The inscription on the front of this silver trophy reads: “The Mouse Club Challenge Cup presented by Sam Woodiwiss”. Today it is simply known as the Woodiwiss Bowl and is an impressively large and important item with little decoration apart from a gadrooned rim and foot rim. It stands approximately 8½ inches (21½ cm) high on its plinth, and measures about 10½ inches (26 cm) in diameter. The hallmarks show that it dates from the Victorian era, being for London 1895, and it was made by the notable silversmiths Walter and John Barnard.

The Crystal Cup (Photograph by S Goss)

It is awarded for Best in Show at the Annual Cup Show, and the list of names and venues inscribed around the bowl makes fascinating reading. The first winner was Miss U C Dickinson, who won it at Lincoln on 24^th April 1896.