the hippo
A trophy from days gone bye
The
Hippo was one of many trophies which were shot in Africa by two brothers of Mr E Storey, a member since 1885 and one of the early trustees of the Club. It was presented to the Club by Mr Storey's widow shortly after his death in 1909, and has since been a prominent feature of the clubhouse. Well almost!
During the Second World War golf continued to be played at Formby but the military took over the Clubhouse as an Officer's Mess for the Army, Navy and Air Force officers based in the area.
Following a visit to the Club, some junior officers of the troop ship "Veteran" decided to take the Hippo back to their ship. This was no mean feat as the stuffed head is very heavy.
Strapped to the searchlight platform, the Hippo survived a trip under fire to Narvic, delivering troops to the Norwegian fiords, before being returned, relatively unscathed, to its former abode.
The incident is commemorated annually by the playing of the "Hippo Competition" for a handsome replica trophy.
Hippo was moved to its current site between the two downstairs bars as part of the recent refurbishment of the bar areas. A full account of his adventure can be seen alongside him in the clubhouse .
