Objects of Substance- The Burrell Cup

place on 2 May 1901. The program included 25 yards Senior; 10 yards Junior; jumping from board Junior (incidentally won by Kathleen Lilley); diving Senior; 10 yards lifebuoy Junior, back race Senior; 10 yards beginners; 10 yards Junior championship; 25 yards Senior handicap; and 25 yards School championship. Relays became a feature as programs progressed, especially with the establishment of the Brockway Cup in 1904. Dr Brockway donated a silver Challenge Cup for the Secondary School Teams’ race. The School’s intramural relays were a little more creative with an egg and spoon race [interesting to imagine how swimmers navigated the water with an egg and spoon]; obstacle race; and a more conventional Relay. It was within this climate that swimmers such as Mary Lilley, Joan Lilley, Kathleen Lilley, Alvena Parkinson, and Joan and Alison Burrell emerged. Daughters of Arthur Cothingham Burrell and Hilda Burrell (nee Ellwood) of Eagle Junction, Joan and Alison attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School from 1912-15 and 1915-1918 respectively. It appears from newspaper reports that Joan was the stronger swimmer. In 1913, Joan, as a IVth Former, won the Lower School Championship and was the “Breast and Back” winner. In 1914, Joan was selected in the School team as a member of the Brockway Cup relay team with Grammar placing second. Greater success was to be had in 1915 when Joan with Hedwig Eschenhagen, Essie Wilson, and Joan Lilley won the Brockway Cup. Alison, Joan’s younger sister by three years, represented the School in swimming in at least 1918. She also received a half blue for 1 st 6 in 1917.

c1917 Sporting teams Alison Burrell middle row, second from right.