The 264th Recorded Meeting in the 300th year of
The Society of Archers
held at Scorton, Yorkshire
on Saturday the 24th day of May 1972
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At Scorton the 264th meeting was heralded by the sound of the Silver Horn,
62 archers assembled to compete for the Antient Scorton Silver Arrow and
other trophies.
Relinquishing his right to shoot first, the Captain invited Mr Ben Hird, in his 92nd year, to begin the shooting.
Thus, the 1972 meeting was started by the Captain for the year 1900, shooting wooden shafts from a longbow.
The Captain and Lieutenant then loosed their arrows, followed by the assembled company of archers. Fine weather was enjoyed for the shoot, but with a strong cross-wind.
The first arrow to pierce the Red was that of Mr G Barstow, who thus became the New Lieutenant.
With his second arrow of the first end Mr R Hill struck the Inner Gold to become the Captain Elect.
Shooting continued for two hours, after which the Company adjourned for lunch at the Bridge House Hotel, Catterick.
After a very enjoyable lunch, ending with the Loyal Toast and toasts to the new Captain and Lieutenant, a presentation was made of a shield bearing the crest of the Society, to Mr Ben Hird, in recognition of his services.
The minutes of the 263rd meeting were read, accepted by the company, and signed by the Captain.
It was agreed that the production of a metal Badge for the 300th anniversary should be put in hand as soon as possible, and negotiations opened with the Post Office regarding the issue of commemorative stamps.
Bill Wales reported that manufacture of blazer badges was proceeding, and raised the question of the alleged rule regarding the only entry qualification being, a bow and 2 arrows. Considerable research had revealed no such rule, and this was accepted by the meeting.
It was further agreed, that the Scorton & Thirsk Trophies will not be allowed to leave the United Kingdom, and that, for this contest, the Society will recognise the Yorkshire boundaries, as originally defined and in existence in 1673.
The Clerk to the Captains was requested to write to Avery Brundage of the Olympic Committee to obtain clarification of the effect of the Prize Money on the amateur status of the archers.
Alain Holt kindly donated to the Society, a pouch containing ten silver shillings for the traditional purchase of the Silver Arrow from the preceding winner, and was duly thanked.
The retiring Captain expressed his thanks to the Council of Captains, the Clerk, and the Company of Scorton Archers for their advice and assistance throughout the year.
The meeting closed and shooting was resumed for a further two hours, after which tea was taken in Scorton Village Hall. After thanking the people of Scorton, the scorers and all who had helped with the shoot, the Captain introduced the Lady Paramount, Baroness Masham of Ilton who graciously presented the prizes.
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