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Royal Surf Carnival 1954 Junior Boat Race Trophy
Royal Surf Carnival 1954 Junior Boat Race Trophy

Royal Surf Carnival 1954 Junior Boat Race Trophy

Date1954
Object number00037250
NameTrophy
MediumPlastic, metal
DimensionsOverall: 250 x 111 x 111 mm, 0.28 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bob Maguire
DescriptionWinners trophy for the Junior Boat Race, Royal Surf Carnival, 1954. The shield reads, "Royal Surf Carnival Bondi, 1954. Jun. Boat Race, 1st. Sth. Curl Curl".HistoryAs part of the 1954 royal visit, the Queen and Prince Phillip were treated to a Royal Command Surf Carnival event at Bondi. Braving the Australian sun and a "very non-English" temperature of 80°F (26°C), the couple watched surf races, running races, displays of surf rescue and inspected a march past of lifesavers from surf lifesaving clubs across NSW. An estimated 100,000 spectators watched on and it was reported in London: ‘The highlight of yesterday’s festivities was the surf carnival on Bondi Beach, of world fame, in which the Queen and her husband, sitting amid a vast concourse of people in summer clothes, were so interested that they stayed for 40 minutes beyond their appointed time…" (The Times, 8 February, 1954)SignificanceThis trophy was presented in 1954 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Surf Carnival, Bondi, to Richard Maguire. His South Curl Curl team was placed first in the Junior Boat Race.