Conisborough Show  And Sports – Rain Ruined Fixture.

July 1907

Mexborough and Swinton July 6, 1907

Conisborough Show  And Sports.
A  Rain Ruined Fixture.
The Committee’s Optimism.
An Unfortunate Accident.

Saturday opened with great promise, and to quote Mr W. W. Norwood, the committee of the Conisborough cricket club was shaking hands with itself all round in its glee in having escaped the general devastation of the rain.

But the rain knew better, and with impish ingenuity kept off until the event which was most calculated to draw the crowd was about to be commenced. Then it came down in copious supplies, and the result was, stopping competitors, saturated officials, a little strong language, and no crowd. It is unfortunate to say the least of it. This was the 10th agricultural show and sports, and hitherto the excellence of the entries and the keenness of the competition in all sections has been well appreciated; so that the event has rapidly risen into popularity the show and sports have come to be looked upon as one of their annual relaxations of Conisborough people, part and parcel of the festivities

It was doubly unfortunate and discouraging for the joint secretaries, Mr W. A. Lugar and Mr R. J. Clarkson, that the event should have been so spoilt during their first year of office. “But what cannot be cured must be endured,” said the committee in effect, to itself at the luncheon. The best was made of a bad job. Competitors and officials alike stuck it bravely in the field, and towards the evening when the weather cleared up a little , the crowd rolled in steadily.

The weather was the only thing the committee had not provided for, and they only admitted this very important item in the days programme, because they have no power either to make or mend it.

The horse show was marred by a most unfortunate accident. A cattle drover by the name of William White was tending one of the agricultural horses, when the huge animal became restive, knocked the man down, and trod on one of his ears, mutilating it shockingly. The man was probably half an inch from a horrible death. He was immediately taken to the Doncaster infirmary, and from latest accounts is doing exceptionally well.

As usual Mr Tom Carr figure prominently in the programme as a donor of prizes. He deserved well of the Conisbrough Cricket Club committee, for he had ever taken at sexual interest in this, one of the leading agricultural fixtures of the district.

The judges in the horse classes did their work well, and not a single complaint could justly be laid against them.

Then the sports, there was nothing sensational here. Naturally the persistent rain and the soaking grass was sufficient to down the elder of the stoutest runner of most enthusiastic sportsmen. And so the races for the most part were of the mildest order, indeed, in several instances, resolved themselves into more possessions. But mention should be made of the excellent work of young Lowe, the young Mexborough footballer, who ran exceptionally well. We regard him as the best runner of the afternoon, and his victory in the 220 as the best of the afternoon also. The team race between the Hallamshire’s and the Rotherham and the Swinton Harriers was also matter of considerable interest, and one could not but admire the splendid way in which Hallamshire kept together, doing their little best with head and feet, and easily winning from the revivals from Rotherham.

Perhaps the most interesting event of the afternoon was a horse jumping competition. There were only four entries, but some excellent vaulting was provided, nevertheless. The obstacles had been contrived ingeniously, and as the animal soared over the hedge jumps and a formidable swinging gate one began to realise a little of the pleasures of the hunting field. The crowd which, it was, must have been 500 strong, also saw some particularly natty in the turn-out classes, which, as usual, where well patronised.

And it finished up with a good laugh at the pony and donkey races, together with a waltz on the green so that after all, apart from the financial point of view, the 10th annual show and sports ended well. And, of course, all’s well that ends well.

Mention should be made of the explosion performance of the Conisborough brass band, which, with its musical  accompaniment, did its little best was lightening the hearts of the committees, the press, and the crowd generally.