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The correct name for this Trophy is The Elsie Blane Trophy. The name was chosen by Ron Hart who at the time was Secretary of The Sutton & Merton District Branch of The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association. Elsie had been very helpful when Ron was setting up this branch circa 1950. Elsie Emily Blane had been elected to serve the North West Ward of the Borough of Sutton & Cheam in May 1945 and she remained a Councillor until May 1958. Sutton & Cheam had not at that time become part of Greater London. The trophy was presented to Sutton & District Bowling Association at the first A.G.M. held on December 5th 1950. Originally the trophy was played for in a 15 ends pairs competition, held annually on the first three Sundays in September. It is recorded that 78 pairs took part in 1954. In 1955 £243 was sent to the new BLESMA home in Southsea. That home is now closed, but the continued generosity of Sutton & District Bowling Association is recorded on a plaque in the BLESMA home in Blackpool. The entry for the competition in 2002 was 116 pairs. There have been no winners of this Trophy by Epsom Bowling Club. However, the Epsom Pair of Peter Pearce and Les Owen lost in the Final in 2000. |