Nottinghamshire Rifle Association

Nottingham Evening Post, Saturday, 15th Feb 1902.

NOTTS. CIVILIAN RIFLE CLUB

Members of the Notts. Civilian Rifle Club foregathered in good numbers at the Black Boy Hotel, Nottingham, last evening, on the occasion of the annual smoking concert and distribution of prizes, and a very pleasant time was spent. The fact that great possibilities lie behind rifle clubs has been fully recognised by the Government, and rightly so, for the most pronounced object lesson of the South African war has been the necessity for everyone who has the interests of the nation at heart to make himself acquainted with the use of the rifle. Since its inception two years ago, the Civilian Rifle Club has thrived to a gratifying degree, and has become a most useful institution, affording to those whose station in life will not allow of their becoming associated with the auxiliary forces an opportunity of making a lesser exemplification of patriotism by learning how to shoot. The proceedings were the more interesting from the fact that the Mayor of the city evinced practical sympathy by taking active part, and several prominent members of the Robin Hoods were in attendance.

A number of toasts were brought into the programme. The "Health of the King, Queen, and Royal Family" was naturally enthusiastically received, while "The Imperial Forces" submitted by Mr Travell, were scarcely less cordially honoured. The Mayor (Councillor E. N. Elbourne), on rising to distribute the prizes, was accorded quite an ovation. He harked back to the formation of the volunteer movement. He said the Robin Hoods were the outcome of a gathering not larger than the present, and he hoped the club would eventually assume as extensive proportions. Everybody could not join a cavalry regiment or volunteer corps, but the majority might be of service to the country by belonging to a rifle club. It was one thing to shoot at a target under favourable conditions, and another to shoot at an enemy, where the range was not known. He, therefore, emphasised the necessity for practising at judging distance, and thought it would be a good thing if prizes were offered in this department.

The prizes for distribution were those won in the monthly competitions, and the recipients were:- Messrs. T.T. Littlefair, T.B. Forman, J.T. Radford, J.G. Spendlove, Dr. Travell, Dr, Heelis, N.C. Stewart, M.I. Preston, P.H. Partington, and F. Woodward.

The toast of the evening, "Success to the Notts. Civilian Rifle Club" was proposed by Lieutenant J.A.H. Green, R.H.R., who congratulated the members on the success which had been achieved by the club. He expressed the opinion that it was the duty of everybody to prepare himself for the defence of the country. There was a dearth of officers in the Robin Hoods, and he suggested some of the members of the club who were eligible might accept commissions. Mr J.T. Radford, the indefatigable secretary, made response. The toast of "The Mayor and Corporation" was also drunk.

The chair was occupied by Mr J.T. Radford, and those present included, besides the speakers:- Dr. J.W. Travell, Dr. R. Heelis, Lieut. T.A. Clinch, Lieut. J.R. Hardstaff, Mr. M.I. Preston, Mr. H.D. Snook, Mr. T.B. Forman, Mr. T.T. Littlefair, Mr. R.H. Partington, Mr. A.E. Heazell, Mr. N.C. Stewart, Mr. McMuldroch, Sergt. H.J. Briscoe (R.H.R.), Sergt. T.E. Burrows (R.H.R.), Mr. P. Wade, Mr. W. Stevens, Mr. C. Pritchard, Sergt. S.H. Page (R.H.R.), Lance-Corporal W. Ashby (R.H.R.), etc..

Some capital talent had been secured. Solos were contributed by Messrs. A. Johnson, L. Lloyd, E.S. Edgar, A. Kent, H.C. Varley, W.A. Harris and A. Saywell, all of whom acquitted themselves admirably, while Messrs. Harris and Varley joined in a couple of duets. Mr. Gisborne ably accompanied.