Centenary Book Launch

Pete & Shirley Pettit kindly provided mince pies to mark the launch of the Totty Cup Centenary book on Tuesday 19th December 2023 in Pettits cafe.

We were delighted that Geoff Salmons & Frank Barlow attended along with their wives, Val & Linda. The Barlow-Salmons Shield (which Geoff & Frank donated) will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 – its history is included in the TC100 book (still available in Pettits and Hollygrove as at 21/12/23) .

Lacewood won the 2023 Barlow-Salmons winners in front of more than 500 people -they were represented at the event by Taylor Arnold and Zak Bridgen.

Back: Geoff Salmons & Frank Barlow. Front: Taylor Arnold & Zak Bridgen:
All photos : *Julian Barker*

Former World Darts Champion Dennis Priestley was a welcome guest too. Dennis wrote the foreword for the Montagu Cup 125th anniversary book as his grandfather, Billy Westwood, played in the 1904 Mont before signing for Bristol Rovers. Tragically, Billy lost his life in May 1917 while fighting in Arras, France.

Totty Cup refereeing legend, Gordon Swann, was in attendance along with our current officials – Lewis Pursglove and Steve Taylor. Gordon scored against Bill Shankly’s Liverpool in 1960!

Recently we had two new competitions – one named after Gordon, the other after the late Brian Hyde – another altruistic referee. Trophies for these competitions were donated anonymously and then skillfully restored by Mexborough’s own Bob Lamb.

Gordon Swann (standing), Geoff Salmons, Brian Turton, John Greaves, Dennis Priestley (back of!), Pete Pettit.

Bolton Carrfield teacher Andy Morton is one of our cluster coordinators. They organise the autumn qualifiers for the Totty Cup in their own time. Andy had the idea for a Don & Dearne Girls Cup, which has been running (and growing) since 2021. This competition is sponsored by Kevin Silverwood‘s ABC landscaping.

Forty guests enjoyed a brew & a mince pie.

Andrew Foley played a pivotal role in the South Yorkshire Times becoming the first ever sponsors of the Don & Dearne in 1999.

Main Don & Dearne supporters Chris Speight‘s Circuits Electrical also sponsored the book, and had Jo Russell in attendance.

As well as Pettits, we have had 4 other outlets taking orders and stocking books - Waths Sports Geoff Frodsham joined us.

Ged O’Neill showing the old Swinton Bridge lads a photo

Also present: Julian Barker (photographer); Barrie Dalby (proofreader), Bernard & Coral Fletcher (Montagu Comforts Fund), Ian Cotton (local football legend), Andy Wordsworth (Montagu Cup), Giles Brearley (Mexborough Heritage Society), Steve & Sue Poole (Mexborough Athletic), Les Oxer (Totty Cup finalist), Kenny & Kath King (Totty Cup finalist), Brian & Sue Turton, Ged & Moya O’Neill, Harold & Sue Whitehead, John & Jason Greaves, Bryn Jones, John McCall