Maureen Ratel with Harry Vardon Bronze - 1984 (Limited Edition of 25)

The President of La Moye Golf Club, Norman Rumball, wanted to present a trophy to the World Seniors Tournament, an event of which he was very fond, attending every year to play with 3 friends representing Jersey.

Not wishing to take the easy option of a cup or a salver, he decided that a small bronze statue of Harry Vardon would 'fit the bill'.

Who to turn to? Why not Maureen Ratel, the wife of David, a member of La Moye Golf Club. (Centenary Captain 2002)

Maureen Ratel is a gifted all round artist, able to accept challenges in a variety of craft skills. From a sound grounding at Blackpool Art School she developed her varied talents as her interests and opportunities occurred.

Working in clay she created the sculpture that would be cast portraying Jersey's most famous sporting son. She chose to present him as a mature man and worked tirelessly to ensure that each little detail was accurately reproduced.

In consultation with the sponsor, Maureen established that an edition of 25 would if required be available. It would appear that this was a very modest target as once the bronze was seen order followed order in quick succession and in no time at all the last sale was made. Priced at that time at £650 - £700 it was a gratifying (not to say extraordinary) result for the artist.

Norman Rumball was thrilled with the success of the venture and proud to see the quality and variety of purchasers and recipients around the world. These include, in addition to the World Seniors; the Sports Hall of Fame in California, Muirfield Golf Club, Ohio, The Hampshire Golf Union, Marlborough School O.B., and presentations were made in Scotland, Japan, London and of course Jersey where the Harry Vardon Trust has one.

Perhaps the most flattering endorsement of the quality of Maureen Ratel's work was from Tommy Horton MBE, a world famous professional golfer and lifelong fan and collector of Harry Vardon memorabilia in that Tommy was presented with one of the bronzes. He liked it so much he later, just before the final sale, bought a second.

Similarly, Jack Nicklaus has two examples, with one residing in his home and the other in the Golf Museum at Muirfield Golf Club, Ohio.

The limited edition of twenty five Bronze Statues were aquired by or presented to:-

Norman Rumball, Esq.: Jersey C.I.
World Seniors Tournament: Colorado, U.S.A.
Royal Jersey Golf Club: Grouville, Jersey, C.I.
Sports Hall of Fame: California, U.S.A.
Sir Clement Penruddick: Marlborough School O.B.
Jack Silcock, Esq.: Jersey, C.I.
Hale Irwin, Esq.: U.S.A
Brian Barnes, Esq.: Scotland
George Gothard, Esq.: Jersey C.I.
Tony Day, Esq: Jersey, C.I.
Jack Nicklaus, Esq.: U.S.A.
Kevin O'Toole, Esq.: Jersey, C.I.
Muirfield Golf Club: U.S.A.
The Overseas Trading Co.: For presentation - Japan
Tommy Horton, Esq.: Royal Jersey Golf Club, Jersey, C.I.
Tommy Horton, Esq.: Jersey, C.I.
Michael Weaver, Esq.: Jersey C.I.
Patrick de C. Swoffer, Esq.: Guernsey, C.I.
Noel Thomas, Esq.: London
Colin C.B. Sutton, Esq.: Jersey, C.I.
The Golf Union: Hampshire, England
Paul Hallam, Esq.: London
The Harry Vardon Trust: Jersey C.I.
Mrs Norman Davis: Jersey, C.I.
The Harry Vardon Trust: Jersey C.I.