Regatta reunion set for weekend
A RECENT Guernsey Press article has inspired former North Regatta committee members to hold a reunion this weekend.
The article relating to the one-off return of autocross to St Sampson’s Harbour this Sunday brought back memories for those who served on the committee.
The members say the regatta is where autocross began and attended the event in its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, influencing them to set up a reunion before the race on the day, and they want past members to join them.
Member Chris Thompson said the idea came about during a meet-up with fellow past members who had read the article, who together decided it would be a great opportunity to encourage people who were involved in the North Regatta to come together and reminisce.
‘The event had been running since the early 1900s,’ he said.
‘It was a great spectacle, there was always so much going on – there were land and sea events, with boat events, fancy dress, greasy pole, truck pulling, a funfair and tug of war, which started local interest in the sport and even started the Guernsey Tug of War Association.
‘The general public used to look forward to it as it was such a good day out for St Sampson’s and the Vale.’
However, this all came to an end when the marina was built in the early ‘noughties’. ‘There used to be lots of events in the harbour, so when this was no longer possible this resulted in the demise of the regatta,’ Mr Thompson added.
‘But this year is the 50th anniversary autocross meeting in St Sampson’s harbour and we thought it would be a great chance to get people together.
‘We want to give a shout out to anyone who was involved in the North Regatta to come down and join us.’
Member Ray Lowe said they had tried to contact a few people to meet up on the day.
‘We have contacted a few stalwarts who are keen and we proposed to have a get-together,’ he said.
‘Starting at midday in the Mariners’, the committee’s regular haunt, then on to the Crocq lawn for a picnic lunch and reminisce over a few beers before going and viewing the autocross.’
n The one-off Autocross anniversary meeting this Sunday is just a day short of the 50th anniversary date, with racing scheduled to start at 2.30pm.
