Athletic Sports, May 1868

The athletic sports were held in ‘Pool Meadow’. kindly lent by John Grifiths Esq., on May 28th. The weather was all that could be wished for and everything passed off most successfully. There was a large attendance of spectators, both out of Campden and from the country round, a great number of clergy especially honouring the school with their presence. On the whole the running and jumping was decidedly good. The jumping with a pole ought to be noticed as a great height was cleared by the winner, W.York; the second H.F.Harvey, making no mean display.

Long Jump; prize a cricket bat, 1st S.Hancock. Throwing the cricket ball; prize a cricket bat, 1st N.Hancock. 100y yds race for boys under 14; prize a cup, 1st H.Hands. One mile race; prize a cup given by Rev. Dr. Hiron, 1st W.Yorke. Picking up stones for boys under 14; Prize a knife, 1st, T.Smith. 150 yards race; prize a pair of leg guards, 1st W.Yorke. High jump; prize a pair of batting gloves, 1st W.Yorke. Hurdle race; prize, a cup, 1st W.Yorke. Steeplechase; prize a cup given by W.Begley Esq., 1st W.Yorke. Stranger’s Race of 220 yards; prize a cup, 1st C.T.Smith Esq. ( The EJ also recorded those competitors who were second & third but I’ve not listed them here; for those wishing to to further research on this article, it is in the May 1868 EJ.)

At the close the Earl of Gainsborough distributed the prizes to the vicyors in the Tent. After a few words of introduction from Rev.Dr. Hiron, his Lordship proceeded to distribute, making a few appropriate remarks to each boy. He then said how glad he was to see the school come out so well in the way of athletics. It was already an honour to the town and he only hoped it would maintain its position as such.

The Rev. Canon Kennaway said he wishe to propose three cheers for the unsuccessful competitors to whom (he said) the smiles of the ladies present would be as valuable as cups.

The Rev. Hiron then proposed three cheers for the Trustees, after which the Rev.G.D.Bourne, with a few words of congratulation to the School, asked for a holiday for the boys, which was kindly granted by the Head Master, amid repeated cheers.

NB iT STATES THAT BOYS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO WIN MORE THAN TWO PRIZES BUT IT SEEMS THAT W.YORKE DID!