A PRESTIGIOUS piece of silverware has found its way back to Selkirk Bowling Club, 139 years after it was last presented, having been found in a skip in Workington.

Motor mechanic Robert Blair, a self-confessed hoarder, came across the Commercial Travellers Cup while treasure hunting at Ropers Scrap Yard 25 years ago.

Mr Blair added his find to his collection but while recuperating from illness last year was persuaded by his long suffering partner, Maureen Olvanhill, to enrol on a computer course so that he could research some of his items.

“It was really more for something to do but the more I learned the more addictive it became,” said Mr Blair, who then made a phone call to the Selkirk club which was answered by the Royal Burgh’s very own super sleuth Hazel Scott.

“I thought it was quite exciting news and immediately set off on the trail of trying to find out more information about the trophy, the man who had won it, and how it had ended up in a skip in Workington,” said Mrs Scott.

Mrs Scott discovered that cup had been gifted to the club in 1873 by a group of men who regularly visited the area looking for business.

The group stated that the solid silver trophy was to be presented to the winner of a single hand competition and that it would become the property of any person to take the honours three times. This was the first cup ever to be presented at the club.

Having won the tournament in 1875 and 1876 former Selkirk BC president and local draper Peter Lidderdale took possession of the coveted award when completing his hat-trick in 1877.

Mr Lidderdale, who married local lass Jane Heatlie, died in 1918 having never recovered from the loss of his son, who was killed two years earlier fighting for his country in World War I.

It is believed that the cup passed onto Mr Lidderdale’s brother who then moved to Workington.

Delivering an appreciation at the bowling club following the death of the highly regarded member, the then secretary stated: “His style of play, including as its chief characteristic a beautiful sweep of the arm in delivering the bowl, was a model to be admired and, if possible to be followed by all young players.

“It will be long ere the name or fame of PH Lidderdale are forgotten wherever Border Bowlers meet.”

Rarely has a truer word been spoken.

A large gathering of Borders bowlers turned out at the Scotts Place venue once again when Mr Blair and his family returned the cup to its original home.

“It was quite emotional,” said Mr Blair after handing the trophy over to current Selkirk BC president Tommy Riley who showed the club’s thanks by presenting Mr Blair with an engraved decanter.

“Once I had found out where the cup had come from I felt it was only right that it be returned. It has been a remarkable journey of discovery for all involved and I am truly honoured to have been part of that.”

The cup, which boasts an inscription and an intricately engraved bowling scene, will be given pride of place in the club’s trophy cabinet for all to see.