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There is no history attached to these cups (mixed pairs competition). The suggestion for this competition came in 2003. It seemed appropriate that the competition should start in 2004 because the Sisters, members of a nursing and teaching order founded in Belgium in 1883 “…for the education of girls, and the care of the sick” were celebrating their centenary at North Cheam. They had purchased North Cheam house part of which was the original Lord Nelson coaching inn and seventeen acres of garden and orchard for £4,625. The red brick building was built in 1914. Work on the current hospital started in 1973. In 1986 after consultation with the Regional Health Authority plans were drawn up to build a hospice. The Sisters provided the site and paid for the building, but the running costs were, and still are, dependent upon voluntary donations and fundraising. The Health Authority meet one third of the cost. Apart from inpatient care the hospice provides specialist nurses for home care for all in need in the Boroughs of Sutton and Merton. The winners cup was donated by Ken Shopland of Carshalton B.C. The finalist’s cup was donated by Denis Austin of Worcester Park B.C. The first venture into mixed matches had 107 pairs entering, and the Association donated £500 to the hospice. There have been no winners of this Trophy by Epsom Bowling Club. However, the Epsom Pair of Mrs Eileen Mills and Graham Pilbrow lost in the Final in 2004. In 2011 Sandra Huxford & David Sowdon became the first winners of this trophy beating Ashtead 22 - 13. |