Thor Lobell won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 10 January 1984, followed by The Guest of Honour and Lassken. Thor Lobell owned by TM Hogan, KF Grivec, G Pardo & S Dove, was trained by RV Knight and driven by SD Dove. Thor Lobell raced from 1980 (2yo) through to 1988 (10yo). Career: 36 wins 17 seconds 16 thirds 114 starts.Three colour photographs, two small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 10-1-84/ Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2300 metres/ Mile rate 2.03-3/5 / Greg Matthews Photo - Stawell Centre: Thor Lobell (Encore Lobell - Coral Thor) / The Guest of Honour 2nd / Lassken 3rd Right corner: Owned by- TM Hogan, KF Grivec, G Pardo & S Dove/ Trained by RV Knight/ Driven by - SD Dovebendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, thor lobell, 1984, rv knight, sd dove, tm hogan, kf grivec, g pardo, s dove, the guest of honour, lassken, bob knight, vj knight, vin knight, stephen dove

Henry Bruce won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 9 January 1985, followed by Brad Marlin and Springfield Rajah. Henry Bruce owned by Mr BG Matthews, was trained and driven by NF Shinn. Henry Bruce raced from 1981 (2yo) through to 1987 (8yo). Career: 21 wins 17 seconds 21 thirds 175 starts.Three colour photographs, two small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 9-1-85/ Coca Cola Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2300 metres/ Mile rate 2.03.8 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Henry Bruce (Henry T Adios - Laurel Cleve) / Brad Marlin 2nd / Springfield Rajah 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Mr BG Matthews/ Trained and driven by - NF Shinnbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1985, henry bruce, nf shinn, mr bg matthews, brad marlin, springfield rajah, noel shinn

Bag Limit won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 8 January 1986, followed by Quite Famous and Times Run Out. Bag Limit owned by ML Falls, AM Osborne, P & WM Day, was trained by RV Knight and driven by Vin Knight. Bag Limit raced from 1985 (3yo) through to 1990 (8yo). Career: 35 wins 16 seconds 5 thirds 71 starts.Three colour photographs, two small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 8-1-86/ Coca Cola Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2300 metres/ Mile rate 2.02.8/ Track Record / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Bag Limit (Tarport Skipper - Royal Blend) / Quite Famous 2nd / Times Run Out 3rd Right corner: Owned by- ML Falls, AM Osborne, P & WM Day/ Trained by RV Knight / Driven by Vin Knightbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1986, bag limit, rv knight, vin knight, ml falls, am osborne, p & wm day, quite famous, times run out, vj knight, bob knight

Bag Limit won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 7 January 1987, followed by Gosh and Game Oro. Bag Limit owned by ML Falls, AM Osborne, P & WM Day, was trained by RV Knight and driven by Vin Knight. Bag Limit raced from 1985 (3yo) through to 1990 (8yo). Career: 35 wins 16 seconds 5 thirds 71 starts.Three colour photographs, two small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 7-1-87/ Swan Premium Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.03.1/ Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Bag Limit (Tarport Skipper - Royal Blend) / Gosh 2nd / Game Oro 3rd Right corner: Owned by- ML Falls, AM Osborne, P & WM Day/ Trained by RV Knight / Driven by Vin Knightbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, bag limit, rv knight, vin knight, ml falls, am osborne, p & wm day, 1987, gosh, game oro, vj knight, bob knight

Quite Famous won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 6 January 1988, followed by Bag Limit and Tyler Karamea. Quite Famous owned by Mr AT Hunter, was trained and driven by J O'Sullivan. Quite Famous raced from 1983 (2yo) through to 1990 (9yo). Career: 45 wins 24 seconds 25 thirds 181 starts.Three colour photographs, two small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 6-1-88/ Bendigo Swan Premium Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.01.1/ Track Record/ Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Quite Famous (Knowing Fame - Shooshla) / Bag Limit 2nd / Tyler Karamea 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Mr AT Hunter/ Trained and driven by J O'Sullivanbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1988, quite famous, j o'sullivan, mr at hunter, bag limit, tyler karamea, jim o'sullivan

Rowleyalla won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 13 January 1989, followed by Sir Reilly and Riverlea Jack. Rowleyalla owned by K Rivett, was trained and driven by K Rivett. Rowleyalla raced from 1987 (2yo) through to 1992 (7yo). Career: 38 wins 19 seconds 13 thirds 110 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 13-1-89/ National Mutual Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.00.5 /Track Record / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Rowleyalla (National Byrd - Sally Alla) / Sir Reilly 2nd / Riverlea Jack 3rd Right corner: Owned by- K Rivett/ Trained and driven by K Rivettbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1989, rowleyalla, k rivett, sir reilly, riverlea jack, ken rivett

Empire Fella won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 5 January 1990, followed by Rowleyalla and Rufus Young Blood. Empire Fella owned by FA Sewell & SS Payne, was trained and driven by PL Ward. Empire Fella raced from 1986 (3yo) through to 1992 (9yo). Career: 35 wins 23 seconds 19 thirds 181 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 5-1-90/ National Mutual Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.01.4 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Empire Fella (Besta Fella - Dancing Princess) / Rowleyalla 2nd / Rufus Young Blood 3rd Right corner: Owned by- FA Sewell & SS Payne/ Trained and driven by PL Wardbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1990, empire fella, fa sewell, ss payne, rowleyalla, rufus young blood, p ward, peter ward

Aim First won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 4 January 1991, followed by Carden Court and Jocks Regret. Aim First owned by Mr B Devcic, was trained by B Devcic and driven by Gavin Lang. Aim First raced from 1986 (2yo) through to 1996 (12yo). Career: 38 wins 34 seconds 34 thirds 229 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 4-1-91/ National Mutual Bendigo Pacing Cup/ C8 or better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.05.2 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Aim First (Young Dancer - Brahn Beauty) / Carden Court 2nd / Jocks Regret 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Mr B Devcic/ Trained by B Devcic / Driven by Gavin Langbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1991, aim first, b devcic, gavin lang, carden court, jocks regret, boris devcic, g lang

Lord Muckalee won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 24 January 1992. Awarded First Place after Disqualification of Defoe Lord Muckalee owned by JR & Est GS Monk, was trained and driven by GJ Morgan. Lord Muckalee raced from 1989 (2yo) through to 1995 (8yo). Career: 21 wins 15 seconds 7 thirds 76 starts. Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 24-1-92/ Bendigo Southern Cross Television Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.03.4 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Lord Muckalee (Muckalee Strike - Saint Mary Redcliffe) / Awarded First Place after Disqualification of Defoe Right corner: Owned by- JR & Est GS Monk/ Trained and driven by GJ Morganbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1992, lord muckalee, gj morgan, jr & est gs monk, defoe, graeme morgan

The Unicorn won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 29 January 1993, followed by Bowral Boy and Guitar Magic. The Unicorn owned by PW Anderson, R Broomhall, KR Loughnan, P Pike, SL Dove & CF O'Dwyer, was trained and driven by Stephen Dove. The Unicorn raced from 1989 (2yo) through to 1995 (8yo). Career: 29 wins 18 seconds 14 thirds 94 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 29-1-93/ 1993 Southern Cross Bendigo Pacing Cup / C9 or Better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.03.6/ Last Half 57.5 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: The Unicorn (Vance Hanover - Significant) / Bowral Boy 2nd / Guitar Magic 3rd Right corner: Owned by- PW Anderson, R Broomhall, KR Loughnan, P Pike, SL Dove & CF O'Dwyer/ Trained and driven by Stephen Dovebendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1993, the unicorn, stephen dove, pw anderson, r broomhall, kr loughnan, p pike, sl dove, cf o'dwyer, bowral boy, guitar magic, s dove, carl o'dwyer

Dark Paul won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 21 January 1994, followed by Cougar and Aston Bow. Dark Paul owned by MJ Hanlan, was trained by AD Peace and driven by Mark Peace. Dark Paul raced from 1990 (2yo) through to 1995 (7yo). Career: 35 wins 22 seconds 5 thirds 90 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 21-1-94/ 1994 SCN TV Bendigo Pacing Cup / C9 or Better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.03.7 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Dark Paul (Paulsboro - Intrepid Pearl) / Cougar 2nd / Aston Bow 3rd Right corner: Owned by- MJ Hanlan/ Trained by AD Peace / Driven by Mark Peacebendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1994, dark paul, ad peace, mark peace, mj hanlan, cougar, aston bow

Knight Rainbow won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 20 January 1995, followed by Magic Fella and Its Nero's Fiddle. Knight Rainbow owned by Mr C Price, was trained by NR Alexander and driven by Chris Alford. Knight Rainbow raced from 1992 (2yo) through to 1997 (7yo). Career: 22 wins 8 seconds 8 thirds 85 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 20-1-95/ Jetport Security Parking Ten Victoria Bendigo Pacing Cup / C9 or Better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2700 metres/ Mile rate 2.01.2 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Knight Rainbow (Tuapeka Knight - Tina Scott) / Magic Fella 2nd / Its Nero's Fiddle 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Mr C Price/ Trained by NR Alexander / Driven by Chris Alfordbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1995, knight rainbow, nr alexander, chris alford, mr c price, magic fella, its nero's fiddle, ca alford

Brabham won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 26 January 1996, followed by Jamyan Prince and Ricky Dean. Brabham owned by Runvs Syndicate, Manager RW Death, was trained and driven by Mark Purdon. Brabham raced from 1994 (3yo) through to 2000 (9yo). Career: 20 wins 19 seconds 9 thirds 79 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 26-1-96/ Ten Victoria Bendigo Pacing Cup / C9 or Better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2400 metres/ Mile rate 2.00.5 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Brabham (New York Motoring - Armbro Speed) / Jamyan Prince 2nd / Ricky Dean 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Runvs Syndicate - Manager RW Death/ Trained and driven by Mark Purdonbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1996, brabham, mark purdon, runvs syndicate, jamyan prince, ricky dean, m purdon

Anvil's Star won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 24 January 1997, followed by Desperate Comment and No Equal. Anvil's Star owned by RM Cameron & K Kotzikas, was trained by RM Cameron and driven by Ricky May. Anvil's Star raced from 1995 (3yo) through to 2001 (9yo). Career: 17 wins 22 seconds 11 thirds 116 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 24-1-97/ Gerard K House Pty Ltd Bendigo Pacing Cup / C9 or Better At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2400 metres/ Mile rate 1.59.3 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Anvils Star (Vance Hanover - Venetian Star) / Desperate Comment 2nd / No Equal 3rd Right corner: Owned by- RM Cameron & K Kotzikas/ Trained by RM Cameron / Driven by Ricky Maybendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1997, anvils star, rm cameron, ricky may, k kotzikas, desperate comment, no equal, robert cameron, r may, r cameron

Captain Rufus won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 23 January 1998, followed by Skipper Trust and Low Bronze. Captain Rufus owned by A Gannell, H Manolitis, KR Hyslop & GJ Carey, was trained and driven by Ted Demmler. Captain Rufus raced from 1996 (3yo) through to 2001 (8yo). Career: 17 wins 13 seconds 18 thirds 85 starts.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a brown, black, gold frame. At the top: Bendigo Harness Racing 23-1-98/ The Sulky Shop Bendigo Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2385 metres/ Mile rate 2.00.1 / Greg Matthews Photos - Stawell Centre: Captain Rufus (Sokys Atom - Hurricane Mark) / Skipper Trust 2nd / Low Bronze 3rd Right corner: Owned by- A Gannell, H Manolitis, KR Hyslop & GJ Carey/ Trained and driven by Ted Demmlerbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, driver, trainer, owner, 1998, captain rufus, ted demmler, a gannell, h manolitis, kr hyslop, gj carey, skipper trust, low bronze, te demmler, t demmler

Raiarmagh Pool won the Bendigo Pacing Cup on the 22 December 1967, followed by Ballon D'Essai and Optical. Raiarmagh Pool owned by Mr and Mrs Evans, was trained and driven by Gordon Rothacker. Raiarmagh Pool raced from 1966 (4yo) through to 1968 (6yo). Career: 20 wins 1 second 0 thirds 26 starts. Refer to Identifier 15.230 (Media) for Full Career Performance Record.Two colour photographs, one small one large in a white frame. At the top: Bendigo Trotting Club 22-12-67/ Pacing Cup At the bottom: Left corner: Distance 2600 metres/ Mile rate 2.8-1/5 / Greg Matthews Photo Centre: Raiarmagh Pool ( Raiarmagh - Main Pool) / Ballon d'essai 2nd / Optical 3rd Right corner: Owned by- Mr & Mrs G. Evans/ Trained and driven by - G. Rothackerbendigo harness racing club, horses, race, winner, bendigo trotting club, pacing cup, raiarmagh pool, gordon rothacker, driver, trainer, owner, 1967, ballon d'essai, optical, g rothacker, gw rothacker, g evans

After a quiet period, interest in bookplates in Australia began to increase in the early 1970s, Entrepreneurial art and book collectors such as Edwin Jewell and others commissioned multiple Bookplate designs from a range of well known fine artists. At a 1997 meeting in Melbourne of the Ephemera Society of Australia Edwin Jewell and others announced the formation of the Australian Bookplate Society. The society was instrumental in promoting the art of the bookplate through establishment of the Australian Bookplate Design competition. The competition includes a design award for secondary schools students.Coffee Cup with label of E JEN W to top of cup and a heading of EX LIBRISSigned in pencil lower right beneath image.keith wingrove trust, ed jewell, bookplate, , australian bookplate design awards

The North Eastern District AIF Golf tournament also known as the annual Digger's Golf tournament was commenced in 1938 to raise money for the RSL and Legacy welfare funds Silver Plated trophy with removable lid and side arms mounted on brown plastic base with 10 small silver shields attached.North Eastern AIF Golf Cup for perpetual competition. Names of winners inscribed on trophy from 1938aif, golf cup, north eastern district

Cohen Trophy for Champion Battalion 2nd Infantry Senior CadetsCohen Trophy for Champion Battn 2nd INF Brigade Donated by Col H.E Cohen C.M.G D.S.D V.D Trophy is large in size and the cup (bowl) section is very large and noticeable. The trophy has both handles which are square arched shape.6x badges on trophy stand 1st Badge - 1926 - 27: - Won By the 59h Battn Senior Cadets 2nd Badge - 1927 - 28 - Won by the 14th Battn Senior Cadets 3rd Badge - 1928 - 29 - Won by the 14th Battn Senior Cadets 4th Badge - 1929 - 30 - Won by the 59th Battn Senior Cadets 5th Badge - 1930 - 31 - Won by the 32th Battn Senior Cadets 6th Badge: - Scratched/ illegible to read 5/6 rvr, champion battalion, senior cadets, cohen trophy, 2nd inf brigade

The Celebration Cup perpetual trophy was presented by Rod and David McKenna at the March Half Yearly General Meeting. Rod addressed the meeting, acknowledging that from its humble beginnings in 1875, the Royal Brighton Yacht Club has been a beacon of excellence in the yachting community. Over the past century and a half, it has grown not only in size and stature but also in the hearts and minds of countless individuals who have shared in the passion and spirit of sailing. The McKenna Family has over 232 years of total membership between them and have been involved in the Royal Brighton Yacht Club community since 1941 when Keith McKenna was first elected to the club membership and appointed Honorary Treasurer in 1950 for 10 Years. Keith’s wife Judith was elected to the club membership in 1981and acted as Treasurer for the Ladies Auxiliary for 35 + Years, both contributing to its growth and success through their unwavering support and dedication. Each of Rod and David’s grandfathers were also members while Rod and David continue to support the club in Race Management duties. The Cup is first awarded for the 150th Anniversary Regatta held on the weekend of 29, 30 March 2025, with winners of each class and Division honoured with a plaque on the Cup. The Deed of Gift accompanying this trophy allows for future celebratory events to preserve the legacy of our club for future generations. More information about the trophy and the McKenna Family's history with RBYC by clicking on the photo and then the right arrows.

Bendigo Banks Tennis Association Perpetual Cup. EPNS cup with large handles either side (3217a). Cup is mounted on a black wooden pedestal base (3217b) The top is detachable from the base. Small shields mounted around the side of the base are engraved with each year's winner, dating from 1930-31 (State Savings Bank) through to 1976-77 (N.B.A).bendigo, banks, bendigo banks tennis association

Noelene Chatwin winner of raffle held to raise funds to send a team to the World Cup Sport Kite Championship in France. Also in photograph Bruce Howden Lakes Entrance VictoriaBlack and white photograph showing Noelene Chatwin winner of raffle held to raise funds to send a team to the World Cup Sport Kite Championship in France. Also in photograph Bruce Howden Lakes Entrance Victoriasports, kites, competitions, fundraising

Melbourne Cup Eve dances were a regular event in the 1950s and 1960s The young women are photographed at the 1954 Cup Eve dance at which an 'Ithacan Cup' event was held. The young women, wearing sashes representing the different Ithacan villages, raced up and down the hall to find the winner. Pictured L-R back row: Nina Kallinikos, Angelica Raftopoulos, June Megalos, Kalliope Kallinikos, Kiki Zaverdinos, Leah Sikiotis; middle row: Mary Metaxas, Eula Flocas, Nina Paxinos, Marina Deftereos; front row Olga Black , Nina Black At that time the IPS Constitution prevented women from becoming members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society, however, there was a Ladies Auxiliary which organised social events such as the Cup Eve events. A sepia photograph of twelve young women wearing sashes and standing in three rows on a platform in front of a banner on which the words 1954 ITHACA CUP are written. Two of the women are kneeling in front of the group.

Event was held to commemorate John Cleeland's horse, Woolomai, winning the 1875. The Melbourne Cup and previous winner, Sub Zero, attended amd a painting of Woolomai by Pip Cleeland was auctioned and purchased by the Woolamai racing Club.Historical3 copies of an A4 coloured brochure describing the program of the event, description of 1875 Melbourne Cup, thank you to sponsors, coloured photos of the up, Wollomai and black & white illustrations of Cup scenes Also 3 newspaper cuttings describing the event in 2013 from The Star newspaper.Welcome to the Woolamai House Garden Party Thursday 24th October 2013 Victorian Racing Clubracing, melbourne cup, woolomai, woolamai house, john cleeland

Presented by Commodore Otto A. Meik, September 27, 1971 for a Combined Clubs Round the Bay Race. It was first sailed in the Season 1972 -73 and won by Ricky Laycock in Aquila. Traditionally, this trophy was awarded for the Squadron overnight race held in November each year. In the early 1980’s a decline in the entrants for overnight races forced the shift of the race to a long all- day Around the Bay Race. In November 1990, the race was reinstituted as a Combined Divisions Race, using V.Y.C. handicap system and was won by Ninda – Roger Townley. Prizes are also awarded for winner in C.H.S. and I.M.S. handicaps. In 2007 the Squadron Cup was confirmed as the prize for the overall winner of YV PH Division 1, 2 and 3, open to all clubs for a long race (70nm plus) with a night component. The race was decided on the results from the Big Bay Challenge race from 2007 onwards, won in 2007 by San Miguel – Russell Walton.Spherical shaped bowl 345 mm high to lip edge, with raised grape and leaf decorations around mid-section, flaring down to thick shaped stem, thence out to shaped footing also with raised grape and leaf decorations. Has solid rectangular handles. Shaped lid with raised grape and leaf decorations around edge, surmounted with solid, shaped dome with overall height 100 mm. Bowl stands on 80 mm high, round black base with shaped footing, silver winners inscription band around diameter.THE SQUADRON CUP PRESENTED BY O.A. MEIKsquadron cup, trophy

“The Squadron’s Most Prestigious Trophy” THE CACTUS STORY Years ago a story was told of a Donkey which lived in the desert. The standard of living was poor, and the main course on the menu when things were tough was cactus. The Donkey accepted the good with the bad, and in bad seasons it was always cactus. One day during his wanderings he came to a high fence. On the other side of the fence was lush grass and all sorts of vegetation and animals in prime condition. The Donkey said to a horse, “things look good in there, how does one get in”. The horse said “go down to the end of this fence, and you will come to a gate, there will be someone at the get, ask to get in”. The Donkey went to the end of the fence, found the gate and asked to get in. The horse at the gate said, “what do you want to come in for, all of us are geldings?”. The Donkey said “if that is the case, it is back to the cactus for me”. It was during the early stages of the great depression of 1929-1932, that this story was simulated to the conditions at the then Royal St. Kilda Yacht Club, when during the yachting season there were very few trophies due to the lack of money. A lot of members were out of work, and each Monday many would front up for the jobs that were offering or those who missed out went back to the dole or as many put it “Back to the Cactus”. The “Cactus Cup” race, to be free of entrance fees, was an idea conceived by H.A. (Toby) Armstrong, soon to be backed by Bert Bryant, Ivor Bowles and Jim Thorpe. It was First sailed March 25, 1922, when 9 yachts on sealed handicaps, raced over a 5 mile rectangular course for a small Trophy donated by Jim E. Thorpe and the winning crew of the yacht Helen, skippered by D.Dowse, entertained at a café after the race by the instigators of the race. The next contest was April 12, 1930, for another small trophy also donated by Jim Thorpe, and the crew of the winning yacht Petrel, skippered by Stan Gamble, later on having to arrange for a mussel supper to the extent of Trophy money at an informal musical evening held in the spar room. From then on races for the Cactus Cup became an annual event. In time the format was changed to result in the crew of the first winning yacht having to collect mussels from the pier on the first Saturday of July, cook and prepare them for a no charge informal supper and entertainment evening held in the spar room, towards which the Club provided a keg of Beer. Member Bob Ellis had a special song for the occasion, “Up at Tumba Bloody Rumba shooting Kanga Bloody Roos”. Jim Thorpe then agreed to purchase a Perpetual Cup to be named the Cactus Cup. As guest of honor at the Cactus Supper Evening, May 1940, a dinner suit function in the Spar room, he presented the Cup along with Replica to Barney Snider who won with Eun-Na-Mara. Soon entries became few, for reason nobody wanted to win because of the penalty of having to collect, cook and prepare the mussels. In the interest of the contest and its revival, it was decided that the crew of the last yacht to finish had to collect, cook and prepare the mussels. On the death of Jim E Thorpe in 1944, the trophy, along with its annual replicas, were then provided for by Ivor Bowles until his death in 1970. In time for reason of pollution, the collecting of mussels from the pier was discontinued, so Otto Meik the new provider decided that the format be changed and be replaced by a supper on the day of the race, consisting of bottle mussels, beer and frankfurts. Following the death of Otto Meik in 1979, with no provider for the trophy of replicas, the Squadron in the early 80’s broke tradition by introducing race entry fees. In 2006 the Cactus Cup Tradition was reinstituted by a donation from J.H. (Bert) Ferris – RMYS historian. The Cactus Cup is now free to enter once again for all. The race is run early and a late afternoon feast of mussels and frankfurts is eaten afterwards.Deep sectioned Silver Cup, 300mm high to lip, tapering to thick plain stem flaring out to stepped footing, has two shaped handles. Silver Lid with Donkey positioned on shaped dome. Overall height 110mm. Cup stands on 145mm high round black base with stepped footing, surrounded with Silver winner inscription band.ROYAL ST. KILDA YACHT CLUB PERPETUAL CACTUS CUP INAUGURATED 1922 INSTIGATED BY H.A. ARMSTRONG ESQ. ORIGINAL CUP PRESENTED BY J.E. THORPE ESQ.cactus cup, trophy

Following the death of Past Commodore John Crosbie in 1986, his long time friend from College days, Club member George Silley, was left a sum of money with which he was to handle John’s affairs. This George Silley was reluctant to accept, and in turn he offered half each to both R.M.Y.S. and R.B.Y.C. for the purchase of suitable Perpetual Trophies. The conditions agreed upon at R.M.Y.S were:- 1. The trophy to be named ‘Commodore John W. Crosbie Perpetual Trophy’. 2. To be awarded annually for: ‘The Club member of the year for his contribution to the Squadron’s Activities’. 3. Recipients of the Trophy must be nominated and seconded by Members of the Squadron. Selection criteria to be determined by the Committee, Flag Officers and General Committee. On receipt of the Trophy, April 1987, the Squadron then had it suitably engraved to George Silley’s liking by the Squadron’s engraver. In his modesty, for personal reasons, George Silley did not wish to be recognized as the donor. This agreement was not strictly adhered to, as evidenced in Annual Reports for the years 1990 and 1991, both of which rightfully credit G.A. Silley as being the donor. In 1988, for reasons unknown, and contrary to the donor’s conditions agreed upon, a further and as it turned out, erroneous inscription not to George Silley’s liking was added to the Trophy, as above. The first recipient of the Award was Les Williams in season 1986/1987. The award is by nomination from a Proposer and Seconder. General Committee then reviews the nominations received.Deep sectioned silver bowl standing 230mm high to flared lip edge, on thick sectioned stem with annular ring about mid-section, flaring out to shaped, stepped footing. Has large shaped handles, top attachment in form of seahorse heads. Mounted on 85mm high round black base, flaring out to stepped, shaped footing. Silver winners’ inscription band around diameter.Inscription on one side 1987 COMMODORE JOHN W. CROSBIE PERPETUAL TROPHY AWARDED TO THE CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR Erroneously added 1988 PRESENTED BY JOHN W. CROSBIE MEMBER ROYAL MELBOURNE YACHT SQUADRON 1934-86 COMMODORE 1970 -72 HONORARY LIFE MEMBERjohn w crosbie, memorial cup, trophy, perpetual

Donated August 25, 1956 by Edward Lumley and Sons (Vic) Pty Ltd, for Annual Competition between all yachts on the Club register. It was first raced January 16 1957, and won by Graham Drane skippering Commodore Otto Meik’s, Paula. Trophy when later provided for by New Zealand Insurance Company donation, was reallocated for a combined divisions result using V.Y.C. handicaps over three races:- ‘W.T. Crosbie Memorial’, ‘Cactus Cup’ and ‘Service Shield’.A Trophy which includes a Chronometer, Barometer and Thermometer mounted in a 155mm diameter Brass Semi Spherical gimbled setting and mounted on 110mm high, six sided tapered brown base with oblong winners inscription plaques attached to faces.PRESENTED TO ROYAL ST KILDA YACHT CLUB FOR ANNUAL COMPETITION 1956edward lumley, trophy, perpetual