The day, though not brilliant, was dry and pleasant, which added to the combined attractions of beautiful grounds, charming music, spirited shooting and a gay company, rendered the affair an enjoyable one. About thirty ladies and gentlemen took part in the shooting, and at the close it was found that some of them had made very high scores, but suffered large deductions for previously won prizes. Mr. Burrard? received the first prize for gentlemen, an embossed silver cup; Mrs. Col. Smyth, the 1st prize for ladies – a gold strap bracelet; Miss Julia the second prize – a gold brooch, set with brilliants; and Col. Smyth, a gilt plated inkstand. The Royal Victoria Challenge prizes were awarded to Mr. Norris, Miss Brown, Mrs. Smyth and Col. Smyth. Miss Pennethorne obtained the Subscribers’ prize. The Visitors’ prize was taken by the Rev. A. Cooper; and the prizes for the most central hits were obtained by Miss Whish and Mr. Norris.
A Bye Meeting was held on Saturday, Aug 23rd, which was successful in all its phases, the company being large, the shooting good, the music cheering, and the weather superb. The prizes competed for were presented by P. F. Robertson, Esq., and were awarded to the winners as follows:- First prize to Miss Mackay, who was loudly cheered, she having made the highest score even after great reduction as a winner of previous prizes; second prize to Col. Smyth; subscribers’ prizes to the Misses Pennethorne; and the prizes for the best gold to Miss Emma MacGregor and Miss Bramley. The bouquets for the highest gross scores were gained by Miss Julia Brown and Mr Claude Norris. The donor of the prizes was greeted at the close with three hearty cheers, as well for his presidency of the society as for his usual liberality.
Balls and Fashionable Parties.
The Annual Christmas Ball (postponed from the 26th of December, in consequence of the demise of the Prince Consort) took place at the Assembly Rooms on the night of January 9th. As usual, the company was of a fashionable character, but much less numerous than on most previous occasions, the total number not exceeding 70.
A Ball and Supper were given on New Year’s Eve by T. Brassey, Esq., at Beauport to a fashionable company numbering upwards of 100. Coote and Tinney’s London Band was in attendance and the amusements were continued till the early morning. Mr. and Mrs. Brassey also entertained a numerous circle of friends throughout the week.
The Annual Christmas Ball of 1862. Under this designation the terpsichorean amusements came off at the Assembly Rooms on the 29th of December, with great eclât. The ball-room was tastefully arranged, and the whole affair was calculated to afford the fullest enjoyment to the 130 persons who were present.
The Battle Abbey Painting.
The Dowager Lady Webster, a resident at Warrior square, St. Leonards, but formerly proprietess(sic) of Battle Abbey, munificently presented to the Hastings -
