Category: Days During 1897

Fine but dull weather on Wednesday 22nd September 1897 heralded the Review and Sports of the Church Lads’ Brigade, when companies from Warminster, Salisbury, Alderbury and Calne assembled at the Sheep Fair Field, near Warminster Station, prior to marching to Christ Church. The muster of 200 smart lads (the Salisbury contingent carried toy muskets) attracted considerable attention as they marched, headed by the Warminster Volunteer Band (led by Sergeant-Instructor Daly) and the Bugle Band.

As the lads entered Christ Church the Choir sang Onward Christian Soldiers. Rev. W. Hickman took the service and the lesson was read by Rev. R.L.A. Westlake. The new Vicar of Warminster, the Rev. H.R. Whytehead, gave the address, which was followed by the hymn Fight The Good Fight.

After the National Anthem the battalion marched to the field adjoining Christ Church Vicarage, where a review and an inspection took place. The officers on parade were Captains J.C. Coleman, W.J. Tanswell, Freestone, Smith, A.J. Douglas, Warren and Beazley; Lieutenants J. Bartlett, G. Ewen, E.L. Spencer, W.G. Burroughs, Kellow, Pearce, and Adams.

Under the command of Captain Wakeman the lads were put through several movements prior to inspection by Lord Bath. After the march past Lord Bath addressed them. He congratulated them on their turn-out and the excellent way they had marched past. He reminded them that to keep the mind healthy they must keep the body healthy. He hoped they would bear in mind, for the future, the lessons and principles they were now being taught.

After the lads were dismissed, the sports were held. In the physical drill competition (with guns), St. Thomas’s, Salisbury, won the first prize of six shillings. Warminster, led by Lieutenant Spencer, won the second prize of three shillings. There were two competitors in the bugle competition. This was won by bugler Arthur of Warminster. Bandsman S. Day was the other entrant. The six-a-side football tournament was won by St. Thomas’s, Salisbury, who beat the Christ Church A team, by 9 goals to 1. Because time was running out, only three out of the six arranged races were held. In the 100 yards flat race (for under 15s), 1st prize (3 shillings) was awarded to W. Vallis of Warminster, and the second prize (2 shillings) was won by W. Cassey of Salisbury. In the 200 yards flat race (again for under 15s) W. Vallis was the victor once more, and W. Hampton was the runner-up. In the 300 yards flat race, C. Tebbs was the winner and W. Vallis was the runner-up. In the final of the tug-of-war tournament, St. Martin’s, Salisbury overpowered the Warminster A team. Tea was then served at Sambourne School. At 6.45 p.m. the lads paraded for a tattoo, followed by a torchlight procession down Weymouth Street and through the town to the Station; the streets being lined with spectators.