Photograph Quiz:
Look at the badge
Photo no. 86:-What was the significance of this badge to a Godiva member???
Dear Blog,
For some time now I have been banging on about some of my other obsessions besides trudging; the new quiz game I have invented, my musical drama and my ‘History of Coventry Godiva Harriers and other Athletic Clubs in the Area’. Well, because my trudging has been a bit pathetic of late as a result of my chesty cold, I thought you might be interested in my notes for one of the years in Godiva‘s history … I stress that these are unfinished notes with additions needed, sections missing but still …… The notation is a bit confusing … the brackets for example, are handicap marks, some of the runners / officials become important in the history at later dates, ditto external influences, 1884 chosen at random!! …….. oh yes, and I have not forgotten my promise of some of the published articles I have written (I leave the further sums one alone for a bit!!) ….
1884
~~Wed. Jan 2nd. ‘Eight members of the above club turned up at headquarters on Wednesday last for an evening run. The distance traversed was about five miles. The first man was J.E.Hickman, E.Lewin was second and I.Clay (Times Jan 9th).
Although an evening run in early January might seem to be highly unlikely event because of the lack of public lighting both on the streets of Coventry and even worse in the country lanes6 it must be remember that because of national legislation on social reform that by the late 1870s, most workers were obliged to work only five and a half days a week, compared to the six a dacade earlier. Two consequences arose from this as far as Godiva Harriers were concerned. The obvious one of a Saturday afternoon off meant a blosoming of the sport of harrier running (paperchasing etc.) in the winter and open track handicap racing being introduced into local fairs and fetes in the summer. More surprising was the introduction of training on a Wednesday afternoon cum early evening for the many shop workers and similar trade positions which club members occupied. A spin off of this extra time away from work on a Wednesday was the creation of cross country leagues leagues for specific trades; the Shopworkers Cross Country League and eight years later, even more specific, the Butchers Cross Country League of which John Hudson8 was the secretary. He said his father told him that most races started at 4pm and if time was pressing, his young apprentice was left to tidy away. His shop actually was in Butcher’s Row where he told me the hoses were so close that tenents could touch hands across the divide from the upper story.
~ ~Jan. 5th. ‘ ..members met for a cross country run. A fast and slow pack were formed the latter receiving fifteen minutes start, the slow pack arriving first, distance being about ten miles. ....slow pack; F.Dalton, W.Lewin, W.Goddard, F.Smalley, fast pack; J.E.Hickman, C.Smith(capt.), I.Clay, E.Lewin, T.D.Smith, W.J.Mills, J.Chapman and J.Mills.’ (Times Jan 9th)
And a couple of days later, on the Monday, the city witnessed a professional pedestrian visit the city as part of a £5 wager that he (Day) couldn’t walk or run from Birmingham to Coventry and back (36 miles) in 5 h. and 40 mins. Leaving the Three Crown Inn, Suffolk St., accompanied by two men in a trap, he reached the Lamp Tavern, Market Street, four minutes under the half time ‘receiving a hearty greeting from the considerable crowd that had assembled ....he made no stop’ and arrived back at his starting point at 4 37 p.m., 3 minutes within the time.
~ ~Jan 12th . The third in a series of members handicaps ‘was brought to a successful issue last Saturday. The course was a circular one of about nine miles across some heavy country. The hares, Mr. R.Parker and J.Williamson, were dispatched from headquarters at 3.20 and laid a capitol trail. There were two medals offered for the competition and out of an entry of eighteen, ten faced the starter, several members being away. The winner turned up in W.Goddard, one of the limit men who ran most pluckily throughout and won in a common canter, beating the scratch man, E.Lewin by about two minutes. I.Clay was close up for third place. J.Chapman ran very well but could get no nearer than sixth.:- 1. W.Goddard(9 00), E.Lewin(scr), 3. I.Clay(3 30), 4. W.Lewin(9 00), 5. F.Dalton(4 00), 6. J.Chapman(2 30), 7. F.Smalley(2 30), 8. J.Wright(6 00), 9. T.D.Smith(1 10), 10. C.Smith(5sec). Messrs. J.E.Hickman and C.Seymour framed the handicap, Mr. J.Steer officiated as starter and Mr. W.Seymour as judge.
~~ The Times (Feb. 6th) reported that ‘eight members put in an appearance at headquarters on Wednesday last for an evening run. The distance was about five miles - they also met again on Saturday afternoon at their headquarters, the Hen and Chickens Hotel, for a circular run across country. The following turned out J.E.Hickman, C.Smith(capt), W.J.Mills, I.Clay , J.O.Mills, F.Dalton, E.Venn, W.Hopkins, J.Hodierne, F.Smalley, W.Lewin and W.Goddard.The hares, Messrs. Hodierne, Goddard and Lewin had laid a good trail of about eight miles over the Bull Field, Spencer Park, onto Stivichall Common, across country over Whor Lane* to Canley via Westwood Heath to Gibbet Hill through the wood, over the railway onto Green lane, down the Warwick Road to Queens Road home. The pack kept together till half a mile from the finish, when a close race resulted and J.E.Hickman landing first about five yards in front of C.Smith who just overtook W.J.Mills on the post. J.Mills was close behind followed by I.Clay, F.Dalton, W.Hopkins, E.Venn and F.Smalley.
The following will represent the club in the Midland Cross Country Championships at Sutton [For Oakes Racecourse] on Saturday next. F.Dalton, W.Hopkins, T.D.Smith, J.O.Mills, F.Smalley, I.Clay, J.E.Hickman S.Jones, W.J.Mills, J.Chapman, E.Lewin and C.Smith, Reserves: J.Baughan, F.W.Yardley, E.Venn. J.E.Hickman, W.J.Mills and W.C.Gregory are the reserves for the Moseley harriers.’ The last statement illustrates graphically the difference in set up one hundred years ago. It amply explains why the Godiva lost their best man in the important championships. The whole club membership has probably been named in the last few paragraphs. Although no times are recorded for races, looking at the implied pecking order gives some idea of the possible lack of depth within the club. Also we do not know what the state of the finances are at this time. The ‘Midland’ only existed as a ‘Senior’ Championship over ten miles. The ‘Junior’ Championships7 was formed in the ‘90s. ~ ~Feb. 9th . Midland Championships at Four Oak Park on ‘a more unfavourable day for the pursuit of outdoor athletic sports could not be imagined’ (Sporting Chronicle Feb.), Godiva delivered the goods with a team and an individual bronze (98 => 3. J.E.Hickman, 8. E.Lewin, 9. C.Smith, 15. W.J.Mills, 24. S.Jones, 39. J.O.Mills and 53. E.Venn, 55. A.Chapman, 62. F.Smalley, 63. J.Clay, 77. F.Dalton.) [the Mills were brothers living at 58 King William St.] to Birchfield’s 44 and Moseley’s 98. Although an amateur sport, the betting odds were quoted widely in the press for this race, the officials turning a blind eye as they were to do for virtually all of the rest of the amateur days of athletics; the AAA had not long been formed and their grip on the sport varied from place to place. ‘Speculation was brisk, the most in demand being George, Hickman and Thornton.’ (Times Feb. 13th) The professional athletic activity carried on in a totally separate existence, their record being superior to the amateur ranks for some years yet.
Because of the weather, the paying crowd was down below 2000. ‘The course started by the grandstand, then the pack had to travel once round the course (one and a quarter miles) and then leaving the park went across Sutton Common and over about nine miles of heavy country, then returning by the Doe House entry to the Four Oakes Park after joining half way round the course , the finish took place opposite the grand stand. ...When the starter (Mr. Oliver [Moseley Harriers sec]) gave the word to go, Hickman at once dashed off to the front, the rest following round the corner in a cluster. Hickman kept the lead for about three miles when Carter and George and a large contingent of Birchfield and an exciting race ensued. On reentering the park, George was leading by one hundred yards from Carter, followed closely by Hickman and Lewin (both of Godiva Harriers) who were running in grand form, but the distance was a little too far for the latter, and he was fairly beaten half a mile from home, though his splendid running taken throughout was a great surprise.’ (Times Feb. 13th) Summing up the finish, the Sporting Chronicle reported that ‘The winner [W.George of Moseley] received an ovation as he passed the post [100 yards to the good], and though he won well, and in our opinion would win again, he was run all out. Carter [also Moseley] finished in dashing style and with a fine spurt, but, like the leader, he had nothing to spare. Hickman, Bate and Savage [ both Birchfield] were remarkably fresh, and looked like fit for another dose.’
We are left to wonder why Godiva had no national entry especially when one remembers that the course was virtually the same as the Midland! Perhaps the Coventry club could not compete with any inducements offered?
Hickman running for Moseley Harriers finished in 6th position in the National Cross country Championships. Fellow Coventrian, Chas Smith, also in Moseley’s strip, came 4th. W.J.Mills was a non counter. E. Lewin running for Birchfield Harriers finished in 14th position (2nd team). With continuing moves on the first claim rule, the future prospects for a Godiva team were looking good.
The top schools of the area (Leamington College, Coventry School etc.) had their sports, a full programme of accepted events plus the other usual school events.
~ ~April 12th. Coventry Cricket Ground Co. (Ltd.) Bicycle and Athletic Sports, the Butts. The first meeting of the year took place on a day which was ‘bitterly cold and heavy showers of rain occasionally fell’ Consequently the attendance was not so large.’ (Times Apr. 16th) Handicappers; H.Sturmay (cycle) A.Masters (foot races), Committee : Manager Walter Podbury, a Godiva member, not just because he was the landlord of their headquarters, as was the usual case, but as a competitor, (also clerk of the course) J.Mayor, J.E.Banks. Starter R.S.C.Briggs.
************photocpy here of prog from ‘times’ showing events and prize valuses********Most of the expensive prizes were clocks and watches. mile cycle ... 8g = black marble clock, gold inlaid, visible escapement. 3g = oak mounted barometer and clock combined 1g. = breakfast cruet. mile ... 8g = case of cutlery 3g = oak striking clock 1g = Company silver medal. s/c 8g = electro plated tea and coffee service and waiter 3g = Company gold medal 1g = Company silver medal
*mile cycle(3h): hts W.J.Podbury(100), F.W.Allard(85), A.Smith(120) In the final ‘before the first lap [had] finished Stevens fell., and Allard, Powell and Podbury who were close up, and going a great pace, were thrown over the heap, Podbury falling partly across the chain among the people.’ That ended Podbury for the day, withdrawing from his other events. *mile novice cycle(4h): hts A.Smith(scr), G.F.Shakespeare(25). The cycle events had a spread of different club entries, the athletics were dominated by Godiva runners. *mile hcp(10s): W.Hopkins(110), 2. J.Chapman(85) (Welford), 4. I.Clay(80) A capital race .. a very good start was effected, Hopkins soon showed himself to the front and obtaining a lead of several yards and racing well, was never passed. Won easily=>> 4 58.2 ... a few yards from home Clay gave up’ and was passed by third placer, Calton (Blackheath Harriers). Others included T.W.Yardley(15), Lewin(35), Steer(115), Davoille(120), Smalley(235). *mile s/c with 12 fences and 4 water jumps(6s): This race caused considerable amusement ... E.Lewin(30) showed himself to the front and won easily=>> 5 35.4Steer(85), Chapman(70), Hopkins(95). The intregueing question must be asked is where abouts was the water jump placed at the Butts when the track measured 350 yards; the distance which was to cause the club considerable embarassment and inconvenience in the years to come.
During the summer the Coventry professional cyclist, Howell1, was winning various ‘world titles’ often in Leicester in front of huge crowds (6000 plus) at distances from 10, 20, 25 miles upwards.
~~ May 30th. St. Michael's Cricket Club Sports at the Cricket ground in front of a couple of thousand spectators:- *120y hcp(4h): hts J.Williamson(1½) {2f}, J.Hodierne(8), W.H.Kendrick(*), W.Hayward(2) *mile cycle(3h): hts J.Gascoigne(70), J.Steer(100), A.Tye(110). *440y hcp.(3h): W.Hayward(scr), J.Steer(15), J.E.Hickman(5), T.H.Steer(15). *½ mils hcp(11s): 3. T.W.Yardley(5). *2 mile cycle: Gascoigne(130) d.n.f.. *mile hcp(13s): 1. J.E.Hickman(scr) 2. I.Clay(55) ‘form the commencement of the race it was looked upon as a surety for Hickman, who passed the other competitors and took first place six hundred yards from home, then gradually increasing his lead, he won with seven or eight yards to spare’ =>>4 39.4 to win another 7 guineas worth of centre second watch whereas Clay had to make do with 2 guineas of silver sugar basin. With Alexander Rotherham (and Ald. Tompson) as judge, watches and clocks were the order of the day!*******Oliver was the handicapper, one of his final duties in the sport before he appeared in court charged with embezzlement.2 The starter was W.Wareham3, his father C.Wareham was the clerk, roles they often occupied. Both were ‘Volunteers’ and entered the annual sports at their encampments (often at Stoneleigh Park) picking up a few prizes. the latter couldn’t go wrong because he qualified for officer events, veteran events and long service races!! He was a sergeant, his son a private.
~~ July 26th. Foleshill Flower Show and Sports:- The sports were the chief feature of the afternoon, the ‘grass track a short distance from the tent.’ Field courtesy of Mr. John Hollick. ‘ ..the interest of the spectators in the events was sufficiently maintained to cause them to stand in the heavy rain during the whole of the three and a half hours which the programme extended.’ In an afternoon of apparent disagreements, the first event prepared the officials of what was to come. 120y hcp for residents of Foleshill ‘caused some dissatisfaction in consequence of allegations that for each heat the course was measured different distances.’ 250y hcp(6 hts) with £3 10s marble clock to the winner: hts W.Hopkins(26) {3f} W.H.Steer(25), H.W.Smith(20), J.Williamson(10) {2f}(W.Cribdon(40)), J.Steer(20), W.Podbury(21) (J.Hodierne(30)), W.H.Venn(20) (Red House Harriers) (E.Lewin(22), J.Lucas(24) (Rovers F.C.) {1. in final}. *½ mile hcp(26e, 13s): 1. J.E.Hickman(30)=>> 2m 8s 2.J.Steer(70), 3. J.Clay(65) ..E.J.Smith(50) (Crusaders FC), J.Chapman(65) (Welford) ‘Hickman displayed splendid form and was a popular winner ... 150 yards from the tape he assumed the lead. Smith passed the tape third but was disqualified in consequence of having fouled Clay’ (Herald)... and Hickman won himself another lever watch (£1 10s). *mile cycle(3hts): 1. W.J.Mills(60), 2. F.Allard(80), 3. A.Tye(140). *mile hcp(17e, 13s): 1. E.Lawson(115), S.Jones(230) (Cov), 3. J.Clay(140). ‘The long start men were mostly novices and the race was considered to be in the hands of J.E.Hickman. He was a lot too heavily handicapped however and a win being hopeless, he retired on the last lap.’ Williamson, Clay and W.J.Mills gained awards from a 200 hurdles race which ‘was arranged on the ground.’ A word about the ‘retired’ comments in races. The vast majority of races were handicaps whereby the competitors set off at different marks (distances) in front of the last man, the idea being that the penalty of distance imposed was to equalise the ability of all entrants, and if the handicapper had done his job with a degree of efficiency, all competitors would approach ‘the mustard’ together. However, if a competitor percieved his cahnces of success as remote, he would simply stop running secure in the knowledge that he would receive a better handicap in his next outing. However, many atheltes dropped out on purpose knowing that with a better handicap in a better class of race, prizes would be of a greater value and would be more worth winning.
~~ Aug. 2nd. Coventry Philanthropic. The top meeting in Coventry with top officials Oliver - handicapper, Alex Rotherham and John Bull - judges, C.Wareham and W.Lines - clerks, W.Wareham - starter (professional[!]), J.H.Godsall and W.Hosier - timekeepers with only Birchfield’s W.W.Alexander missing), and top value prizes on offer (the three miles cycle had £25 in the form of a 41” tricycle donated by the Coventry Machinist Co.) And of course an impressive influx of out of town athletes. The status of the event might have something to do with J.E.Hickman appearing in the programme in the colours of Moseley Harriers!:- 200y hcp boys<14yrs: hts John Ashby(2) {3f}, Arthur Paul (scr) {2. in final}. *¾ mile s/c(20e): 1. J.E.Hickman(10) (Moseley), 4. I.Clay(70).’a capital race, Hickman winning by a few yards. S.Jones(10) who was a good second until a few yards from the tape was walking when Thornton passed him and took second place.’ Both were Birchfield, Jones was probably Sam who defected (see winter) when Godiva captain; he appears all summer under various club names ...(N.B. S.H.Jones is different) *mile cycle(5 hts): A.Tye(115), T.Steer(). 120y hcp (5h): (){1f=>>13s}, J.Williamson(1) {2f}, W.J.Podbury(5½), S.H.Jones(8) (Cov), W.H.Venn(8½) (Red House Harriers). [8g cutlery set]. mile hcp(22e, 15s) 2. J.Chapman(55), 3. J.Clay(65). ‘three hundred yards from the finish, Thornton [the winner (Bir)] passed Hickman who retired and Thornton pushing to the front, won by five yards.’=>> 4 25.6. *2 mils cycle(2h): 1. W.J.Mills(60), 2. F.W.Allard(60), 3.W.Powell(Scr). *3 mile cycle(4 hts): J.Steer(300), F.Gilbert(), A.Tye(300), F.W.Allard(200)
On September 3rd, the Times announced that the Coventry Cricket Ground, in future, would be managed in the interests of cricket and football. It would be leased for 2 years, practically rent free, to a committee the leasees paying merely the interest on the over draft at the bank, employing necessary labour and having responsibility for the general maintenance of the concern. Any profits would go to the directors who will devote them to the maintenance and improvements to the ground. (the committee was three each from the North Warwickshire C.C., St.Michaels C.C. and Coventry F.C.). It would be 50 years before the ground became public property and, ironically, 130 before Coventry F.C. again took control. {N.B. at this time F.C. referred to the oval ball). Remember the Butts had been built as a finacial punt as a reaction to Coventry’s first track which, at the time of the conception of the Butts, was a real cash cow for the businessmen who had backed the biulding of Coventry’s first cycle track..
~ ~Sept. 20th. Foleshill Athletic Sports. Sec. was W.Hosier of Smithford St. **** check what is shop was*** ??Could he be a latterday Goodwin??? Although the prizes were somewhat smaller than at the Philanthropic (e.g. mile £2 10s, £1, 10/- compared to 8g, 5g, 1g) it did give the locals (mainly Godiva, Union and Harriers) a chance to mop up. However, the 250 yards had a suit of clothes, donated by the clothier, Mr. Hardy, of Smithford Street:- *100y hcp: 1. W.Cribdon(3½), 2. J.Lucas(6½) (Hillfields Rovers) .. a run off after a dead heat. (W.Podbury(8), J.Steer(7), J.Williamson(scr)). 250y hcp: 1. W.Cribdon(12), J.E.Hickman(16), 3. J.Hodierne(25), J.Lucas(13½). Hickman’s pot hunting was thwarted by 2 yards! It seems unlikely that he sacrifice a suit of clothes for the sake of a handicap improvement over such a distance *mile cycle: 2. A.Tye(190), 3. W.J.Mills(90) ???????Worth a comment about Tye working his handicap..ref next season??? *½ mile hcp: 1.E.J.Smith(25) (Crusaders FC), 2.J.Clay(50), 3. W.Hopkinsd(35) (E.Lewin(25), T.W.Yardley(25), B.Colledge(65) (Brink)). *mile hcp: 1. A.Davoille(170), 2. J.Bourne(170) 3. J.E.Hickman(scr) ????Reports to do????
****ADS for Hatters Cleverley appear ...from when. Check whether he went to Brum as a Hatter or watch makler>>>*****
~ ~ Oct. 4th The Times (Oct. 8th) reported on the opening run of the season to Brandon. With the arrest of the Moseley secretary and the failure of the Moseley club, it is interesting to note that ‘a visitor’ on this run was G.Pridmore4 of Moseley Harriers. ‘Hares (A.Mills and W.Goddard) were dispatched with the bags at 3.45 form headquarters’ [still the Hen and Chickens] Club runners were W.Hopkins, S.Jones, W.J.Pool(8th), J.O.Mills(9th), J.Steer(5th), F.Smalley(4th), I.Clay(whipper-in), J.Gascoigne(7th), A.Davoille, J.Tatlow(11th), and W.Lewin(10th). ‘the road taken along Eaton Road, through the park, over Whitley Common to Pinley then taking to the fields and crossing the railway to Coombe Ridings, through the wood onto Brandon Road where home was sighted, when Hopkins dashed to the front and after a most exciting race, won by about five yards being closely followed by Davoile and Jones’. 30 sat down to a ‘capitol spread at the Royal Oak5. ‘The rest of the evening was spent in a convivial manner.’ [11pm home .... after many toasts ‘Godiva harriers’, Moseley Harriers’, Chairman [H.Lester]’, ‘Vice Chairman [Pridmore], ‘Host and Hostess’ 'pianist' etc...!!!
Insert Godiva’s first ever group photo??
~~ October 15th saw the star of a few weeks advertising the Annual Club Ball at St. Mary’s Hall, on Mon. Nov. 3rd. Tenders were invited for the catering etc. to be sent to C.Smith at the Hen and Chicken Hotel. ???LICENCEE??? In the event, 200 attended including the dignitaries Mayor J.E.Banks, councillors Bird, Cox, and Liggins with W.Podbury, W.Player etc. W.Seymour, W.Hollick, A.Smith were M.C.s. A string band played to the early hours of the morning ‘although there were not so many present as last year, the ball was a success and went off satisfactorily.’ (Times Nov. 5th)
The social side of the club was of paramount importance to it’s continued growth and stability. No mention has been found of social gathering from other clubs save the end of run teas and sit down meals, even smoking concerts are not in evidence. Unlike Godiva. With many of the great and good of the city associated with the club, it seems only logical that social intercourse progressed beyond the smoking concert and knife and fork teas. In addition to the club Ball, the club prize giving was a formal get together. As was the occasional gatherings with the multitude of toasts!
On Monday October 21st the members dined together at the Hen and Chicken Hotel. Councillor Bird presided with Mr. J.Cave (Brandon) as vice. Podbury of course did the catering. After the meal, the formal toasts began. Bird proposed ‘Success to the Club’ pointing out that success only came from perseverance, members urged to carry ‘the same principle to their everyday lives.’ He made particular reference to Hickman’s success at Aston and Lille Bridge and Williamson at Oakengates and Worcester. C.Smith reminded the company of the six medals obtained at the Midland and ‘although the club was not directly responsible at the International (sic) Championships, four members ran for other clubs and out of six gold medals awarded, two found their way to Coventry ... The club had 169 active and 80 honoury members ...during the last season, twenty five run outs took place, an average of fifteen members.’ Formal presentations of ‘handsome inkwell stands’ were made to W.Cleverley and C.Smith ‘as tokens of regard and appreciation for the services they had rendered the club.’ Nearly £300 of prizes had been won. The rest of the evening was ‘spent in a convivial manner.’ (Times Oct. 22nd)
~ ~ Nov. 1st . Club handicap form H.Q., Bull Field, six fields, Stivichall, Green Lane to Stonebridge Road and home via Warwick Road Stoneleigh Terrace and Queen’s Road.
| hcp. |
| hcp. |
| hcp. |
| hcp. |
J.Tatlow | 4 00 | C.Daley | 3 20 | J.Hodierne | 2 30 | F.Smalley | 0 55 |
W.Lewin | 4 00 | W.Gascoigne | 3 10 | F.Dalton | 1 30 | A.Davoile | 0 45 |
A.Tye | 3 30 | W.Goddard | 2 45 | J.Baughan | 1 00 | I.Clay | 0 40 |
A.Mills | 3 30 | J.Steer | 2 40 | S.Jones | 0 55 | T.D.Smith | scr. |
W.Podbur | 3 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is not known who the scratch man was, he only appears rarely in runs and results. Lewin won by 10 yards after ‘putting on a spurt’ when the final road stretch was reached and finished ‘at a rapid pace’ in front of Gascoigne and Smalley with Goddard, Tye and Jones completing the half dozen. ‘The others struggled in’ from the 6 mile course. Hickman and Seymour handicapped, W.Lawenson fired the gun.
W.Hosier who acted as judge presented the prizes of 3 silver medals plus winner silver on November 3rd.
A curiosity occurred on Nov. 22nd with one of the occasional head to head races. This time between Isaac Simcox and E.Williams of Foleshill in front of a fair number of spectators over a flat mile. ‘The men started by mutual consent’ , Williams at once assuming the lead and ‘won by five yards ... with no time taken.’ A professional race?
~ ~ Nov. 22nd . C.Smith, W.J.Mills, T.Yardley, J.Hodierne, W.J.Podbury, A.Davoile, S.Jones, A.Tye, I.Clay, S.Brown and J.Tatlow ran to Berkswell, the last two laying the trail. At the Berkswell Road after crossing from Tile Hill, ‘the ‘flyers’ began to force the pace and after an exciting finish down the hill to the ‘Bear’, Clay landed first, Yardley second and Mills third.’ (Times Nov. 26th) the distance was quoted as 8 miles.
~ ~ The next week was supposed to be an encounter with Birchfield and Edgebaston Harriers but as was usual over the years with this particular fixture, Birchfield did not show and Edgebaston ‘did not turn in such strong force as was expected.’... a depleted squad of 9! 20 Godivas ran, as well as G.W.Pridmore of Moseley. ‘A large number of spectators assembled to witness the start’ and no doubt the finish and the convivial evening afterwards which ended after 9 when the visitors left. Williamson and Podbury were the trail layers with Hickman (1st) Smith(2), leading Yardley, Mills W.J., J.O., and A., Jones, Clay, Smalley, Tatlow, Goddard, A.Davoile, Gascoigne, J.Wright, S.Brown, Hodierne, Tye, Dalton and Cupwell in.
Reference to first club badge, Hill the M.D. of Stevens and the 1860 act
It is little wonder that stories about the prowess of the club have been embroidered down the years. Imagine the reaction when the following article appeared in a mass circulating national newspaper. ‘Robin Goodfellow’ wrote (Daily Mail Dec. 10th) ‘The London clubs are no doubt aware of the ‘state of Denmark’ and are rejoicing at the prospect of bowling over the Midland organisations which for five years now, I think, have carried off all the honours. But if Moseley is down , Birchfield is rather behind hand, there are other clubs in the district that will have to be conquered, before the Championships leaves the Midlands. The Coventry Godiva have had a pack racing some weeks back that would go well with Moseley and Birchfield in their best days and they evidently mean to make a bold bid for both the National and the Midland Championships. They deserve success, for they have worked hard for tit, and have been disappointed by their members, who were trained in their ranks, going over to stronger clubs when they were most needed. Just now they are combined and enthusiastic with hopes of success, and if they gain one of the Championships, they will doubtlessly blossom into a club as good as Moseley or Birchfield.’ Words and sentiments echoed by more than one in the dark days of the mid nineties.
AD for God Club races of God Harriers on dec. 26th ...no results found!!!!!!!
~ ~ The Times reported on Dec. 31st about a 10 mile championship of England promoted by Birchfield at Aston Lower Ground. Teams of 6, with 4 to score between Birchfield, Godiva, Liverpool Harriers, Clifton Harriers and Calthorpe Harriers, the winners ‘declared the holders of the cup for one season’ three wins meaning it became the property of the club. Gold medals for the four counters as well as a special gold for the race winner. Godiva had J.O.Mills, E.Lewin, S.Jones F.Smalley, C.Smith and J.E.Hickman out. ‘Many of the twenty seven retired’ during the course of the race. Hiickman went by Nancerrow (Liverpool) the early leader at half way ‘and was never headed’ winning by 200 yards in 55m 34s. Duckett and Stewart, both Liverpool, filled the minor placings. No other Godiva made the first dozen.
*Watkins neice told me that when the new estate was built along Whor Lane, there was a petion amonst residents to get the name change because they found Whor Lane embarassing; it was renamed Rochester Road.
Ref; 1. See article on Stevengraphs and the connection with W.H.Grant, and then Cash’s.
Ref: 2. See article on Moseley Harriers
Ref: 3. ‘Coventry Trail’
Ref: 4. Pridmores local busines and political interests
Ref: 5. Home of Coventry Birchfield Harriers when they became independent of the Birmingham Club.
Ref: 6. The Health Reform Act 1875 allowed Municipal Boroughs to finance their own street lighting but available lighting was sparse in Coventry and not systematic.
Ref: 7. The ‘Junior’ referred to ‘ability’ not the ‘age’ of the competitor.
Ref: 8. See interview with his son and hudson’s photo 1896.
