Kentish Express Ashford & District
Royal link to sporting past
Did a member of the royal family attend a prize fight in Smarden?
That is one of the topics covered in a sports-related exhibition being staged in the village later this month as part of Smarden Sporting September.
The exhibition – the finale to the programme of activities to raise money to fit out the village’s new pavilion – will take place at Smarden’s Charter Hall on Saturday, September 26, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Entry is free and the exhibition will feature sports records and memorabilia.
Fascinating archives will be on public display for the first time including some relating to the day when Smarden hosted an illegal prize fight back in 1858 between the champions of England and Wales, reputed to have been watched by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
The same evening the venue is hosting a dance to the music of the Fabulous Grandads. Tickets, £7.50, are available from Smarden post office or Gill Bromley on 01233 770451.