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A Day at the Races

From the North Devon Journal, 10th September 1874

Transcribed by Debbie Kennett


ASHREIGNEY

THE RACES took place on Monday in last week. A large stand was erected and refreshments were provided by Mr. Boundy, of the New Inn. Hurdle race - Mr. Neville's Prioress 1st, £2, rider McDonald; Mr. Matthews's Creeper 2nd, £1, rider Luxton. In the first heat Creeper took the lead, and came first, followed closely by Prioress. In this heat three started, and they all took the hurdles well. In the second heat Creeper again took the lead, well followed up by Prioress, but Creeper refused the second flight of hurdles, Prioress coming in first. Ladies' plate - Mr. Rowcliffe's Fidget, rider Baker, 1st prize, £1 10s. Mr. Matthews's Creeper, rider Luxton, 2nd 15s. Four started, and they all went off well together, but the winner soon went ahead. Creeper was a good second in this and the second heat. Galloway race - 5 started - Mr. Neville's Bessie, rider Moldon, 1st, £1 10s. Mr. Hynam's Bessie, 2nd, 10s. Pony race - Mr. Dunn's Champion Charley, 1st, rider Milden, £1. Mr. Blake's Star Light, 2nd, 5s., rider Greenslade. There was a handicap for beaten horses, which was won by Mr. Hynam's Bessie. Mr. Skinner, Redland Farm, and Mr. Fenwick were the managers, and Mr. Dunn, High Bickington, starter. The Chulmleigh Fife and Drum Band was in attendance.

Transcriber's note:
The innkeeper at the New Inn in 1874 was Mr Andrew Harris BOUNDY, the son of James BOUNDY and Ann HARRIS. Andrew was baptised on 24th February 1839 at St James's Church, Ashreigney. He married Emily HARRIS on 27th March 1871 in Ashreigney and they went on to have nine children. Andrew took over the running of the New Inn from his father James who had retired by 1871. The New Inn was in a prime location in the centre of the village at the end of a row of terraced houses just opposite the church. One can imagine that it was the focal point for all the village festivities for many years. Andrew's wife Emily died in 1897 and was buried on 5th October. The following year the inn was sold for £660 at an annual apportioned rent of £18 to Messrs. ROSS and PIDSLEY of Exeter. Andrew died just six years later and was buried on 16th July 1903 in Ashreigney. The New Inn was subsequently converted to a grocery store. It is now a private residence.