The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3) / or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

by William Hone

June 28.

A Village Fete.

To the Editor of the Every-Day Book.

Wisbech, June 24, 1826.

Dear Sir,—The rural village of Wisbech St. Mary, two miles west of this town, has long been famous for its annual exhibition of rustic sports, under the patronage of John Ream, Esq., on whose lawn they are celebrated. The enclosed bill is an outline of the amusements for the present year. Knowing you have a pleasure in recording every thing that has a tendency to keep alive the manners and customs of our ancestors, I send it for insertion in the Every-Day Book.

And am,
Dear Sir,
Yours, with very great respect,
J. P.

[COPY.]

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“Trembling age, with happy smile,
Youth’s high-mettled Gambols view,
And by fancy warm’d awhile,
Scenes of former bliss renew;
Love repeats his tender tale,
Cheeks responsive learn to glow,
And while Song and Jest prevail,
Nut-brown tankards circling flow.
Wouldst thou wish such joys to share,
Haste then to the Village Fair.”

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Wisbech St. Mary’s
RACES,
And annual exhibition of Rustic Sports,
Will this Year be celebrated with the usual Splendour, on
Wednesday and Thursday, June 28th and 29th, 1826.

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This Annual Festival is now considered as a superior Establishment to a Country Fair or other Merry-making, by the Numerous Respectable and Fashionable Assemblage of Company, who regularly attend from all parts of the Neighbourhood. Undisturbed by those scenes of intoxication and disorder, so usually prevalent at Village Feasts, the greatest harmony prevails throughout, and the superior Accommodation afforded by the Landlord of the WHEEL INN to all classes of well-behaved and respectable Visiters, cannot fail to render WISBECH ST. MARY’S RACES popular and attractive; or, in language more poetical—

“To gild with Joy the Wings of Time.”

The Sports to consist of Horse, Pony, and Donkey Racing;—Wheelbarrow Racing;—Jumping in Sacks;—Jingling Matches, and Foot Racing; all for

FREE PRIZES.

And to add a greater stimulus to the aspiring PLOUGH BOY, and for the encouragement of Agriculture in general, the Stewards purpose having

A Ploughing Match,

When will be given a Sovereign for the best, and a Half-sovereign for the second best Furrow, to be determined by impartial Judges chosen on the ground. The first Plough to start on Thursday Morning at Ten o’Clock precisely.

By the Plough the Poor Weaver depends for his bread—
By the Plough we in turn behold the rich mow—
By the Plough all our tables with plenty are spread—
Then who but must wish Success to the Plough!

A full Band is engaged to play loyal and popular Tunes during the Amusements, which will commence each Evening precisely at Five o’clock.

There’ll be a sound of revelry by night,
And Saint Mary’s Village will assemble then
Her Maids and Ploughmen: and bright
The lights will shine o’er fair women and brave men;
A thousand hearts beat happily! and when
Music arises with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes look love to eyes, which speak again,
And all go merry as a marriage bell.

Tickets for the Ball to be had at the bar of the Wheel Inn.

(Leach, Printer, Wisbech.)

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