The August bank holiday on 3rd August 1914 was the last day of peace. Dorking was hosting the annual day of ‘Athletic’ Sports at Pixham cricket ground. ‘Athletics’ then included cycling and events included locals-only races (for members of the Old Paulonians’ Cycling Club), open races, and one and five mile Surrey County Championship races. The Dorking event was an important one in the national ‘athletic’ calendar and crowds turned out despite the alarming situation in Europe.
The town band played at all town events, from coronation processions and jubilees to village fetes and church parades. The day following its performance at the sports it was playing local territorials off at the station. The following week it was playing at recruitment rallies.
Last : Urban District Council
Next : Recruiting at the Market
