ONE of York’s glittering sports prizes has been revived for the first time in 50 years after its ‘re- discovery’.

The Dr Evelyn Cup, which is more than 100 years old, will once again be competed for by York tennis players with the blessing of the widow of its last winner, Derek Snowden.

In the first quarter of the last century, Dr William Arthur Evelyn was a distinguished physician at York County Hospital.

He was also a very keen conservationist. As a leading member of the Council of the Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society (YAYAS) he conducted many campaigns to preserve York’s historical features.

But he was also an able sportsman, particularly tennis. He joined the Clifton Lawn Tennis Club, where he regularly played until his death in 1935.

In 1911, Dr Evelyn presented a silver cup to the club to be played for annually, a trophy for a men’s singles competition, which ran until the club ceased to exist in 1965. The winner of the competition, and the trophy, for seven years prior to the club’s closure was Snowden, who was presented with the trophy to keep in perpetuity.

The demise of Clifton LTC led to the founding of York Tennis Club at nearby Clifton Park, with Snowden playing a leading role in establishing the new club.

Upon Snowden’s death the Dr Evelyn Cup passed into the care of Derek’s wife Marjory, who recently contacted YAYAS requesting advice regarding the future use and own - ership of the cup.

YAYAS had the trophy professionally restored and, with the blessing of Mrs Snowden, it will be once more be competed for by York RC.