The Torch Trophy Trust was founded in 1962 by the late Commander Bill Collins RN Retd., the organiser of the 1948 Olympic Torch Relay from Olympia in Greece to Wembley in London. The Torch Trophy Trust is a charitable organisation, whose main aim is to encourage voluntary work in sport and other related outdoor activities within local communities.
In 1948 two Olympic Torches made for the final runner, designed by Ralph Lavers, made by E.M.I Ltd and donated to the Organising Committee of the XIV Olympic Games. After the 1948 Olympic Games one Torch was presented to the International Olympic Committee for display in their Museum in Lausanne and the second Torch was presented to Commander Collins, who in turn presented it to the Trust. It is this Olympic Torch that is the Trust’s symbol.
It was while Commander Collins was Honorary Development Secretary of the Amateur Athletic Association that the Trust was conceived. As a result of his experiences in amateur athletics, it was evident that no matter how successful he or the organisation was in persuading Local Authorities to provide better sporting facilities, all their efforts were wasted if more voluntary work could not be encouraged at club or local level. Commander Collins believed that the Olympic ideal symbolised by the Torch could also be the inspiration for men and women working quietly in their own small corners of the world of sport. Over the next few years, with the help of others, he refined the aims of a Trust that would adequately recognise these people. During this period Commander Collins approached many leading figures in sport and persuaded some of them to join him. Among them was Sir Arthur Porritt, who became the Trust’s first Chairman, Sir Stanley Rous and The Revd. David Sheppard. Leading sporting bodies were also supportive of a Trust that would help to focus attention on voluntary officials and workers.
The inaugural meeting of the Trust was held in 1962 and a Press Conference was held on 4th December 1962, when the establishment of the Trust was formally announced by Sir Stanley Rous and those present received a message of encouragement for the aims of the Trust from The Duke of Edinburgh, on his return from the Perth Commonwealth Games.
The first miniature Torch Trophy was presented to Arthur Davies in August 1963, in recognition of over three decades of voluntary service to the South West Manchester Cricket Club. From that time until 1971, working through Governing Bodies of Sport in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, ten Awards were made each year. In 1972 links were established with the National Playing Fields Association, which undertook the Trust’s administration and, thereafter, miniature trophies were also awarded to those who had given outstanding service to County Playing Fields Associations.
In the late 70’s the Trust extended the invitations to submit nominations to include Youth and Disabled organisations, which were providing opportunities for their members to participate in their chosen sport. Since 1980 the Trust has awarded approximately 20 Trophies each year and since that time it has been honoured that each year a member of the Royal Family has attended the Awards Ceremony and made the presentations.
The Trust is appreciative of the support it has received over the years from many leading participants and administrators in sport. The late Sir Colin Cowdrey, later to become Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, served not only as a Trustee for many years, but also as Chairman from 1974 to 1979. He was succeeded by Ted Croker, former General Secretary of The Football Association and for many years the Association provided the day to day administrative support for the Trust.
Following the death of Ted Croker, Sir Richard Buckley, himself a Trustee and former Private Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, was elected Chairman. Sir Richard was committed to the ideals of the Trust and, as Chairman, made a tremendous contribution to the Trust’s work from 1993 to 1998.
Ian Peacock succeeded Sir Richard as Chairman in 1998. A former Chairman of the Golf Foundation and Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, following his retirement from the LTA, Ian Peacock retained a number of sports related roles and the wealth of experience he brought to the role of Chairman was a great benefit to the Trust.
Having served as Chairman for eight years, Ian Peacock stood down in May 2006 and was succeeded by Roger Uttley, former England Rugby Union and British Lions player. Roger was Director of Physical Education at Harrow for 25 years until his retirement in 2009. He worked with Geoff Cooke to coach and guide the England XV captained by Will Carling to the Final of the 1991 World Cup. He was also Assistant Coach to the 1987 Lions side that won the test series against Australia. Roger is supported in his role by the Trustees, all of whom have strong links with the sporting world.
Since 1999 The Central Council of Physical Recreation has provided the day to day administrative support for the work of the Trust. The Trust welcomes this association with a body that represents the interests of all sports.
1999 also saw the election of the first President of the Trust, Sir Bobby Charlton, CBE. Sir Bobby had for many years been a staunch supporter of the Trust, attending the annual presentation ceremony to honour the unsung heroes of sport.
The Torch Trophy Trust not only presents Awards, but also is actively engaged in encouraging and helping voluntary workers at club level. The Trust operates a Bursary Scheme, the aim of which is to provide financial aid for those wishing to increase their knowledge and their ability to help others on a voluntary basis by taking courses to qualify as club coaches, officials or administrators.
All those associated with the Trust are committed to its aims to recognise the ‘unsung heroes’ and to enable individuals to develop their skills. It is the dedication of these individuals that enables others to participate and develop their talents in their chosen activity.
President: Sir Bobby Charlton CBE
Vice-Presidents: Sir Richard Buckley, KCVO
Mrs. Christine Janes, MBE
Mr. Jimmy Hill, OBE
Mr. Ian Peacock, OBE
Mr. Derek G. Ufton
Chairman: Mr. Roger Uttley, OBE
Vice-Chairman: Mr. Chris Baillieu, MBE
Trustees: Mr. Nick Adamson, LVO, OBE
Ms. Sallie Barker
Mrs. Patricia F. Day, OBE
Mr. Mike Denness
Mr. John James OBE
Mr. Ray Kiddell, OBE, JP
Mr. Barry Newcombe
Mr. Alan Pascoe MBE
Dame Mary Peters, DBE
Honorary Secretary: Ms. Sallie Barker
Honorary Treasurer: Mr. Mark Day, ACMA
Liaison Officer: Ms. Angela Sasso
Address: Fourth Floor, Burwood House, 14-16 Caxton Street, London, SW1H OQT
Telephone: 020 7976 3900
Fax: 020 7976 3901
