The Hartlepool Rifle Club had been formed in 1901 during the Boer War and at the time of this image was one of the few clubs remaining from that start up period, another in the area and still thriving was Seaton Carew Zinc Works Rifle club.
The Astor Cup had been presented in 1902 by W W Astor to be competed for by the many clubs that sprang up and Hartlepool had been trying to win the Cup for six seasons before achieving their goal in 1910. The presentation of that Cup was made at the Naval Barracks (the building in the background) the home venue for the club by the Mayor Coun J B Graham to the then Captain Mr Mawson.
Building on the success, the club then lifted the Durham-Londonderry Shield at Wynyard in August of 1911, that Cup had been presented by Lord Durham & Lord Londonderry for competition. On the day Lady Londonderry presented the Hartlepool team with their trophy, followed by an address by Lord Kitchener. The holders of the trophy had been Houghton le Spring who had reigned for six years and the other clubs competing where Coxhoe, Sunderland, Wynyard, Chester le Street, New Herrington and Seaton Carew Zinc Works.
The club celebrated their victory at their Annual Meeting in the Sun Inn.
CMcL
Date (of image) : 1911
Donor : Hartlepool Museum Service
Creator : Holdsworth
Location
A selection of images and information relating to a wide range of sporting activities and hobbies in the Hartlepool area.
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