Re-formation of Nottinghamshire Rifle Association in 1930
The annual Volunteer Match and the involvement of the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association ceased on the outbreak of the First World War. Civilian target rifle shooting did continue after the War; but it was not until 1930 that an attempt was made to re-form the Association. On 24th April 1930 an advertisement appeared in the Nottingham Evening Post. It was repeated on the 25th.
Nottingham Evening Post 24/4/1930
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RIFLE ASSOCIATION
All interested in Rifle Shooting are invited to re-formation meeting of Nottinghamshire Rifle Association. Drill Hall, Derby-road, Nottingham, next Monday, 7 p.m.
In the edition of 25th April the paper carried a more detailed report on the Association and on what was being done to encourage fullbore target shooting.
Nottingham Evening Post 25/4/1930
Way back in 1814 (sic) the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association ceased to exist for the obvious reason that war stepped in, and it was thought by many that that eminently useful organisation should be revived.
Steps have been taken with this worthy end in view and a council is already in being with Mr. Charles Parker, a prominent shot on the Trent Range and the donor of a handsome trophy for rifle shooting to the Nottingham and Notts. United Services Club as secretary. The United Services Club have for some years been a rifle shooting stronghold and the possessors of a strong team, and it is fitting that the chief executive officer of the N.R.A. should come from that institution where such fine efforts to maintain interest in shooting have been made.
In (sic) Monday the first annual meeting of the Nottinghamshire Rifle Association is to be held at the Drill Hall, Derby-road, Nottingham, at 7 p.m., with Lieut.–Col. L. C. Brewill, T.D., the officer commanding the Robin Hoods, in the chair, and all interested in such a movement are invited to attend.
The Duke of Portland has again consented to become Patron, and influential support has been promised both from the city and county. Arrangements have been made for the weekly use of Trent Range, on Tuesday evening from 5.30 p.m. onwards during the season. Railway facilities will be available and N.R.A. Rifles provided to meet the requirements of members. Trophies and monthly spoons are to be competed for throughout the season. The subscription of ordinary members is to be 5s. and serving members of H.M. forces (commissioned officers excepted), and cadets on the strength of an O.T.C. contingent, 2s. 6d. Club affiliation fees are to be considered.
A further report in August 1930 will be of particular interest to current fullbore shooters as it mentions three cups which are still being shot for each year and gives brief details of their origins.
The Ashworth, Bradwell and Perry Cups
Nottingham Evening Post 25/08/1930
DEFUNCT NOTTM. RIFLE ASSOCIATION
AND LONG RANGE SHOOTING
In view of the growing popularity of rifle shooting in Nottingham under the recently re-formed Notts. Rifle Association, and to encourage long-range shooting, the defunct Notts. Service Rifle Club has handed over three cups to the new association.
The Notts. Service Rifle Club had been in existence for 20 years and possessed three valuable trophies, the "Ashworth", "Bradwell", and "Perry" cups.
Mr. A.E. Sutton, the secretary of the club, called together some of the remaining members and it was decided to hand over the cups to the Notts. Rifle Association. Permission to do this was received from the donors of the trophies, Mr. John Perry, and the brother of the late Major Bradwell, and Mr. Sutton has formally handed them over.
Transcripts from Nottingham Evening Post 24/04/1930, 25/04/1930 and 25/08/1930
British Library Newspaper Archive