The Sporting Thirties in Thorpeness

What sporting activities were being enjoyed in Thorpeness in 1931 & 1932?

The International Gundog League held field trials for the Retriever Championship 1931 at Elm Tree Farm, Aldringham on 26th November and at Crown Farm, Sizewell on 27th November by kind permission of G Stuart Ogilvie and the Shooting Tenant C R Aldrich, Esq.  The judges were Major D G Astley, Captain A C Fraser and Lt.-Colonel E S Godman all of whom, no doubt, presided with military precision.  Accommodation was available at The Dolphin Inn and the Wentworth and White Hart Hotels, Aldeburgh.  The handlers stayed at The Parrot Inn, Aldringham and the White Horse Hotel, Leiston.  The advertisement for the trials specified  'All persons attending the Trials must consider themselves absolutely under the control of the Officials, and must follow the Spectators' Flag.  A stand up luncheon will be available in a covered barn.'

A long list of results for the two days was published in the East Anglian Daily Times of 27th and 28th November:- 
'The cream of the gundog world was present and scenting conditions were good.  Unfortunately two of the Labradors entered by Lorna, Countess Howe were absent owing to the illness of their owner who would normally have handled them herself.  Lady Howe was represented, however, by the well-known Labrador bitch Banchory Becky which came second overall.  The winner was Mr G T Johnson Houghton's Croughton Sceptre which was presented with the Glen Kidston Challenge Cup.....The winner ran consistently well, doing the work required of her smartly and without fuss or potter, and showing nose, style, and the happy mean of dash and perseverance.'

On 13th August 1932, The 'House in the Clouds' Riding Establishment, in conjunction with The Melton Riding Establishment, held a mounted gymkhana at Throrpeness in aid of the RSPCA.  The races included a bending  race, parcel post, musical chairs and a pillion race for pairs of a lady and gentleman.  The gymkhana was held on the 'House in the Clouds' Riding Establishment's exercise ground at Thorpeness. 

​The EADT carried a detailed report:-
'As one sat and watched the various events that made up the display, one could not be otherwise than struck by the renewal of popularity of riding, especially among the younger generation, and it is hoped that it will prove permanent......The arrangements for the day were carried out by Lt.-Colonel Arthur Leech, DSO, and Miss Rosemarie Mason, of the 'House in the Clouds' Establishment, this enthusiastic young lady being also in charge of the horses , whilst Colonel Leech was also an efficient master of ceremonies.... This was the first time that an event of such magnitude had been attempted here.  Though there were several spills during the afternoon, there was nothing in the way of a mishap, so that the members of the St John Ambulance who were present had no call upon their services.  At the end of the programme the prizes were presented by Mrs Sholto S Ogilvie.'
The Pillion Race had 20 entries & 2 heats, involving a lady bound to a stake at the far end of the course, whom the gentleman rescued and brought her back to the winning post.

Thorpeness Gymkhana: spectators at the rear of the Almshouses (EADT 18.8.1932)

In the collecting ring

Re-mounting in the Parcel Post Race

Besides the Annual Children's Regatta, on 18th August 1932 a 'Novel Treasure Hunt' was held on the Meare for crews of four which could include one person over the age of 16. Competitors started from the flag staff at the Country Club and raced to the landing stage where numbered boats awaited them.  In each was a clue which necessitated rowing to a spot on the Meare where other clues were to be found. and the instructions in them followed.  When the last clue was picked up, the crews made for the landing stage and raced back to the Country Club flag staff.

I am grateful to Hilary Chandler for lending me a meticulously kept album of news cuttings in the George C Cook Collection.

​Janey Blanchflower