The 245th Recorded Meeting in the 281st year of
The Society of Archers
held at Ben Rhydding, Yorkshire
on Saturday the 6th day of June 1953
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To Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll on the occasion of Her Coronation
We the Captain and Lieutenant of the Antient Scorton Arrow and the whole Company of Archers here assembled, do send their humble duty and Loyal Greetings from this 280th year of Shooting.
The Queen's reply
Please convey to the whole Company of Archers assembled, the sincere thanks of the Queen for their kind and loyal message of good wishes.
Be it remembered that on the 6th day of June 1953, the fourth day after the Coronation of our Most Gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second, seventy two Archers assembled on the ground of the Ben Rhydding Sports Club on the occasion of the two hundred and forty fifth meeting of the Society to compete for the Ancient Scorton Silver Arrow and other Prizes.
Pursuant to custom lots were drawn for order of shooting. The weather which followed days of cold wind and rain, was mild & calm. The first Red was pierced by Mr R Bennett of the Bowmen of Adel, who thus became holder of the Bugle and Lieutenant for the ensuing year.
Half an hour later, the inner Gold was pierced by Mr John Yates of the Bowmen of Pendle and Samlesbury, who thus became Captain Elect. After two hours shooting, an excellent lunch was enjoyed in the Pavilion of the Club, and a Telegram was sent to Her Most Gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth the Second, the text of which is recorded opposite, as is the reply from Her Majesties Private Secretary.
After lunch the Archers considered and recommended that wine should not be provided by the Captain at future meetings of the Society. Votes of thanks were warmly accorded to the Sports Club for the use of their beautiful ground, to Mr Frank Petty for his services as Judge. to Mr George Collinson, the Chief Scorer, to his charming team of assistants, Mrs Bailey, Mrs Lawrence, Mrs Birdsall, Mrs Ellison, Mrs Birkby and Mrs Marshall and to the retiring Captain for arranging so successful a meeting, which exceeded in numbers all those previously held.
Shooting was then resumed under ideal conditions and at the conclusion Prizes were gracefully presented by the Lady Paramount Mrs Stothert-Scott to whom a hearty vote of thanks was given.
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