Pedestrian Fete


This is the club related information held in the database about the Pedestrian Fete.

I continue to clean the data (I am aware that there are duplicate resuls for example). If you can fill in any gaps (dates for examples), have any other results, or spot any errors please email us at: hastingsccarchive@gmail.com.

 

Road Race Results

 

Rider
(Gender/Category)
Time
Position
Event
Distance      Course
Year

F W Beck 1stPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 1 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
W Davis 2ndPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 1 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
A T Lovett Shown as AL Lovett 3rdPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 1 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
C Shortell 1stPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 2 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
A W Chesterfield 2ndPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 2 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
F Amon 3rdPedestrian Fete Handicap Heat 2 3 miles 2 Augus...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
C Shortell 2ndPedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
A T Lovett 3rdPedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
H Davis 4thPedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
F Amon 5thPedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
A W Chesterfield 6thPedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880
F W Beck 10m 32s
1st
Pedestrian Fete Handicap Final 3 miles 2 August...
3 miles      Central Cricket Ground
1880

 

Newspaper Articles

 

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Date
Newspaper
Article

11/08/1877
Hastings Observer
10
The Pedestrian Fete [6 August 1977], which has now become an annual event, took place, as usual, in the Central Cricket and Recreation Ground, where a large concourse of spectators assembled to witness the running. The entries were numerous, and some of the races were a most exciting character. One of the chief features of the programme was the bicycle race, which was watched with great interest, and which fully justified the anticipations of the spectators that it would afford good sport. The weather could not possibly have been finer, and everything passed off most successfully. During the afternoon the band, of the Hastings Rifle Volunteers was in attendance, and performed excellent programme of music. , Mr. G P Finn was handicap per, usual, with Mr F W Nichols as starter, and Mr H Cheal a referee. The general arrangements were ably carried out Mr S Watling. The following were the results of the various races:
[...]
Two Miles handicap Amateur Bicycle Race – 1st prize, silver cup, value seven guineas. 2nd, silver cup, value three guineas; 3rd, silver medal with gold centre; 4th, a silver medal: in two heats : ten times round the course. Five started in the first heat. 1st. C Fitzgerald. Ashford (220 yards); 2nd, C W Nicholas, Brighton Bicycle Club (160 yards). Second heat: five started. A most exciting race for first position took between G Kent Tunbridge Wells (200 yards), and F East, Surrey Bicycle Club (15O yards), each taking alternate positions amidst the greatest excitement, the former winning by about three feet. H Hart, of Eastbourne Bicycle Club, who rode well, was a good third. The first two in the heats competed in the final, which was a very close contested race. Kent, who came first in the last heat, soon dropped to the rear, virtually leaving the race to the other three, who kept close together during the last few laps. East was the favourite, but at the last he was obliged to give way a little to his two opponents, who put it on in gallant style. All three came in at the last very close together to tremendous shouts of applause, and the greatest excitement and enthusiasm, as follows :—C Fitzgerald (Ashford), 1st; C W Nicholas (Pickwick Bicycle Club). 2nd; F East (Surrey), 3rd and G Kent [Tunbridge Wells] 4th.

27/04/1878
Hastings Observer
14
The Pedestrian Fete. The annual Grand Pedestrian Fete was held in Central Cricket and Recreation Ground on Monday last, when about 3000 spectators assembled in the ground to witness the running, while large numbers gathered on the outside, especially in Portland-place. The ground, owing the recent falls of rain, was very heavy, and not all favourable for the running, but notwithstanding this, the competitions were in some cases very close, and of most exciting nature. A great attraction in the proceedings was the two miles handicap amateur bicycle race, for which there were ten entries. This event was watched with great interest, and throughout the race loud cheering was heard from all sides the competitors passed. During the afternoon military band was in attendance, and performed several selections of music. The general arrangements were ably carried out by Mr S Watling, while Mr H Cheal officiated as starter, and Mr G F Finn as referee. The refreshment stalls were under the management of Mr H Love, of the Pilot Inn. The fallowing are the results of the various races: ...
Two Miles Handicap Amateur Bicycle Race.
First prize, a silver cup, value seven guineas; second a silver cup value three guineas; third, silver medal with gold centre; fourth, a silver medal. In two heats. The first two in each heat to compete in the final . The winners of the heats were - in the first, C Fitzgerald Ashford (220 yards start), and J Horn, Lombard BC (300 yards); in the second, E Runtz, Pickwick BC (200 yards), and H P C. Hare, Tunbridge Wells (230 yards). The racing in both heats was very exciting, and a good speed was maintained throughout, in spite of the unfavourable nature of the ground. The final heat resulted as follows: 1st E Runts; 2nd, J Hord; 3rd C Fitzgerald; 4th H P C Hore.
The prizes were presented to the successful competitors by Mr. H Devlin at the finish of each race.

10/08/1878
Hastings Times
16
Central Cricket Ground -. Notwithstanding the counteracting influence of other attractions on Monday last, the annual Pedestrian Fete at the Central Cricket Ground was well attended, there being about 2,500 people present during the afternoon. The weather was all that could be desired, the only fault being that it was a little to warm between three and four o'clock...

Two Miles Handicap Amateur Bicycle Race - 1st prize value £7 7s; and value £3 3s; 3rd vaue £1 0s; 4th value £1 - H Joy St Leonards (350 yards start), 1: J T East, Surry RC (scratch) 2: H Hart Eastbourne BC (200 yards) 3: T A Denne East Kent BC (400 yards): H Croucher, East Kent BC (320 yards) 0, T C Berrington Dulwich (250 yards) 0.

The races were hardly concluded and the rain here began to fall, and the ground was rapidly deserted. The promoters of the fete are to he congratulated upon the order and decorum apparent, and upon the success of their efforts to provide recreation and amusement for the people.

Event:  

10/08/1878
Hastings Observer
17
Pedestrian Fete. The annual grand Pedestrian Fete was held the Central Cricket and Recreation Ground, and was witnessed by between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators. The programme comprised three handicaps, also two miles handicap bicycle race, and in most of the heats of the several events there were some exciting contests. Mr S Watling, formerly of Hastings, but now of Brighton, was manager, and was ably assisted by Mr Shaw, who officiated as starter, Mr G F Finn, of Canterbury, handicapper, Mr H Cheal, referee, Mr. Develin, and a committee composed of local gentlemen...

Two Miles Bicycle Race.—First prize, silver cup value seven guineas; 2nd, silver cup value three guineas; 3rd, silver medal with gold centre 4th, silver medal. This was rode in two heats. In the first, J T East Surrey BC, who started at scratch, won after a splendid race; H Hart, Eastbourne, 200 yards start, being second; and H. Croucher, East Kent Invicta B.C., 320 yards, third. In the second heat, H Joy, St. Leonards, 250 yards, was first T A Denne, East Kent Invicta BC, 400 yards, second; and T C Berrington, 250 yards, third. The first two in each heat rode in the final, Joy being the winner, with East second, Hart third, and Denne fourth. Denne, a young lad, was loudly cheered during, the race for the plucky way in which he rode, and Mr. Develin on handing him the fourth prize complimented him on his riding.

Event:  

19/04/1879
Hastings Observer
23
THE PEDESTRIAN FETE IN THE CRICKET GROUND. A pedestrian fete was held in the Central Cricket and Recreation Ground in the afternoon of Monday [14 April 1879], but owing, no doubt, to the dampness of the ground and the threatening aspect of the weather, the spectators were not nearly numerous as on previous similar occasions. The several events on the programme were carried out under the management of Mr S Watling, of Brighton, Mr. G F Finn officiating as handicapper and referee, and Mr H Cheal as starter. The band of the Hastings Rifle Corps was engaged, and played selections during the afternoon. Mr H Love, of the Pilot Inn, supplied the refreshments. The results of the racing were follows : ...

Two Miles Handicap Amateur Bicycle Race. —This race was restricted to members of the Hastings Bicycle Club only. There were eight entries, and it was run in two heats. In the first Lovett [A Lovett jun], 20 yards start, won and Gilbert, scratch, was second. In the second, Philcox, 10 yards start, was first; and Styles, scratch, second. The final heat was won by Lovett, Philcox being second, and Gilbert, third. Lovett, a young lad, rode remarkably well, and succeeded in overlapping his opponents, and passing them in splendid style, amidst loud applause from the spectators. ...

Event:  

9/08/1879
Hastings Times
59
Pedestrian Fete Cycle Results
… Two Mile Handicap Bicycle Race. 1st prize, a silver cup, value £7 7s; 2nd a gold medal, value £3 3s; 3rd, a silver medal value at £1 15s. The race was in two heats, the two first in each heat to go in the final. Is the first heat, J R Hamilton, Druids' Bicycle Club, who started at scratch, gradually passed his four opponents, and came in first. A J Lovett, Hastings Bicycle Club, 150 yards start, being a good second. Great excitement prevailed when Lovett, who is a little fellow, hard pressed the winner during the latter part of the race. In the second heat E Gilbert, Hastings Bicycle Club,100 yards start, was first, winning easily, and H Stiles, Hastings Bicycle Club, 160 yards start second. G Hilton, of Hastings, gave up towards the end of the race. The final was a most interesting struggle between the four. Gilbert soon passed Stiles and Lovett, but was eventually overtaken by Hamilton, who won by about half-a-dozen yards, amidst much cheering. Gilbert being second. A struggle for the third took place between Stiles and Lovett, who were riding abreast until nearing the goal, when the latter put on a spurt and won by three or four yards.

Event:  

9/08/1879
Hastings Observer
60
The Pedestrian Fete
The Annual Grand Pedestrian Fete took place in the Central Cricket and Recreation Ground on Bank Holiday. There was large attendance, as many as 5,000 people being present. The events consisted of four handicap races and a two-mile Amateur Bicycle Race. The entries to the races were exceedingly large, and the good number that came to scratch reflected great credit on the the Handicapper, Mr. H Cheal, who was also referee. Mr. S White acted as starter. The refreshments were supplied by Mr. Maplesden, of the Anchor Inn…
Two Mile Handicap Bicycle Race.—1st prize, a Silver Cup, value £7 7s. ; 2nd, a Gold Medal, value £3 3s.; 3rd, a Silver Medal, value £1 15s. The race was in two heats, the first two in each heat to go in the final. In the first heat, J. R. Hamilton, Druids' Bicycle Club, who started at scratch, gradually passed his four opponents, and came in first, A J Lovett, Hastings Bicycle Club, 150 yds. start, being a good second. Great excitement prevailed when Lovett, who is a little fellow, hard pressed the winner during the latter part the race. In the second heat, E C Gilbert, Hastings Bicycle Club, 100 yds. start, was first, winning easily, and H Stiles, Hastings Bicycle Club, 160 yds. start, second. G Hilton, of Hastings, gave towards the close the race. The final was most interesting struggle between the four. Gilbert soon passed Stiles and Lovett, but was eventually overtaken by Hamilton, who won by about half-a-dozen yards, amidst much cheering, Gilbert being second. A fine struggle for the third prize took place between Stiles and Lovett, who were riding abreast until nearing the goal, when the latter put on won by three four yards.
The races concluded, the rowdy element introduced itself, and free tights were the order of the day, one individual, who assaulted a police-constable, being conveyed to the lock-up.

22/05/1880
Hastings Observer
93
The Cricket Ground Pedestrian Fete.
The Grand Pedestrian Fete, organised by the Amalgamated Friendly Societies of Hastings, in the Cricket Ground on Monday and Tuesday, attracted large numbers of spectators, on the former day especially, when the sports were witnessed by some 4,000 people…

Two Mile Amateur Bicycle Race - First prize, a silver cup, value £7 7s.; 2nd, a gold medal, value £3 3s.; 3rd, a silver medal, value £1 10s. For this race there were nine entries, divided into two heats. In the first heat the five competitors entered started, four of the riders being members of the Hastings Bicycle Club.

1 T Woolven, who had 260 yards start, was never overtaken, and won;
2 A J Lovett, with 200 yards start being 2nd;
3 G S Row, Hornsey BC the scratch man, 3rd; and
4 W Chesterfield 4th.
5 T Ellerback, 300 yards start, gave up on being passed by Woolven.

In the second heat three of those entered started, the absentee being H H Arnold, of Hastings, who had 150 yards start

1 E C Gilbert, Hastings, 100 yards start, passed the winning post first;
2 M Pritchard, Druids BC, 25 yards, being 2nd; and
3 F Beck, Hastings, 300 yards, 3rd.

It may be added that the latter competitor was very much out of form through recent indisposition. The final, which was run later on in the evening, was the most attractive feature of the programme, the two first each heat contesting, and the race was watched with a deal of interest.

It was Woolven's first appearance at a racing meeting and, therefore, his qualities were not known; but his riding in the first heat was remarkably good, and it was predicted that he stood a good chance for the first or, at least second place in the final. Gilbert's riding was pretty well known as well that of Lovett, and it was naturally anticipated that the scratch man knew his way round. Woolven had a start of 260 yards, and he was followed by Lovett, Gilbert having 100 yards start of the scratch man. Lovett lost ground, and Gilbert passed in somewhat early part of the race. The scratch man, whose ""form"" was much admired, gradually drew towards his opponents, and having passed Lovett, reached Gilbert, and, with a fine spurt, slipped into the second place. Woolven had, throughout the race, carefully preserved his lead, riding in first rate form for a novice. Although the scratch man began to warm up, it was thought impossible that he could seize the lead, and at the close of the race

1 Woolven still unpassed,
2 Pritchard was second, and
3 Gilbert third.
4 [Lovett]

Event:  

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