Trophy Store Blog

Its nearly that time of the year again, the 82nd Annual Academy Awards are due to take place this Sunday 7th March.  More commonly known as the Oscars, this is one of the highlights of the film calendar year.  Here at Trophy Store, one of our more popular products is our range of Oscar Trophies which many of our customers love for their own awards style evenings.

One of the guys here was doing some research to see who was up for what award this year when they came across this fantastic info-graphic which contains loads of facts and figures about the Oscars.  Thanks to the guys at Locate TV for creating this great graphic.

Source: LocateTV

Pretty cool isn't it, if you want to watch the awards live then you'll have to stay up quite late if you are in the UK like us.

Following on from our blog post on the Top 10 Non-Sporting Awards and Trophies, we wanted to share what we think are the top 10 Sporting Trophies as well. So we've been asking around the staff here at Trophy Store to see what people think and here is what we came up with.

Sport plays a vital part in many people’s lives and those who compete in various sporting events are aiming to win a trophy for all the effort they put into their training and playing.  There are many sporting trophies and awards that not only teams but individuals would like to be presented with.  Below we take a look at what we consider to be the top 10 sporting trophies or awards.

1.    The FA Cup – For some football teams this is the most prestigious trophy that they can be presented with.  For the fans it is a chance to go out and watch their team play at the most famous football ground in England, namely Wembley.  It also gives smaller teams the chance to play against large professional teams as the competition is open to amateur teams as well.  We have written an article on the FA Cup Trophy if you'd like to learn more.

2.    The Stanley Cup – This is the trophy that all teams involved in the National Hockey League in the USA want to win.  It is one of the largest trophies presented these days measuring a total of 89.5 cm high and weighing a total of 34.5lbs (15.5kg).  It is presented at the end of the NHL Playoffs to the team that wins them.  Last year it was won by the Pittsburgh Penguins and their Captain Sidney Crosby is the youngest one to ever win it being only 21 years old.

3.    The Jules Rimet Trophy – It was originally called the Coupe de Monde but FIFA the governing body of Football world wide chose to rename it in 1946 in honour of their Chairman at the time.  Since the first one was presented in 1930 to Uruguay it has been stolen twice.  The first time was in 1966 prior to the World Cup commencing that year and then again in 1983. However this type the trophy was not found and so FIFA had a replica made which was then presented to Brazil who had won it in 1970 for the third time.

4.    Football World Cup – Following Brazil being presented with the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning the Football World Cup for the third time a new model was commissioned.  This was then presented to Germany who won the competition in 1974.  This trophy weighs just over 13lbs (6kg).  Five of these trophies have been made and each one is crafted from 18 carat solid gold.

5.    The European Cup – For any football team that participates in the various leagues across Europe holding this trophy up is the ultimate prize.  This is because not only are they competing against teams from their own country but those from football leagues in other European countries.    Since its inception there have been several teams who have been able to keep the trophy if they win it five times or three times in a row.  Teams who have the trophy in their cabinet permanently include Liverpool and AC Milan.

6.    America’s Cup – This is the oldest sporting trophy on our top 10 sporting trophies or awards list.  It was first lifted back in 1851 and although it is a trophy that everybody knows it isn’t a sport that many people choose to watch although those who do watch sailing tend to take part too.

7.    The Ryder Cup – For any professional golfer in Europe or the USA being asked to compete for this trophy is very special.  The first time it was presented to the winning team was in 1927 and since then has been presented a further 37 times.  It is one of the smallest trophies on this list measuring 17 inches tall by 9 inches wide.

8.    The Men’s Singles Wimbledon Trophy - This was first presented in 1887 and is one of the most recognizable of all trophies that people who enjoy the sport of tennis recognize.  There are several players who have had the opportunity to raise the trophy aloft more than one including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg.  You can read more about this famous trophy in our article on the Wimbledon Trophy.

9.    The Ashes – Although this is a trophy that only two teams are competing for it is very important to them.  This is the smallest of all trophies that the England or Australian cricket team will be presented with should they win the competition.  However, the actual trophy as small wooden urn is kept in the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Museum.  The team that wins gets presented with a crystal version of this trophy.  You can read more information on the story behind the Ashes Trophy here.

10.    The Challenge Cup – This is presented to the top Rugby League team.  Each year the team that wins the trophy are allowed to retain the trophy until the following years final.  At present the trophy resides in the cabinet of Rugby League team Warrington Wolves following their beating Huddersfield Giants at Wembley in 2009.

There are a number of reasons for people to be given an award or trophy.  Most of the trophies and awards presented are in relation to sporting achievements such as Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals.  Yet there are just as many non sporting ones presented as well and below we take a look at what some may consider to be the top 10 non sporting trophies and awards that are given out.

1.  Academy Awards – More commonly referred to as Oscar Trophies, they look like a human being and are presented each year to those involved in the world of movies normally in March.  It is the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that give out these awards and is considered to be one of the oldest media ceremonies today.

2.  Hugo Awards – This award has been presented annually since 1955 and is named after the founder of the science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, Hugo Gernsbeck.  The people who receive this award are those who the previous year have produced a great science fiction or fantasy work.

3.  Victoria Cross – This is the highest decoration that can be given to members of the armed forces whether they serve in the UK or the Commonwealth Countries.  It is medal that is awarded to military personnel who have shown extreme bravery when faced with their enemies and since the first one was presented in 1856 a total of 1,353 individuals have received this medal.  However following the end of the 2nd World War only another 13 medals have been presented to UK and Australian military personnel.

4.  Military Cross – Another medal presented to military personnel whether part of the UK or Commonwealth Armed Forces.  This one unlike the Victoria Cross is awarded those people who have carried out an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during the time of conflict.  In some cases since 1979 the medals that have been awarded to military personnel have been done so posthumously.

5.  George Cross – This is a medal that will be awarded not just to military personnel in the UK and Commonwealth countries but civilians also.  It is a counterpart of the Victoria Cross and is given out when a person is believed to have carried out an exceptional act of bravery but is not part of a conflict.

6.  Queens Gallantry Medal – In 1974 this medal was presented and is the one that replaced other Gallantry medals such as the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry, the British Empire for Gallantry and the British Empire Medal for Gallantry.  It is one that is not only presented to military personnel but also civilians who carry out an act of extreme bravery.

7.  BAFTA’s – This is another award to be presented to those involved not just in movies but also television.  Presented each year like the Oscars, the recipients of this receive an theatrical mask shaped award.  It was designed by an American sculptor by the name of Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955.

8.  BRIT Awards – Most people refer to this one as the BRITS and every year a ceremony takes place that allows the British Phonographic Industry to celebrate the achievements of those involved in all genres of music.  Each year people watch this ceremony to not only see their favorite singer or band perform but also to see who is presenting.  Some presenters are better received than others!

9.  Nobel Peace Prize – This is a prize that is easily recognizable along with the Oscars.  Every year a committee will create a short list of those that they feel should be considered to receive this accolade.  Since its inception the prize bequeathed by Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel has been presented to many people including Nelson Mandela and more recently Barack Obama.

10.  The Man Booker Prize – This is the last of our top 10 non sporting trophies and awards.  This one is presented every year to an author who the committee feels has created a truly magnificent novel in the English language.  However it is only citizens of the UK, Commonwealth, Ireland and Zimbabwe who can be nominated for this prize.  Yet although only one person can be presented with this prize, just to be nominated is an honour.

We are proud to announce that TrophyStore.co.uk is the UK's most popular retailer of Trophies, Awards and Medals on the Internet, and that's official!

According to Alexa, the web information company owned by Amazon, TrophyStore.co.uk has been officially ranked as the most frequently visited online retailer of trophies and awards in the UK.

Alexa has built an unparalleled database of information about sites that includes statistics, related links and more. They rank over 16 million of the most popular websites on the Internet based on data provided by millions of users that use the Alexa toolbar to track the users usage patterns.

Every year hundreds, thousands, even millions of people are happy to sacrifice time and money to play golf.  The more dedicated golfers are the ones who want to not only play golf courses locally but around the world as well.  So in this article we have chosen to write a bit about what some may consider to be the top 10 golf courses worldwide.

Course 1 – Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand - This is a course that not only offers you breathtaking scenery but is one that offers a challenge to golfers no matter what their skill level is.  The course designed by American Architect Tom Doak, it looks out over the Pacific Ocean and is located on a sheep farm measuring 2,000 hectare.

Course 2 – Royal County Down, Northern Ireland (UK) – A well established course situated by the Irish Sea so it offers some beautiful scenery.  Just as with all courses it can be played by golfers of all skill levels however the designer Tom Morris has ensured that it is challenging and the 7th and 12th holes may prove especially difficult for some.

Course 3 – Pebble Beach, USA – This is a course where as long as you can pay the green fees you will be allowed to play in the USA.  The course has been open for more than 90 years now and was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant.  This course is one that really offers a challenge to all players and the water hazards between holes 5 and 8 are especially difficult.

Course 4 – Leopard Creek, South Africa – In our list of top 10 golf courses worldwide this is one like no other.  As well as the traditional types of hazards one needs to play across, there are some more unconventional ones as well.  You will have to make sure that you don't hit any of the wildlife that likes to roam this course.  Plus be extra careful when by the water hazards as this is where crocodiles like to chill out.

Course 5 – Green Monkey, Barbados – A course which has been designed by Tom Fazio and covers a total of 7,400 yards and situated on a tabletop landscape.  The first 8 holes leave people feeling unchallenged however this changes when one reaches the 9th (par 5) hole.  To reach the green you must first hit the ball down into a quarry 100ft below the tee position before then hitting it between the towering walls of rock on either side.

Course 6 – Turnberry, Scotland (below) – Most people often have this course as a second choice rather than their first because it is close to St Andrews.  Yet it is still a course that many would like to play as you have two courses here that can challenge your golfing skills in one day if you wish.

Image Source - Turnberry Golf Course

Course 7 – Valderrama, Spain – Although well established the course used today has only been open since 1985.  This is a course that not only professionals but many amateur golfers would like to have the opportunity to play a round on.  The course is situated in Spain's Andalucian region and offers golfers spectacular views out across the Mediterranean.  The course will prove a challenge for anyone especially the 5th hole as this has a two tiered green.

Course 8 – St Andrews Old Course, Scotland – This is the most prestigious and well known of all the established golf courses in the world today.  It is the course that many believe is where the game of golf originated from.  It is designed in such a way that golfers no matter their playing level will enjoy playing a round on and in many cases may find that the way they play improves.

Course 9 – Augusta, USA – Although when you look at this course design it seems relatively easy one to play it is the weather that makes this course such a challenge for many golfers.  The course that is used today was opened in 1933 and designed by Alister Mackenzie and Clifford Roberts.  Even 70 years on this is a course that is still one that golfers from around the world would like to have the opportunity to play if they could.

Course 10 – Ballybunion, Southern Ireland – This is a course that not only offers beautiful scenery but a challenge to those who chose to play a round on it.  The course to be found in County Kerry, Ireland opened in 1893 and although well established through changes to its design has helped to ensure that it remains one of the top 10 golf courses worldwide today.

The Rugby Six Nations Cup Event has only been in existence since 2000 previously it was referred to as the Five Nations Championship.  Every year this event takes place and involves six European International Rugby Union Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. 
Every team must field 15 players to take part during the two halves which are made up of 40 minutes each.  However, should a player do something that is deemed to not be within the spirit of the game or tackles incorrectly the referee has the chance to send them to the sin bin.  The player sent here remains in this position for 10 minutes.

This year’s Rugby Six Nations Cup Event commenced on Saturday 6th February 2010.  Every team involved will play the others over the next 9 weeks with the final matches taking place on the 20th March 2010.  The team that scores the most points during these matches is the team that is declared the winner.  For each game a team wins they are awarded 2 points, if the game is drawn then each team is awarded 1 point.  However, if a team do not win then of course no points will be awarded to them.

Each team will play the other teams either at their own grounds or away at the others.  The home matches for England take place at Twickenham near London.  As for the rest of the teams Ireland’s take place at Croke Park, Dublin currently, Scotland’s take place at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, the Wales games happen at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.  When it comes to the France games these may occur at the Stade de France, Paris and Italy’s will happen at the Stadio Flaminio, Rome.

But along with the presentation of the Six Nations Cup  there are other trophies that certain teams will be competing for.  These include the Triple Crown that is contested between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Calcutta Cup which is contested between England and Scotland.  Then there is the Centenary Quaich (a drinking vessel) that is contested for between Scotland and Ireland.  Also there is the Millennium Trophy which has been contested since 1988 between England and Ireland.  Finally there is the latest trophy known as the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy that Italy and France contest for and have done since 2007.

Although the Six Nations Cup is the one of the rugby trophies that all the teams would like to win, when it comes to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales winning the Triple Crown is also very important.  Yet before 2006 the team that did win this contest were never actually presented with a trophy.  The first team to actually receive the trophy was Ireland and they are the current holders of it after beating Wales in March 2009. 
 
Should a team beat all others in the Rugby Six Nations Cup Event then it is said that they have won the “Grand Slam”.  There are only 3 teams who have taken part in this event since its beginning who have won the “Grand Slam” title back to back.  These are England, Wales and France.  But the team that has won the most of these is England with 12, followed closely by Wales with and France with 8.  As for Scotland they have only one a Grand Slam title 3 times and Ireland just twice.

Photo Source - Wikipedia

When you visit any major coastal resort in the UK today you will find that most have crazy golf courses where a few hours can be spent having some fun with the family.  Not only do these courses prove with their obstacles to be a challenge to children but also to their parents.  However, do you know exactly where this sport originates from?  In this article we briefly look at the history of crazy golf.

The first type of crazy golf course to open was to be found at St Andrews, Scotland which is also believed to be the birthplace of the game of golf.  The 18 hole short putting green course was developed so that women who wished to take part in a game of golf could do so.  Unfortunately at its opening in 1867 women were unable to play the proper courses because the social belief at the time was that the movements to swing the club were considered to be unlady like.

It was several more decades before the kinds of crazy golf courses we play on today were being built.  Prior to the early 1900's the courses they built were very similar in design to the real ones.  But as with the courses today they were much smaller so took up less space and often only a putter is required to play a round on them.

But in the early part of the 1920's things changed dramatically.  In 1922 a golf fanatic called Thomas McCulloch Fairbairn created a new material from which the greens of these courses would be constructed.  Through mixing together cottonseed hulls, oil, dye and sand greens for such courses could be made quickly and cheaply.  From this time onwards this game of golf was not something that only the wealthy could play.

This game was so popular in the 1920's in the USA that tens of thousands of crazy golf courses appeared across it.  In New York City for example as space was limited they chose to construct 150 of these courses on building roof tops.  However, then things begun to take a turn for the worse during the 1930's as the economy begun to falter.  As people didn't have money to spend so a great number of the courses that had opened were then closed or demolished.

But once the economic crisis had passed so the popularity of this sport had begun to increase once more.  When you look at the history of crazy golf you will learn that two brothers from Binghamton, New York (Joseph and Robert Taylor) begun to develop and construct courses that were very different from what had been played on previously.  They made sure that their courses were more challenging along with having curves, banks and rolls to get past to the hole they put in other obstacles including pipes, wishing wells, castles and windmills. 

You can now find crazy golf courses across the UK and they are great fun for the family, however those wanting to take things more seriously are more likely to be found on the greens at places such as St Andrews and the Belfry.  Some of the most famous golf trophies in the world are contested for at these venues such as the Ryder Cup and the Scottish Open.

Here at Trophy Store we often hear of a few mishaps and accidents involving trophies - we usually blog about them when we do spot them :)

So we couldn't resist but report on Declan Donnelly (the smaller one from Ant and Dec!) who admitted to once dropping one of his TV award trophies on his foot after a presentation.  He had to make a trip to hospital afterwards to treat a gash on his foot.  Ant also told how he and Dec sometimes fight over their award trophies as sometimes they are only given one trophy instead of one each.

This month sees the return of the annual Trophex show. Trophex has being running for several years and is the only major show dedicated to the trophy, awards and engraving industry in the UK. The Trophex 2010 exhibition will be held on Sunday 17th and Monday 18th January 2010 in the Pavilion Hall at the NEC, Birmingham. The show is free to attend and the parking is free too!

The Trophex exhibition is a great opportunity to keep up-to-date with this ever-changing awards market. Trophex is a major international exhibition where you can see all of the latest new developments and changes that are taking place in the industry, talk to the suppliers, pick up exclusive worldwide catalogues launched exclusively at the show, see the latest innovations in the engraving market and learn more from the excellent free demonstrations that are offered! 

For more information, including a list of exhibitors, and the facility to pre-resister for free tickets visit the exhibition website at www.trophex.com.

We have just added our new for 2010 range of products and most are now available to buy online on the Trophy Store website. To complement our huge stock of old favourites our new range includes a larger selection of School Awards and Presentation Awards. We have also extended our range of popular Mini Stars Trophies to include some new sporting awards including a fencing trophy, a kayaking trophy, a rowing trophy, an archery trophy and a volleyball trophy. We also have some new academic awards including a computing trophy and a teacher award. We even have a Mini Stars Turkey Award!  

Some of our other favourites in the New 2010 range include Bendy Man, Flexi Man and the some new additions to our range of Bobble Heads. Our new products are easy to identify on the website as we have been highlighted them with a 'New for 2010' banner. You can also view the entire range of new products in the 'New for 2010' category. 

We will be introducing more products throughout December as they arrive at our warehouse so please visit again soon. We will also be bringing some more new ranges in during 2010 and aim to have the largest selection of trophies, medals and awards available to purchase online, as always backed up by our lowest prices guarantee and our commitment to the offering all our customers the best service.