Victorian Bournemouth (233) has followed the Town Interest Association as it fluttered into public attention for a short time. Philpots blazed a short-lived trajectory through local politics, but, as did other gentlefolk, he abandoned the town. Perhaps the Association’s main success consisted of launching the community career of its secretary, John Armitage Crawshaw. He adhered to the model whereby others of humble origin achieved respectability at Bournemouth. He exemplified how individuals of modest origins could attain respectability in Bournemouth. His involvement in many activities would have established a broad presence within the community.
Month: June 2025
Victorian Bournemouth (232): golf
Victorian Bournemouth (232) notes that Meyrick Park, the resort’s first golf course, boosted the local economy by attracting gentle folk and leisured people to the new sport of golf. This supported tourism and promoted Bournemouth’s fashionable image. It also provided jobs, bringing income and an opportunity for social improvement to local working people.
Victorian Bournemouth (231): CEWMU
Victorian Bournemouth (231) has explored the fortunes of the resort’s CEWMU during the 1890s. It finds a group that prospered. It supported a variety of cultural activities and meeting points where the religious message perhaps acted at most as an undertow. Members found opportunities for social and cultural experiences. They could also read a newsletter. Crumpler’s support, energy, and direction stimulated the spread of similar groups across the suburbs.
Victorian Bournemouth (230): slate clubs
Victorian Bournemouth (230) has traced the activities of slate clubs as reported in the local press during the last two decades of the century. Once a feature expressing the personality of their sponsoring local pubs, this form of behaviour became institutionalised to take its place amongst Bournemouth’s other charitable bodies.