Club News
Continuing Dave Parkin's series of competition memory-jerkers with a look back at the history of the Enid Blackburn Trophy which will be contested for the 20th time this coming Sunday.
The Good Old Days No.8: The Enid Blackburn Trophy
by Dave Parkin
On Sunday 9th June, it will be 20 years since the first ENID BLACKBURN TROPHY was run. The Blackburn’s decided to honour Enid with a tournament in her name for top lady bowlers.
The first edition was originally called the LADIES SHAPEMASTER CHALLENGE & held at MARSH UNITED. It was a 64 runner event with 4 qualifying nights & a final. This format remained for a number of years until I believe it became a one day event in 2013.
In 2011, the event moved to LINDLEY BC for 2 years after the club had allowed lady bowlers to become members for the 1st time. The events from 2013 onwards moved back to LINTHWAITE HALL, the club the Blackburn’s have been associated with for many years. In fact, I believe Bill’s parents celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary there during a previous Ladies Open event run there from 1980 to 1993.
The event has been dominated over the years by top county bowler, ANDREA BUCKLEY who if she plays on Sunday will be trying to win it for the 7th time & going for an incredible treble after adding the YORKSHIRE & HUDDERSFIELD merits over the last two weekends.
The 2022 & 2023 events were won by LORRAINE HIRST who also gained a place in the season-ending BCGBA CHAMPION of CHAMPIONS event & this year’s winner will also take their place at OWLEY WOOD on the last weekend in September.
I’d like to thank LORRAINE & BILL BLACKBURN for contributing to this post with pictures & winning names.
Lorraine Hirst receiving the Enid Blackburn Trophy as the 2023 winner.
Good luck all that has entered 🤞fingers crossed for good weather