Doncaster craftsman behind FA Cup, Calcutta Cup and World Snooker trophy honoured by the Queen

He is the Mexborough tennis fan who has made some of the most famous trophies in sport.
Pictured is Bob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic  Club,New Oxford Road,Mexborough, who was named in the New Years Honours list for his services to his craft as a silversmith and the sporting community in Mexborough. Pic Steve EllisPictured is Bob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic  Club,New Oxford Road,Mexborough, who was named in the New Years Honours list for his services to his craft as a silversmith and the sporting community in Mexborough. Pic Steve Ellis
Pictured is Bob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic Club,New Oxford Road,Mexborough, who was named in the New Years Honours list for his services to his craft as a silversmith and the sporting community in Mexborough. Pic Steve Ellis

And now Bob Lamb is set to be honoured by the Queen for the work he has done to get people playing sport in Mexborough, and teaching youngsters the art of the silversmith.

The 78-year-old was named in the New Year’s Honours list, and will be awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the preservation of traditional skills and voluntary service to sport in Mexborough.

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Bob said: “I was surprised when I got the letter to say I was on the New Years Honours list. It was the first I knew about it.

Bob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic  Club. Pic Steve EllisBob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic  Club. Pic Steve Ellis
Bob Lamb at the Mexborough Miners Welfare & Athletic Club. Pic Steve Ellis

“It was hard to keep a secret, but it was worth it when I told my immediate family on Christmas day, they were all around, and they were so happy.”

Craftsman Bob is known not only for the brilliance of his creations but the generosity with which he shares his knowledge, skills and time helping and training budding craftsmen and women.

Having run his business and been registered with his own Sheffield Assay mark for over 63 years, he has crafted some iconic silver pieces for customers such as the Kings Troops, Royal Navy, replacement Calcutta cups for the English Rugby Union and an English Rose for the Queen’s 80th birthday.

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Preserving his craft and developing young people has been a personal quest for him.

He volunteered his time to work with the School of Arts, Sheffield training apprentices for over four years, and helped to develop what became the Jewellery and Metalwork degree course at Sheffield Hallam University.

For over 20 years he has been a Trustee and Chair of Mexborough Miners Welfare Charity, Director of Mexborough Miners Trading Company, Committee Member of Mexborough Youth Club, Treasurer of the Tennis Club, President of the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association and Secretary of the Sports Trust.

Bob said: “Not everyone wants to be a swordsman, it is hard. When I started as a silversmith, the trade was limited but has still grown smaller over the years.

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“Because of this, I offer my time to young people who are budding silversmiths and want to get into the trade.

“There are people that do want to learn and keep the trade alive, but you have to be taught and shown skills, so that's where my teaching comes in.

“It’s so rewarding when you see them make a piece, and it goes on display.

“It gives me faith that this small trade is keeping on. I'm not the only one doing this, but I've been rewarded for my work and I feel like I'm representing those in the trade.”