Post by Jon on Feb 21, 2010 20:38:00 GMT
There is an interesting thread based on a hugely rare programme Leigh has unearthed here:
torquayfansforum.com/index.cgi?board=tufchistory&action=display&thread=4202
I can add a little to the history of Sports Days in Torquay in Victorian times.
These were held at least as far back as 1857 at Chapel Hill Cross - ie the current home of Barton CC and Upton Athletic FC and the ex home of Torquay CC and Torquay United FC - organised by Torquay Cricket Club. They tended to mark the end of the cricket season - which was far later than nowadays.
Torquay Athletic and Football Club later organised Sports Days at Daddy Hole Plain. I have a report of one from 1878, but they may date back to 1875.
Torquay Athletic RFC always used to claim it was founded in 1875, based on somebody "remembering" these events. Ray Batten's club history clearly stated that TARFC was not formed until 1886 - and that the earlier "Torquay Athletic and Football Club" was an entirely different organisation.
The Torquay Athletic and Football Club Sports Day moved in 1879 to "a large field near Torre Abbey" - possibly the land which was to become the Rec? The 1881 event was held at Plainmoor - report posted on the above thread.
By 1898, a Sports Day was being held by Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club - and this was, not surprisingly, at their then home Plainmoor.
torquayfansforum.com/index.cgi?board=tufchistory&action=display&thread=4202
I can add a little to the history of Sports Days in Torquay in Victorian times.
These were held at least as far back as 1857 at Chapel Hill Cross - ie the current home of Barton CC and Upton Athletic FC and the ex home of Torquay CC and Torquay United FC - organised by Torquay Cricket Club. They tended to mark the end of the cricket season - which was far later than nowadays.
Torquay Athletic and Football Club later organised Sports Days at Daddy Hole Plain. I have a report of one from 1878, but they may date back to 1875.
Torquay Athletic RFC always used to claim it was founded in 1875, based on somebody "remembering" these events. Ray Batten's club history clearly stated that TARFC was not formed until 1886 - and that the earlier "Torquay Athletic and Football Club" was an entirely different organisation.
The Torquay Athletic and Football Club Sports Day moved in 1879 to "a large field near Torre Abbey" - possibly the land which was to become the Rec? The 1881 event was held at Plainmoor - report posted on the above thread.
By 1898, a Sports Day was being held by Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club - and this was, not surprisingly, at their then home Plainmoor.
