as their captain. It was decided to bring anchor man Sgt  William GROVES ( Broadwey)  out of his tug of war retirement although by now he was nearly 40 years old. He was backed up by Sgt  SAINT  (Wimborne), PC’s  CULL (Bere Regis),   SCOTT (Preston),    HANN  (Cerne Abbas),   SLOW (Swanage),   LARCOMBE (Charminster),    CORNICK  (Dorchester),   STOCKLEY (Chickerell) and THOMAS  (Frampton).

 Weymouth Borough Police turned up with the same team and coach except PC MOWLEM had been replaced by PC BARTLETT. To the discomfort of the locals the Weymouth men took charge straight away and the local newspaper described them as the superior team who won the first two pulls which must have hurt as the Dorset’s, as they lost the cup for the 3rd year running.

PS Frank BISHOP was unable to take part after doctors orders.

The other results were:

Throwing the cricket ball

1:    PC W   BLEATHMAN  (Branksome)      

2:    PC E    GILHAM      

3:    PC  V E WHITE   (Dorchester), winning throw  93 yards , 1 ft 9 inches.

100 yards flat race (handicap)

1:    PC  H    LAWRENCE  (Dorchester)  11. 2 seconds         

2:    PC W   BLEATHMAN          

3:    PC T   BROWN, 

other competitors   PC  V E  WHITE,    T HARDWICK (Portland),                                   H MATTHEWS (Kington Magna)

Putting the shot (handicap)

1:   PC H    LAWRENCE          

2:   PC T    BROWN          

3:   PC T    LARCOMBE (Charminster)

One mile bicycle race (handicap)

1:   PC H    LAWRENCE in 2 mins 29.2 seconds        

2:   PC J J    CHURCHILL (Branksome)     

3:   PC V E   WHITE

One mile flat race (handicap)

1:   PC H   LAWRENCE 5 minutes 41.4 seconds     

2:   PC A   COURAGE       (Sherborne)      

3:   PC H G   WESTCOTT  (Branksome)

Half mile bicycle race (handicap)

1:   PC W H   LIGHT    (Gillingham) in 1 minute 50.4 s                                                      

2:   PC F      SANSOM (Gillingham)         

3:   PC J      JAMES      (Thorncombe)

Tilting the bucket

1:   PC F G   VATCHER and A   RICHARDSON             

2:   PC H   JOYCE and T   HARDWICK 

3:   PC G   CLARKE and R   BURRIDGE

Roadster bicycle race for novices (one mile)

1:    PC T   FORD     (Nether Compton)   won in 3 mins 12 seconds       

2:    PC H W   JAMES (Shaftesbury)  

3:    PC R   FUDGE   (Shaftesbury) obviously the Gold Hill training did not pay off.

1904

   In July 1904,  Weymouth  Borough Police knew if they could win again this year, it would be three in a row and they would be able to keep the cup rather than just be the holders. Inspector MORRIS and his team had been putting in many more hours practise, and the only change this year was that PC HUTCHINGS had been replaced by PC MOORE.  The County team realised the consequences of losing so this year Supt Ambrose RICKETTS had been put in charge to make sure they got the cup back.  The County team had been reorganised and PC Arthur RICHARDSON had been brought back to help their strongman Sgt GROVES.   New blood had been also been brought in, with sportsmen PC’s  Harry LAWRENCE,   Henry   LANE,   John   WILLS,   William   BLUES and   Reg   KENT joining  Tommy   LARCOMBE,  Ernie   THOMAS and  James   STOCKLEY.              The new blood made no difference and Weymouth took the cup home for good.

1905

   In 1905 the Deputy Chief Constable decided to go back to the Counties old tried and tested ways so Supt Ambrose RICKETTS was told that he was no longer required to coach the team, and the new Sgt Major would take over as he had been in the original successful team along with Sgt GROVES in the old days.

Sgt Major SWATRIDGE advertised the event for Thursday 13th July and this time there was to be a GRAND TUG OF WAR, however no mention was made of the holders Weymouth Borough Police.

Unfortunately the result of the GRAND TUG OF WAR is not recorded, so I cannot tell you at the moment who won.    How embarrassing that as I his great grand son does not know !  Maybe Weymouth Borough won again ?

1906

   1906 was again another year when it was unbelievably hard to find the results, were they not being printed?  Was it because it was embarrassing ? However here are two postcards from the event.

 ( Thanks to Sylvia COLLINS for the above photograph)

I cannot find  anything out about the 1907 and 1908 meetings. But here is a photograph from Tony CONWAY which we believe is the Bridport Tug of War team from circa 1908. Tony’s grandfather Isaac is thought to be far left standing and in front I think the Sgt is Frank BISHOP.

 

   I can also now recognise PC 69 William FREAK, kneeling in the centre.

1909

    1909’s event certainly happened on 8th July, but very little was reported. There was a small report saying that there was plenty of covered stand accommodation for the paying public and the event was brought off in time. Several novelties were introduced this year, one of the principle ones being a daylight firework display. Music was discoursed by the splendid band of the Southampton Police, but no mention was made of the results.

However, sometime during the summer there was a swimming competition, I can only presume it was not linked to the annual sports day and that it was in the river Frome at grey’s bridge, Dorchester as it looks like the area from the below photograph.

The five fetching swimmers in the photo from left to right are written on the back.   COWLING,   DAY,   GUPPY,   SWATRIDGE   and   HUNT.

1:   PC 50   William “Jacko”   COWLING

2:   PC 84   William   DAY is the most likely as there were three DAY’s in the Force in 1909. Brothers Frank and Edward DAY had also joined in 1908 so I am guessing its William from his looks, however it maybe Edward who appears to be posted at Dorchester between 1908 and 1910.

3:   PC 40   William   GUPPY

4:   Sgt Major   Arthur   SWATRIDGE

5:  There were also constables x three HUNT’s  in 1909,   Albert,   Charles and Percy and I have no clue this time which one it is.

1910

  In 1910 the event took place on the 15th July and the Western Gazette reported the following:

In brilliant weather and in the presence of about 6,000 spectators, the annual sports meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon on the recreation ground at Dorchester. The organisation committee and the honourable secretary, Sgt Major SWATRIDGE are to be congratulated on having added another to the successes of the past. Excellent provision had been made for spectators to witness the sports in comfort covered stands being erected and capable of affording seated accommodation for 2,500. This year was experimental as it was the first year on a Wednesday which proved successful as other towns had half day closing on Wednesday not Thursday. There were various cups and silverware on display as trophies for the winners as well as pieces of furniture. In total there was about 100 pounds worth of prizes and as usual Mr SCRIVEN was on hand from the Plume of Feathers for refreshments.

Race results:

100 yards race (handicapped)

SJ BARRETT (Gillingham),     A J BARRETT (Branksome),       E DAY (Shaftesbury),

 H SPRACKLING (Gillingham),       W HAYWARD (Branksome) all took part but the copy is very poor and unable to say who won.

The following race event is not known but the result was:

1:   PC   A G   FERRIS     (Melbury Abbas)      

2:   PC   C O   BAGG      (Pimperne)                        

3:   PC   C P   BROWN   (Portland)                 

 4:   PC   F P   OLD        (Blandford)

One mile bicycle race (handicap)

1:   PC   T    HARDWICK (Corfe Castle) who won the cup                                                 

2:   PC   S BISHOP        (Broadwey) who won a case of cutlery valued at 3 pounds        

3:   PC  H T   LAWRENCE (Witchampton)

4:   PC  A G   FERRIS

250 yards flat race over 10 years, service

1:    PC J    UFFEN        (Portland)    wins a rug valued at one pound                                        

2:   PC C R   STUART    wins another rug valued at 15 shillings                                        

3:   PC A    COURAGE      (Winfrith) wins a clock                                                                      

4:   PC R   BURRIDGE     (Wimborne) wins some flower vases.

This year as far as I can tell was the first time the event was open to other clubs and National Police Forces and in the Tug of war the winner’s prize was nine cases of cutlery with the runners up getting clocks. Anticipation was high with Dorset and Weymouth both being involved, but both lost early on and Bristol City Police beat Exeter City Police in the final.

Putting the shot (open event))

1:   PC H   LAWRENCE     

 2:   H J   ASHFORD   ( poss not a PC)      

 3:   PC T   LARCOMBE

Tipping the bucket

1:   PC F   ARNOLD (Langton Matravers)            

2:   PC F P   OLD        (Blandford)             

3:   PC W   BOWN      (Swanage)

100 yards flat race(handicap)

1:   PC F   BISHOP         (Lyme Regis)                

 2:   PC J   JAMES            (Thorncombe)                           

3:   PC A S   HANSFORD (Frampton)          

4:   PC G   CHURCHILL (Broadwinsor)

Costume and musical chair bike race

1:   PC G   MARGRIE      (Poole)             

2:   PC A   BARRETT,             

3:   PC CO   BAGG,                 

4:   PC AG   FERRIS

Two mile championship bicycle race (handicapped) winner to receive a picture of the late HM KING GEORGE V11

1:   PC F  BISHOP and PC AG  PERRIS equal first so split picture down the middle 

2:    PC H  LAWRENCE          

3:    PC T  HARDWICK            

4:    PC H W  JAMES

Last event is illegible but the result was:

1:    PC F O   DAY                 

2:    PC F W   JAMES           

3:    PC F P   OLD               

4:    PC E   DAY

Divisional tug of war

Preliminary rounds already completed where Dorchester beat Shaftesbury and others and Portland beat Poole to advance to final. In the final Dorchester won and each member of each team received a high or low value rug depending on winning or losing. The Dorchester team were Sgt Major SWATRIDGE, coach.             PC’s    BAGG,    COWLING,     LARCOMBE,    STANLEY,      WHITTLE,         SLOW,     GROVES      and   KENT and  also reserve    PC ELSWORTH.

Quarter mile flat race (handicap)

1:    PC   F O   DAY       

2:    PC   B   SPRACKLING      

3:    PC   S J   BARTLETT    

4:    PC   C O   BAGG

Tilting the bucket

1:    PC   B  SPRACKLING              

2:    PC   E  JOYCE               

3:    PC   C O  BAGG

All round best athlete PC   Samuel   BISHOP,   who was presented with a clock and best novice was PC   STUART who was presented with a fountain pen.

The below photo has no year date on it but my grandfather thought it was taken in 1910.

On the rear of this photo postcard my grandfather has written:

PC  1 Tom HYDE,  was a PC in the Dorset Constabulary between Sept 1908 and Jan 1910, so if it is him this photo is probably 1909.

The PC at the rear on the right not named is probably PC 63 Charles Oliver BAGG. Known as Oliver,

In September of that year 1st class Supt Henry CARTER, who was in charge at Sherborne retired and Arthur SWATRIDGE was promoted to Supt and took his place. A close friend of the family, William WHITE took Arthur’s place, although the Chief decided to change his title from Sgt Major to Sgt Drill Instructor. 

1911

It may not be relevant, but 1911 was the year Dorchester first got a cinema.

This was what my grandfather wrote in his memoirs, for 1911 sports day on 19th July:

I must relate and place on record the thrill of my first ride in a motor car, which was shortly after my father had been promoted to Supt and transferred to Sherborne. He was still the honourable Secretary and organiser of the sports event and the day remains vividly in my memory.

A car and its driver were hired from a local tradesman for one pound (old money ) and this included petrol, which was about 1 shilling and 6 pence a gallon.

 It was a treat which even my mother and youngest brother Harold had never experienced before. The car did not have a windscreen and the driver was protected from the elements by a heavy overcoat, a mackintosh rubberised look and goggles to protect his eyes and he sat on a higher perched box seat. We as passengers climbed in by a step and door at the rear and sat on two seats on either side which faced each other. So away we trundled from Sherborne and sped to about 10 to 20 miles an hour. Half way between Dorchester and Sherborne was a steep rise called Dogbury Hill and the old car began to make going and the radiator starting throwing off steam and was beginning to lose its horse power which consequently all my family had to get out of the car. Walking up the hill rather laboriously until the top was reached and then we were allowed to remount. We eventually reached Dorchester in good time and my father and I prepared for the events.

   The 1911 event turned out to be a lovely sunny day and had been organised by Drill Sgt William WHITE who was also an ex military man from the Coldstream Guards. The Coldstream Guards were from Windsor and this year Sgt WHITE  had arranged for them to attend and take part in the tug of war. New events had been arranged including races for family members and a trophy for best all round athlete. In addition to the sports an attractive selection of music was played by the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. Several different artists performed including, Monsignor CHIGO slack wire walker and the Two WOLENELLS who were comedy gymnasts on the high bars.

  The first presentation was made by the Chief Constable to PC ELLIOTT, who received a fountain pen for his long service on the sports committee and then he thanked various donors for the generous provided cups and prizes.

  The contested events results were:

100 yards flat race handicap:

  1st 1 pound plus the challenge cup for a year 2nd 15 shillings.    3rd 10 shillings.  4th  5 shillings

Winner: PC W   BARTLETT   (Bourne valley)         

 2ND         PC W C   WHITTLE   (Dorchester)  

 3rd        PC S J   BARTLETT    (Shaftesbury)                     

 4TH       PC P   COPP              (Wimborne)                    

Others PC H   HANSFORD   (Bridport)             PC H C   PERRY   (Sherborne)

Half mile walking race handicap:

 1st 1 pound 10 shillings to 4th 5 shillings.

Winner PC G O   BAGG     (Pimperne)            

2nd        PC F   ARNOLD    (Langton Matravers)   

3rd          PC A G   PERRIS    (Lulworth)

One mile bicycle race handicap: 

1st case of silver spoons valued at 2 pounds 10 shillings, 2nd nest of drawers and coal vase, 3rd dinner set and 4th coal vase.

Winner: PC T C   RIDEOUT   (Dorchester)       

2nd         PC G   CHIDZEY    (Bourne valley)    

3rd         PC G   MARGRIE   (Dorchester)                 

4th        PC H   LAWRENCE (Witchampton).     

Sgt F BISHOP also took part but fell on the first lap.

400 yards flat race handicap over 10 years, service:

1st     PC   H T   LAWRENCE                    

2nd    PC   F   FALL              (Portland)                                           

3rd      PC H   GODDARD    (Sherborne)

Open Tug of War event:

Dorset Constabulary beat the Coldstream Guards in round one, in round two they beat the Royal Marine Artillery in a close match, in the semi final they beat the Wareham Conservative club and the final was keenly contested with the Bristol Police although the Dorset’s won by 2-0

Back Row:  PC’s   Sam LOVELL,    Tom “Podge” HARVEY,    William “Jacko” COWLING   and    Oliver BAGG.

Front Row:  PC’s   Walter BLEATHMAN,    Joe SWAIN,    Supt Arthur SWATRIDGE, PC’s   Henry MATTHEWS    and    Reg KENT.

Quarter mile flat race, handicap for member’s sons:  Winner received a watch and chain 2nd a handbag 3rd a bag and 4th a clock.

1st      V   SWATRIDGE (Sherborne)      

 2nd     C   LANE (Longham)       

3rd      J    JAMES (Chedington)        

4th      F MAJOR ( Swanage)

Vic SWATRIDGE who was nine at the time, took part in his first event and the below photo and certificate are momento’s  from the day, when he won a solid silver pocket watch and chain for his achievement.

Costume and musical chair bicycle race:

1st    PC   E   DAY              (Shaftesbury)        

2nd   PC   S J   BARTLETT   (Shaftesbury)                             

3rd    PC  W   BARTLETT   ( Bourne valley)      

4th    PC  R B   CRABBE     ( Bridport)

Half mile bicycle race, handicap, over 20 years, service:

1st          J STOCKLEY          

2nd      S BISHOP         

 3RD     G PAYNE         

4TH        J JAMES

Quarter mile flat race handicap:

1st      PC P COPP      

2nd    PC W BARTLETT      

3rd    PC S J BARTLETT      

4TH    PC A BARRETT

Photo of Percy COPP about the same time, not long after joining.

Two mile championship bicycle race, sealed handicap:

1st    PC   G   CHIDZEY     (Bourne valley)       

2nd   PC   T   HARDWICK                                         

3RD    PC   T   FORD         (Nether Compton)    

4th    PC   H T   LAWRENCE

Obstacle race:

1st    PC   W C   WHITTLE         

2nd    PC   H W   JAMES             

3rd    PC   A   BARRETT                          

4th    PC    F O   DAY                 

5th    PC   F   ARNOLD

Divisional Tug of War:

Portland beat Wimborne  2-0

( photo with thanks again  to Sylvia COLLINS )

Portland team:  standing back row:

PC’s    Bill GUPPY,     Charles CAILES,    Bill MITCHELL,    William TOLLEY,                  Tom HARVEY,   and    Matthew TOBIAS,   

Front row:

 PC   John UFFIN, (reserve)    Sgt Samuel Bishop (captain),     Supt William SAINT and   PC Joe SWAIN.

Wimborne team:  Sgt STOCKLEY(captain),   PC’S CORNICK,   GROVES,  ARNOLD,  LANE,   LAWRENCE,   FUDGE,    JOYCE,   GROVES and   HODDER (reserve)

All round best athlete was PC Harry LAWRENCE who was presented a silver mounted inkstand.

My grandfather Vic continued with his daily account.

 Our adventure was not complete as on the way home in the taxi on reaching Minterne Magna it became very foggy and was now late evening. We were now travelling at snail’s pace and in the hollow at Minterne Magna my father had to get out and walk in front to aid the driver to keep the vehicle on the metalled roadway. The means of illumination then,were that the side and rear lamps were oil fuelled and at the front there was a giant brass head lamp which gave very little effective reflection and often went out because the carbide container got flooded with too much water. The oil lamps kept blowing out or the glass became smoked covered because of the rough winds and down drafts.

We eventually arrived home safely after a tiresome journey, being away since the early hours of the morning and we all tucked into a bread and cheese supper and dad was happy to be carrying his trophy a new dinner service. So the pioneering days of the motor car were very unreliable compared to the horse and trap although I believe we still got home quicker.

 1912

Captain SWATRIDGE and his team get success in July 

On 17th July the annual event took place at Dorchester for the 17th time,  in perfect summer weather. Organised this year by Sgt WHITE and PC GILHAM, the events were well contested although there was an accident early on.                  PC MARGRIE in the one mile bicycle race collided with PC HOWE and fell to the ground dislocating his shoulder, so was taken away by ambulance. The Tug of War was as usual the event all were waiting for and six other teams had entered to try and beat Dorset and they were: Exeter City Police, Carters Pottery Athletics Club, Poole, A Division Bristol City Police, The Depot of the Dorset Regiment, 30th Coy Royal Garrison Artillery and Weymouth Borough Police. The Dorset’s were disqualified for two of their men sitting down in the semi-final and that let Bristol go through and beat Exeter in the final.

The other results this year were:

100 yards flat race handicap:

1st     PC P COPP (HQ)                                 

2nd    PC  S J BARTLETT (Branksome)                               

3rd     PC H T LAWRENCE ( Witchampton)                 

4th    PC A BARRETT (Poole)     

others PC W BARTLETT and S REED.

 The prizes were $1 , 15 shillings,10 shillings and 5 shillings

100 yards flat race handicap over 20 years, service:

1ST    PC S C GROVES     

 2nd    PC V WHITE        

3rd     PC J STOCKLEY      

4Th     PC A S MAJOR.  Same prizes as race 1.

One mile bicycle handicap:

1st     PC A G PERRIS       

2nd     PC H T LAWRENCE       

3rd     PC T HARDWICK                      

 4TH    PC H C PERRY

Tilting the bucket

1st    F ARNOLD (Langton Matravers)          

2nd   F OLD (Poole) 

3rd   F W CARTER (Swanage) 

DAY,   JOYCE and    REED also competed causing much laughter.

Obstacle Race.

During this challenge several of the officers were climbing the ropes attached to the horizontal pole when the pole snapped and all came crashing down. Luckily no one was seriously injured and there were no broken bones although several were shaken and bruised. 

The event was restarted and the winner was PC Frank DAY,              

2nd   PC   Edward   DAY (his brother)       

3rd      PC   Henry     JAMES                

4th       PC  Fred       CARTER.

Constabulary two mile championship bike race (sealed handicap).  The competitors prior to the race had to choose an envelope which gave them time disadvantages, which would be added at the end. The race was very exciting with veteran Sgt Sam BISHOP (Broadway) just piping PC Harry LAWRENCE (Witchampton) followed by PC AG PERRIS (Lulworth) and PC Tom FORD (Nether Compton).However after the envelopes were open, FORD was declared the winner, 

2nd     LAWRENCE      

3RD     BISHOP 

and last       PERRIS.

220 Yards flat race (over 10 years, service) all PC’S

1st     H LAWRENCE       

2ND    H JAMES        

3RD    T HARDWICK       

4TH    C STUART

Costume and musical chair  bicycle race, where 8 men competed in fancy dress.

1st    S J BARTLETT    

2ND   W BARTLETT      

3RD   T W DURRANT      

4TH    H SUMMERS

Quarter mile flat handicap race

1st     S J BARTLETT     

2ND   W BARTLETT      

3RD   S REED           

4th   A BARRETT

The Divisional Tug of War took place as the last event where Portland coached by   Sgt S BISHOP beat  Wareham coached by   Sgt E THOMAS.

This is probably the team photo, although it could also be 1913. Thanks again to Sylvia COLLINS.

Standing:  PC’s    Joe SWAIN,   Bill MITCHELL,   Charles  CAILES,   Bill  GUPPY,    Tom HARVEY,    Matthew  TOBIAS  and reserve   John  UFFIN ( in uniform).

Sitting:    PC  SMYTHERS (?),   Sgt   Samuel  BISHOP,  Supt  William   SAINT and  PC William TOLLEY.

 On Thursday 25th July,  Somerset Constabulary held their first annual sports event at Taunton. However it appears they only had an inter division tug- o-war.

  On 31st July 1912 the Force tug of war team travelled to Windsor Home Park to take part in the Berkshire Constabulary annual sports. The team captained by Supt SWATRIDGE of Sherborne, were easy winners beating the Metropolitan Police (Y division) in the final.  They were all awarded engraved silver cigarette cases for their endeavour.  The silver case below was given to my great grandfather, it is about 4 x 3 inches in size.  

The team were:    PC’s   SWAIN,    CLARKE,    BLEATHMAN,    MATTHEWS,   COWLING,     LOVELL,     TOLLEY     and    HARVEY.

On 4th September 1912,  Weymouth Borough Police held their third annual meeting of police sports at the recreation ground in aid of the Weymouth  Destitute Children’s Clothing Society. 

The police committee comprised of Supt W DAY,  Chief Constable Frank EACOCK, Detective Sgt MARTYN,   Sgt SWEET and   PC PALMER.

The main event was the Tug of War where the entries were Dorset, Weymouth A and B teams, Bournemouth Corporation and Newtown. The Dorset team beat Weymouth A in the final quite easily 2-0.

The Dorset police team that were coached by Supt  SWATRIDGE were:

PC’s   HARVEY,    LOVELL,  COWLING,    BLEATHMAN,     TOLLEY,     CLARKE, MATTHEWS   and   SWAIN.

The below photograph was probably taken before they left to go to Weymouth, again thanks to Sylvia COLLINS.

Standing:  Reserve Charles CAILES,     Ernie CLARKE,     maybe Egbert GILHAM or Cornelius BROWN ?,    William COWLING,          Tom HARVEY,      Sgt Percy BECK,    Samuel LOVELL and reserve,   James HOUSE.

Front row:  Walter BLEATHMAN,    William TOLLEY,    Supt Arthur SWATRIDGE,  Henry MATTHEWS   and   Joe SWAIN.

  Well it might have been, but after being contacted a, grand daughter of Joe SWAIN, I now know it was taken because of the teams success at Windsor, mentioned earlier on 31st July.

The Weymouth A team were coached by D/I MARTYN and were:

PC’S   HYDE, PITMAN, MARSH, BARTLETT, PALMER, HANSFORD, MOORE and DAVIS.

1913 

This photo on is from page 31 of , “Bobbies on Beat” , thanks to Melvin HANN for letting me use it.

I am not sure of the date as it does not look like my great grandfather in the front row, centre.

Standing:   Sgt poss Ernie SPRACKLING ?,  poss Egbert GILHAM or Cornelius BROWN?  PC’s  Sam LOVELL.     Tom HARVEY,   William TOLLEY,   William COWLING,   Sgt Samuel BISHOP,   poss Sgt ARNOLD ?   

Sitting:   PC’s  Joe SWAIN   and  Henry MATTHEWS,   Supt Arthur SWATRIDGE ?,         PC’s  Tom LAWRENCE and Walter BLEATHMAN.

 On Wed 9TH July the 18th annual event took place at the Dorchester County sports ground where a quarter mile grass track had been laid out and well rolled. In between events there various acts to entertain the large including; LAWRENCE and BARCKLAY gymnasts and acrobats, HURLEY and LAIT musical clowns, LUEBER and SATELLO triple bar performers , INE and UNE knockabout comedians and the DORINOS with their novel and striking act.

This year there were ten teams in the open tug of war competition and as usual the events started after the midday lunch and speeches in aid of the Police Orphanage and County Hospital charities.

The first event which was the 100 yards flat race started at half past one and it was a chance for PC Percy COPP to win it for the third year in a row. Twelve men took part and the first three in each heat went through to the final. The six who took part in the final were: SJ BARTLETT, WJ WHITTLE HT LAWRENCE, Percy COPP, A BARRETT and WA BARTLETT.  4th was WHITTLE, 3RD was LAWRENCE, 2ND was SJ BARTLETT and Percy COPP won again and now the trophy was his to keep.

100 yards flat race, handicap, over 20 years, service. 

PRIZES: 1st chair, 2nd teapot and 3rd a rug.

1st   Vic WHITE,        

2nd  S C GROVES,       

3RD  A MAJOR

One mile bicycle club, handicap race.  

 1st Chair,   2nd a bureau,   3rd a set of carvers ,  4TH a clock

1st    G MAGRIE,    

2ND  FL SMYTHERS ,    

3RD   T HARDWICK and no mention of who won the clock.

Half mile walking race,  club handicap. 

1st clock,   2nd biscuit barrel,   3rd cheese dish,   4th a clock

1st     F ARNOLD,       

 2ND  R DRAKE        

3RD    J DARK        

4TH   S REED

Open Tug of War.

 1ST prize, nine cases of silver tea spoons valued at 30s each, 2nd  nine clocks, valued at 15 s each.

The teams were, Bristol City Police, Berks Constabulary, Somerset Constabulary, Royal Engineers (Bovington), Lincoln Regiment, Eastleigh Ramblers, Chickerell Football Club, 16TH Company RGA (Weymouth), Dorset Constabulary, 30th Company RGA (Weymouth).  Dorset beat the Eastleigh Ramblers, then the Bristol Police were scratched when found to have illegal iron cues on their shoes. Dorset then beat the light weight Royal Engineers in the semi-final and beat Berkshire again in two good tugs, and coach Supt SWATRIDGE was carried off the field by his team.

Tilting the bucket.

 1st a rug, 2nd case of carvers ,3rd flower stand

As usual there was lots of laughter and again,

1st    Frank DAY 

 2nd   WJ RICHARDS 

3RD   F ARNOLD

 and others taking part were FP OLD, B HEATH and E JOYCE.

Club Obstacle Race. 1st a chair, 2nd a lamp, 3rd a teapot, 4th a barometer

1st     F DAY,               

2ND   H LAWRENCE             

 3RD   FP OLD            

4TH  F CARTER

Two mile club championship bicycle race, sealed handicap . Championship prize, a picture of the coronation of King George  V.

 1st prize a chair, 2nd a cabinet, 3rd a case of knives 4th a cruet set.

The riders came in the following order, T HARDWICK, FL SMYTHERS, T FORD and G MARGRIE and HARDWICK was presented the championship prize by C/C GRANVILLE. However there was a shock when the envelopes were opened and the result was reversed.

220 yards flat handicap over ten years, service prizes: 

1st case of silver salts, 2nd a coal case, 3rd pickles jars and 4th an occasional table.

1st    H T LAWRENCE,     

2ND  W BLEATHMAN      

3RD   C JOYCE       

4TH    H W JAMES

Club costume and musical chair bicycle race. 

1st a clock, 2nd a coal vase, 3rd a case of carvers , 4th a bag.

1st    E DAY            

2ND   F HOWE         

3RD   T HARDWICK             

4TH    B E SMITH

Quarter mile club handicap, flat race.

 1st electro plate sugar basin and cream jug on a tray, 2nd a clock 3rd a bag 4th a pair of oak trays.

1st     Frank DAY,   

2ND  H T LAWRENCE   

3RD  S J BARTLETT   

4TH   A BARRETT

Divisional Tug of War.

The preliminary rounds had already been held the previous week and the final was between Dorchester and Portland. The two previous years Portland had won so now had the chance to win the trophy outright. Winners would receive hearthrugs and the losers Gladstone bags. The Portland team comprised of: Sgt Frank BISHOP, Captain, PC’S HARVEY, MITCHELL, GUPPY, HOUSE CAILES, FALL ,TOLLEY, SWAIN and  TOBIAS reserve. The Dorchester team were: Drill Sgt William WHITE(Captain), PC’S  JAMES,  WILLS,  SLOW,  COPP,  CARTER,  REED, BURROUGH,  KENT and MAYO reserve.  Portland won again.

H T LAWRENCE was named as best overall athlete and was awarded a barometer.

On Tue 22rd  July the fourth annual meeting of the Weymouth Borough sports was held in aid of Weymouth’s destitute children society. Over the previous year’s money had been raised to buy over a thousand pairs of boots and as much clothing.

The tug of war was the only open competition of with teams of 8, not exceeding 13 stone 7 lbs in weight. Five teams took place and the teams were Weymouth Borough Police, Dorset Constabulary police, Newtown liberal Club, Royal Garrison Artillery (Weymouth) and the Chickerell Football Club.

 In the final Dorset beat Weymouth and the teams were:  Dorset: Supt SWATRIDGE (coach) PC’S HARVEY, CLARKE, BLEATHMAN, TOLLEY, MATTHEWS, LOVELL, SWAIN and COWLING. Weymouth: PC PALMER (coach) DAVIS, HANDSFORD, MOORE ,CRITCHELL, HYDE, MARSH, PITMAN and  BARTLETT.

Thu 24th July Somerset had their second annual sports day at the Taunton county cricket ground in front of 8000 spectators. This year was the first open tug of war event where, under the command of Supt SWATRIDGE the Dorset County Constabulary beat Bristol Police A Division, Exeter Police and two of Somerset’s Police Divisions, Axbridge and Bridgewater.

PC 8 Walter BLEATHMAN who competed in all competitions throughout his career and accumulated many prizes especially for running and being a member of the Dorset Tug-of-war team.  We are not sure when this photograph was taken but there must be at least thirty prizes around him. 

Photo thanks too: Mike BLEATHMAN

Mike BLEATHMAN, still has his grandfathers “prize” clock       ORTE  ,

  , 

If you are now reading this WELL DONE. 

After information from my grandfather it has taken me many years of research checking through newspapers and emailing many ancestors.   If you have an ancestor mentioned then you.

Like Mike BLEATHMAN, you may have family objects handed down that could be prizes from the sports days. 

 If you still have something similar then email me please as yes I know it is not the crown jewels but it could be of interest and worth adding to my blog or more likely worth more than 10 quid on ebay.

PARTS 2   and  3 to follow.