Historical information

Presented to W. Forbes

Raymond (Billy) William Forbes 1934-2008

Born Nyah West, Vic and died Echuca, Vic, Billy was a painter and decorator in the 1950s before joining the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade in the 1960s. In the 1970s he was employed at the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works until his retirement in 1991.

In the 1930s he was raised in Nyah West then moved to Wallan in the 1940s, Collingwood/Carlton in the 1950s, Reservoir in 1970 then Torrumbarry, Vic from the 1990s.

Billy undertook National Service in the 1950s and played football with the Carlton Royals in the 1950s and 1960s.

Billy was presented with this Winner's Trophy for the 1954 Eltham Gift. The Eltham Gift was a running race similar to many other 'Gift' races around the the Melbourne suburbs and country towns.

And that is where the mystery lies as press reports of the day have a completely different person winning the Eltham Gift in 1954.
Bert Edwards was recorded in local news as winning the 1954 Eltham Gift held at Central Park Eltham.

Physical description

Brass alloy silver plated cup (engraved) on brown baketlite platic base

Inscriptions & markings

Presented to W. Forbes, Winner, Eltham Gift, 1954