The Allen and Solly Cup
The South Notts. Echo of the 28th May 1921 announced in large bold letters The Fire Brigade Competition and Sports. It further added that these were to be held on the Gedling Road Ground (now ArnotHillPark) and this was to take place on Saturday June 11th at 2pm
The notice, which took up a quarter page, listed the events and activities that were proposed for the day. These included The Hose Cart Drill. Steamer (Wet and Dry) and Escape Drill .
Entertainment was to be provided by the Arnold Prize Band who would play for dancing on the green. Displays were to be by the 47th Nott’s Detachment of the British Red Cross Girls Evening School Class who would present club swinging and other exercises. Refreshments were also to be provided to visitors and contestants. Admission was to be 1/- (5p) and this to include tax.
On the day the competition attracted nearly 3000 people to support the brigades who were represented. The local team played host to those from Beeston, Carlton, Heanor, Ilkeston, Stapleford, and Long Eaton. As well as the general public the teams were supported by council officials from Arnold including councillors W H Harlow, ( Chairman of the Arnold Council ) , Mr S Dove ( Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee) and councillors S Hammond, S Clay, C Taborn, E Morris, S Bower, T Leivers and F Fox along with the District Surveyor Mr R E Clarke. The Carlton brigade were supported by their chairman councillor J Clarke and councillors W G Marriott, W Whitehead, and C Atkins, The Carlton brigade did well from there strong support as they won one first prize, two second prizes and a third prize.
All was not lost for Arnold however as they won the Four Man Hose Cart Drill and by so doing keeping the Allen and Solly Cup in Arnold. This had been hotly contested between the men of Arnold and Long Eaton both with the same time of 31 secs but the Long Eaton team were given an 11 sec penalty so making Arnold the winners. Carlton came third with a time of 37sec. Arnolds winning team consisted of Fireman Wells, Story, Peck and Terry. The judges for the event were the Chief Officer Mr H Brewer and 2nd officer Mr L Goodman both of Kettering, the whole event being organised by the Arnold brigade in the persons of Chief Officer A Barrett, Mr H Marshall and Mr G Holmes.
As well as the Four Man Hose Cart Arnold also won the Steamer Drill (dry) came first and second in the Escape Drill and 3rd in the Steamer Drill (wet). The prizes being presented by councillor S Dove of Arnold,
As Advertised the entertainment concluding with the Red Cross club swinging and dancing to the Arnold Prize Band.
The photo shows the Arnold Brigade holding the Allen solly cup.
Where is it now I wonder?