< PreviousWinter, 1946-47. T H E R I F L E M A N 49 , Middlesex Summer League, 1946. division winners and highest mdividuals l5ivision 1 Heston and Hounslow.F. W. Mayor, Heston L. S. Hughes, Twickenham Division 2 ; Division 3 ; Division 4 ; Division 5 : Division 6 : Division 7 : ; A u t o m o t i v e . ; 1 2 t h M i d d x . H . G . F e l t h a m a n d D i s t r i c t . K o d a k B . : K o d a k C . - — . . 6 0 i h L o n d o n O . C . A . Division 8 : 102nd Middx. O.C.A. Division 9 : B.T.H., Willcsden, D. Division 10 : Automotive B. Division 11 : I si Ealing H.G. Division 12 : D Coy.. 10th Middx. H.G. L.T., Fulwell, E ; T w i c k e n h a m C . D . C . 796 (200.4) 796 (200.3) (tie shoot) 796 Division 13 ; Division 14 : A. Bolsom, Twickenham S. Chapman, Automotive. 793 R. Hunt, Harrow B.L., 897. G. W. Page, Feltham and District, 887. J. C. Smith, H. G. Sanders & Son, 884. T. Cowling, Enfield Police, 891. E. Tillyard, 60lh London, 887. P. N. Humphries, 102nd Middx., 880. J. O'Brien, Boro Heston Electricitv, 864. F. lenncr. Automotive, 873. L. Ling, C.A.V. B, 870. A. Dymock. lOth Middx., 772. L. Sidnell, C.A.V. D, 882. A. West, Twickenham C.D., 857 (96). R. Attcridge, No. 6 (Harrow) B, 857 (90). R. C. Churchman, Greenford H.G., 849. Division 15: C.A.V . G. _ . The A.E.I. Cup, which was competed for by teams of eight shooting under the MacRae Handicap system, provided a very close com petition this year and resulted as follows :— 1st. Kodak B. Gun score 778, Handicap score 800.378. 2nd. E.M.l. A. Gun score 774, Handicap score 800.336. 3rd. Automotive. Gun score 778, Handicap score 800,378. The Midland League The first clioot in the Midland League of .22 Rifle Clubs was due t() take place on 8th December. The League is composed of 15 divisions made up from 166 teams of riflemen from clubs all over the Midlands. Teams from an area roughly from Bristol in the south- CHESTERFIELD L.N.E.R. RIFLE CLUB The above club gained further honours when their A team won the F W Jones Challenge Cup by winning Division 2 of the Midlands Small-Bore League Seated, left to right : H. Whitlam (Capt.), F. Greasby (Chairman), W. R. Ha-t (Secretaryl Standing, left to right : S. Bilton, G. Furniss, H. Clark, W. Hart, Jun. This club are lucky inasmuch as all officers of the club are keen rifle shots and duo to their enthusiastic efforts, the club membership is steadily rising. west to Chesterfield in the north, and from Luton in the south-east to Nottingham, are represented and very keen competition is expected. We are very glad to announce that the Council of the S.M.R.c! have re-appointed Mr. F. W. Bracegirdle of Derby as their Midlancl representative. G. Pethard, vice-chairman. Moray and Nairn M.R.A. Fifteen teams have entered for the Moray and Nairn M.R.A. Winter League, and keen competition is looked for. In the first round possibles were registered by C. Davidson and S. Stuart, both of Elgin h4.R.C. Northants and Hunts Association S.B.R.C. ^^^Official results received from Mr. H. H. Running 4th November, Double 25 yard.s.—W. R. Jones (Westwood), 199 x 200. Double 50 yards.—T. K. McEwan (Ck)rby), 197 x 200. Double 100 yards—A. Leadbeater (Corby), 197 x 200. Championship.—W. R. Jones (Westwood), 581 x 600. Handicap Cup.—Simms (Peterborough XX), 600 x 600. Rapid.—J. w. Jackson (Peterborough XX), 99 x 100. Mossberg Rifle.—R. Able (Oundle). 98 x 100. Tyro Cup.—Miss I. Haney (tVestwood), 196 x 200. Club Fours (Team).—Peterborough XX, 774 x 800. Sharpshooter.—Westwood. 25 yards Unlimited.—W. R. Jones (Westwood), 99 x 100. 50 yards Unlimited.—T. K. McEwan (Corbv), 100 x 100. 100 yards Unlimited.—A. Leadbeater (Corby), 98 x 100. North-East Scotland (County Knock-out) The formation of a League consisting of teams of 20 from Aberdeen City, Aberdeen County, Banffshire, Kincardineshire, Moray and Nairn IS at present the highlight of small-bore rifle shooting in the North-East. 3"?^ will have two matches with each other during the winter season, ^ IPL match Aberdeen City are opposed to Aberdeen County; Bai^hire tackle Kincardineshire, while Moray and Nairn have a bye! The shooting capabilities of many of the Banff' and Morav repre sentatives are not generally known, but Aberdonians are 'warned that a shock may be in store for them. Selection to these teams will be by results produced in League matches, and members should bear this in mind and endeavour to get a " cap " during the season. Mr. G. P. Dawson, N.C.E., and ^lin M'Tavish, Bonaccord, are the city team selectors. Mr. J. .^derson, Inverurie, and Mr. W. J. Bruce, Ellon, are responsible for Abprdecnshire's team, and Mr- J. B. Rothney, Banchory, and Mr. W. G. Milne, Durris, will " cap " Kincardineshire representatives. (See Aberdeen and District S.B.R.A. Notes for further details.— Ed.) Northumberland County S.B.R.A. WINTER LEAGUE, 1946 47 League positions at 3Ist December, 1946 DIVISION 1 C i t y A Wa U s e n d H . G . A . . . H e x h a m B . L . A B e r w i c k B . L . A East Chevington C i t y B Felton A Gateshead Trams S o u t h S h i e l d s H . G . A Hetton-le-Hole C i t y C Morpeth A 11 t h N o r t h u m b e r l a n d W e s t A Stocksfield A Houghton A B e r w i c k H . G . Wa l l s e n d H . G . B H e x h a m B . L . B B e r w i c k B . L . B Stocksfield B C i t y D Corbridge A Felton B 11 t h N o r t h u m b e r l a n d H . G South Shields H.G. B Morpeth B Tynemouth H.G. A ... Houghton B ... City Police Seaton Delaval H.G. A Blyth H.G Hetton-Ie-HoIe B H e x h a m B . L . C Corbridge B Stocksfield C Morpeth C Post Office B Seaton Delaval B Post Office A Hexham Dene Villa ... Tynemouth H.G. B ... Widdrington H.G. B Widdrington H.G. A Northumberland Special Police Bedlington H.G. City, City Police, 11th Northumberland West H.G., Post Office, Northumberland Special Police, all Newcastle clubs, Frank Baylish, League Secretary. S.W. D. L. P. 660 0 12 6 5 0I10 64 1I9 64 08 6 4 0 8 63 1 2 7 620 4 4 . 610 52 6 00 6 0 600 60 DIVISION S.w.D. L. P. 6 50 110 6 5 0 110 6501 10 6402 8 6 3036 63 03 6 6 20 44 620 4 4 61 052 6 0 06 0 DIVISION3 S. -W .D.L.P. 6 5 0 110 6 5 01 10 ... 6 5 0 110 65 0110 6 50I10 6 303 6 ... 62 044 6 2044 620 44 6 r 05 2 61052 6 006 0 DIVISION 4 S.w.D. L.P. 7 7 0 014 ... 7 60 112 76 0 1 12 6 50110 7 403 8 73 137 7 3046 ... ... . > • 6 3 0 36 ... f 62044 6 1 14 3 ... ... 61 0 5 2 6 0060 6 0 06 0 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKjTTnraii' ''' 50 THE RIFLEIVIAN 's shoulder-to- Nottingham R.A. The final tables in the Nottingham Small-bore R.A. shoulder League are set out below : CasUe R.P .C N o t t i n g h a m C i t y P o l i c e A S p r i n g fi e l d W o r k s A Caf ferata A Players Mansfield District A R a n s o m e & M a r i e s A Wo o d t h o r p e Raleigh C i t y Tr a n s p o r t Caf ferata R.P .C N o t t i n g h a m C i t y G a s A . . S pr ing field Wo rk s B Meridian N o t t i n g h a m C i t y P o l i c e B Caf ferata R.P .C. C R a n s o m e & M a r i e s B Mansfield District B Raleigh B R.A.P.C., Nottingham Chilwell Ord. A Caf ferata D K i m b e r l e y D i s t r i c t . . . Boots ChilwcU Ord. B Arnold Caf ferata E N o t t i n g h a m G a s B Carlton District CUerton H.G. Oxfordshire Winter League Oxfordshire Winter League has attracted sufficient team entries to furnish no fewer than seven divisional competitions. DIVISION 5 I s. W.D. L. P. 9 g01 164405 9 7 02 14 4390 9 6 0 312 4415 942 3 10 4360 9 3 2 4 84369 93 I 5 7 4372 9 3 ' 5 7 4322 93 0 66 4362 9 22 56 4331 920 74 4325 2 S. W. D.L. P. Agg. 9 9 0 018 4330 9 70 2 144297 9 6 1 213 4307 96 12 13 4300 95 04 104331 9 31 57 4258 93 I 5 7 4247 9 2 0 7 44264 9 20 74 4187 9 00 90 2152 3 r — - J S.W.D.L. P. Agg- 9801 16 4222 9711 154223 961213 4246 9 6 0 312421 1 96 0 3 124103 94 05 8 41 16 9 4 0 5841 13 92074 4076 9 10 8 21702 9 00 90 1304 W I N T E R L E A G U E C O M P E T I T I O N nine matches) :— B i c e s t e r A Chipping Norton A T r i n i t y H a l l A Peppard A M o r r i s M o t o r s A . . . O x f o r d C i t y A M o r r i s M o t o r s B . . . T r i n i t y H a l l B B i c e s t e r B W i t n e y A O x f o r d C i t y C T r i n i t y H a l l C O x f o r d C i t y B M o r r i s M o t o r s C . . . Osberton A W i t n e y B . . . We s t O x f o r d A Pressed Steel A U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s A Pressed Steel B B i c e s t e r C T r i n i t y H a l l D M o r r i s M o t o r s D . . O x f o r d C i t y D Peppard B W i t n e y C Osberton B We s t O x f o r d B Rocket Battery A .. Peppard C Tr i n i t y H a l l L a d i e s Peppard D W i t n e y D T r i n i t y H a l l E Osberton C O x f o r d C i t y E Osberton D Pressed Steel C DIVISION I DIVISION 2 >on (ail aggregates are lb w.L.D.p. Agg. 900 183552 7 2 0143539 62I 13 3532 522 123526 234 83523 3 4283515 36 0 63499 2 7 0 . 4 3478 27 0 43476 17 13 3485 W.L.D.P. Agg. 8 1 016 3491 810 163472 7 20143482 540 10 3358 4 4193091 4508 3430 3517 3439 3606 3069 2 704 3433 0 9 0 0 3021 DIVISION 3 W.L.D. p. Agg. 62 0 123422 52 1 11 3417 4 3 1 9 3419 43 193362 4 4 08 3386 44 0 8 3348 3 4 1 73405 260 4 3320 2 6 0 4 3306 DIVISION 4 W.L.D.p. Agg. 62 0 123382 62 0 123355 5 2 1113388 44083321 3506 3346 3 5 0 6, 3 3 1 7 3 50.63264 35063249 2 5 1 52969 Bicester D ... S w i t c h g e a r A . . . West Oxford C ... University Press B Trinity Hail P Rocket Battery B ... 2144 M.T. Coy. A C h i p p i n g N o r t o n B . . . Magdalen College .School A Morris Motors E ... C h u m s A . . . ■■ University Press C Bicester E Osberton E Osberton F Deddington A ... University Press D Chums B S w i t c h g e a r _ Deddington B Tr i n i t y H a i l G S w i t c h g e m B . . . . 2144 M.T. Coy. B Magdalen College School Osberton H Deddington C Osberton G St. John's A G.W .R. A ... Ta u n t o n A . . . B u r n h a m A . . . G . W . R . B . . . Crewkeme A D u n s t e r P o l i c e D u n s t e r B . L . G l a s t o n b u r y A Backwell A ... T o r A Batheaston A Vi a d u c t We s t o n ( B a t h ) T i c k e n h a m A Old Cleeve ... We l l i n g t o n A S t . J o h n ' s B . . . Williton B.L. Frome A ... Shepton Mallet A P o r t w a y A . . . S t o g u m b e r . . . (Westland Sports Batheaston B G.W .R. C ... Weston Gas Co. A Crewkeme B... ' . W e s t o n ( B a t h ) B . T a u n t o n B . . . C o n g r e s b u r y A P o r t w a y B Brislington A Glastonbury-B B u r n h a m B Frome B Brislington B OakhiU .. We l l i n g t o n B R.A.F. (Taunton) Draycott B i c k n o l l e r . . . Stratton-on-Fosse We s t o n H . G . A C o n g r e s b u r y B Shepton Mallet B - F a i r fi e l d A . . . T i c k e n h a m B P o r t w a y C . . . Newton A ... Frome C G l a s t o n b u r y C DIVISION DIVISION 6 DIVISION 7 Somerset County League Tables to 9th November • D I V I S I O N DIVISION Winter, 1946-47 W.L. D.p. Agg. 71 0 14 3390 620 123337 6 20 123323 52 1113327 35 0 63287 3 50 63142 26 04 3253 2 6 04 3226 1 6 13 3165 W.1.. D.P. Agg. 80 016 3293 7 1I143297 6 2 0 12.. 3283 5 3 010 3254 35 063109 35 06 2988 26 0 43097 1 702 3009 17 0 2 2412 W.L. D.P. Agg. 7t 0 143199 7 10 143177 6 2 0 123225 43 1 9 3142 44 0 8 31 14 3 5 0 63077 25153014 1 7 0 23081 1702 2979 S.W. 5 5 5 4 54 5 4 5 3 43 42 4 2 52 5 1 51 4.0 4 0 B S.w. 55 54 44 54 53 42 42 52 41 51 4 1 50 5 0 C S. w. 55 5 5 54 54 5 4 53 5 3 53 5 2 5 1 51 5 0 5 0 D S. w. 55 51 5 4 5 4 54 5 3 52 52 52 52 51 5 1 50 E D. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 D. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 • 0 0 0 D. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 L. 0 I. 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 L. 0 1 0 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 3 4 5 L. 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 L. 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 P. 10 8 8 8 6 6 4 4 4 2 2 0 0 P. 10 6 4 4 4 3 2 2 1 0 * . - P. 10 10 8 8 8 6 6 6 4 2 2 0 0 P. 10 9 8 8 8 6 5 4 4 4 2 2 0 DIVISION The results of the first matches shot in this division were :— Bakewell B 560 beat Taunton C 543. B u m h a m C 5 3 9 b e a t F r o m e D 5 2 4 . T a u n t o n D 5 4 4 b e a t W e s t o n H . G . B 5 3 0 . W e s t o n G a s C o . B 5 6 0 b e a t F a i r fi e l d B 5 3 0 . Crewkeme C 553 tv.o., Newton B no return. Agg. 2926 2935 2934 2913 2873 2305 2307 2298 2881 2864 2705 2296 2077 Agg. 2887 2872 2339 2870 2864 2291 2289 2840 2273 2831 2265 2788 2789 ^1/3 2840 2884 2857 2807 2808 2802 2751 2791 2733 2729 271 1 2513 Agg. 2795 2779 2835 2793 2792 2735 2684 2744 2694 2693 2678 2660 1987 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKWinter, 1946-47. T H E R I F L E M A N 51 Suffolk County R.A. n f outcome of the war and the formation of Home Guard Kil e LIubs, there is a county-wide increase of interest in rifle shooting, and the Suffolk County R.A., under the patronage of the Earl of btradbroke, is gaining many fresh supporters as a result of the appeal issued by the President, the Earl of Cranbrook. In North-East SuflTolk the interest is particularly keen, and a supplementary appeal for financial assistance recently issued in that Sotterley, near Beccles, a member of the b.M.R.C. Council, is meeting with a gratifying response. It is essential that the Council of the Association should be able to count upon an assured income, and therefore the appeal is for more vice- presidents at an annual subscription of £2, governors at £1, and ordinary members at 5s. This is not an appeal to supply a sport free of all expense to the participants. Apart from their clubs'subscriptions, members pay for their ammunition, transport, and other expenses', including entrance fees for competitions, and the Association is run entirely on a voluntary basis, no one receiving a salary. Nor is the Association endowed in any way. No grant is received from the Territorial Army Association, as in some counties. On the other hand, it has always been a policy of the Association, where necessary, to assist new clubs by making grants for the purchase of rifles and range cquiprnent, and for the construction of miniature ranges. Other demands upon its income are the cost of running the annual Service rifle and small-bore (miniature ranges), prize meetings, important as an incentive to local clubs and Service units in the county, and the .22 summer and winter leagues, which help to keep interest alive throughout the year . The war years have materially reduced the number of ordinary members and governors, with the result that the Association's income is less than half what it was in 1939. Nevertheless, full activities have been resumed in the hope that new supporters will help to restore the financial positic n. The Association was able to make a valuable contribution to the training of the Home Guard tliroughout the county by putting ranges, rifles and the skilled help of its shooting members at the disposal of the movement. Some idea of the rapidly increasing interest in rifle shooting can be gained from the fact that the Association's 1946-47 Winter .22 Rifle League has attracted a record entry of 85 teams, competing in nine divisions. The county full-bore meeting at Bromswell also received a record entry of 175 competitors, and seveii teams of 12 men each competed in the Home Guard inter-battalion shoulder-to-shoulder shoot, also at Bromswell. It is confidently expected that the 1947 Service and small-bore county meetings will have to be two-day fixtures to cope with the entries. In North-East Suffolk the 1st Battalion Home Guard R.C. has 400 members. The Lowestoft Full-bore R.C. has been restarted, after a lapse of 10 j'cars, and there are numerous small-bore clubs. Subscriptions may be sent to the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the County Association, Capt. H. St. G. Maxwell, Pettistree Grange, Wickham Market, or, in the case of North-East Suffolk, to Major W. J. Artis, Sotterley, near Beccles. S u s s e x S . B . R . A . Results, 4th December Division 1 : Brighton Crescent A 591 beat Chatsworth A 589. Division 2 : Lancing 588 beat Crawley A 583 ; Imperial, Brighton, 568 beat Southdown, Worthing, 556. Division 5 ; West Tarring 578 beat Southdown, Brighton, 567. Division 6 : Chatsworth B 575 beat Eastbourne Old Town H.G. 567. Division 7 ; East Worthing 569 beat Worthing High School 561 ; Portslade and West Hove 572 beat A Company 5th H.G. 567. Division 8 : Shoreham Police 560 beat Lancing A.A. R.C. 558. Division 9 : Worthing Ladies 565 beat Lewes H.G. C 549. Division 10 : Worthing Railwaymen's R.C. 557 beat Lindfield B 550 ; Brighton Electricity C 558 beat Venadven, Worthing, 522. Lancing, who have not lost a match, are at the head of Division 2. West Tarring, who are also undefeated, but who have drawn one match, are one point behind the leaders of their division (Division 5). Chats worth B by their win over Eastbourne Old Town B are now at the head of Division 6, and Worthing Ladies also lead their division (Division 9) and have not lost a match. Worthing Railwaymen, in Division 10, share the same points as the leaders, who are Battle R.C., but the Worthing team are slightly behind them on aggregate. Stirlingshire S.B.R.A. At the annual meeting of the Stirlingshire Small-bore Association, held at Larbert, the resignations of the chairman, Mr. J. B. Sutherland, Bridge of Allan, and the secretary and treasurer, Mr. Alex. Logic, Larbert, were intimated and accepted with regret. Both officials w e r e w a r m l y t h a n k e d f o r t h e i r s e r v i c e s . New office-bearers include Mr. David Liddell, Larbert (chairman). Mr. W. Brown, Stirling (vice-chairman), and Mr. George Robertson, Bj^®^ount, Lochgreen Road, Falkirk (secretary and treasurer). W. Hobson will continue to discharge the duties of match secretary. Arrangements were made regarding the League tournament, which will be in three sections this winter. S T I R L I N G S H I R E L E A G U E Shooting has now commenced for the season in the Stirlingshire Lraguc. There is an increased membership, with St. Ninians resuming after being out of action since the beginning of the war, and, in the second division, Balfron is taking part for the first time. In the opening round Stirling did well to tie with the champions, Falkirk Lord Roberts, but, in the second round, Stirling scored nine points fewer than in the first match and lost to Bridge of Allan. It should be noted that teams are-five-a-side in the first division and four-a-side in the second. In the second round of the Stirlingshire County League 2nd Division, Stirling Ladies beat Stirling Men's B team by 4 p'oints. Scor^ were : Miss J. Herbert 99, Mrs. B. G. Given 98, Miss J. MacKay 98, Miss J. Weir 96. Surrey County S.B.R.A. Congratulations to the Summer League winners as follows : Division 1.—1 Ham and Petereham A, 2 Ham and Petersham B. Division 2.—1 Farnham A, 2 Ham and Petersham C. Division 3.—1 Guildrord and District A, 2 Croydon A. Division 4.—1 Merton and Sutton Transport A, 2 Richmond H.G. A. Division 5.—1 A. S. E. Witley H.G.. 2 Croydon B. Division 6.—1 Addiscombe B, 2 ByReet. Division 7.—1 Guardian, 2 Pirbright and District A. - Division 8.—1 Kingston Police, 2 Caterham and District B. Division 9.—1 H.Q. R.C., Famham, A, 2 Richmond H.G. B. Division 10.—1 Morrisons A, 2 Dennis B Division II.—I C Coy. 25th Sussex H.G. A. 2 Mid-Wessex Water Co. B. Division 12.—1 Croydon C 2 Weybridge B. Division 13.-1 P.A.M.. Guildford, 2 B.L., Wallington, D. Division 14.—1 Oaks H.G. A, 2 Cheam Park O.C.A. A. D i v i s i o n 1 5 . — 1 D e n n i s C , 2 M o r r i s o n s B . Division 16.-1 Duppas H.G., 2 Godalming Town H.G. A. Divjsion 17.-1 A Coy. 1st Surrev H.G. B, 2 Reigate D. Division 18.-1 Cheam Park O.C.A. B, 2 Richmond H.G. E. Division 19.—1 Cheam Park O.C.A. C, 2 Wallington H.G. C. The shoot-off under the MacRae Team Handicap conditions between the 19 divisional champions resulted in Duppas H.G. wmning the Lord Pirrie Challenge Trophy. The winter programme is now in full swing, with excellent entries tor all the competitions. The League comprises 128 teams, arranged in 21 divisions according to average, each imder the control of a Matistical officer. Sixty-three teams have entered for the Team Knock-out Competition, which is in two sections, gun score and haiidicap, and is under the control of Mr. L. A. Winter. The In dividual Competition, fired in three stages with Mr. B. H. Bucking ham as scrutineer, attracted 240 entrants. A new event, an Inter-Area Team Match, will be fired off in January. Each area could enter four teams of 20 a-side, as follows : A team, best pailable 20 ; B team, members with average under 98 ; C team, members with average under 96 ; D team, members with average under An entry of 16 teams was received from the five areas and the result should be very interesting. It is proposed to hold the annual general meeting in March, at the County Hall, Kingston-on-Thames, preceded by presentation of the trophies, medals and County rifle and pistol team badges. V. H. Gilbert, Hon. Secretary. Warwickshire Small-bore R.A. The second annual general meeting of the Warwickshire S.R.A. was held at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on 27th November, when 57 members attended. The president. Col. P. Docker, T.D., D.L., very kindly took the chair, and it was mentioned in gratitude that he had given the Association most splendid support by presiding at every one of the meetings during the year. The Hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. Hall, reported a balance in hand of £43 16s. lid., plus stock worth about £20. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. Traies, remarked that the two big endeavours in the first year had been the prize meeting held in May (reported previously) and the Summer League, for which 45 teams had been entered by 21 clubs. The three trophies kindly donated had been won as follows :—The Harry Weston Challenge Cup : Winners of 1st Division, M.M.T., Coventry. The Birmingham League WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK52 T H E R I F L E M A N Winter, 1946-47. Trophy : Winners of 2nd Division, South Birmingham. The Earl o Warwick Trophy : Winners of final. King's Heath H.G. „ A special vote of thanks was proposed to the patron, the Kt. hion. the Earl of Warwick, for his gift for this event of an antique nuntjng cup in silver, an announcement of which was made on the day ot tne final shoot. This shoulder-to-shoulder event, held on the Lockheed range, Leamington, provided some very close shooting, only 2^ points separating the first and third teams, with only eight points between all seven teams. The M.M.T. team showed fine fighting form m reaching a total of 396, and a word of congratulation must beaccorciea to the Victoria Ladies' team on winning their division and shooting up to their average in the final. The County Captain, Sq.-Ldr. R. Bruce, thanked Supt. J. Ciinning- ham for carrying on during his absence in the Forc'ss, and said hew pleased he was to find Warwickshire finishing fourth in the b.M.K.L. County " and sixth in the " B.S.A. County Cup " competitions. He remarked that three members had shot for England at Edinbur^, and in the Dewar match for Great Britain against U.S.A., and also that individuals had gained considerable success at the open ana c o u n t y m e e t i n g s . , , , Mr. J. Robertson, the press agent, reported that the local news papers were beginning to show interest and were giving weekly space. After the election of officers the Chairman thanked all the executive officials for the real hard work put in and for the gpod temper which had allowed them all to work together as an effiaent team. He remarked that he noticed that the Warwickshire Bear pn the new badges did not appear to have a tail, and he hoped that it was a good omen for the county teams. With regard to next year s prize meeting, to be held in May or June, it was decided that owmg to congestion a one or two days' meeting on the Kynoch range cou'a not be thrown " open," but when the proposed range at Stratiord- on-Avon was completed the committee would look forward to running a larger meeting open to rifleshots from other counties. The conditions Of the Summer League met with general approval, and it was left to the committee to consider the suggestions made, which included a strong request for teams of five, all to count. The hon. secretary offered to keep a card index of individual scores made in all important events if the club secretaries would forward the data. After a word of thanks for his most efficient handling of the meeting. Col. P. Docker presented to the winners the trophies and badges won in the Summer League and the county badges won by the team members. Wiltshire M.R.A. Ta b l e s t o 1 6 t h N o v e m b e r : — DIVISION W i l t s C o n s t a b u l a r y, Tr o w b r i d g e Mere British Legion Nalgo, Trowbridge I.H.W.S., Netheravon Marlborough ... W i l t s C o n s t a b u l a r y, S w i n d o n Nalgo, Trowbridge, B S a l i s b u r y C i t y Swindon C.W.R Nondescripts, B'stone Av o n Va l l e y, N e t h e r a v o n . . . Devizes and Depot ... DIVISION 2 J C o y. H . G . , S w i n d o n , A . . . Constabulary, Trowbridge, B Nalgo, Trowbridge, C 5th Bn. H.G., Swindon, A Swindon Rocket A Westbury R. and S. A I.H.W.S;, Netheravon, C ... Tr o w b r i d g e H . G . A 13th Bn. H.G., Swindon, A 8th Bn. H.G., Salisbury, A Devizes and Depot B 8th Bn. H.G., Salisbury, M.C. I.H.W.S., Netheravon, B S. 3 3 3 3 3 o 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 DIVISION 3 Marlborough B Constabulary, Salisbury, A S w i n d o n R o c k e t B . . . Salisbury City B I.H.W.S., Netheravon, D . 5th H.G., Swindon, B 5th H.G., Swindon, C Tu r l e i g h A Nondescripts, Biddes, B Tr o w b r i d g e H . G , B 8th H.G., Salisbury, B 10th H.G., L'gershall, A . 13th H.G., Swindon, B S. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 W. 3 2 W. 3 2 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 W. 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 D.L. P.Agg. 0 0 61753 01 4 1749 01 4 1747 01 4 1739 0 . I 4 1731 01 4 .1716 02 21742 0 22 1736 0 1 211 7 4 0 I 2 11 6 0 0 3 0 1719 0 30 1707 D. L. p.Agg. 00 61733 0 14 1700 . 0 14 1695 014 1687 014 1674 004 11 4 3 0 0 4 11 3 5 02 21705 0 2 2 1698 022 1671 0 3 0 1681 03 0 1552 0 20 11 2 6 D. L.P.Agg. 0 0 61693 0 061688 0 0 61670 0 0 61666 0 221651 02 21624 0 2 2 1598 022 1594 0 1 2111 9 0 12 1071 0 3 0 1588 0 30 1463 0 201075 DIVISION Westbury R. and S. B 8th H.G.. Salisbury, C Constabulary, Marlboro', A Cholderton H.G. B Calne H.G. A Cholderton H.G. A C h i p p e n h a m A . South W raxall A J Coy., H.G., Swindon, B .. Cholderton H.G. C 8th H.G., Salisbury, Ladies 5th Bn. H.G., Swindon, D.. South Wraxall B All matches in the Kynoch K.O., Round 1, will be fired week ending 14th December. The draw has been previously circulated and match targets are now being despatched. 4 S. W.D.L.P. Agg. 3300 6 1682 33 0 ; 0 61556 3 210 1 5 1665 3 2 041606 32 0 I 41546 2200 4 111 3 31 1 113 1693 30 2 21507 21012 1076 3 0 0 3 01484 3003 0 1270 30 0301244 2 0020 893 Forces Day .22 Rifle Shooting Competition, 1946-7 At a recent meeting held to discuss the Forces Day .22 Rifle Shooting'Competition, 1946-47, it was decided that the various Commands' District Headquarters will supervise the activities of (a) Regular units, (b) Senior Training Corps and Junior Training Corps, and (c) Army Cadet Force. It is therefore requested that entries should not be sent to the S.M.R.C. by the units named. The closing date of the preliminary shoot has been amended to 28th February, and the final shooting should end by 31st May, 1947. The question of dividing the competition into senior and junior classes will be considered for adoption in any future competitions, but it is not possible in the current event. O V E R S E A S C O M P E T I T O R S Where desired, overseas competitors may use the targets normally used in their country for the preliminary stage only, providing the same type of target is used by all participants in that particular country. Results should be reported to the S.M.R.C. by 31st March in order that the final stage targets can be dispatched airmail and be shot and r e t u r n e d b y 3 1 s t M a y. Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs AREA REPRESENT A TIVES Area F. W. Bracegirdle, 186, Porter Road, DERBY T. Walker, The Muirs, KINROSS Midlands of England West and Mid Scotland T R A D E A G E N T S : G. Christie, 14, West Mount Street, ABERDEEN F. & R. Kelso, Ltd., 20-22, Citizen Lane, GLASGOW, C.l J. Miller, Borrowstone Lodge, Thruraster, CAITHNESS C. A. Sutherland, 1, Kinghorne Road, DUNDEE Aberdeen, Banff, Kincardine, Moray, Nairn Argyll, Dumbarton, Dum fries, Lanarks, Stirling. Renfrew Caithness Dundee WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKWinter, 1946-47. the rifleman The Champion Club Celebrates. Notable Club Efforts BIRMINGHAM CLUB'S DINNER In order to celebrate the renown broueht by this club's n,-h.v.v« men s not only to Birmingham, but also to Warwickshire and tHp Midland Counties, from which the membership is deriTcTA was held at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on 21st October Rt Wor^ThP^^ presence of the patron The OR^ Mr B'rrningham, Alderman A. S. Giles O.B.E., M.C., J.P and the guests included Sir Lionel Fletcher C R F chairman of the S M.R.C. ; Sir Bertram Ford, managing d recto; of the Birmingham Post \ Mr J Leek CBF mamoir,, .?- - Div ), and two Kings Prize winners, Mr. A. C. Hale and Lt-Co T. S. Smith, siipported by about 80 members and friends amnn^si Gilb^t^'^^ ^^elcomcd the reigning national champion, Mr^'v°"H' The club was formed in 1937, when the well-equipped range at Witton was made available. The activities were revived aftef .he war and the present membership is 115, four of whom have reachL international status. reached In presenting the cup, shields and medals won in the National League as well as other club awards, the Lord Mayor congram ated the club teani on becoming national team champions, and he referred to the imposing list of successes which very shortly were as follows • i r H ^ " t e a m s w o n t h e s 2 n d ' 3rd and 13th divisions. ' ' at Edinburgh. The Lord Forteviot Cup (team) • 2nd 4th and 7th m the grand aggregate ; three places and a reserve in the international match. "uu a reserve C h a m p i S s h i S ! ' ' " C o u n t y Yorkshire County Meeting. Two trophies. 4th in open aggregate S affordshire County Meeting. 1st in county champioS' National Meeting at Ham. Equal 4th and equal 9rin mnd aggregate. Two "Roberts" badges and tie for Daily "C/^Cud Dew.y Match v. U.S.A. 2nd, 3rd and 4th places iit team of "o" I spoke of the club's record and said interest"iri ISng small-bore ^°P® were over, the Lord Mavor range killing, such as competitions on the T Owen, who presided in the absence of Mr H E Jackson, the president, thanked the directors of I.C.I, for placing the company's range at the disposal of the club. ^ ® Mr. Arthur Hale, proposing the toast Small-bore Shooting said •— Mr. Chairman, my Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen In rising to offer you the toast of Small-bore Rifle Shooting I am reminded of the sad fact that I have now been shooting for cllse on 30 years, and though some of the diners here tonight might no" class me as a veteran, since many shooting men can claim a much longer active association with the game, I feel that 30 years' expSe shouM have sufficed to give me an opportunity to make a fair appraisal When I started shooting we called it miniature rifle shooting • I always felt that the use of the word miniature cast some kind of-i slur : miniatiire is described in the dictionary as meaning " on a small scale and while this describes the cartridge used it is neither coS mentary to the types of weapon used, the accuracy and dependaWhty of the ammunition, the concentrated effort which high scoring de inands tior the status which the game has achieved, in particular among the English speaking nations of the world. Therefore, military cTrclef apart, we now refer to Small-bore shooting to differentiate this branch of marksmanship from full-bore (service rifle), shooting. Match ?ffle clay bird, pistol or other sporting types of gunnery Of all types of Shooting small-bore holds pride of place : a large number of clubs has sprung into being since the tide of battle started to turn in our favour for the Home Guard did much to-introduce our sport to a large body of men who, but for warlike purposes might never have realised the interest, fun and good fellowship that com petitive target shooting engenders. Unlike the betrer publS forms of shoo mg activity such as springs to mind on mention of the " glorious twelfth," snlalLbore shooting is within the reich of almost ""'l' I*??" '^ost of his outfit, he can usually get through his preltminary stages with the aid of club equipment until 2f hifnl!!!' his flowering skill, he plunges on a rifle a tiginTr- hal'l'^rned Prog?^s. for when lift! SrYsf sjf II for Iho TpoVl "I"* 1'!°"' "'osoensased in caMring of Britain abroad. Our sport has a highlF accmatVffimi of ® ' 0°""^'^ speaking it is the most ctnmN '^'^^rate torm of shooting. Our most proficient shots con- yards ran^/'^^wLIf successively a ha'penny size mark at 100 Sl'LirToarrrC'irbaiS.'' disnH^v'lv."^,?.!;^ coveted, and the lay public should not smirk at the lis ? sometimes sport on our shooting jackets for this nrovides I"' ilfs™ or>ri'^° "P' small-bore shooting facilities are within reach of mpn at^d womett throughout the country. The Societrof Miniature Sfle werv innni'W^ Its orpnisation from its London headquarters and every local firearms dealer could be persuaded to help The sunnlv and t'h " '^..^^rtainly no worse than obtains in other spheres of spor^ and this will improve in due time. Due to the extreme Sacy Xch hnL wjth .22in. calibre rifles and ammunS small- tion °°""g deniands an unusual degree of control and co-ordina-t on of nerves and muscles, but particularly keen eyesight is nm a enth^sTast';"'' ''' are no hindrance to {he lore'^nd"'^° P''°P®'" appreciation of gun and H respect for firearms which gives them a sustaining interestand due consideration for the safety of others. Riflemen Xa^s In m7p simple rules of safety, so accidents are exceedingly rare 'hfefore. It does seem that some amendment of the rirearms Act in relation to small-bore club members is overdue. a terrific following and its Hatiom^ Rifle Association is constantly campaigning in its excellpnt likro'ur'^'F '"""''T threads leglslafion'Sch ereat <"h ^/.rearms Act, vvould operate against the interests of theii^ great shooting public. Most of you here will agree with my view that a b i d ^ X K f « r m c a u s e s a l T l a w ^ abiding clubmen inconvenience and trouble without making the ar quisition of a firearm any more difficult to the man of evil ffitent" «-onsequently there is support for the contention that all .22in calibre weapons that cannot be readily concealed on the person should be exempt from the provisions of the Act. Such a move would definitely increase the popularity of our snort and this is one of the causes we have gathered to do justice to toni^ght! Mr. Chairman, my Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen with your approval I will now ask you to rise and honour the toast—" Smnll b o r e s h o o t i n g . " - J i n a i i - WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK54 T H E R I F L E M A N Winter, 1946-47 Lt.-Col. Sir Lionel Fletcher then responded. It is a great pleasure to respond to the toast of" Small-bore Shoot ing " on behalf of the S.M.R.C. May I congratulate the last speaker on winning the bronze medal in the First Stage of the King's Prize at Bisley this year ? As you all know I followed the late Sir Charles Walker as chairman when he died. In 1940 the W.O. intimated its intention of taking over all our ranges, but eventually agreed to our alternative suggestions, thus enabling clubs to continue in the best possible national interests, so much so that the Secretary of S:ate for War paid the Society a glowing tribute to our services in response to a question in the House of C o m m o n s l a t e r i n t h e w a r. On 10th May, 1941, our London premises were totally destroyed with over 40 trophies and all our records by enemy action. New premises were acquired, and notwithstanding this grievous blow I do not use the language of exaggeration when I say that never in its history has the Society been so strong, so virile and so active as it is today. To have arrived at this result in these adverse circumstances is a remarkable tribute to the energy and acumen of the greatly reduced office staff, which laboured unceasingly during those trying war years. The way in which the efforts of Council, Executive Committee and staff alike were supported throughout the country could only mean that_every club was determined to emerge from the war in a good position to carry on our great national sport, in itself a great phase in national defence. Very soon after the war began the Council began to list various suggestions for the improvement of the Saciety's operations. The war was no time to undertake any reconstruction ; people were more seriously engaged, paper almost non-existent, travelling restricted, and rightly so, but you all know now what is under way. It is not politic for me to anticipate decisions of the Council, but I venture to predict that when these recommendations come forward members throughout the country should feel happy and contented. Every club contributes to the well-being of the Society, and the administrators do sincerely appreciate their energy and support to a great degree. All connected with it should, I hope, realise that the Society has advanced to such an extent for it to be rightly regarded as one of our great national institutions. With increased leisure hours we must expect the nation to turn to various forms of relaxation and perhaps you will share my view when I say that to the extent of our resources we should be prepared to deal with the situation and provide facilities for expansion of our great sport. We now affiliate about 60 new clubs each moiith. For reasons for which the war is the sole contribiitor there is, and has been, a great shortage of rifles. I have no hesitation in saying that ten thousand rifles could be disposed of in a very few days. The trade should know and appreciate tWs. We, in our turn, must realise that the trade has had its difficulties. „ , . , You all know about the No. 6 Rifle in the early existence of which I beg leave to say that the Society was intimately concerned. The final adjustments to it are now in hand. The chief demand is for a good " clubable " rifle, and there is a risk that if the demand cannot be met soon then this great enthusiasm for small-bore shooting may decline to the detriment of the trades concerned, national defence, and of the Society itself. Like everything else today the cost of shooting increases and we must just hope that we can keep costs within reasonable limits. Provision of ranges is a matter of urgency and I worider if local authorities have considered treating these as " off rates " ? Our relations with the Services are most cordial and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the W.O. for its generous support and help, the value of which can hardly be exaggerated We have linked up with the Sea Cadet Corps, A.C.F., A.T.C. The youth of this country today will, I trust, be our prospective and enthusiastic members in the years to come. Rifle shooting has a high educational value on the young mmd. Our Association with the Women's R.A. is very cordial too. All in the movement should be grateful to l.C.l. for all it has done f o r i t , b o t h i n t h e p a s t a n d t o d a y . j , u c • . There is the closest co-operation between LC.I. and the Society, incidentally its best customer for .22 ammunition. Before very long we hope for better rifles, and to get back to a complete supply of excellent ammunition, and therefore would like to make it abundantly clear that we appreciate how handicapped the I.C.I, has been through dispersal of its staff during the war, and through having to use metals and chemicals not up to peace-tune Standard, and this still continues. minghamclubniust be vciTgra accessible to the S'™ th.". ItetEwlSon. would b. a vaiuabla coo- ffie LSs'S a'lfgunnerfwSer afloat or ashore; once a man became cSafsh Ch'arll? HarSJ^wh'^n Aldershot said "You can alw?ys telf a egS^by ffie ftandard of its shooting." The R.A.F. amSd to seeXt the " Four-positional shooting is being gradually XJTconclusion may I congratulate this club on its successes ; may I thanXfbr'its hos'pitality and for the opportunity given to me of ^ ' ' X T i ^ ; ^ r t " n r o X s L t b y t h e presence of the Lord Mayor. o J I „ o i „ w n R r i i f p l a t e R . A . F. , a n d C a p t a i n o f t h e |'rof.h'uB"S? oil;;'uS!'" was rcaponded to by ,he toast of "The Press " referred to rifle shooting as a national asset and said if everybody ErpKp%t.„ hp nr«ent a trophy if it would be an incentive to the development of that ''^^Those who devoted themselves to the rifle understood what it meant to stand by England. The of England, which had b^ed for many centuries, found expression in the skill of the rineman. The Press, he added, recognised those things which belonged to greatness of England. London Transport R.C. For 30 years Mr. W. Drew has been secretary of the London Transport R.C. (previously L.G.O.C R.C ) ^hich from a memte^^ chin of under 20 in 1912 had at the end of 1944 passed the 5,000 Sa?k, with £3,000 invested funds for post-war development on new """"Aboul ffie middle of July last, Mr. Drew was enforced to resort to hospital treatment for a serious internal operation from which he emerged much better, but it will be some before he can h^ have normal health. Therefore he feels bound to ret re ffom the Club he has done so much to build to 'ts present hi^ a X nf^ruftful from membership of the Council of the S.M.R.C. ^ °f/j^bul ideas and intensive application to the job in hand, we his retirement without expressing our warm thanks for his shooting, not only in his own club, but amongstof the Society. As an examp e of his efforts over the war years, we follow with a condensed report for the five years of the war. membership At the end of December, 1933, the membership was 890 and seven '"SuS,°hry4f!940 ,o .hp»d of Ducp^buc new members were enrolled, bringmg the total membership to ap ''™Tte huge'^ease in membership necessitates a complete revision of representatives on the Executive Commute, together with a organisation of Management, and this must be the post-war task of ^■"^Ser^'sOO members of the Club joined H.M. regular Forces a number of whom unhappily, will not return, and to the relatives arfriends oi ho'se who hav; fallen in the Services of their country we express our sincerest ,vrnpathy. Many others were mentioned m despatches. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKWinter, 1946-47. T H E R I F L E M A N 55 record of work done during war years '■■aining of the Board's personnel. Police and R a n g e i n a u g u r a t e d a t B a k e r S t r e e t secretarv h/inl t t! r suitable for this work, the secretary tjeing in charge of the operations. r°^ 'h® E.xecutive Committee placing the t^he w?r ° disposal of the Board for the period of fio.i'^J ® date the training of the L.P.T.B. H.G. (41 to 46 and •I numhpr f small-bore shooting was commenced, and " " " " > ■ " " " ■ »!' owiT O'fo'll«se»«re<lisnianUcd oftraiiiing the Home Guard in miniature rifle shoot- mg was overcome by the loan of 80 .22 B.S.A. Vickers, etc rifles i F n l w e l l T r o l l e y B u s ' C l u b ' the Building Dept. Club and the secretary's rifles. ' ahs^ir^ fm" die Home Guard was equalled by the «■; ammunition ; in the early days of training the supplyfroin the War Office ceased, in fact it never fairly started ine Secretary was able to place an order for 500,000 rounds of Vr]'Tl"Il"ion, and this, with the routine supplies of the club in Club with membership of over 5,000, is the largest club services P'^y^d its part in training men for various The Board maintained for as long as necessary a staff' of 24 in- fn V" supervision of the Secretary (who was appointed fVn!n K- captain), and the assistant secretary, who was seconded o .j!?'® ^'"dmary duties with the Board to deal with the work of squadding and records. nt May, 1940, to 28th October, 1944, attendances at the ranges were as detailed below. Baker Street Range Other Ranges BAKER STREET RANGE Rine T h o m p s o n a n d S t e n G u n s . . . ! " ] Browning Automatic Rifle T _ X T ^ R E V O L V E R ■L.T. Home Guard Other Home Guard Units L.P .T .B. Staf f ;;; Inter Services Research Bureau Royal Air Force personnel Norwegian Forces War Office, Transit Camp, R.A.p!c. !!. Various Allied Forces—Dutch, American, etc. .22 RIFLE Members of L.T. Rifle Club other than Home Guard 73,751 100,907 174,658 46,908 6,403 1,214 1,603 297 1.897 5,325 2,224 1,7.30 419 503 5,228 73,751 RANGES Baker Street.—The Board has agreed to continue the lease of Baker Street Range on the old terms, and arrangements have been made for the range to be open daily on weekdays. Sidcup Garage Range.—The estate agent of the Board advised th® secretary of the Club that the Board was giving up the lease of the land on which the range is situated, and on behalf of the Club it was agri^d that the range should be retained and the lease transferred to the rifle club. It was recommended that the covering of the firing point be im proved and a small hut provided for the Range Officer • also that the question of lighting of at least eight points at the butts and at th<. firing point be considered. Fulweil Trolley Bus Depot Range.—It was recommended that the Board b® approached respecting the use of additional space at the rear ol the firing point, and if this can be made available, consideration should be given to the question of making this a district range A wooden structure to be obtained from Army stock or perhans from a wartime building not now required by the Board • the dimen sions being approximately 60 feet by 20 feet, divided into club room armoury and locker room combined, and provision for Ranee Officpr' Hoddesdon and Hertford Ranges.—The Hoddesdon outdoor i^ee IS situated between Hoddesdon and Haileybury College, on i cim originally owned by the Hoddesdon Sand and Gravel Co which during the war years, has been used in part as a wartime 'factorv • the occupiers allow.ng us to use the range as before the war ' f a c t S ^ ^ c l o f e f S . ' " ' " ^ ^ the Territorial Association had agreed to the use of ">= C""- Doinif^nH'^"' Bramley RMd Range.-This range, with eight firing Council ^""®'^®> 'S held under rental from the Ealing Borough attenlinn "tembers ; this should receive immediate accnmrnxxr,- ® ?lways a waiting list of clubs aaxious to secure accommodation at this range. and"p^pr^hnRange.—The arrangement with the Ham I T- P A u u i ° range by members of the miniiTmm'r.m r the war period, and the usual minimum rent of £10 per annum paid. p u r c l ? [ f e ' n m m a v a i l a b l e ; m e m b e r s m u s t S u S S e S . ™ ; s " " P - R " S « facife war very little use has been made of the future P we look forward to an increase in the near of Schools Range, Bushey.—By the courtesy of the Governors of the privilege of using this range by members I mi u ' addition to the personnel of the L.P.T.B. H G members facilities by Home Guard or Club Drill Halls.—At the outbreak of war all our agreemen's rifle rnna°"^ Territorial Associations in connection with Drill Hall action^^na'^' ^teen —This range was unusuable owing to enemy Thrc'ed^^DrilfS t o B r i d g e . - I t h a s n o t b e e n p o s s i b l e measnr^J agreement for the use of this range, and as a temporary Tm^ Rmh arranged at the indoor range at Fulham 1 own oaths on rental basis. at ^Iham'^Ho^u^e'^' he control of Drill Hall ranges will in most cases the TerHt^r-T^A ^ the Territorial Army Cadets and in others section of f Cadets ; as application is made by any will ? I L accommodation in any particular area, steps will be taken to obtain use of the range if possible. . equipment possible, the equipment has been kept in good condition, co^t of K "u Reserve Fund for the replacement and cost of bnngmg the stock of rifles, etc., up to new standard. we hav^° • of Parker-nmng takes several months, and at the moment we have nine rifles at Messrs. Parker-Hale and Sons for overhaul outbreak of war eight S.M.L.E. .22 rifles were f h a t l E ^ ® k r e c o m m e n d e d Tk D be sold as soon as other rifles can be purchased. <?prviof t® bnngmg out a new .22 rifle on the lines of the No. 5 ^ number of these should be purchased as and when iney come on the market. These will be produced in two models—Utility and De-luxe. some nf?hl?'^k''®® k' number of ranges will require replacement, or^cononhc^repafr^^ beyond practical Six new telescopes, war-type issue, have been purchased. COMPETniONS the outbreak of war, competitions practically ceased, hnc- »k • Monthly Spoon Competitions were re-started on a range ,x,;tk ' 'ndividual monthly winners at the respective ranges, together with meinbers making gun score of ICX) shooting oflT at Baker Range each period of six months for the I.C.I, cup, the winner receiving repnca cup as long as these could be obtained and afterwards a prize voucher or cash to value of same. ^ by the I.C.I, to encourage monthly spoon conipetitions ; - on the whole the scheme has been most successful. in the Winter Session of the S.M.R.C. League for 1943-44, 47 teams were entered, and although several teams did not complete t'heir xk ^ result attained was very satisfactory. J f I*"®® teams were entered from Baker Street, but owing to a th 11 ui the first round a fourth team was got together to take up WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK56 T H E R I F L E M A N Winter, 1946-47. The final scores for Baker Street teams read No. of teams, 4 ; matches fired, 44 ; aggregate score, 20,689. Average score for the season, 94.04 per card. P o s s i b l e a g g r e g a t e s c o r e : 2 2 , 0 0 0 . . r n j u „ For 11 matches, A. Neville averaged 99.4 per card, followed by T. Hyam with 98.1 for 10 matches, and J. A. Brand 97.8, J. R. Tucker 97.1 and H. Tribble 96.5 for II matches each. In September, 1943, a meetine was held at Baker Street, the range being made available on four Sundays for this puipose. Entries for the three main events averaged 62. Club Champion ship was won by G. Peto, score 297. Joynson Hicks Cup, won by A. Pumfrett, 296. Ladies' Competition, Mrs. I. Vance, 97. Tyros and Newcomers, H. Ruffhead and W. Speedy tied with score of 98 , Ruffhead winnmg on graduated -gauge. Sharpshooter Competition w o n b y B a k e r S t r e e t . , . . o The 1944 meeting was held on two Saturdays and two Sundays in December, the winners being :—Club Championship : A. Nwille, 296 ; Joynson Hicks Cup : C. C. Oakham, 298 ; Ladies Com petition : Mrs. I. Vance, 97 ; Tyros and Newcomers : F. J. Pearson, 98 ; sharpshooters : Messrs. Newbold, Sprattey and Tillyard , runners-up : Messrs. Nutbeam, Samson and Standrmg. affiliations The scheme for block affiliation to the S.M.R.C. was finally agreed by the Council of the Society and is in operation. The resumption of activities by the various County Associations revealed that the Middlesex County Association will not accept ttiis principle, and it is necessary to affiliate each section operating in the Middlesex area separately ; in the case of Chiswick Works, Enfield Garage, Fulwell Trolley Bus and Hanwell Trolley Bus Depot, this has been done, and other sections will be dealt with in similar manner a s a p p l i c a t i o n i s r e c e i v e d . , , , r e , . . • - n As other County Associations are revived the club affiliations will be renewed. SECRET ARIAL The increase in membership has meant a similar increase in the amount of secretarial work and accounting, the detail work tailing upon the assistant secretary to a larger degree than in pre-war time. After his serious illness the secretary feels that the time has come, after 30 years as secretary of the Club, when he must hand the reins to a younger man. G. N. W. Atkinson, hon. treasurer, will combine this service with that of secretary, and J. H. Williams will be the acting chairman. , . Mr. Drew's illness will not allow him to travel as in pre-war years, and he feels that to make a continued success of the Club, periodical visits to outlying ranges is necessary ; in addition, the number of m e e t i n g s i n v o l v e d e a c h y e a r i s c o n s i d e r a b l e . . General.—During the war years the responsibility for running the Club and its welfare has devolved upon the chairman, treasurer, secre t a r y a n d a s s i s t a n t s e c r e t a r y . . ^ ^ As we return to normal national life there is a ^eat opportunity for the members and management of the club to make it the finest in the world, and the signatories look forward ,to seeing a good start in this direction as soon as circumstances permit. _ This report cannot be closed without recognition of the continued support of the Board in connection with provision of ranges as mentioned in Section 5, also of the assistance of the omcers ot the Board who have from time to time come to the help of the Club and especially to the Pay Rolls Officer, whose office deals with subscrip tions deducted through the pay rolls, and to the Accoun^ Officer and treasurer whose offices pass the subscriptions to the Cluffi Recognition must also be made to the Board's late audit officer, Mr. G. Eland, for his assistance to the Club over a period of 30 years. From 1916 to 1932, Mr. Eland was hon. auditor of the Club since that time the accounts have been audited by Messrs. F. R. Bryant and Co., Chartered Accountants. He is one of the trustees of the Club and his advice respecting investments of Club funds has been invaluable. D u r r i s R . C . o f N . E . S c o t l a n d . A B L E N D O F Y O U T H A N D A G E Green youth an I rip old ^ re may not mdicatc steady hands and keen eyes, but up Dtsiide way th. members o ui rr' R.C. are proving thai the old 'uns an the young can " draw a bead ' with the best. in this up-anJ coming club the youngest member is 13 years of age—and at th other end of the age scale is a 62-year-old. Schoolboys, tradesmen, farmers, Forestrv Commission workers and gamekeepers make up the membership. Summer and wmfer they come twice weekly to their range at Kirkton. Some cycle, some walk, but somehow or other—from a radius of four to live miles— they all get there. "Bairn" of the club is 13-year-old Roy Shepherd. Roy and his brother. Ken (14), handle their rifles under the watchful eye ot their farming father and fellow club mernbers. .,„„„rri There are eight lads whose ages range from 13 to 15, and, accord ing to the club secretary (Mr. W. G. Milne) there is no lack of en thusiasm in this quarter. Fifteen-year-old Billy Milne shoots side by side with his father. Mr. Robert Wright, 62-year-old veteran, has been shooting since the last war. And, says Mr. Milne, he's still shooting-and shooung well I At 15, young John Wright is following in his grandfathers fbotsteps, and picking up a few tips from him on the art of hitting ^^^And ^the%nal family combination—Mr. George Bruce and his 14-year-old son, Gordon. , < ■ . c , Durris R.C. history dates baek to the end of the first Great War when the British Legion brought the sport into being for the beneht of ex-servicemen. In 1939 the club broke up with the outbrcakot war, but re-formed in 1943 in conjunction with the Home Guard. Present president is ex-Gordon Highlander sergeant, John Walker. The Gunmakers' Company At a Court of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers of ffie City of London, held on the 17th October, 1946, elections to office for the ensuing year were made as follows :—Master, Mr. J. B. Nevitt, O.B.E. ; Upper Warden, Mr. J. Rogers, O.B.E. ; Renter Warden, Major Sir Gerald Burrard, Bart., D.S.O. (late R.A.). . • i Mr. Nevitt is well known on the long ranges at Bisley and is also a n e x p e r t s m a l l - b o r e s h o t . r t ^ t t Mr. Rogers is a Deputy-Chairman of I.C.L Ltd. . Sir Gerald Burrard, a former Master of the Company, is also a well-known Bisley shot and has twice been m the King s Final. He is Vice-chairman of the National Rifle Association and hp f^t "^tiny years specialised in the scientific side of shooting, both with ntie and shot gun. ST ANDING SHOOTING GdOD PRACTICE for the International Union Matches, 1947 The XIV Olympiad, 1948 The Standing and Kneeling .22 Rifle League Form an Air Rifle Section A cheap, fascinating, and profit making branch of marksmanship For full partlcu'ars of the National Air Rifle Section apply to S.M.R.C, A'oo ree page 25 WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UKWinter, 1946-47. T H E R I F L E M A N 57 %TIM# The revival of shooting interest in the Welsh counties of Flintshire aiid Denbighshire, mainly cue to formation of Home Guard Rifle Clubs, has resulted in formation of a most excellent league. Twenty teams are participating in a programme scheduled to provide fort nightly matches from 9th November to 31st May. A summer prize meeting is contemplated. At its November meeting the S.M.R.C. Executive Committee granted an application from Mr. J. R. Colquitt secietary of the league, for the combined counties to be granted the status of a County Association as from 1st January. This month, December, Mr. E. S. Winter completes 40 years' service for the S.M.R.C. Competitors at S.M.R.C. Prize Meetings will remember him as " Dispenser in Chief, Ammunition and Dn- limitcds." They will be unaware of the role he plays behind the scenes preparing ranges, erecting tents, tables, notices, flag poles, etc. and going even further back, a peep into the cellar workshop of his West Hampstcad home will find him busy making target frames or, maybe, pipe in mouth, spectacles on nose-end, arguing " shooting '' with one of his marksman pals who has called for advice. Winter's memories go back to the days when the S.M.R.C. was one of three small and unimportant sccieties struggling under Secretary H. Marks He recalls moving their total effects, files, furniture and records, in one jouiney on a ccslermonger's barrow. Although past the allotted toec scoie years and ten Winter carries on his job as storeman handling cases of ammunition with ease and rarely admitting fatigue A truly faithful servant of the shooting man. » Mr. W. J. Goodman, now a Vice-President of the Association of Civil Service Rifle Clubs, has surrendered his duties as honorary secretary to Mr. W. J. Smith of the G.P.O. Club. Mr. Goodman believes that in obtaining the services of Mr. Smith the Association has made an excellent decision which should be reflected in the intro duction of new ideas and inteiests. Mr. W. J. Smith, it will be remembered, has been in the limelight in recent years culminating in Dewar honours this year. He follows the tradition of his predecessor for Mr.^Goodman has twice shot in Britain's Dewar team. Other changes agreed at the A.G.M. last month were the appointment of Mr. W. T. Yates (Home Office R.C.) to be hon. treasurer, Mr. H. F Manners (G.P.O.) chairman and Mr. W. H. Holloway (Inland Revenue) publicity officer, whilst the title is now " The CivU Service Rifle Asso- ciation." » » * An unusual request—a sign of the times—has been made by the Plaistow Rifle Club. They otter the use of their 25 yards indoor range at Greengate Street, Plaistow, London, E.13 in return for the use of rifles. Mr. R. J. Allen, c/o R. and H. Green and Silley Weir Ltd. Gicengate Street, London, E.13, will be pleased to hear from any club in the district or even further afield which would Joan two or three rifles in return for range accommodation. • » » When B/S/M. R. Riordan, on leave from Toulon where he is attached to the British Army Staff, went to the Dnion Jack Club Waieilco Road, London, S.E.I he booked the two millionth bed since the beginning ol the war. The Club celebrated the event by making no charge lor the room during the Sergeant Major's vftit. Con- sideiably over six million men have slept at the Club since it was established as the National Memorial ol the Fighting Forces in 1907. * « * Mr. E. A. (Aubrey) Day, member of the all-co«quering pre-war LensLury and Britannic House teams, has tiansfened his interests from engine oils to more palatable lubricants. The Waterman Arms, Bow Bricge, Ashprir.gtcn, near Tomes, will become a port of call for shoeieis, suie that Mine Host will produce something special from bentath the counter. Certain it is that Mr. T. P. Hartley, the new Devon Coonty Svtietary will be calling on Mine Host, not loi refresh ment ptrhaps, but certainly to strengthen his Cotmty teams. A record is claimed by the Croydon " A " District Wardens R.C. TJiey can field a team of ten comprising five married couples—all shooting regularly in league teams. In a recent match against Tooting and Mitcham Ladies which they won bv 111 to 770 (eight to count ten shooting) Mr. and Mrs. R. Cavvte each scored 99. 'Top scorers lor Mitcham and Tooting were Mis. M. R. Gibbs 99 and Miss G. M. Ta y l o r 9 8 . » C Redecoration and alterations to the Borough of Wandsworth R.C. ranges, including provision of a ladies' room make this old-cstabhshed club one of the best equipped in the south of England. 1 With their six-targets 25 yards indoor range and their 25, 50 and 100 ! yards outdoor ranges within easy reach of any south-west London I district, Mr. E. H. Bailey, who has been secretary for 40 years '' expects big things of his large membership. * * * Mr. J. J. C. Carlin, secretary of the Carlton and District R C since October, 1916, has retired. He holds the S.M.R.C. Distinguished Service Award and bars for his 30 years' faithful service. * > ( = Mr. I. A. Stephenson, on his return from the Services, has been re-elected secretary of the Blandford British Legion R.C. in place of Mr. G. V. Botterill who becomes treasurer. Of interest to Woking and Byfleet and Clunie (Perthshire) area clubs will be the appoint ment of Mr. J. Wilson as captain. * Kensington R.C., arising quickly to its pre-war eminence, held a ^ccessful club meeting, the second this year, from 14th to 19th October. Ten competitions comprised the scratch and handicap programme, the grand finale being a squadded shoot and the ever popular disc-breaking. Mr. L. Living, the match secretary, made all arrangements. The well-known British and European Champion Arthur Trades, presented the prizes and in a few well chosen remarks congratulated the club and its members on a fine recovery, and stressed the attributes to a successful club, good comradeship and friendly rivalry. The impending departure of Mr. and Mrs. Living and their two daughters for their home in British Columbia is a loss to the club and the county. * » From Mr. F. Stainer (secretary) we have received a copy of the Romsey and District R.C. 44th annual report. A credit balance of £13, a popular hero—Admiral The Viscount Mountbatten of Burma— as president, and an unbeaten match record to date this season are the highlights. The range has been redecorated and repaired'and the prospects of yet another successful year are most bright. The club's chairman, Mr. J. C. Wort, will captain the Southampton League team versus the Portsmouth League for the Woolgar Cup. « « * Another old club, Alexandra Palace, with their 25,50 and 1(X) yards range on the racecourse, are expecting another record season. At the recent anniial meeting when Mr. J. S. Milligan after a term of most useful service as secretary resigned in favour of our old friend Mr. F. W. Evans, the chair was taken by Mr. C. V. Ramsey, one-time prominent member. It was recalled that what the club is today is largely due to Mr. Ramsey. In his report the retiring captain, Mr. Eric Baynes, recounted the club's several successes, especially at the September National Open Prize Meeting. Officers for the ensuing year include Mr. F. MacRae (whose handicap chaiT is being widely adopted) as captain ; treasurer Mr. P. Knight, match secretary Mr E. Baynes and publicity officer Mr. F. G. Wood, who is also assistant secretary. Special tribute was paid to Mesdames R. H. Wood and S. Evans and their helpers for the excellent teas which have always been a special feature of the club. They have obtained a caterer's licence—an. idea for other clubs to adopt. The Pistol Section is flourishing, and the pit is being extended to 20 yards, thanks to Mr. George Blumson's acquisition of a large quantity of scrap material. WWW.RIFLEMAN.ORG.UK58 T H E R I F L E M A N Winter, 1946-47. Blandford Home Guard R.C. share range and equipment with the British Legion. They also share Major L. Cherry, the president, and Mr. Stephenson (secretary), these gentlemen holding office in both clubs. « « The thirty-seventh gencal meeting of the British R.C., Alexandria, w a s h e l d i n O c t o b e r t o r e c e i v e t h e F o r t y - S i x t h A n n u a l R e p o r t a n d Balance Sheet. Mr. A. E. Jones, who has been secretary for the past 23 years, has been forced to resign through ill-health. A slight increase in membership and attendance and a steady shooting average was reported. Figuring prominently in the prize list is the award of S.M.R.C. Memberships to five members. * * « Sixteen teams, divided equally into two divisions, will form the West Essex and District Rifle League for the current season, shooting teams of six, best five scores to count. The League is confined to ex-members of the Home Guard, Territoiial Army, Army and Air Force Cadets, and is shot shoulder-to-shoulder. The 1945-46 season e n d e d w i t h a d o u b l e w i n f o r t h e C h i n g f o r d R . C . , w i t h N o r t h I l f o r d R.C. runners-up in each division. A large number of members, together with several vice-presidents and distinguished guests, attended the social and presentation of prizes. In July a most successful full-bore shoot was held at Rainham, with seven teams taking part. Secretary is Lt.-Col. J. Parr-Morley, of the Drill Hall, Selsdon Road, London, E.ll. « « « Mr. Ernest A. Gates has been secretary of the Maidstone R.C. for 21 years. He tells us that his club contemplate building a 25 yards indoor range, using Anderson shelter sheets. It is pointed out that the corrugations running at 90 degrees to the line of fire are a source of danger and that battling at the firing point to restrict angle of ; fire to within the range would be essential. « • The Committee of the Guard Bridge M.R.C. were " At Home " to a few friends and honorary members recently, when those present were formed into two teams captained by Major G. P. Adams, M.B.E., and J. R. Adamson respectively. The latter's team won a close match by six points. To round off the evening Major Adams presented to ; S^retary A. B. Learmouth the S.M.R.C. Distinguished Service Award i for his 12 years in office. In returning thanks Mr. Learmouth, who had been on the club committee for 13 years prior to his secretaryship, said how proud he was to be associated with the club which had for j years occupied such a prominent place in the shooting world. I * * • Rolls-Royce (Derby) R.C. members will be interested to learn that i their former secretary for five years, Mr. W. R. Short, has already established himself in Hampshire shooting circles, having shot in the B.S.A. and County Cup teams as a member of the Romsey R.C. » Witan (L.C.C. Staff) R.C. issue a monthly-bulletin of match results and items of general interest. Unlike many other clubs they are in a most fortunate position, having 13 club rifles. The committee hit on a splendid idea to allow nine rifles to be available as individual members' own rifles for a period of 12 months at a charge of 12s. The club teams.made an excellent start in the City of London Rifle League—probably due to the example of Mr. C. B. Dallas, who scored eight possibles during October. * » At the other end of the Victoria Embankment, London, is the Unilever R.C., operating five nights a week with 300 members. Special nights are set asrde for team shooting and so great is the interest that the officials are hard pressed to give every member a shoot once a fortnight. i * » 1 Mr. R. Martin resigned the presidency of the Berwlck-on-Tweed ! R.C. in favour of Lt.-Col. S. H. Gallon at the recent A.G.M., when he was appointed captain. Captain E. D. Mackay, for 20 years a ' vice-president (the life of the club), has offered a new rifle, the only condition being its availability for Home Guard as well as for ordinary ; m e m b e r s o f t he c l u b . * Mr. George C. Cross has resumed his contributions to the " W e s t e r n M o r n i n g N e w s . " H e i s t o s u b s c r i b e a h a l f c o l u m n o f shooting news each week. Another regular press contributor is ! Mr. F. G. Wood, who subscribes to several north London " locals." Only by regular press publicity can clubs prosper, in fact a publicity ! officer is almost as important as a club secretary. Seventy-five teams shooting in seven divisions form the West of Scotland S.B.R.A. Winter League for the 1946-47 Winter League, plus thirteen teams shooting in the Service Section, is a record of which Mr. D. McGflllvray the secretary should be justly proud. He also s tat es tha t the Lan ar k shi r e C ou nty L eague will comprise 35 t e a m s t h i s w i n t e r . * * * Formerly secretary of the Crosby R.C., Mr. H. A. Pringle is back in harness this time for the Torridge (Devon) R.C., which he joined three years ago. Perhaps it was the new ideas he biought from L a n c a s h i r e w h i c h c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e D e v o n C l u b ' s r e c e n t W i n t e r League successes—A team in 1944-45 and B team in 1945-46. * » The Mayor of Dorchester is anxious to see the Dorchester Rifle League prosper and expand. Major A. G. C. Grant, O.C. of the D o r c h e s t e r D e p o t , w h o s u p p o r t e d t h e M a y o r a t t h e r e c e n t a n n u a l dinner, speaking on behalf of the Depot, said they were only too glad to let the members have the use of the range and to do all they could to help shooting in the town. The Mayor presented the cup to Dor chester Town and miniatures to the team comprising Messrs. F. Bairett (captain), F. Battson and B. Wills. Dr. Russell Stevens, the fourth member of the team, was unable to be present. Runncrs-up were Dorchester Brewery, Messrs. W. A. Groves, S. J. Moore, H. Frost and J. Corbin. Highest A average was returned by W. A. Groves (Brewery) 99 and B by J. Knott (Dorchester Town) 97. Entry to league is now available to the whole Dorset County area. # % The Small-Bore Executive Committee of the Bucks County R.A., through its secretary. Col. P. A. Hall, Drill Hall, Aylesbury, is anxious to meet more members of affiliated clubs and with this object in view t w o o r t h r e e o f t h e c o m m i t t e e a r e t o v i s i t t h e c l u b s . C o l . H a l l h a s invited the club secretaries to fill in a questionnaire giving address of range, shooting nights, etc. The personal touch, interchange of views and ideas and above all the friendly spirit, will ensure progress and greater enjoyment of the sport. A small county such as Bucking hamshire could almost run a shoulder-to-shoulder league ! 1 Introducing the TEN X M A T C H R I F L E - Bolt action under Lever Rifle designed for the target man. Price £22 nett Specimen shown at Ham and Petersham. A l l o r d e r s t o S . M . R . C . J . H . B A R N E T T, S O N & C O . , LT D . T e n X R i fl e W o r l c s 60 Longmore Street Birmingham 12 Our repair department, is now organised to 'Ten X' (retuba) your shot out rifle. An efficient four week service now operates. 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