LEIGH & DISTRICT

A NEW PERPETUAL TROPHY was presented at the 2012 competition. The trophy is perpetual and is awarded to the beaten finalist is presented each year ad infinitum.

This trophy was donated in memory of Gerry Houghton by Janice Freeman and Gerry’s family. Bowls had become the highlight of Gerry’s life and playing for the South Lancashire Team and winning the 2010 Champion of Champions was something of which he was very proud.

Janice said, “I never thought I would see Gerry abandon his snooker for another game, but his bowls overtook everything. He loved the game, and winning the Champion of  Champions when he did, showed his love of the game and his strength of character. Both Gerry and I have made so many friends throughout the bowling fraternity and the continued support and thoughtfulness that I receive from them is second to none.”

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Gerry was also a lover of words and languages (having been an English Teacher) and loved his Latin. As such the trophy has the inscription “SEMPER SURSUM” which can be translated as “Always Aim High”. There can be no doubt that Gerry always aimed high in his bowling career.

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