“Bass-ball” was among the amusements offered to attendees of the United Temperance Pic-nic, an event organized for the various temperance and Band of Hope societies in the Aylesbury Vale district of Bucks, and that was held in Claydon Park near the town of Winslow. A newspaper reported that “after the refreshments, the company dispersed about the Park. There was no restriction. Some proceeded to the lakes, and with a rod and line baited for fish, others . . . pitched wickets and enjoyed a game at cricket, others played quoits, bass-ball, and other sports, indeed it may be imagined with the large company the amusements were of endless variety.”
Sources
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, June 20, 1885, p. 4
Block Notes
Claydon Park comprised the grounds of Claydon House, a grand country house that was then occupied by the sister of Florence Nightengale, who often stayed there herself.
