July 19th.—The Regatta was advertised under the patronage of “The Earl of Stradbroke, Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart., the M.P’s. for Great Yarmouth, and other noblemen and gentlemen. Stewards: Capt. A. W. Jerningham, R.N., and Capt. J. H. Windham, R.N.”
Mr. W. S. Simpson’s tender of £19,070 for the erection of the Haven Bridge had been accepted by the Commissioners, but he not having complied with their terms, the matter had been ordered to be “postponed for the present.”
July 26th.—The Borough Members (Messrs. Rumbold and Wilshere) had attended an Anti-Corn Law League meeting at the Corn Hall.
The Mayor had entertained a large party (forty to fifty gentlemen) on board his barge at the Burgh Water Frolic, this the reporter appears to have considered of more importance than the sailing matches, as regards which he makes the faintest allusion.
Aug. 12th.—The Regatta had been a great success, 5,000 persons coming from Norwich alone. The following yachts competed:—“Belvidere” (Lord A. Paget), “Blue Bell” (Mr. Hodges), “Prima Donna” (Mr. Tatham), and “Phantom” (Mr. Wilkinson). The “Blue Bell” won, the “Belvidere” which was leading at the time, having got on Scroby, for which a salvage claim of £75 was made by the beachmen. (They were ultimately awarded £27 for their services.)
A dinner was given during the day to the beachmen in a tent on the Beach, and the lifeboats tested.
At the Races the following stakes were rim for on the first day:—The Gold Cup Stakes by subscribers of £10 each; a Plate of £50, given by the Members; Vauxhall Hunters’ Cup Stakes of £30; and on the 2nd day, The Town and County Gentlemen’s Plate of £50; the Railway Stakes of £30; and the Tally Ho Stakes of £1 each with £10 added. A number of “light-fingered” gentry were present.
The Race dinner had been held at the “Victoria” Hotel, when the Mayor presided; and a Ball at the Town Hall, when the following ladies and gentlemen were present:—The Mayor and Mrs. W. H. Palmer, C. E. Rumbold, Esq., M.P., W. Wilshere, Esq., M.P., Sir Henry and Lady Robinson, H. N. Burroughes, Esq., S. C. Marsh, Esq. and Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. and the Miss Musketts, Mr. Recorder Jermy, Mrs. Jermy, Mr. Penrice, Mrs. and Miss Onslow, Mrs. and Miss Pooley, Mr. and Mrs. Wythe, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Preston and the Miss Prestons, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Bateman, Mr. and Miss Steward, Mr. Henry Steward, Mrs. and the Miss Stewards, Captain, Mrs. and the Miss Pearson, Mrs. and the Miss Chevalliers, Mr. Clement Chevallier, Mr. Dowson, Mr. George Tompson, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tompson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Preston, Mr. B. Caldecott, Mr. W. Worship, Mrs. and Miss Burton, Miss Paget, Mr. Fisher, Mr. W. C. Reynolds, &c. Clapp’s celebrated military band attended, and the whole went off exceedingly well, the company not separating till half-past three o’clock.
It was computed that not less than 2,000 persons attended the Vauxhall Gardens, among whom were the members for the Borough.
Aug. 9th.—A hurricane had visited the town, but beyond dismasting two vessels and blowing a girl into a pool of water does not appear to have caused much mischief.