Royal Leamington Archers 1st Annual Meeting 1852

The following article appeared in the Royal Leamington Spa Courier and Warwickshire Standard 19 June 1852

Royal Leamington Archers

On Tuesday last [15 June 1852] the members of this newly-formed Society held their first annual meeting on Parr & Wisden’s Cricket Ground. The agreeable change in weather, from the gloominess and drenching showers of the previous day, to the warmth and brightness of summer time, induced the Archers to assemble in goodly numbers and excellent spirits for the prosecution of their sylvan sports. A marquee was erected for the convenience and comfort of their visitors.

The targets were pitched at 2 o’clock when the gentlemen commenced shooting the York round, consisting of 12 dozen arrows, 6 dozen at 100 yards, 4 dozen at 80 yards and 2 dozen at 60 yards; a contest of skill, which resulted in Mr H Bright attaining the distinction of “Captain of the year” and carrying off, with a gross score of 131, the Silver Medal. The shooting was of a very creditable description.

The lady members also shot and the name of “Lady Chief for the Season” was gained, on a score of 107, by Mrs James Sharp, who thus obtained the Silver Arrow.

In the evening the Archers, with their wives and friends, partook of dinner, provided with much good taste, at the Regent Hotel; and subsequently held a “soirĂ©e dansante” than which a happier, more sociable or more agreeable assembly of townsmen and neighbours we have seldom, if ever, witnessed.