I mentioned fund-raising garden parties/fetes briefly in a couple of Chronicles:
HoWC: October 2021]
HoWC: November 2022]
Bramblebury was also a staging point and the finish in a major hare-and-hounds cross-country championship, with hundreds or perhaps thousands of spectators — see BNA: Sporting Life — Monday 13 March 1893 . I discussed this (with maps) in Turf Wars [part I? part II?].
Here are some contemporary articles (they'll need a lot of proof-reading):
Bramblebury Garden Party.
The Liberals and Radicals of Wandsworth had very pleasant time on Saturday afternoon, although their enjoyment was somewhat interfered with by the weather. Mr. W. H. Dickinson, L.C.C., invited his friends of the Wandsworth Liberal Club to spend the afternoon at Bramblebury, his residence on the edge of Wandsworth Common.
Here there was ample room and verge enough for a garden party on a large scale. Some seven or eight hundred persons assembled, and enjoyed the many means provided for their amusement. The children were delighted with the Punch and Judy shows, swings, see-saws, and music, whilst lawn tennis, cricket, athletic sports, and the district band, under the conductorship of Mr. B.J. Haynes, afforded much enjoyment to their elders. A deal of fun was extracted from the various contests, many of which produced good fields and exciting finishes.
W. Wright, R. Boyd. H. Brown, H. Peacock, agd E. Stanbnry were amongst the winners. There were ladies' races well, and in these Miss Alice Cox, Miss Ada Halbert, Miss Elizabeth Cox, Miss Ellen Elliott, and Miss Isabel Robinson Won distinction. In the boys' races, W. Harris, F. Bentoft, and A. Hart took prizes.
There were poetical speeches, but in a conversational way Hr. Hicks, and a few such active Radicals, talked over Wandsworth political affairs. It was said that the Wandsworth Liberal Club has paid off its debts, and that affairs are so financially healthy that a paid registration agent has been engaged.
Unfortunately soon after son had distributed the prizes heavy rain forced the visitors to the friendly shelter of Mr. Chubb's refreshment tent, and outdoor sports had to be abandoned. The good people of Wandsworth — and of Battersea too — are, however, looking forward to another visit to Bramblebury' for this charming place will the scene of the great" Polytechnic Bazaar."
[BNA: Link]
[COULDN'T LOCATE ON PAGE AT THIS URL]
... great Battersea Polytechnic Bazaar" are steadily progressing. All concerned seem pleased that it is to be held at Bramblebury, Wandsworth Common, place which is so well adapted for an outdoor file. Children are now invited gigantic posters to send in dressed ...
[BNA: Link]
The Battersea Polytechnic. — The Polytechnic Bazaar Committee held meeting Tuesday night.
A large number members the committee attended, and some excellent work was done. The Duke of Fife has kindly consented to be patron of the bazaar. Mr. David Roberts, draper, has kindly sent parcel drapery for the Ladies' Working Committee.
Miss Elizabeth Bessie, the popular actress and authoress, has come forward to help the bazaar in the most generous manner. She has undertaken to give pastoral play on Thursday, 10th, and Friday, 11th October, and .on the Saturday her talented friends and herself will appear popular farce comedy.
The pastoral play will Twelfth Night, " which will presented with the following powerful cast Duke Orsino, Mr. Arnold G. Forbes; Sir Toby Belch, Mr. Austin Rutter; Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Mr. Leonard Howard; Malvolio, Mr. Sidney Herberte-Basing; Sebastian, Mr. M. P. Leeson Antonio, Mr. Henry Arncliffe; Clown, Mr. Fred. Bousfield; Viola, Miss Elizabeth Bessie; Countess Olivia, Miss Ellen Rutland Maria, Miss Mary Bessie.
Bramblebury, Wandsworth Common, where the bazaar will be held, is a most picturesque place, and Olivia's "Garden in Illyria" will easily realized. This pastoral play ought to ensure the success of the bazaar.
Mr. George has kindly undertaken the refreshment department, so that those who visit the bazaar will have fault to find that score. Mr. Chubb, Messrs, and Austin, Mr. G. C. King, Battersea Park-road, and other tradesmen, are giving generous co-operation and support. The committee makea special appeal for material, which the Ladies' Working Committee can make into saleable articles. Parcels may be sent to Mr. R. Watson, 61, Belleville-road, Wandsworth Common, S.W.
Young ladies in Battersea, Wandsworth, and Clapham should at once take interest in the doll competition in connection with the bazaar. Prizes are offered. Dolls may sent any Wednesday afternoon the Ladies' Committee, St. Mark Vestry Hall, Battersea Rise.
Mr. Genochlo on Tuesday night announced that the Battersea and Wandsworth Co-operative Society had voted five guineas to the Polytechnic fund. Other handsome donations are promised. It is hoped that the bazaar will not only be a financial success, but will cause a widespread interest in the Polytechnic movement. Messrs. [??]
[BNA: Link]
The Battersea Polytechnic Bazaar. — The committee of the Battersea Polytechnic Bazaar met on Tuesday night, and made good progress with the arrangements.
The Earl of Meath sent a donation, The Countess of Grosvenor wrote expressing regret that 'her health woald not permit her to take part in "the pleasant and interesting work" a bazaar. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., sent donation, and wished the bazaar every success. Mr. Gilliat, M.P., Mr. Kimber, M.P., Mr. Mark Beanfoy, M.P., Mr. Cyril Flower, M.P., Mr. Cosmo Bonsor, M.P., Mr. Reginald M'Kenna, Mr. J. T. Helby, and others are generous help to the bazaar fund.
Mr. David Roberts has sent parcel of drapery for the ladies' working committee. Other drapers should follow this example; there are many skilful fingers waiting for material.
The Graphic has sent some books. Miss Winifred Parker has consented to sing. Federico Porde, from the Spanish Exhibition, will attend with his troupe of Spanish guitar-players.
Mr. George Harris has joined the committee. He will be most useful in the gymnastic section. The committee earnestly appeal for personal help; they want stewards, and help the various amusements." They want, more particularly, goods suitable for sale "universal bazaar.
Address, K. J. Watson, 51, s.w. Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth...
Wandsworth Common Band. — The Battersea and Wandsworth District Military Band, under the direction of Mr, Haynes, will play the following selection this afternoon near Bramblebury, Wandsworth Common; March, " The League of the Cross (Asch); valse, Lusitania (Florence Fare); selection, " Maritana" (Dubois); oornetsolo. Sergeant Brimley; horn solo, Mr. Elliot; enphonium solo, Mr. Holman; euphonium (Air Varie), "Sehnsucht" (Hartmann), Mr. Holman; Roman dance (Boggettt); polka, " Sunshine (Shaw); valse, Maid of the Mill" (Liddell); and march, "Distant Greeting" (Doring).
[BNA: Link]
The Battersea Polytechnic Bazaar
A CHAT WITH MR. J.A. PRINCE.
The genial president of the Bolingbroke Tradesmen's and Ratepayer's Club was just recovering from the hard and exciting work of presiding warm club debate on the vital question of road-making, when he fell into the hands a representative of the South London Press, who wanted to know all about the forthcoming bazaar aid the Polytechnic Fund, which is to be held under the auspices of the Bolingbroke Club.
Mr. Prince, who looked as if the debate he had just closed had been eondneted at temperature of 90 degrees [= 32 degrees C], and no shade, merely stopped to mellow his voice in the manner so approved the reader to the Golden Dustman, " and then plunged into the subject with enthusiasm. The bazaar is to be big thing, " he said the biggest thing of its kind ever seen in Battersea. And I'll tell yon what it will do: it will not only add good round sum to the Polytechnic Fund; it will cause widespread interest in the movement for establishing People's Palace in this district — a district where such recreative institution is much needed."
"You anticipate sucess, then?" said the Press man
If we can only arrancre fine weather for the three days of the bazaar, " said Mr. Prince, success will be certain. Look here!" — and he displayed a paper as long a panorama of the Lord Mayor's Show..
Did you ever see such a programme?" i
The Press man having other work to do before he dies declined to devote the remainder of his life to perusing the programme, and preferred to receive information through " ear-gate from vivacious Mr. Prince, ,
"To-night, " said the president, "our club-room was crowded — nothing wonderful about that, and I shall be very glad when we get into our new room, for our club grows, sir, amazingly — and although the cost of road-making is an attractive subject to reforming ratepayers, I'm sure the Bazaar Committee'sreport was the chief item of interest."
" And was the report favourable?"
"I should rather think it was, " said Mr. Prince. — "Look at this programme;" and again the strip of paper as long as a lawyer's bill or the report of Royal Commission was flourished with pride. " The club unanimously thanked the executive committee for the work they are doing, thanked also donors and patrons for liberal support; and, what is more, the club are pledged to make the affair a success, and in the bright vocabulary of the Bolingbroke Club there's such word as fail." And Mr. Prince, as remembered the splendid record of his club, " swelled' wisibly with natural and pardonable pride.
" What have the committee done deserve this warm approval of the club?" asked the Press man.
"I'll tell you, " said Mr. Prince. "Whilst other people have been holiday-making, they've worked like niggers. They've secured the patronage of the Duke; of Fife, the Earl of Meath, and Countess Grosvenor, ' and M.P.'s and others too numerous to mention. They've obtained gifts of goods from Price's Candle Company and other local firms, and I believe they've asked every firm in London, and every firm, when they know the object of the bazaar, must respond. 1 As for work, everybody is willing lend hand. score of ladies meet every Wednesday at St. Mark's vestry, and I'm told the rattle of the sewing machines is equal to the noise in a cotton mill. As for amusements — you know how much South London is in musical and dramatic talent."
The Press man nodded assent; with the recollections of some thousands concerts, and the anticipations of the musical season, he knew well.
Look at this programme, " said Mr. Prince — and again the bill, huge as the great sail of frigate, was flourished and jon'U find such an array talent as will astonish jon." A section of the programme was examined, and the Press man had to admit his astonishment.
Unless the acres of Bramblebury, Wandsworth Common, is divided off into dozen concert-rooms — if that term will do — and programmes performed simnltaneously, or unless the bazaar is continued for month, half the available talent cannot possibly do a turn." There are to be pastoral performances of Twelfth Night Miss Bessie's Company; Richardson's Show, with thrilling local melodramas and a screaming burlesque glee parties, concerts by gentlemen from the 1 Chapel Royal, troupes of Spanish serenaders, and 1 songs by clever artistes whose name is legion.
I congratulate yon, Mr. Prince, " said the Press . man.' Tour club has taken large order to carry this out with success. What can Ido to help you r —
Just let the thousands of readers of the South London Press know what we are doing, " said Mr. Prince. "Tell them the bazaar is in aid of an object which will benefit hundreds of thousands of the poor dwellers on the Surrey side. Tell them we want to help establish People's Palace in Battersea, and that ought to be enough ."
"Enough for what?" asked the Press man.
"Enough to make the letter-box of Mr. Watson, 51, Belleville-road, Wandsworth Common — our secretary — crammed full of letters every post with donations for the Bazaar Fund; enough to fill his house from garret, if he has one, to basement, if he has one, with goods to be sold the bazaar — and our stallholders can sell anything; enough make ladies flock to St. Mark's, Battersea Rise, on Wednesday afternoons to help the Work Committee; enough to make young and old, rich and poor, seek out the Bazaar Committee and try and help good cause, and finally, enough, when the bazaar is open, to make the people flock in their thousands to Bramblebury and enjoy themselves thoroughly, and help grand movement."
Mr. Prince paused to take breath. The Press man took his departure. He has done as Mr. Prince desired. The report of Mr. Prince's conversation is not hundredth part of the length of the bazaar programme; it is not nearly so eloquent the president of the Bolingbroke Club, but may it prove "enough."
Mr. Watson is the secretary of the Polytechnic Bazaar Committee, and he lives atsl, Belleville-road, Wandsworth Common. This fact is worth repeating. Goods for the bazaar can also be sent to Mr. J.A. Prince, president of the Bolingbroke Club, St. John's-road, Clapham Junction. No one need be afraid to send too many articles, or articles of too large size. Mr. Prince has a large warehouse, and until the bazaar " comes off — in a week or two — he is willing to store anything, from child's pair of socks to a grand piano. It might be worth while, however, to hint — in case he should be cramped for room — that cheques and postal notes are not bulky.
[BNA: Link]
A remarkable fete being organised by the of Batteress, and the bazaar will be held on Oct. 10, 11, and 13, at Bramblebury, Wandsworth Common. Twelve months ago there eppeared to be little chance of Battersea getting ite Polytechnic Institute. However, after twelve months' work, carried on by Mr Evan Spicer's Central Committee, and the local committee at Battersea, there is now guaranteed for this purpose £2500 a year by the Charity Commissioners £20, 000 by an anonymous donor, two donations of £10, 000 and more than £5000 which has been collected by the Battersea Committees in their own neighbourhood.
Thus there is only £14, 000 to be collected in order to complete the scheme. To secure this £14, 000 various agencies are at work.
The Bolingbroke Tradesmen's Club — an important body of residents in Battersea — bave determined to hold a grand bazaar aad fancy
fair, and have induced Mr Dickinson to lend his charming grounds on Wandsworth Common for the occasion.
The patrons include the Duke of Fife, Lord Wolseley, the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs, Mr O. V. Morgan. M.P., &c.
The list of amusements includes a pastoral play, "Twelfth Night" is to be performed on the lawn by Miss E. Bewle [?] and a distinguished company of players, on Oot. 10 and 11 in the afternoon. Mr W. S. Penley will perform Penelope, supported by eminent artists, on the afternoon of the 11th.
There are two original dramas belong written for the Richardson show, one of which has for its subtitle "Robin Hood up to Date." There are performances by Spanish serenaders, popular concerts, musical drill, performances by school children, athletic sports, shooting galleries, boxing booths, and the "Lights o' London" Caravan has been secured for a local Doctor Marigold.
The opening ceremony, in the absence of the Lord Mayor, will be performed on his behalf by the incoming sheriffs.
1889-10-05-TheQueen-05oct1889.png
[BNA: Link]
Extract:
The youth of Battersea want a Polytechnic, and won't be happy till they get it, and in brilliant coloured fires it was declared that the Polytechnic Bazaar was great success.
As there was dancing by electric light, and the night was beautiful with the brilliant moon shining, the thousands who had visited Bramblebury seemed very reluctant to leave the scene of day's past work and a good deal of innocent enjoyment.
When Mr. Gray, the treasurer, went round to collect the money from the different stalls and entertainments, he found he had a financial task of considerable magnitude, the day's takings being upwards of £300.
etc etc
[BNA: Link]
[According to the Bank of England Inflation Calculator, £300 in 1889 would be worth roughly £30,000 in 2023.]
Rough transcript of the whole article using OCR:
The Polytechnic Bazaar at Wandsworth Common.
It is perfectly safe to predict that many thousands of people will today visit "Bramblebury,"Wandsworth Common. The great Polytechnic Bazaar aad Fancy Fair, which was opened cn Thursday, will last at least another day, and it is not a thing to be missed. It is certainly the biggest bazaar aed fete which bas beca beld in South London, and by Toere day night its vececes was cortala.
It remains for the people of South London to make it more thaa a success — a triumph — such as the energy and seal dis jm the whole affair deserve to secure.
On Thursday afternoon, loag before 3 o'clock, hundreds of the inhabitants of Battersea, Wandsworth and Claphaes were wending their way towards "Bramblebury," Wandsworth Common.
Punctually at 3 o'clock Mr. Sheriff Harris arrived in State, and he was received by Mr. Councillor Dickinson, Mr. J. A. Prince (chairman of the committee), Mr. Turnr, Mr. Genochio, Mr.Saunders, and other wey 10 of ee eran ks The sheriff, attended a0 representative of the Lord , who was unable to be preecat, was accompanied by Mr. T. Beard, ander-cberiff, and several gentlemen whe attraded af whal tarned cet to be a mast interesting opening ceremonial. Mr. Dickiaece eocepied the chair, and his first duty was to cll ugon Mr. Genocchio to gite @ geeerel stairmest erptenetory eof the great ender.
taking of this besaar fermed a part.
la course of his statement, Mr. Genochio deocribed the efforts which wore being mete to evtablioh Polytechnic Institetes la Leadon.
Arrangements have practically been completed for eviebiahing lastteten at New Cree and the Borve b- read, aad Royal Vie. la already in working order.
The Charity Commissioners offered to give £50, 000 as an endowment for the third inctitete at Batterses en econditice that £00, 000 shesld be relent 7 independent effort. Towards this cam £46, 000 bed, accordisg te the stalement, already bere eabscribed, end £14, 000 caly now remained to be proneed ia ardor te place of the dispeeal of this rast, district af a quarter of a of inhaditants a pedle ederaticeal inst: stiop, sad to eccore for "He malnicoson an codowncat of 23, 00 — rer.
Bolingroke Tradesmen Ratepayers' Clo a ced had eonsiderubdie infncace in Dattereen effaire — had resctved to help thie great moremrnt, and the revelt of the exertions of commitics of dadies and gcraticmes was tis — bazaar aad fete, which weeld not caly be the meant of realising a large cam of meacy, but would create a widespread interest ia the moreeacet for evtablishing a People s Palace for ihe districts of Battersea, Wandsworth,
At the conclusion of Mr. Genochio"s statement, Mer. Sherif Harris, te declaring the basaar copes, reed letters from the Lord Mayor sad Mr. Aldermas Kill, expressing regret st wa unavoidable absence.
Speaking for Mr. Harrie said he was delighted present at cech a magnificent demonstration of the desire of the district to secure a Polytechnic Institate. He had himself lived ia Clapham for many years, and that fact added not a little te his pleasere at beleg prescat. He coeld sre bow the people of Battervea were eadearcering to help theas- raves and it ao Bis ntntion to hy ihe eabjec: of Polrtechai ore C 8 ey wo droht lend the scheme thelr cords support '
Mr. Evan Spicer, in moving a rete of to Sheriff Harris for bie attendance, ssid the amccat Mr. Genechio described as stil wanting had been Jessaned by £1, 000, which he (Mr. Spicer) bed recerred trem 8 Een Seed wand. plaeec.) The people of Battersea had fiesnh cflferts for themselves, and the committees who had arranged this great bazaar well deserved the sucesss would undoubtedly be achieved.
The vote of thanks to the sheriff was seconded habe wig varsity noelond tie antaring energy of the ladies and qvatiomen who for many weal) Pees vue worked arrange what was 0 really giguatic entertainment. 7
The vote of thanks having been carried by acclama- taken in a movement which would exdoubtedly confer ee ST tine varios stall, which were arranged, is a spacione marques, as fellows:
"Welcome" Stall — Y. Merges aod Mre. Gale, sgt
"Ban Marche" Stall pel thee, Baste' Doyiay ant Mrs.
"Dorothy" Stall — Mrs E. Judd-Green, Mre. B. Devis, more Si area as Re SalMre Mousiocs end Mise E4ith
"Minerva" Stall — Mrs. Mountford and Miss Edith Mountford.
"Eiffel" Stall — KE. Duval, Mrs. Squire, Mics te RT Bud Tenses, Wire.
"Alhambra" Stall — Oe poser tre Coste, Mies Bieszor Oney, Mies Flerace Orey. and Mies Erle Cont' Piewer Gtrie — -- Ne ag et Oe "= Weznos"
Stall Mire, Mss Eviagten, Mra, and Wee Mrs, 0. J. Brews, 004 Mrs, Malla.
iat Whisuenone 3 Md Mae aad Malla. Paclise Thomens.
"Mascotte" Stall — Mre. joo, Mine Asale Mevaen; Nim Mesgurten tnd Mins Maton " Moado~ Mr, Welsh and Miso Nowton (as Jepe.), Mee. and Miss Mecther, and Mise Kate Will- Pie eta Peeters oe wie Bie Grai — the Betiagteste Tredasmen sad Ratepayers' premeed peeetdcot, — oA. 'rate, peered rs Mire 'cad Mies A. Prices, ive. Bebiro Sire Wallies, Mine Kand N, Harton and iis C.pnd ee ees sn Sessa easleted Mp. Bloor, Mre. Mr. Bird, Mre.
oMr. ke vies, Mrs, Dossiers, Mew. Yey, ur Man, Herre ye ee cs Mins Dodecea at the Well — Miss Hetite Donshised a-- "' — OToan's ast — Mion Boviey oad Mise E. Clarke Bran Ted — Mins Jenato . .
Cinderella — Miss Ada Laaghey.
Fish Peoe — ifies Suma Paresis' OGco — Masters J. EB. Beyaes, Fred. Curieto- phar, and . PRitiipe.
Beastie Well — " Riding Keod." Mice Edith Moet- tard = Guewe Bat. ies Metis Herat w Machino — Master G. YF. Oray.
eee ere. Lhe Gireenon of Woher Mire. Osea beran Bre' und Mise Carter Mes. Strung: Sieh Miss: broad. Misses L, and L, Bedson, Miss Mei ond Mise Ly Wee. Retreschmest toate lent end feretebed b7 s W. Ceedd and Mr. lense The sheriff was enterteined by Mr. Dickiasso, and then departed amid loed cheers.
Various entertainments im connection with the Desear aitracted large aediences. All the marquers hare bece erected by Mr. Edgington, and they are of eech a specious sise that concerts on a large scale can be gives. On Thureday afterncon ead evening a cllowing artistes Miss V. G. Attlee, Mre. .
Mdme. Teasesa, Miss 8. King, Mise Clara Harres, Mise t Armetroag, Mr. Derren Trevor, Mis New- toe, Mise Floreece Avery, Mr. P. Dyer. Miss M.
Haneom, and Mr. H. A. Dupree. The Lyra Male Voice Quartet, under the direction of Mr. Maskell Harty, also took o prominent part in the masical ropenee. Aa spleadia performance of Swedieh wes given by the of the Keetons- reed Beard School, Bermondsey, Mr. H. Matthews, physical instructor (the Loedoe Scheel directing the moremente in a re merkably ekilfcl manner, The boys from the Lee, we a display wesiea! a ween froes the Polytechaic easions street, Richardsce's Show, aire te direction of Mr. R. Jedd Green, did a good business, and Mr. Walter Mills, the ventriloquist, had large audiences.
The principal event, however, of Thursday's arrangements was a splendid performance of "Twelth Night", given as a pastoral play by the following excellent cast: Duke Orsino, Mr. Heary Aractiffe; Sie Toby Beich, Mr. Austin Ratter; Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Mr. Leceard Howard; Malvolic {Okris's heward), brother), Mr. Uvan Bertia; 'Aeicaio (e ose captaa) Mr, Freak H. Weetertoos Gown (Ohvia'sf >), Me.
Richard Doegiase; eficer, Mr. rko; Viele (dis- grised oo Be dares ), Mies Elisabeth Bensle; (Otirie' i, "ie Macrpart Beoale hadi e A Lied ... Misses Evelyn and Clinton.
Mr. Castle's band enlivened the proceedings with excellent programme of masic, aod at night 'the sroweda were deastifally ieminated by Mr Pala gave a magnificen'tfireworks. Special Gem dame tee a a rs in brilliaas eoloared Gite vc declared that the Polytechnic Bazaar was a great success.
As there was dancing by electric light, aad the night was beautiful with the brilliant moon shining, the thousands who had visited "Bramblebury" seemed very reluctant to leave the scene of a day's past work and a good deal of innocent enjoyment.
Mr. Gray, the treasurer, went round to collect the money from the different stalls and entertainments, he found he had a financial task of considerable magnitude, the day's mings being upwards of £300.
South London Press — 12 October 1889
Send me an email if you want to comment on anything you've seen or read on the site, or would like to know more about something, or just want to be kept in touch.
Philip Boys (aka "HistoryBoys")