As a follow-up to the recent Lancefield Gift held for the first time in about 60 years, a silver trophy presented to the 1964 winner has now been donated so it adds to local history.
The winner, Gerald Walsh, and his wife Gael, were thrilled to attend the 2024 Lancefield Gift on November 16, and meet organisers and competing athletes.
Walsh, running in only his second professional sprint in 1964, won very easily at Lancefield and had to wait a week for his prize money until his credentials were checked.
A virtual unknown, he had switched to professional running after being injured when he was a very fast footballer.
Soon after their visit to Lancefield in November, the Walsh duo had a big clean-out at their long established suburban home … and they found the boxed silver tray Gerald had been presented with all those years ago.
The inscription reads:
L. A. C.
REUNION
LANCEFIELD GIFT
Donated by K. & W. Chisholm
1964
The Walsh duo decided it would only be fitting if the people of Lancefield had the trophy, and the local organising committee affiliated with the Lancefield Football Netball Club was pleased to accept the offer.
Lancefield and Romsey Community Bank, chief naming sponsor of the 2024 Gift meeting, was also delighted to learn the 1964 trophy was “coming home”.
The Chisholm Family has a long affiliation with Lancefield.
In 1946, Bill Chisholm purchased Cameron’s General Store in High Street when owner Hugh Cameron retired after operating the business since 1891.
Mr Chisholm and his sister Kathleen expanded the business, and they were very community-orientated.
In 1976, the business was sold, and became a self-service store. It operates under the IGA banner today.
