Colchester And District Archery Club 1954 - 1994
Page 9 : Forty years – great years!
It was decided in 1993 to mark the 40th year of the club the next year and have a commemorative tournament and a special badge designed by the president in heraldic terms with a bow and raven, the symbol bird of the town. It was also decided to follow other clubs in a similar situation and produce a club history while older memories could still be tapped. In this year the Barcelona-located Olympic Games was held in hot sun and Colchester archers were among Essex archers who made the trip and sweltered in it. It was a great experience and Ray Watson took excellent pictures as far as a security fence allowed! A games video was added to the club’s mini archery library.
Colchester Archers, visitors at 1992 Olympics.
from the Bill Tucker Collection
A two-day open field, our first, was decided upon for August, also a commemorative dinner, but about this there was some uncertainty as immediately past dinners were not well supported by members when there were more guests than archers. Geoff Paterson helped by daughter Sarah organised the ’94 NEEFAC but, in common with the national trend entries were down as costs mounted and archers became more selective. It was decided to have an emergency telephone access when the bar was closed for enquiries were to be made. As usual, as for some years, the club took part in the country league match organised for many years by Marlene Hutchins, county officer of Wickford.
Writing in 1994, which closes the bracket for 40 years of the club’s life, it was desirable to record something of the year before the manuscript went to the printers and obviously this included the FITA Star, for which publicity emphasised that it was of ‘world record’ status being more significant as a phrase to the unknowing Press than Grand Prix or FITA Star. A PR statement went to regional and local papers and to regional and local radio and television. Anglia TV sent a camera-man. There is a certain prestige element in being of grand prix status but it also has its inconvenience in target allocation. However the grand prix status this year moved elsewhere over the county to spread it around but it had no effect on the turn out or success of our ’94 FITA. There were several national shoots entered, as always, but this time there was an 11th hour withdrawal of these to compete in an international in Germany. The club returned the entrance fees as a patriotic gesture. The growing experience on the computers of organiser Simon Reed, with valued help from Lyn Hines, former secretary and records officer, showed in his increased confidence which had repercussions through the club with the result that it was the general opinion from judges downwards that it was the most efficient and relaxed of our FITAs. Included in the goodbyes were phrases like “Brilliant shoot”, “Well done”, “Superbly organised”, “Best in the country”. There was great teamwork through from the Friday lay-out day to admirable catering and target handling.
This year there was a Lord Paramount John Haigh from the recreation grounds directive for the borough. Prior to shooting, the assembly stood in silence for Ray Watson, artist and archer, who had died a few days previously. It was apposite that one could refer to this 40th anniversary FITA in the same breath as the remarkable number of FITA Star applications totalling – 40! There were also some national record claims and four perfect ends.
In this 40th year the town held a history fayre in the Castle Park organised by medieval re-enactment societies and with a battle featuring specially made lightweight long bows and also an all-day competition. Club members were called to assist with hand painted targets including life-sized knights and crossbowmen and also with some brief commentary. The arrows were rubber-tipped and lolloped over the town wall without much risk.
The next major tournament was our first ever two-day NFAS open field at Layer, the usual site, into the organisational deep end of which was thrown Nick Wightman. It was among our most successful of such tournaments and Nick’s course was praised from all quarters. Targets, 20 a circuit, were uniquely hand-painted and made up by Jock, for the second day in relief for a Swedish round. A change from two single day meetings in April and October it allowed us to see this superb site in full leaf and all in brilliant sunshine. A memorable day and so timely for the 40th year. A Bar-B-Q with an admirable club clout and target championships followed later that summer with routine events for the remainder of the year. The new committee saw the return to the chair of Ron Sharp, and new secretary Colin Roberts…with the money keeper Barbara Knight. From force of habit Bill Tucker was re-elected president.
Forty years – great years! Now on to the half-century!
Credits
Original Text by Bill Tucker. Edited for the Internet by Kevin Bailey.
Photographs as credited in the text.
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