From the Archive: Spring 2011
An extract from The Hunts Post August 1906
DAZZLING PROCESSION OF ILLUMINATED BOATS
Nothing could have been more successful than the Water Carnival which took place at Godmanchester on Thursday week, and all concerned from the energetic Committee, on whom the brunt of the preliminary arrangements fell, not forgetting Miss Tillard, who acted as honorary secretary, and those who contributed decorated boats, are deserving of the warmest congratulations. The weather caused some anxiety in the early part of the evening, but fortunately held fine, and altogether some twelve hundred persons passed through the turnstiles to the grounds of Island Hall, where, in addition to obtaining a full view of the illuminations, the Buckden Band played for dancing. Hundreds of others obtained a free view from Portholme. The river at this particular spot lends itself almost naturally to a general scheme of illuminations, and the residents whose gardens run down to the water – Mr M. G. Maule, Mr Brighty, Miss Bevan, Mr P. E. Tillard and Mrs Baumgartner – entered enthusiastically into the general plan. Along the whole of the east bank were hundreds of small fairy lights, which cast a reflection into the still waters, whilst occasionally coloured fires brought out the majestic grandeur of the overhanging trees, the Island was outlined in a similar manner. The lawns on which dancing took place being hung with lines of Chinese lanterns. The quaint bridge communicating with Island Hall was a blaze of colour, and two realistic swans surrounded by small lights floated on the placid waters. Liberal prizes were offered for illuminated boats, and the recent disappointment at Huntingdon Regatta was more than compensated for, not only by the number of entries, but also by the really artistic manner in which the boats were designed. For an hour or so before the judging took place the competing boats were manoeuvred up and down the river. One of them varied the scene by discharging fireworks, and from another coloured fires caused temporary periods of dazzling brilliance. An agreeable variety was noticeable in the designs of the illuminated boats, and one that immediately took the eye was a state gondola, and when we say that it was entered by Mr H. Leete, the County Surveyor, we have almost said enough. Mr Leete has been responsible in the past for several clever “boats,” but on this occasion he excelled himself. The craft was chiefly outlined in deep ruby lights, and judicious colouring was introduced to bring out the canopy over the cabin. Another attractive boat had on board a party of dominoes, including a well known lady, who wore a mask. White was the prevailing tint of the light, one interior of the boat being further decorated with flowers. The occupants of the boat – Mrs Desborough and party of Hartford House – were recognised by their friends and warmly applauded. Equally successful was a Japanese junk entered by Miss Tillard, Godmanchester, with crew in native costumes. In addition to fairy lights the junk carried many lanterns of fantastic design. Among the other boats were a couple of representations of lighthouses, one being equipped with a revolving light, and a very good representation of an enormous bouquet of flowers. The awards were: 1. Mr Leete. 2. Miss Tillard. 3. Mrs Desborough. 4. Mr Hinde. Huntingdon. and 5. Mr W. H. Fairy. Godmanchester.
