Seventy years ago, a group of students at Cambridge University transformed a simple Victorian parlor game into a competitive sport. What began as an effort to secure the prestigious "blue" for athletic achievement evolved into a unique tradition that continues to thrive today. The founders, Bill Steen, Lawford Howells, and Peter Downes, turned tiddlywinks into a recognized sport with its own set of rules, terminology, and even an anthem. Over the decades, the club has captivated the public imagination, engaging in high-profile matches and garnering national media attention. Today, the Cambridge University Tiddlywinks Club (CUTwC) celebrates its enduring legacy and the thousands of students who have participated in this whimsical yet competitive pastime.
The Birth of a Novel Sport
In the mid-1950s, three students at Cambridge University sought an unconventional path to achieving the coveted "blue," an honor typically reserved for top athletes competing against Oxford. Recognizing their limitations as traditional athletes, they devised a plan to create and promote a new sport. By focusing on tiddlywinks, a game involving flicking small discs into a pot, they aimed to establish it as a legitimate competitive activity. Through rigorous rule development and strategic promotion, they successfully introduced tiddlywinks to the university community and beyond.
The trio's efforts began in earnest when they co-founded the CUTwC in January 1955. They diligently crafted competitive guidelines, authored a comprehensive thesis titled "The Science of Tiddlywinks," and introduced innovative terms to describe various aspects of the game. Their dedication extended to designing distinctive club ties and composing an official anthem. To gain wider recognition, they reached out to celebrities, royalty, and media outlets, securing matches that garnered significant public interest. One notable event was a match against the Daily Mirror newspaper, held at the Cock Tavern in Fleet Street in June 1955, which marked the club's introduction to the world stage.
A Legacy of Humor and Competition
The CUTwC's rise to prominence included several memorable milestones that solidified its place in university lore. In 1958, the club challenged the Duke of Edinburgh to a match, which he accepted by appointing the Goons, a renowned comedy troupe, as his representatives. The ensuing Royal Tournament at the Guildhall in Cambridge attracted immense attention, selling out within hours and culminating in a victory for the Cambridge team. This event not only brought laughter but also underscored the club's ability to blend humor with competition.
The first Varsity tiddlywinks match between Cambridge and Oxford took place later in 1958, with the Cambridge team earning a "quarter blue," a unique distinction within the university's sporting hierarchy. Reflecting on these achievements, the founders expressed amazement at how their playful endeavor became a lasting tradition. Over 2,000 students have since played tiddlywinks, proving its enduring appeal. Current president Emmy Charalambous highlights the balance of fun and seriousness that defines the club, noting how seriously some players take the game while maintaining its lighthearted origins. The story of CUTwC is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance in creating something truly extraordinary.