Percy Sills Football Competition 2009

PERCY SILLS TROPHY

During the late 70's a seven-a-side football competition was held
in the A2 Thorne Sub-division.

The winning trophy was a mysterious piece of silverware that
'appeared' following a property store inspection!!

We actually think it may have been a long lost first aide
trophy - which is actually rather apt as much blood
(not to mention broken bones) was spilt during
the many games over the years.

The 'debrief' afterwards had to be seen to be believed - many
of the competitions were held in the the 'safe environment' of
the long gone RAF Bawtry - you could say the sergeants mess
was 'blitzed'.

 Sadly the competition fizzled out in the late 80's and the trophy
was lost. Over a few pints recently - a few of the old A2 officers
thought it would be a good idea (yes really) to commemorate the
first competition in 1979 by a 30th Anniversary kick-a-bout. Planned
for later this year (date to be fixed) it will be on the five-a-side
pitches at the Dome Doncaster followed by a gathering and pie and
peas at Club 39.

Anyone interested in playing or just supporting the event should
contact Don Crabtree of the Doncaster Branch. The spectator
facilities at the Dome are excellent. The good news is that both
he original trophy and the runners up trophy have been found -
after much searching.

 For Doncaster Branch 2009 Social Events.
CLICK HERE 

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All South Yorkshire Retired Members

I've now recovered the 'Percy Sills Trophy' - have a look at the
picture - looks great but have to say it has seen some action! 
It actually stands 8" high (European cup it is not!) - then again
it is far more impressive than the Ashes!!!

Unfortunately over time it has lost the plinth that had the winners
names on - if I price up a new plinth could someone fund it please?
(I don't know how much it would be and obviously if it is too
much we'll just leave it). Intention is to have it on display at Club  39.

Apparently the trophy was originally a Police First Aid Trophy from
 50's/60's - now there is a quest for the NARPO web site - exactly
who was Percy Sills? I don't know how it made the transition to
an A2 football trophy (best not to ask).  In the 90's it was to have
been thrown out in a clear out at Doncaster but someone had the
common sense to hand it to a retired Inspector who used to
play for it with us in the 70's - and he lovingly restored it to what
it is now. He saw the article in our Newsletter and contacted us via
his son who a serving officer and, as they say, the rest is
history................

Looks like we will play for it later in the year - maybe September.
There has been plenty of interest - strangely from retired officers
who are not NARPO members or don't attend any NARPO
functions/events.There is quite a bit of interest from serving
officers coming to the 'end of their time' and who played originally.

Cheers,

Don Crabtree.

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The Sports & Social Club and the Life Members Section will fund
the new plinth, are any members in Barnsley, Rotherham
and Sheffield up for the challenge. The football game will be more
about skill and experience rather than speed and agility ( some
may breath a sigh of relief).

There will be a good 'Do' at Club 39 afterwards - good train service
 to Doncaster - free for those over 60.

If you can help Don with the history of the trophy or are just
interested visit our Forum and read or add to the comment.
CLICK HERE