In today’s “Old News”, I present the intriguingly titled article, “Attractive Foot Race”.
The race appears to be the highlight of a sports day hosted by the Tongwynlais Brass Band on Greenmeadow Park.
Both “victuallers” (a person who is licensed to sell alcohol) were named Thomas and were, presumably, the landlords of the New Inn and the Old Ton Inn.
(I’ve transcribed the full text of the articles, which are at the end of this post.)
Evening Express – 27th July 1904
A few days later, more details were reported.
Evening Express – 30th July 1904
I couldn’t find another article that revealed the winner of the race.
Greenmeadow Park
I don’t recall seeing “Greenmeadow Park” mentioned in the village’s history very often. There are several references to it in newspaper articles. It was used to host sporting events, games and fetes. These events were often supported by the Lewis family.
There was a large open space in front of Greenmeadow House, which I assume is Greenmeadow Park. The area is now housing.
Attractive Foot Race
Twenty-stone Publicans to Run at Tongwynlais
Two heavy-weight licensed victuallers well-known in Cardiff, will figure conspicuously in sports to be held at Greenmeadow Park, Tongwynlais, on Saturday next. The gentlemen weigh upwards of 20st. each, and they will run 100 yards for £10 aside. The event is exciting the “Ton,” and is announced in special bills. The genial squire of Greenmeadow (Mr. Harry Lewis) is taking a keen interest in the affair.
Tongwynlais Sports
The annual sports held under the auspices of the Tongwynlais Brass Band took place this afternoon in the Park Greenmeadow, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Colonel H. Lewis, J.P. There was an exceedingly large attendance, many hundreds of visitors from the hill’s district being present. During the afternoon, the band under the leadership of Mr. F. Chivers played selections of music. Mr. F. Povey carried out the secretarial duties in a most satisfactory manner.
One of the attractions was a 100 yards sprint between two local publicans for a wager of £10, one being Mr. Thomas, late of the New Inn, Tongwynlais, and Mr. Thomas, of the Old Ton Inn, Tongwynlais.
I wonder where the New Inn Public House was in Tongwynlais? The Old Ton Inn building still remains albeit now converted into Homes. My late Grandfather Issac Stephens and my late Uncle Ken Stephens kept the Old Ton Inn back in the 1960’s so many memories of the Pub.
I believe the New Inn pub was opposite the Hollier’s Arms on Merthyr Road