The 253rd Recorded Meeting in the 289th year of
The Society of Archers
held at Abbeydale Park, Yorkshire
on Saturday the 9th day of September 1961
Abbeydale 9th September 1961
On Saturday the 9th September, 1961, at Abbeydale Park in Sheffield, forty-one archers from many places entered their names in the volume of records and became eligible to compete in the 253rd “Ancient Scorton Silver Arrow”. Lots for target and order having been drawn, shooting commenced in almost perfect weather with a light variable breeze, under the control of Mr Jack Flinton, Field Captain.
The first item of note was that the arrow of Mr S S Henderson did pierce the Red and he thus became Lieutenant and holder of the Silver Bugle for the ensuing year.
The second item of note was the piercing of the inner gold by the 9th arrow of Mr A W Wales of Liverpool on Target No 9 and that of Mr D Harkness of Warwickshire on Target No 5. Mr Wales’ arrow was judged nearer the centre of the inner gold and pursuant to rule he became Captain Elect and holder of the Ancient Silver Arrow for the ensuing year.
Shooting for the other trophies then continued until 1pm when the Company adjourned for lunch.
Be it remembered that, at the conclusion of lunch, one of the retiring Co-Captains, Mr W J Kirk, addressed the company pointing out that the success of the meeting was entirely due to the hard work of Mr C H R Batty, the other retiring Captain, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed in his favour. The minutes of the last meeting were then read, confirmed and duly signed by both retiring Captains. Be it noted that the expenses of the meeting, including lunch and tea, amounted to twenty-eight shillings per archer.
Be it also remembered that after fruitful discussion the following resolutions were adopted.
That an offer of trophies by a certain Brewery Company be rejected with thanks on the grounds that archery must always be separated from commerce.
That a photostatic copy of the ancient minute books be made and held by Lieutenants in case of accident to the originals.
That the Rules should be printed and proposed amendments thereto be temporarily left in the hands of past Captains. Mr C R Crook then kindly volunteered to undertake this work.
Shooting was resumed at 3.10pm and continued until 5.10pm when tea was taken. It was noted that throughout the day fourteen bowmen had been fined for uttering oaths.
It is but fair and just that the cheerful diligence of the recorders, Margaret Julian, Pauline Priestly, Norah Berry and Doreen Bumpstead be recognised herein, since, without these good ladies and their like, no meeting could succeed.
The prizes and trophies were then gracefully presented by the Mistress Cutler, Mrs C H T Williams, to whom a hearty vote of thanks was accorded.
Thus a most enjoyable meeting drew to a close and here follows the names of the prize winners and scores of all archers competing.
TROPHY WINNERS 1961
| The Scorton Trophies | ||
| Captain of the Arrow | … | A W Wales |
| Lieutenant of the Arrow | … | S S Henderson |
| The Horn Spoon for Worst White | … | J H Atkin |
| The Thirsk Insignia for Yorkshiremen | ||
| The Silver Arrow & Gold Quiver, for Highest Score | … | J R Oldfield |
| The Thirsk Bugle for most Hits | … | J H Atkin |
| The Thirsk Silver Medal for Best Gold | … | C H R Batty |
| The Subscription Trophies | ||
| The Gold Medal for the Captain of Numbers | … | J R Oldfield |
| The Gold Medal for the Highest Score | … | D Harkness |
| The Phillips Cup for the Best Gold of the Meeting | … | A W Wales |
| Competition Judge | … | – |
TOURNAMENT RESULTS 1961