If Christmas Day was a day for going to church and staying in feasting, then Boxing Day was a day for getting out and about and indulging in all kinds of sports and entertainment. Skating on frozen ponds and canals was popular, so too was shooting competitions, foxhunting, pigeon shooting, rabbit coursing and rugby. In 1888, there was a rugby match in Newport against the 'Maoris', a large number of people attended even though the rain had made the ground wet. Special trains ran up and down the valleys to transport people to this event. 1906 a rugby match was played between Monmouth and the Springboks in Newport. If you didn't like sport there was always the theatre. Concerts were held with leading vocalists and musicians, Eisteddfods took place and also bazaars and sales of work.
'Christmas in Monmouthsire' will be available soon!
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