XC Cup

Graham was a scientist working at RSRE in Malvern and a very keen member of the club in the early to mid-eighties. A group of us were very keen in those days and we were out at every opportunity, Graham was probably one of the most enthusiastic and competitive amongst us and  he was nearly always the first to launch!

On 21st February 1987, we went to Pandy on a strong, gusty day and as usual Graham was first to launch. Immediately after take-off, his right wing tip dropped and hit a bush which further rotated the glider and he impacted head first into the hillside. We called an ambulance and got him to hospital as soon as possible but sadly his injuries were so severe that he never regained consciousness and died eleven days later on 5th March 1987.

His death affected us all deeply and so it seemed fitting at the time that we should introduce a trophy in his memory and the “XC Cup” seemed to best capture his enthusiastic and competitive spirit

The Graham Holder Memorial XC Cup is awarded to the member who has logged the highest-scoring flight in the UK in the previous season under the Malvern HGC or Malvern Aerotow Group “flag”.

Year	Recipient
2023	Alex Coltman
2022	Steve Watts
2021	Nick Collins
2020	(No award - Covid)
2019	Nick Collins
2018	Steve Ashley
2017	Tony Wilkinson
2016	Nick Collins
2015	Bill Bell
2014	Tony Wilkinson
2013	Kirsty Cameron
2012	Nick Collins
2011	Bryan Hindle
2010	Stuart Mayson
2009	Bill Bell
2008	Bryan Hindle
2007	Nev Almond
2006	Richard Pearce
2005	Bryan Hindle
2004	Bryan Hindle
2003	Nick Collins
2002	Bryan Hindle
2001	Frank Trunks
2000	Derek Evans
1999	Bill Bell
1998	Martin Bennett
1997	Bill Bell
1996	Alex Green
1995	Graham Steel
1994	Graham Steel
1993	Martin Bennett
1992	Derek Evans
1991	Andy Smart
1990	Alan Hyde
1989	Andy Smart
1988	Alan Hyde
1987	Leo Jones