The Regatta

The first written description of Lerryn Regatta was published in The Royal Cornwall Gazette in 1870. It appears to have been an annual event until World War l. Three generations of the Parkyn Family of Mixton House were active in its organisation.

By the time the war ended Frank Parkyn had become comparatively wealthy through the development of the family china clay interest. He lived at Penquite, overlooking the Fowey River, and revived the regatta in 1919 (see the programme for the "Peace Regatta"). It was held at Church Park and included horse racing events. By 1922 the venue was changed to Tivoli Park, which was carved out of the woodland and embellished with ornamental fountains, pools and a pavilion. The changing rooms for the swimming events bear the date 1923. The regatta continued until almost the start of W.W.2. and was subsequently revived in 1953, the year of the coronation of Elizabeth II.

By this time Frank Parkyn had died (in 1940) and a band of dedicated local people staged an event of field sports, swimming races and rowing races to C. R. Association (?) standard. There were displays, various entertainments and a fun fair with stalls, swingboats and roundabouts. The highlight of the evening was the torchlight procession through the village and a dance with live music in Tivoli Park. People came from a wide area and "Locals" who had moved away returned home for the event. The organisers estimated that crowds of up to 5,000 attended.

The last regatta was in 1968 and by that time the close-knit community was changing rapidly, restrictive rules and regulations were creeping in and costs escalated. Sadly, the Glory Days of Lerryn Regatta were over.

 

Documents relating to The Regatta (most relevant first):

...
Lerryn Regatta Committee Records Lerryn Regatta Committee Book 1953 - 1965. Lerryn Regatta Committe...
History of Lerryn Regatta A brief history of Lerryn Regatta, a yearly event from 1870 to the first W...
Lerryn Regatta & Sports Official Programme, 1955 Pamphlet, four sides Lerryn Village 1955...
History of Lerryn Regatta A brief history of Lerryn Regatta, a yearly event from 1870 to the first W...
Lerryn Regatta & Sports Official Programme, 1955 Printed Official Programme for the \\'Lerryn Regat...
Margaret Hoskin Collection A miscellaneous group of items comprising: 1.A school project report on L...
Recollections of Lerryn in the twentieth century Gwyn Barrett, born in Lerryn 13 September 1907, mov...
LERRYN MEMORIAL HALL ! ! At the time of writing these notes , in March 2000 , the community of Lerryn is about to complete what is probably its biggest joint project since the building of St Veep church in the Middle Ages . Lerryn Memorial Hall has been completely rebuilt at an overall cost of nearl...
Parkyn , Peard and Penquite Extract from a talk given by Paul Weatherhogg – Chairman , Lerryn History Society to Fowey Ladies Luncheon Club in 2013 ( Rambling story connecting various people and places in the Fowey , Lerryn area , and with a general background theme of CHINA CLAY ; and like all good...

1924. Lerryn River Regatta. From Granary Quay.

1890 Lerryn Regatta viewed from north bank across to Lowertown
1890 Lerryn Regatta viewed from north bank across to Lowertown [LER-57-2]
1890 Lerryn Regatta viewed from north bank across to Lowertown [LER-57-2]
1900s Lerryn Regatta view of the south Bank before the Drill Hall was erected
1900s Lerryn Regatta view of the south Bank before the Drill Hall was erected [LER-57-9]
1900s Lerryn Regatta view of the south Bank before the Drill Hall was erected [LER-57-9]
1920s Lerryn regatta viewed from Tivoli Park
1920s Lerryn regatta viewed from Tivoli Park [LER-57-28]
1920s Lerryn regatta viewed from Tivoli Park [LER-57-28]
Pre-1920s. Regatta sports
Pre-1920s. Regatta sports [LER-57-39]
Pre-1920s. Regatta sports [LER-57-39]
1919. Lerryn regatta. Low tide - first up the river? (Postcard)
1919. Lerryn regatta. Low tide - first up the river? (Postcard) [LER-57-40]
1919. Lerryn regatta. Low tide - first up the river? (Postcard) [LER-57-40]
Regatta, 1919. Dated postcard.
Regatta, 1919. Dated postcard. [LER-57-41]
Regatta, 1919. Dated postcard. [LER-57-41]
1920s Lerryn regatta at Tivoli Park
1920s Lerryn regatta at Tivoli Park [LER-57-45]
1920s Lerryn regatta at Tivoli Park [LER-57-45]
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta. Original Boathouse, stores and cottages at Lowertown
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta. Original Boathouse, stores and cottages at Lowertown [LER-57-51]
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta. Original Boathouse, stores and cottages at Lowertown [LER-57-51]
1920s Lerryn Regatta, view to Lowertown from the Granary
1920s Lerryn Regatta, view to Lowertown from the Granary [LER-57-52]
1920s Lerryn Regatta, view to Lowertown from the Granary [LER-57-52]
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta [LER-57-53]
1920s Lerryn River, Regatta [LER-57-53]
1927. Lerryn Regatta. Four paddle race. From the N. bank.
1927. Lerryn Regatta. Four paddle race. From the N. bank. [LER-57-56]
1927. Lerryn Regatta. Four paddle race. From the N. bank. [LER-57-56]
1924. Lerryn River Regatta. From Granary Quay.
1924. Lerryn River Regatta. From Granary Quay. [LER-57-57]
1924. Lerryn River Regatta. From Granary Quay. [LER-57-57]
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta. Lowertown from N. bank.
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta. Lowertown from N. bank. [LER-57-59]
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta. Lowertown from N. bank. [LER-57-59]
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta, from N bank.
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta, from N bank. [LER-57-60]
1920s. Lerryn River Regatta, from N bank. [LER-57-60]
1920. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The ground cleared for the sports but before the buildings were constructed
1920. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The ground cleared for the sports but before the buildings were constructed [LER-57-61]
1920. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The ground cleared for the sports but before the buildings were constructed [LER-57-61]
1920s. Lerryn Lowertown. Regatta time.
1920s. Lerryn Lowertown. Regatta time. [LER-57-62]
1920s. Lerryn Lowertown. Regatta time. [LER-57-62]
1930. Lerryn River Regatta.
1930. Lerryn River Regatta. [LER-57-124]
1930. Lerryn River Regatta. [LER-57-124]
1930s. Lerryn River Regatta. View from the field on the North Bank. The roundabout on the quay flew out over the river when in motion - very frightening to a small child. Note the Sheds alongside 'The Boathouse'
1930s. Lerryn River Regatta. View from the field on the North Bank. The roundabout on the quay flew out over the river when in motion - very frightening to a small child. Note the Sheds alongside 'The Boathouse' [LER-57-125]
1930s. Lerryn River Regatta. View from the field on the North Bank. The roundabout on the quay flew out over the river when in motion - very frightening to a small child. Note the Sheds alongside 'The Boathouse' [LER-57-125]
1935. Tivoli Park. Silver Jubilee celebration. Thelma Hoskin, Regatta Queen (which?!)
1935. Tivoli Park. Silver Jubilee celebration. Thelma Hoskin, Regatta Queen (which?!) [LER-57-135]
1935. Tivoli Park. Silver Jubilee celebration. Thelma Hoskin, Regatta Queen (which?!) [LER-57-135]
1930. Lerryn Regatta.
1930. Lerryn Regatta. "Chasewater Charlie" event. [LER-57-136]
1930. Lerryn Regatta. "Chasewater Charlie" event. [LER-57-136]
Lerryn Regatta Programme, September 9, 1936.
Lerryn Regatta Programme, September 9, 1936. [LER-57-159]
Lerryn Regatta Programme, September 9, 1936. [LER-57-159]
Lerryn Regatta Programme, Aug.27, 1937.
Lerryn Regatta Programme, Aug.27, 1937. [LER-57-160]
Lerryn Regatta Programme, Aug.27, 1937. [LER-57-160]
1935. Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Quay.
1935. Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Quay. [LER-57-163]
1935. Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Quay. [LER-57-163]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta Sports. Winning the race. George Channon on the rope.
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta Sports. Winning the race. George Channon on the rope. [LER-57-192]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta Sports. Winning the race. George Channon on the rope. [LER-57-192]
1950's. Lerryn Bridge. Flags up for the Regatta.
1950's. Lerryn Bridge. Flags up for the Regatta. [LER-57-202]
1950's. Lerryn Bridge. Flags up for the Regatta. [LER-57-202]
1953. Lerryn Regatta. Band playing in the bandstand, Tivoli Park.
1953. Lerryn Regatta. Band playing in the bandstand, Tivoli Park. [LER-57-205]
1953. Lerryn Regatta. Band playing in the bandstand, Tivoli Park. [LER-57-205]
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. Crowd Scene.
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. Crowd Scene. [LER-57-220]
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. Crowd Scene. [LER-57-220]
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The band playing, probably for the evening dance.
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The band playing, probably for the evening dance. [LER-57-221]
1950s. Tivoli Park. Regatta. The band playing, probably for the evening dance. [LER-57-221]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. The ornamental bandstand planted with rose bushes (it proved impractical for bands to use).
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. The ornamental bandstand planted with rose bushes (it proved impractical for bands to use). [LER-57-222]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. The ornamental bandstand planted with rose bushes (it proved impractical for bands to use). [LER-57-222]
1950s. Tivoli Quay, Regatta. Crowds standing at the entrance to the park.
1950s. Tivoli Quay, Regatta. Crowds standing at the entrance to the park. [LER-57-223]
1950s. Tivoli Quay, Regatta. Crowds standing at the entrance to the park. [LER-57-223]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd Scene.
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd Scene. [LER-57-224]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd Scene. [LER-57-224]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Pillow fight.
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Pillow fight. [LER-57-225]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Pillow fight. [LER-57-225]
1950s Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Tug of War.
1950s Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Tug of War. [LER-57-226]
1950s Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Tug of War. [LER-57-226]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd around the pond and arches.
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd around the pond and arches. [LER-57-227]
1950s. Tivoli Park, Regatta. Crowd around the pond and arches. [LER-57-227]
1950s. Regatta, Lowertown. Swing boats on Green Quay partly flooded by the tide.
1950s. Regatta, Lowertown. Swing boats on Green Quay partly flooded by the tide. [LER-57-228]
1950s. Regatta, Lowertown. Swing boats on Green Quay partly flooded by the tide. [LER-57-228]
1950s. Lerryn Regatta.
1950s. Lerryn Regatta. [LER-57-229]
1950s. Lerryn Regatta. [LER-57-229]
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Rowing races.
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Rowing races. [LER-57-230]
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Rowing races. [LER-57-230]
1950s. Regatta. First boat up on the tide.
1950s. Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-231]
1950s. Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-231]
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Swimming Race.
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Swimming Race. [LER-57-232]
1950s. Lerryn River, Regatta. Swimming Race. [LER-57-232]
1950s. Regatta. Crowd on Tivoli Steps. Swimming race.
1950s. Regatta. Crowd on Tivoli Steps. Swimming race. [LER-57-233]
1950s. Regatta. Crowd on Tivoli Steps. Swimming race. [LER-57-233]
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race.
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race. [LER-57-234]
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race. [LER-57-234]
1950s Lerryn, River, Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race.
1950s Lerryn, River, Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race. [LER-57-235]
1950s Lerryn, River, Regatta. Finish of the first-boat-up-on-the-tide race. [LER-57-235]
1950s. Regatta. Start of the mud race.
1950s. Regatta. Start of the mud race. [LER-57-236]
1950s. Regatta. Start of the mud race. [LER-57-236]
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the mud race.
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the mud race. [LER-57-237]
1950s. Regatta. Finish of the mud race. [LER-57-237]
1950s. Tivoli steps, Regatta. Crowd watching a rowing race.
1950s. Tivoli steps, Regatta. Crowd watching a rowing race. [LER-57-238]
1950s. Tivoli steps, Regatta. Crowd watching a rowing race. [LER-57-238]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Crowd on Lowertown bridge.
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Crowd on Lowertown bridge. [LER-57-240]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Crowd on Lowertown bridge. [LER-57-240]
1958. Lerryn Regatta.
1958. Lerryn Regatta. [LER-57-241]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. [LER-57-241]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War [LER-57-242]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War [LER-57-242]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War.
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War. [LER-57-243]
1958. Lerryn Regatta. Tug-of-War. [LER-57-243]
Poster for the Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Park. The date (Monday August 26) and the tide (HW 1830, 5.7m) indicate 1957 as the most probable year (MF).
Poster for the Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Park. The date (Monday August 26) and the tide (HW 1830, 5.7m) indicate 1957 as the most probable year (MF). [LER-57-244]
Poster for the Lerryn Regatta, Tivoli Park. The date (Monday August 26) and the tide (HW 1830, 5.7m) indicate 1957 as the most probable year (MF). [LER-57-244]
Sheaf-tossing, Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta 1957.
Sheaf-tossing, Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta 1957. [LER-57-245]
Sheaf-tossing, Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta 1957. [LER-57-245]
Sack race, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
Sack race, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-246]
Sack race, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-246]
Pillow fight, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
Pillow fight, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-247]
Pillow fight, Tivoli Park. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-247]
Lerryn Regatta, 1957. Start of the mud race. Woodview landing stage on N. bank (cottage enlarged, cf.No.189) before the building of the present
Lerryn Regatta, 1957. Start of the mud race. Woodview landing stage on N. bank (cottage enlarged, cf.No.189) before the building of the present "Little Quay". Tanglewood above. [LER-57-248]
Lerryn Regatta, 1957. Start of the mud race. Woodview landing stage on N. bank (cottage enlarged, cf.No.189) before the building of the present "Little Quay". Tanglewood above. [LER-57-248]
Finish of the mud race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
Finish of the mud race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-249]
Finish of the mud race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-249]
First-up-the-river race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
First-up-the-river race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-250]
First-up-the-river race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-250]
Rowing race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
Rowing race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-251]
Rowing race. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-251]
Watching the races from Lower Town Bridge. Lerryn Regatta, 1957.
Watching the races from Lower Town Bridge. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-252]
Watching the races from Lower Town Bridge. Lerryn Regatta, 1957. [LER-57-252]
Lerryn Regatta. Generator lorry by the Red Store at high tide (5.7m, 1830), Monday August 26, 1957.
Lerryn Regatta. Generator lorry by the Red Store at high tide (5.7m, 1830), Monday August 26, 1957. [LER-57-253]
Lerryn Regatta. Generator lorry by the Red Store at high tide (5.7m, 1830), Monday August 26, 1957. [LER-57-253]
1954?. Lerryn Regatta. Man in trilby hat by flag is Sam Fuller. Avis Libby in pigtails.
1954?. Lerryn Regatta. Man in trilby hat by flag is Sam Fuller. Avis Libby in pigtails. [LER-57-263]
1954?. Lerryn Regatta. Man in trilby hat by flag is Sam Fuller. Avis Libby in pigtails. [LER-57-263]
Regatta program, August 1955.
Regatta program, August 1955. [LER-57-277]
Regatta program, August 1955. [LER-57-277]
Regatta program, August 1955.
Regatta program, August 1955. [LER-57-278]
Regatta program, August 1955. [LER-57-278]
1965. Todds' Quay. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide.
1965. Todds' Quay. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-291]
1965. Todds' Quay. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-291]
1965. Lowertown, Lerryn Regatta. Torchlight procession which traditionally wound through the village as darkness fell.
1965. Lowertown, Lerryn Regatta. Torchlight procession which traditionally wound through the village as darkness fell. [LER-57-294]
1965. Lowertown, Lerryn Regatta. Torchlight procession which traditionally wound through the village as darkness fell. [LER-57-294]
1963. Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Herbert Hoskin sheaf pitching.
1963. Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Herbert Hoskin sheaf pitching. [LER-57-298]
1963. Tivoli Park, Lerryn Regatta. Herbert Hoskin sheaf pitching. [LER-57-298]
1960s. Tivoli Park. Regatta Sports, Pillow Fight.
1960s. Tivoli Park. Regatta Sports, Pillow Fight. [LER-57-305]
1960s. Tivoli Park. Regatta Sports, Pillow Fight. [LER-57-305]
1960s. Lerryn River Regatta. First boat up the river.
1960s. Lerryn River Regatta. First boat up the river. [LER-57-306]
1960s. Lerryn River Regatta. First boat up the river. [LER-57-306]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Ran Dan.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Ran Dan. [LER-57-340]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Ran Dan. [LER-57-340]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Greasy pole.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Greasy pole. [LER-57-341]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Greasy pole. [LER-57-341]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Tilting the bucket.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Tilting the bucket. [LER-57-342]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Tilting the bucket. [LER-57-342]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Committee on Tivoli Quay.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Committee on Tivoli Quay. [LER-57-343]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Committee on Tivoli Quay. [LER-57-343]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. The Miller & the Sweep.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. The Miller & the Sweep. [LER-57-344]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. The Miller & the Sweep. [LER-57-344]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-345]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. First boat up on the tide. [LER-57-345]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Mud race.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Mud race. [LER-57-346]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Mud race. [LER-57-346]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Officials: Kaye Stuart-Brown, Hugo Stuart-Brown, Eric Baker
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Officials: Kaye Stuart-Brown, Hugo Stuart-Brown, Eric Baker [LER-57-347]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta. Officials: Kaye Stuart-Brown, Hugo Stuart-Brown, Eric Baker [LER-57-347]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta, Communications. Hugo Stuart-Brown.
1960s. Lerryn Regatta, Communications. Hugo Stuart-Brown. [LER-57-348]
1960s. Lerryn Regatta, Communications. Hugo Stuart-Brown. [LER-57-348]
1960. Regatta decorations from Little Quay.
1960. Regatta decorations from Little Quay. [LER-57-351]
1960. Regatta decorations from Little Quay. [LER-57-351]
1962. Regatta. Head of the River race.
1962. Regatta. Head of the River race. [LER-57-352]
1962. Regatta. Head of the River race. [LER-57-352]
1962. Regatta. Head of River race.
1962. Regatta. Head of River race. [LER-57-353]
1962. Regatta. Head of River race. [LER-57-353]
1961. Regatta. Rowing races, finishing line. Lime kiln on the left.
1961. Regatta. Rowing races, finishing line. Lime kiln on the left. [LER-57-354]
1961. Regatta. Rowing races, finishing line. Lime kiln on the left. [LER-57-354]
1961. Tivoli Park, Regatta sports.
1961. Tivoli Park, Regatta sports. [LER-57-355]
1961. Tivoli Park, Regatta sports. [LER-57-355]
1961. Lowertown. Regatta fair. Boathouse on L, Ricardie on R.
1961. Lowertown. Regatta fair. Boathouse on L, Ricardie on R. [LER-57-356]
1961. Lowertown. Regatta fair. Boathouse on L, Ricardie on R. [LER-57-356]
1961. Lerryn Regatta Fair, Lowertown. Alison and Dad swinging.
1961. Lerryn Regatta Fair, Lowertown. Alison and Dad swinging. [LER-57-364]
1961. Lerryn Regatta Fair, Lowertown. Alison and Dad swinging. [LER-57-364]
2010. Lower tank, outlet pipe, possibly connecting to pavilion/Tivoli House during regattas?
2010. Lower tank, outlet pipe, possibly connecting to pavilion/Tivoli House during regattas? [LER-57-602]
2010. Lower tank, outlet pipe, possibly connecting to pavilion/Tivoli House during regattas? [LER-57-602]
   Saturday, 21 April, 2018    © Lerryn History Society 2018