The 298th Recorded Meeting in the 334th year of
The Society of Archers
held at Scorton, North Yorkshire
on Saturday 20th May 2006
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Following the most atrocious of weather conditions, a brief glimmer of sunshine after Tea
managed to capture four of our most distinguished members:
(left to right) Mr Frank Lister, Lieutenant 1975., Mr Michael Leach, Captain 1948.,
Mr Frank Newbould, Captain 1951 and Mr Brian Richards, Captain 2005

This years shoot returned to its birth, in the village of Scorton. The 20th day of May 2006, dawned wet and windy. All in all 79 archers entered, with 71 of them taking the field with the Captain, Brian Richards. 51 of these carried the longbow.

In the absence of Adrian Hayes, the Lieutenant, his brother Mark sounded the bugle for assembly. Brian welcomed all archers to Scorton, and apologised for the wet and windy conditions. The Clerk and Judges kept their words to a minimum so shooting could start at 10.30am.

At the first end the lieutenancy was decided and this went to Bob Ripley. The Captaincy was however proving hard to decide, due in the main to the conditions, however, half way through the morning it was won by Scott Walker, shooting in his first Scorton.

After a satisfying, but lengthy luncheon, followed by the usual lively annual meeting shooting commenced at approximately 3.45pm, with it having been decided shooting would finish at 5pm and not after the usual 2 hours. The Judges manned the swearbags throughout the day and raised some £15.45. This was handed to the Captain for onward donation to Bolton-on-Swale, st.Mary's Primary School.

After tea the Trophies were presented to the deserving winners. The Captain's presentations were made to the Lady Scorers, and the usual bottles to the two judges, all done graciously by the Captain's Lady.

The meeting was rounded off by the Captain passing his thanks to the Scorton Feast Committee for ensuring the day went without problem.

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The Clerk asked those that had not shot with the Captain in the morning to leave the room before the meeting was able to begin.

The Clerk advised the Gentlemen present that the Captain had asked him to conduct the Meeting, with the agreement of the Members present. This was agreed.

With the absence of the Lieutenant, Adrian Hayes who is ill, The Clerk asked the Assistant Clerk and Past Captain David Phillips to read the minutes of the 297th meeting. These were accepted as a true record and the Record Book duly signed by the Captain.

Apologies had been received from Adrian Hayes, Gary Aldred, Steve Bielby, Doug Pattinson, Chris Battersby. Harry Feakins had also sent his apologies, but had sadly passed away a few weeks ago.

Matters arising from the Minutes
Further to discussions last year about commemorating the 300th year, this was discussed again, with suggestions of either an enamel or silver brooch. The Clerk was instructed to investigate prices and to consider any further designs, which should be submitted to him. Ideally the design and cost should be available for the 2007 meeting, to allow Gentlemen to order their brooch so they could receive and wear it at the 2008 shoot. A suggestion was made to consider inviting a "Royal" to help celebrate the 300th Anniversary.

Regarding the request, last year, to attend the Scorton Village 750th Anniversary, it was pointed out that Scorton Archers already attend the Anniversary Day. Our presence today has been supported by the Village, and is being used to launch the Anniversary Year.

Correspondence
The Clerk reported that the White Rose and Loyal message had been sent to Her Majesty. The reply has been sent to the Captain. He pointed out that Buckingham Palace had done their research to find Brian's address, as this was not shown in the original letter.

The Clerk reported that he had a letter from a Vicky Moore, requesting to purchase a Captains Brooch for her husband who had been Captain in 1989. This had been agreed and dealt with.

The Clerk presented the Society Accounts to the meeting and invited comments.

Last years raffle of the Robert Hardy Book had raised £134. Philip Rolls had secured an updated copy, which he offered for raffle this year.

Discussion ensued about the tents for the Lady Scorers. It was agreed to invest £500 and purchase 2 new ones of higher quality.

Philip reported that the Society Website was still receiving many visits.

As we were already running significantly later than usual, the Clerk suggested that we should close the meeting now and then finish the afternoon shoot at 5pm regardless.

The Clerk then closed the meeting on behalf of the Captain at 15:23.