Trophies take pride of place
TWO pieces of the Batley's sporting history have been saved after a councillor found them a new home.
A pair of silver trophies, dating back 80 years, were in danger of being lost for good when bowler and Friends of Wilton Park chairman Gerry Hird found them in an unlocked cabinet in a council building.
The trophies are for two bowling competitions, the Tate Cup and the Taylor Shield, first played in 1930 and 1936 respectively, which were replayed last summer after a long break due to a lack of funds. They both contain the names of many bowling champions from the town's past.
Mr Hird tried to find a new home for the trophies without success and enlisted the help of Batley West councillor Peter O'Neill, who organised for the trophies to be safely locked away in the vaults at Dewsbury Town Hall. They will be put on display at Batley Town Hall when it is refurbished next year.
Coun O'Neill said: "They are part of the history and heritage of Batley which is why I asked for them to be put on public display a year ago. I will make sure these magnificent trophies are brought back to their rightful home."
The competitions are up and running again due to donations from hairdresser Gareth Price and his wife Claire, the Friends of Wilton Park and Mr Hird, who are all sponsoring the event.
This year the Tate Cup will be played at 1pm on June 14, and the Taylor Shield will be played at 1pm on September 20.
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Weather for Batley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
