Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
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received visits from thousands of residents of Sheffield. Rotherham and Doncaster, who found enjoyment in this quiet retreat.
During my residence there, about 35 years ago, with the assistance of two other friends who frequently visited the village, I revived the athletic sports which years before were successfully and energetically conducted in these pleasant surroundings. Dr. Crossley, the only medical practitioner within reach, and who had for many years a prominent place in the community, accepted the position of president, and I acted as honorary secretary for several years - in fact, until I removed to Rotherham, when Mr. W. H. Shepherd took office and worked the Show and Sports to the position of the premier fixture of the district.
In those days the population would not be more than 300, the leading residents being the Schofields, who resided at the Hall, which faced the high road, and hidden by the trees, enjoyed a solitude of its own; Doctor Crossley and his daughters; Mr. William Law and Colonel Winder, of Hooton Levitt.
There were no trains or motor ‘buses, and unless you possessed a bicycle or a horse and trap, the only means of reaching the village was to avail oneself of the Tickhill ‘bus, which ran twice weekly, the carrier’s cart—or walk.
THE BONE SHAKER
I believe the first youth to ride a bicycle in Rotherham was Josh Hartley, son of the manager of the Midland Iron Works, being followed very shortly afterwards by myself, William Dearden, and Charles Skelton. The 'bone-shaker ' I rode had wooden wheels of equal diameter, hooped with iron and fitted with a spoon brake, which was operated by turning the handle bar round and tightening the cat-gut to which the brake was attached. Tom Bowskill, who came to Rotherham in 1871, made a 'spider bicycle' in his spare time. The front wheel of this was 52 inches in diameter, both wheels were hooped with iron, and when completed it ‘weighed 112 lbs. The machine was made in the yard of his house in Douglas street, where I often helped him by blowing the bellows of the blacksmith’s hearth. Heavy as the machine was, Bowskill rode it repeatedly up the hill from Greasbro’ to Barbot Hall.
A COMICAL SIGHT
One of the most amusing sights I recall connected with cycling, was when Councillor John Cox pedalled his way to Wickersley or Maltby, clothed in a black frock coat and wearing a top hat. The attire, no doubt, was appropriate for the purpose of his visit to preach at some country chapel, but it was none the less comical and unsuitable for cycIing.
CYCLING
In 1879 remember taking a prominent part in founding - and acting as honorary secretary for the first cycle club formed in Rotherham. By this time the old boneshaker was a thing of the past, the spider bicycle now being in general use. These machines were built with a large front wheel, anything from 50 to 54 inches in diameter, and a back wheel of about 16 inches diameter. Both wheels had solid tyres, similar to those used on perambulators and cone bearings. They were never really popular, having a tendency to pitch the rider head first over the handle bar, especially if, by any chance, he encountered a stone or ran into a rut. It was on one of these high- wheeled machines I made my first long cycle ride. On Whit-Saturday, 1881, the Volunteers left Rotherham for Skegness for their annual training, this new watering place having given every satisfaction on previous visits, Four members of the Cycling Club decided to visit Skegness, and Jack Smith, who will be best remembered as a roller skate expert, and Charles Crossland left Wellgate at 4 o’clock on the morning of the Volnnteers’ departure by train. Walter Musson and I started the journey at 8 am., with the determination of overtaking our club mates.
SURPRISE TO VILLAGERS
As we passed through the country villages en route, the people gazed on the strange sight with amazement, At one of these villages we
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