Cornish Guardian, Cann-Polkinghorne Centenary (26 Oct 1926)
ST. COLUMB CELEBRATES CENTENARY OF FAMOUS WRESTLER.
THOUSANDS HONOUR MEMORY OF GREATEST
CORNISH CHAMPION.
CORNISH WRESTLING CENTENARY AT ST COLUMB
Saturday will stand out as a red-letter day in the history of Cornish wrestling. From all parts of the Duchy, supporters of the old county sport poured into the quaint little town of St Columb to do honour to their old-time champion, James Polkinghorne, and to perpetuate his memory on the centenary of his famous match with Abraham Cann of Devon.
From an early hour they came in their hundreds, by motor coach, omnibus, and train, and by mid-day the town presented a scene of bustle and liveliness almost unprecedented in its history. The day’s celebrations began at 11 o’clock and continued well into the evening, the great wrestling programme ending at about half-past seven.
STREETS ABLAZE WITH COLOUR
Great preparations had been made to celebrate the occasion in fitting style. The narrow, winding streets were ablaze with flags and bunting, and the main thoroughfare was a riot of colour.
The memorial tablet to Polkinghorne had been fixed to the wall of the Red Lion, his birthplace. It bore a relief carving of two wrestlers, encircled by the Association’s ribbon with the inscription “Cornwall County Association” and the raised motto “One and All” above. Beneath was inscribed:
St Columb Wrestling Committee
1826 Centenary 1926
To the memory of James Polkinghorne of St Columb, in commemoration of his famous encounter with Abraham Cann, Champion of Devon, for the Championship of the West of England, 1826.
THE UNVEILING CEREMONY
The unveiling was preceded by a procession through the streets, headed by the St Columb Town Band, and including the local governing bodies, the Fire Brigade, and gentlemen associated with the revival of Cornish wrestling.
The procession formed at the head of the town, and when it passed the Red Lion the crowd was so dense that the police had difficulty keeping the road clear. Every window was filled with spectators, while a large number of press photographers occupied roofs and window-sills.
Returning to the Red Lion, where a platform had been erected, the following took their places: Captain E. N. Willyams, D.S.O., chairman of the local committee; Mr W. H. Polkinghorne, chairman of the County Association; Mr W. G. Tickell, secretary of the County Association; and Major C. E. Whitford.
Also present were two famous veterans of the sport, Phip Hancock, formerly of Carthew and now of Mullion, aged 83, and Tom Stone of St Austell, aged 75, the only man who ever threw Hancock.
Mr W. H. Polkinghorne, introducing Captain Willyams, said the contest between Polkinghorne and Cann was one of the greatest sporting events in Cornish history. Although the result had been disputed, the presentation of a victory sash to Polkinghorne in 1826 was compelling evidence.
The tablet, he said, had been subscribed to by St Columb people at home and abroad, including contributions from America. It was fitting that Captain Willyams, whose family had long been associated with the district and who had taken a leading role in reviving Cornish wrestling, should unveil the memorial.
Captain Willyams said it gave him great pleasure to perform the ceremony. Cornish wrestling dated from time immemorial, and many of its champions had become almost legendary. He expressed pride that Polkinghorne was a native of St Columb and hoped the centenary would mark a great revival of the sport, including the return of inter-county championships.
Following the unveiling, a vote of thanks was proposed by Major Whitford and seconded by Mr Mark Gatley. Three hearty cheers were given for Captain Willyams.
“HEART STILL GOOD”
Mr Polkinghorne then introduced Phip Hancock and Tom Stone. Their appearance was greeted with loud cheers and calls for speeches. Tom Stone eventually replied:
“I should like to be young again and have another try, but although my heart is still good, my feet won’t keep time.”
The band then played the National Anthem, bringing the ceremony to a close.
PUBLIC LUNCHEON
A public luncheon followed at the Red Lion Hotel, Captain Willyams presiding.
Proposing the toast of the Cornwall County Wrestling Association, Mr A. Bennett of Sutton, Surrey, spoke of the Association’s rapid progress. Wrestling, he said, was Cornwall’s true native sport, developing both mind and body. From only 35 to 40 known wrestlers in 1922, numbers had risen to over 200, with 32 affiliated local committees.
Mr A. A. Clinnick, chairman of the Old Cornwall Society, spoke of the importance of maintaining the Cornish spirit of “One and All” through wrestling.
The Rev. J. L. Kempthorne, proposing “The Western Counties”, traced the sport back to medieval times and spoke of its role in fostering courage and strength.
Captain T. E. Bisdee, D.S.O., M.C., spoke of the renewed enthusiasm for wrestling since the formation of the Association.
The toast of “The Famous Wrestlers” was proposed by Mr W. H. Polkinghorne and responded to by Mr Harry Pascoe, who traced the lineage of Cornish champions from the time of the Spanish Armada to the present day.
PLACING OF A WREATH
A wreath was placed at the foot of the memorial by the four reigning Cornish champions:
• C. Warne, heavyweight
• E. C. Williams, middleweight
• F. Lean, lightweight
• J. Snell, featherweight
The ceremony concluded amid prolonged applause.