CARDIFF POLICE OUTING - PRE NARPO 

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Before the formation of NARPO and its organised events, have you ever stopped to wonder what entertainment / functions were available to officers in by gone years  well wonder no more.  Our good friend Ross Mather has provided us with this little look back in time to events in 1887

Hiya Paul,

From a newspaper then called the 'Weekly Mail' a story from 30th July 1887.

Sounds a bit like the 'Jolly Boys Outing' on Only Fools and Horses 

Ross

'ANNUAL OUTING OF THE CARDIFF POLICE'

The annual outing of the Cardiff Borough Police, in so far as half the available force was concerned, took place on Tuesday 26th July, when in brakes* (see below) generously placed at, their disposal by Mr. Solomon Andrews a party 70 strong visited Southerndown. Had the bright promises of the morning been fulfilled, ours would have been the pleasant task of describing how genial was the weather, how happy the company, how complete the arrangements so admirably carried out. 

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But the rain else- where and by many so welcomed came to mar the enjoyment of the holiday-makers, and to necessitate a departure from the orthodox report of favourable climatic conditions, congenial companions, and the consequent corolary of perfect enjoyment. When the company assembled at the Police Station — it included Head Constable Hemingway, Inspectors Tamblyn, James, Cox (Roath), and Lewis (Canton), Sergeants Richards, James, Murley, Johns, and Durston, and over 50 constables—the sky was clear, the sun was bright, a steady breeze relieved the sultriness of the atmosphere, and altogether there were abundant signs pointing to a fine midsummer's day, not too hot, but just hot enough.

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The cavalcade started to the inspiriting strains of the Police Band, which, under the tutelage of Mr. Draper, has became proficient in no ordinary degree. Before the town was fairly awake it was moving at a rapid pace over the level roads of Ely and beyond to the beauteous Vale of Glamorgan, which stretched far away a wide, rich expanse of cultivated land, neatly partitioned and indented by many a dipping dingle, dotted by a multitude of tiny copses, and having in sweet variety quick alternations of hill and hollow. It was a delightful drive, with manifold charms to please the lover of rural scenery, now looking its best in the fuller, richer vestures of summer. 

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Cowbridge was reached before noon, and here in this town, so sweetly suggestive of the things and times that have been, with its charter and antiquity writ large in the quaint structure of the houses and the formation of its single street, a short stay was made while the band rendered in excellent style selections from The Bohemian Girl and The Lost Chord." An hour later the brakes pulled up at the Dunraven Hotel, Southerndown. By this time a change had come over the weather, for the wind had grown more gusty, and the dark clouds which had overcast the horizon began to discharge their contents. Happily, only a few showers fell from the time fixed for the dinner, excellently served by mine hostess Mrs. Jenkins, Miss Jenkins, and Miss Katie Jenkins, until the programme of sports had been exhausted. 

For the latter Mr. Hemingway always genial and kind-acted as judge, Police Constable Robinson as starter, Inspector Tamblyn and Sergeant John as referees, and Sergeant Durston as handicapper. All the races were handicaps. Fire-Engineer Geen took first prize, Inspector James second, and PoliceConstable Diamond third prize in the 100 yards race for men having served in the force over ten years. 

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In the 150 yards race for men of under three years' service Police Constable Padfield was first, Police Constable Stephens second, and Police Constable Snow third. Police Constables Stephens, Padfield, and Gouge took prizes in the order given in the 120 yards race; Police-Constable Gouge was first and Police Constable Morgan second in the competition connected with throwing the cannon ball, and the married men easily carried away the honours of the tug of war. 

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Immediately after tea a start homewards was made, not, in sunshine, but in misty showers, that only varied to become more heavy and disagreeable. The drive under these circumstances, was naturally far from enjoyable, but, apart from this unpreventable cause, the outing was as interesting and pleasant as man could make it. The prizes won at the sports, will be presented at a dinner which I the Mayor has kindly promised to give the members of the force, in recognition of the admirable service rendered by them during Jubilee Week.' 

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*A brake was a horse-drawn carriage used in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the training of horses for draft work, or an early automobile.

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