Hastings Regatta
As intimated in the preceding chapter, it was arranged for the borough to have two regattas this year, the same to be practically what they were to be nominally – a Hastings regatta for Hastings and a St. Leonards regatta for St. Leonards. The reason for this step being taken in lieu of the united action of a double committee, as in last year’s arrangement, has already been explained, and it needs only to be said that except in little acts of courtesy and an existent friendly feeling between the committees of management, the carrying of the two regattas were as distinctly independent as though their realization was to be effected at places far distant from each other.
At a full meeting of the committee at the Oak hotel on the 5th of August the details for the regatta and the after fête champetre were finally arranged, and the list of entries for the former were numerous beyond any regatta before known. Mr. Burchell would act as umpire, Mr. Develin was hon. sec. and the railway companies, besides a donation each of £5, offered unusual facilities for strangers visiting the town.
The rhymster(sic) “X”, whose invocation to “Boreas and Old Davy” to upset the St. Leonards regatta met with a rebuff, now ventured a vaticination re the Hastings regatta in nearly the following words:-
Disturbant Old Notus, it doesn’t much matter
If you and Old Davy should kick up a clatter.
For we are determined to have our regatta,
Despite your unruly behaviour,
You upset St. Leonards, though worked they like bricks,
As oft you have Hastings , with mischievous tricks
But now, you old fogies, you’ll be in a fix
At coming regatta of Hastings.
Now Monday the 12th of this August, I say,
Selected has been for aquatic display,
And also the fête, later on in the day,
In Robertson’s grounds up at Halton,
You’re bound to be quiet, you jolly old sinner,
When on the said day and just after our dinner,
The crews will compete, and each one as a winner
His prize will obtain up at Halton.
Ah! then, we will set you, old chap, at defiance;
On you and Old Davy we place no reliance;
You’re a couple of racally(sic) wicked old giants;
You’ve spoiled our regattas so often.
This time we will diddle you – Develin and I,
You may grumble and growl, and the worst you may try
But this time you’ll not our regatta put by;
For I, Bobby Burchall, have said it.
-
