Allan Jefferies
During the 1930,s Allan Jefferies had become one of the country’s most outstanding competitors in Open Trials. His successes prompted the Yorkshire Centre to honour him with a trophy. In August 1939, a fund started by the Yorkshire Centre to purchase a suitable cup, with Norman Dixon as secretary/treasurer. Norman set the donations at 5/- (25p) for Clubs and 1/- (5p) for individuals. The fund was to have closed on the 30th. September, but the outbreak of World War II caused a postponement.
The subscription fund was re-opened in 1946 when a Silver Rose Bowl was purchased.
Allan Jefferies Rose Bowl
Inscription
“To commemorate the many successes of a Yorkshire Motor Cyclist including the British Experts Trial 1938, the Scottish Six Day Trial 1939, and International Six Day trial 1934 to 39.”
Presented by members of Yorkshire Centre Auto Cycle
The Trial
The Bradford Club undertook to organise an Open (National) Trial. At that time, only one Open Trial took place in Yorkshire, the SCOTT. During the twenties, Yorkshire’s other Open Trial had been the Leeds Trial sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening News. In the thirties, the Rotherham Club had promoted the Lister Trophy Trial. Both events had been unable to continue.
Initial Winner
Despite problems due to petrol rationing, the first Allan Jefferies Trophy Trial was held in 1947. The start was Long Ashes Thresfield. It took in 12 groups of sections including Rock Garden, Moor End, Countersett Craig, Buckden, Horsehead Pass, Fountains Fell and Thresfield. Clerk of the Course was Jack Cooper, who had the position for the next five years. Secretary was Jack Whitaker.
The trial was won by Tommy Wortley, a Stanningley cycle dealer, on a factory AJS. Runner up was Allan, riding a 350 Triumph Twin.
Moorend Kettlewell
In 1949 the Trial moved back to Upper Wharfedale, the start again being at Long Ashes near Thresfield. The event continued to start from there for the next 11 years. In those early years, the hill at Moor End was considered the most difficult. This hazard was first used in 1921 for trials. It was still in use until 1995 when changes in the course made it impractical to include in the trial.