Meetings of the Regatta Committee ... 1882

Meeting of the Regatta Committee at 8.30pm Tuesday 30th May 1882
The committee were occupied for considerable time in revising the prize list and in endeavoring to suit if possiblethe requirements of the town and neighbourhood. Notice was again given of the importance of engaging: 1.Bands, 2. Police, 3. Marquees, 4. Umpires, starters and judges, and to receive tenders for or otherwise dispose of the: 5. Right of selling refreshments, 6. Woodwork, 7. Supplying of prizes etc.
The meeting was adjourned for a week.

8pm Tuesday 6th June 1882
Mr Debierre proposed Mr Jeffs seconded and it was resolved that the Stourport Brass Band be engaged for the regatta for £6. Mr Newmarch proposed Rev.H.H.Williams seconded and it was resolved that twelve policemen be also engaged. Mr Garlick proposed Mr Eaton seconded and it was resolved that the right of selling refreshments be let by tender. Mr Debierre proposed Mr Eaton seconded and it was resolved that Mr J.A.Pratt, Mr Bickerton, and Mr Pheysey be asked to supply tenders and specemins for prizes and to meet the council with the same at 8.30pm on Friday 9th instant.
After a long discussion it was finally resolved on the motion or Rev. H.Williams seconded by Mr Moore that admission on the day of the regatta and sports be one shilling for adults and threepence each for children under 12 years of age. It was agreed that the question of marquees and woodwork be left to the regatta committee. Stourport Literary Institute Records 1882

The meeting was then adjourned to Friday June 9th at 8.30pm where:
Mr Bickerton and Mr Pratt produced tenders and specimens of prizes for the regatta and after a long discussion it was finally resolved on the motion of Mr Roden and seconded by Mr Hoult that Mr Bickerton's tender of 10s 9d per ounce for silver prizes for the regatta be accepted and that he also supply prizes for the athletic sports minus 5 percent discount to the satisfaction of the committee appointed to select them which is to consist of Mr Garlick, Mr Newmarch, Mr J.W.Danks, Mr Dorsett and Mr Debierre; and it was agreed that these gentlemen meet at Mr Bickerton's, High Street, on Monday 12th at a time convenient and agreed by him. Mr Pratt's tender was 9/10 per ounce and it was agreed that the committee refund him any reasonable sum he may require for his trouble and expenses on this occasion. (the minutes were signed by the Rev. T.B.Athorne and the sum of 10/- was pencilled in) Stourport Literary Institute Records 1882

Meeting of June 13th 1882
Mr Lay proposed Mr Roden seconded and it was resolved that the regatta committee be empowered to engage Mr French Davis's String Band or any other equally good one for a sum not exceeding£10-10-0.
The question of engaging tents was considered, also the selection of a lady or gentleman to distribute the prizes. Stourport Literary Institute Records 1882

A meeting of the regatta committee was held at the Institute at 8.30pm on Friday June 23rd 1882.
Present: Mr Eaton in the chair, Mr Newmarch, Mr Debierre, Rev. S.G.Ives, Mr Hoult, Mr Dorsett, S.J.Bywater.
The engaging of Mr French Davis's String Band for ten guineas (seven or eight performers) and of 12 policemen (one of whom to be mounted) was approved.
Mr Dorsett proposed Mr Hoult seconded and it was resolved that Mr H.Banks tender for supplying tents and ropes (£10-10-0) be accepted.
As only one tender for the right of selling excisable and non-excisable refreshments was received this question was deferred. It was agreed that 6 men be engaged and 2 boxes be made for collecting money at the gate.
Mr Dorsett, Mr Moult and Mr Debierre suggested that a wheelbarrow race, blindfold steeplechase and sack race be held in the evening which was agreed to. Stourport Literary Institute Records 1882

Meeting of the council at the Institute at 8pm on Tuesday 4th day of July 1882.
Present: Mr Garlick in the chair, Mr Newmarch, Mr J.W.Danks, Mr Dorsett, Mr Debierre, Mr Roden, Mr Jeffs, Mr Jones, Mr Smith - librarian.
The chief business of the meeting was to make final arrangements for the forthcoming regatta and athletic sports, the general entries for which were produced by Mr S.J.Bywater and considered and accepted by the committee excepting those of Mr Thomas Goodman and Henry Reynolds for the scholar's race and that of Leopald Hellis for the local race. After some discussion it was resolved that admission tickets be sent to all competitors, also programmes to those who had entered for th open events. Mr Newmarch, having stated that the vicar (Rev. B.Gibbons) had consented to distribute the regatta prizes it was agreed by the committee and Mr Roden proposed Mr Hoult seconded and it was resolved that Mr Garlick (President) be asked to distribute the prizes for the athletic sports which he consented to do.
The following officials having expressed their willingness to act were appointed:
Umpires and Starters for the Regatta: Mr R.S.Blundell, Mr A.Comber, Mr H.B.Southwell. Judges: Mr J.W.Danks, Mr W.J.Harrison. Judge of the Tilting: Mr W.Braithwaite. Starters for the athletic sports: Rev. T.B.Athorne, Rev. G.S.Ives also Rev J.F.Kershaw (or in case of absence Mr W.N.Lea of Netherton, Bewdley) Mr H.A.Saunders, Mr J.E.Good, and Mr Bywater, judges of the athletic sports.
S.J.Bywater expressed a wish to be released from any further work and responsibility connected with the regatta and sports, but the council unanimously requested him to make the necessary arrangements with the handicapper (Mr Oliver) and to prepare the final and official programme of the aquatic and athletic events with the assistance of Mr Ives, and to give due notice of the same to several competitors in the usual manner: which he consented to do.
Mr Newmarch undertook to arrange with Mr J.W.Barker and Mr Ballinger for the right of selling refreshments: and Mr Dorsett with Mr Hopcroft for the woodwork required.

Stourport Literary Institute Records 1882