Memories
Another dip back in time as Dave Parkin unveils the latest local competition to come under scrutiny in his season-long The Good Old Days series - The Huddersfield Spring Handicap. It is all part of the build-up to the 2024 competition which is a one-day contest to be played at Golcar Lib on 19 May.
The Good Old Days No.5: The Huddersfield Spring Handicap
by Dave Parkin
If you mention the name “BEN SHAWS”, folks around these parts would think Space Special, American Cream Soda, Yellow Lemonade or Dandelion & Burdock but older bowlers may think BEN SHAWS EASTER HANDICAP which in 1976, became the season-opening new event and this morphed into what is now the SPRING HANDICAP.
Playing for the “Pop Money” as the late Peter Muff would often describe it would continue until 1985 when local sports firm, BARKER SPORTS took over the sponsorship. In 1995, local car dealership, ST ANDREWS MOTOR CO signed a 5 year deal worth £1000.
From then onwards, the SPRING HANDICAP sponsorship was taken over by THWAITES BREWERY and was run at Lockwood Park until 2008. In 2009, at Moldgreen, it was run under the SCOTTISH and NEWCASTLE banner. From 2010, the full sponsorship list is unknown from my sources but these days, the host club are expected to provide support. I believe some local sponsorship was found from 2010 but in 2013 when John Metcalfe won, £200 sponsorship was provided by Roebuck & Holmes Joinery and Shopfitting Contractors.
Five of the first six events were won by Griffin bowlers as they continued their winter form into the first Huddersfield event of the season which was held over 3 days of the Easter Holidays. The exception was in 1980 when a young, well handicapped, 16 year future superstar, Ashley Daykin took home £125’s worth of “pop money”. Now, he’s a Vet, he might have a similar effect on that section of bowling.
The logistics of running a 3 round event over 4 days of a holiday weekend probably decided on the shift away from this format as the article below hints to the hard work of some local officials such as avid reader of this column, Bill Blackburn and his committee members. Now, a Whatsapp group can send details in seconds, then 64 phone calls were needed or a visit to the Association nerve centre at Paddock to find out where to turn up on Monday after qualifying Saturday.
It wasn’t until 1993 that someone won this event twice & that was Griffin stalwart, Brian Starkey then there was a run of repeat winners in Steven Haigh, an older Ashley Daykin & this column’s subject of GOOD OLD DAYS Part 1, Roger Crowther who followed up his 1994 success in 2001. Ashley went on to win it for the 3rd time but most wins in this handicap belong to Steven Hirst who has won it 4 times (96, 05, 09 & 14). Robert Mudd (07 & 19) plus defending champion, Jack Dyson (22 & 23) are the only other multiple winners.
Please find an historic list of winners from 1976 to 2002 with venues & entry details where they are known. More information on winners since then can be found below under Web Page then History section. https://bowlsnet.uk/Huddersfield
ROLL of HONOUR 1976 - 2002
Upon reading this article it reminded Bill Blackburn of an anecdote about the Spring Handicap from 1996 which is added below.
When I was competition secretary my first job was to meet up with our sponsors. I met the owner of Barkers Sports, he lived by Linthwaite Church. When he retired he handed over the business to his daughter and son-in-law. Years later I met him in town and he said he was selling the business as opposition from multi-nationals were taking over small independent traders.
We needed a new sponsor. At the time one of my daughters was going out with the owner of St Andrews Motors son, Robert. I managed to convince him to sponsor the comp and told him it was being held at Lindley Lib and they had a plot of land at the side of the green with entrance from Occupation Road where he could display one or two of his cars on finals day.
Unfortunately I later found out that the land didn't belong to the club and they couldn't display cars there, that and the green were owned by a landlord and they paid an annual peppercorn rent. He sponsored it for five years then sold up and went to live in Australia. Looking at the venues since then I can't make out who is current sponsor.
Bill Blackburn
The 2024 version of this competition takes place at Golcar Lib on Sunday 19 May. Latest
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