NSRA Affiliation No 2285
Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association
The History of the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association - Page 3
Page last updated on Sunday, 14 April, 2024 7:42 PM
'The Chipperfield Ranges'
The above photograph gives a panoramic view of The Chipperfield Ranges, Baldwin's Gate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 5EA.
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SSRA Memberships, Range Fees, And Chipperfield Range Standing Orders And Code Of Conduct
In order to shoot at the Chipperfield Ranges you must be a member of one of the following Membership Categories.
All users of the The Chipperfield Ranges, Baldwin's Gate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 5EA, must be aware of and comply with the information contained within the Chipperfield Range Standing Orders and Code of Conduct.
Details of Chipperfield Range Fees.
Links To Other Websites
The Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association's website (www.staffordshire-sra.org.uk) contains links to other websites of interest. However, once you have selected any of the links in order to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over any other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites, and such sites are not governed by our own privacy statement.
Catalogue Of The SSRA Trophies
The SSRA can boast a whole array of fine trophies in their collection, of which they are always proud to present to those successful in the various competitions in which they compete.
Contained within the Catalogue of SSRA Trophies page, you will be able to view the the past winners of the various trophies, including a selection of photographs depicting the variety of trophies that are awarded.
Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association Plaque 1985 - Presented To Major (Retired) Peter Martin, MBE
Thursday, 1 November, 2018 11:40 AM
The above photograph shows the ceramic plaque which was presented in 1985 by Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association to Major (Retired) Peter Martin, MBE.
Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association is calling on the good folks of Staffordshire to help solve the significance of the ceramic plaque, as is pictured above.
The white ceramic plaque is approximately 15.25cm in diameter and decorated in a blue overlay, depicting the emblem of the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association, along with the year 1985.
The plaque is mounted on a dark velour background, which sits within a black wooden frame edged with gold coloured highlights. The overall size of the frame is approximately 20cm square.
SSRA understands that the plaque was presented to Major (Retired) Peter Martin, MBE in 1985, but the reason for the presentation is somewhat unclear.
Therefore, any help in unraveling this mystery would be greatly appreciated. If you have any further information regarding the plaque and it's significance, please contact the Website Manager.
The above photographic montage shows a selection of Staffordshire County Association Medals, and a ceramic Staffordshire Rifle Association Centenary Mug.
It's time for another trip down Memory Lane, as we unearth a few items of interest from days gone-bye.
Just what are the items pictured above, and what is their relevance to the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association?
All can now be revealed.
Staffordshire Rifle Association Astor Cup 1960
The above photograph shows multiple views of the ceramic Staffordshire Rifle Association Astor Cup 1960
As can be seen from the back stamp on the bottom of the mug, the manufacturer is 'Alton Towers Handcraft Pottery.'
Alton Towers Handcraft Pottery was a studio pottery based at the Alton Towers theme park, and was in operation from around 1952 to 1994.
Any further information regarding this mug would be appreciated, i.e. which team in Staffordshire won the Astor Cup in 1960, whether this item was an official presentation piece, or a commemorative item.
As always, if there are any inaccuracies in the above article, or if you have further information, please contact SSRA Website Manager.
Staffordshire Rifle Association Centenary Mug 1861-1961
The above photograph shows the Staffordshire Rifle Association Centenary Mug 1861-1961
The Staffordshire Rifle Association Centenary Mug, as can be seen above, was produced in the early 1960's.
The backstamp on the bottom of the mug shows 'Kelsboro Ware - Made in England'. Kelsboro Ware was a tradename of The Longton New Art Pottery Co. Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, established in 1932.
The Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association - as we know it today - came into existence in its own right after breaking away from the Staffordshire Rifle Association in the early to mid 1960's.
Weatherall Shield Winners Medal 1914
The above photograph shows the Weatherall Shield Winners Medal 1914.
The Weatherall Shield winners medal, as shown above, was presented by the Staffordshire Rifle Association in 1914, to members of the winning team that won the Weatherall Shield whilst competing in Divisions 'C' and 'D' of the Winter Short Range League.
The design on the front face of the medal depicts the Stafford Knot in the centre of a Garland decoration.
The reverse face of the medal bears the wording 'County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs' which features as part of the medals' casting design. In the centre of this is engraved 'Wetherall Shield - 1914'. The spelling of 'Wetherall' appears to be incorrect - as opposed to the correct spelling - 'Weatherall'.
This original medal is in good overall condition, if a little tarnished, and is housed in a replacement case.
The winning team that corresponds to the date on the medal is Codsall Inst M.R.C.
Challenge Shield Winners Medal, September 1919.
The above photograph shows the Challenge Shield Winners Medal, September 1919.
The Challenge Shield Winners Medal, as shown above, was presented by the Staffordshire Rifle Association in September 1919.
The design on the front face of the medal depicts the Stafford Knot in the centre of a Garland decoration.
The reverse face of the medal bears the wording 'County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs' which features as part of the medals' casting design. In the centre of this is engraved 'Challenge Shield - Sept. 1919'.
This original medal is in very good overall condition, and is housed in its original case.
The trophy and competition that this medal relates to is a little uncertain, as it could be one of two possibilities.
Firstly, the Weatherall Shield, which was awarded to the Best Team in Divisions 'C' and 'D' of the Winter Short Range League.
Secondly, the Association Shield, which was awarded to the Winning Club Team of 4 Shooters in Classes 'A' and 'B' at the Staffordshire Combined Rifle Meeting.
If anyone can povide any further information relating to which trophy and competition that this medal relates, please contact via email SSRA Website Manager.
Challenge Shield Winners Medal, August 1920
The above photograph shows the Challenge Shield Winners Medal, August 1920.
The Challenge Shield Winners Medal, as shown above, was presented by the Staffordshire Rifle Association in August 1920.
The design on the front face of the medal depicts the Stafford Knot in the centre of a Garland decoration.
The reverse face of the medal bears the wording 'County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs' which features as part of the medals' casting design. In the centre of this is engraved 'Challenge Shield - August 1920 - 1st Team'.
This original medal is in very good overall condition, and is housed in its original case.
The trophy and competition that this medal relates to is a little uncertain, as it could be one of two possibilities.
Firstly, the Weatherall Shield, which was awarded to the Best Team in Divisions 'C' and 'D' of the Winter Short Range League.
Secondly, the Association Shield, which was awarded to the Winning Club Team of 4 Shooters in Classes 'A' and 'B' at the Staffordshire Combined Rifle Meeting.
Staffordshire County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs
Tyro 2nd Team - September 1921 Medal
The above photograph shows the Staffordshire County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs - Tyro 2nd Team - September 1921 Medal.
The Tyro Team Medal, as shown above, was presented by the Staffordshire Rifle Association in September 1921.
The design on the front face of the medal depicts the Stafford Knot in the centre of a Garland decoration.
The reverse face of the medal bears the wording 'County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs' which features as part of the medals' casting design. In the centre of this is engraved 'Tyro 2nd Team - September 1921 '.
This original medal is in very good overall condition, and is housed in a replacement case.
It is believed that the word 'Tyro' means novice or beginner. Therefore, it could be presumed that this medal was awarded to newly recruited shooters for their efforts in certain competitions.
If anyone can provide any further information relating to the above medal, and to the competition that this medal relates, please contact via email SSRA Website Manager.
Staffordshire County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs
1st Tyro Team - March 1923 Medal
The above photograph shows the Staffordshire County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs - 1st Tyro Team - March 1923 Medal.
The Tyro Team Medal, as shown above, was presented by the Staffordshire Rifle Association in March 1923.
The design on the front face of the medal depicts the Stafford Knot in the centre of a Garland decoration.
The reverse face of the medal bears the wording 'County Association - Miniature Rifle Clubs' which features as part of the medals' casting design. In the centre of this is engraved '1st Tyro Team - March 1923 '.
This original medal is in very good overall condition, and is housed in a replacement case.
It is believed that the word 'Tyro' means novice or beginner. Therefore, it could be presumed that this medal was awarded to newly recruited shooters for their efforts in certain competitions.
If anyone can provide any further information relating to the above medal, and to the competition that this medal relates, please contact via email SSRA Website Manager.
Staffordshire
Sharpshooters - By Tony Cox – On Target
Wolverhampton Express and Star Newspaper – Possibly Late 1960's or Early
1970's
The above picture shows a newspaper article 'Staffordshire Sharpshooters - By Tony Cox – On Target' Wolverhampton Express and Star Newspaper – Possibly Late 1960's or Early 1970's.
The above newspaper cutting was forwarded for inclusion on the SSRA website by SSRA Trophies Secretary Dave Bayley.
It highlights the success and further development of smallbore rifle shooting in Staffordshire. Shown below is a transcription of the newspaper article.
Article begins:
"Lord Roberts certainly started something when he said action should be taken to improve the marksmanship of the nation's young men.
When the National Smallbore Rifle Championships opened at Bisley today, the entry for the week-long programme topped 2,000.
As holders of the mammoth, solid silver Queen Alexandra Trophy, Staffordshire are undisputed kings of the inter-county castle. This giant award was a direct result of the campaigning by Lord Roberts at the turn of the century.
Staffordshire's keen eyed have again qualified for the final, four county shoot-off. In the line-up will be: Frank Spittle and Terry Ball (James Gibbons, Wolverhampton); Fred Troke, Keith Holcroft and Albert Alsop (GKN, Darlaston) and N. de Nicolas (Leek). Their opponents at the last hurdle will be Devon, Surrey and Channel Isles.
A throwback to the early recruiting campaign with a military motive is to be found in the last phase of the competition. In what is familiarly know as the “Mad Minute”, competitors can fire as many times as possible at inch-high figures from a range of 25 yards.
Soared to the top
Staffordshire's successful squad excelled at this type of free firing last year. After losing ground in the early phase of the programme, they soared to the top of the table as a result of their skill in the last section.
The above picture shows Malcolm Thickbroom, one of Britain's leading three-positional smallbore rifle shooters.
Malcolm Thickbroom, of Little Saredon, near Cannock, is likely to figure prominently in the three-positional programme. He has recently returned with the British team from a continental “blooding” in a standing / kneeling / prone programme in Bucharest.
Competing for the Rugeley club will be Joe Chalmers, who is a Scottish international, and his son, John, who has shot for England.
Spotlight men in form
In the firing fray for the first time will be four boys, three aged 15 and one 16, from Queen Mary's grammar school at Walsall. Said classics master, John Dickson: “We are throwing them in at the deep end for the experience.”
Staffordshire association chairman, Joe Bradbury, of Rugeley, will have no time to relax when he returns to the Midlands. He is to supervise the construction of the new outdoor range to be laid at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton.
As far as the Olympic selectors are concerned, Bisley's varied smallbore programme – a veritable “pot pouri” – will spotlight the men in form. And the nationwide publicity for the results always provides a major recruiting stimulus. Steadily, the number of clubs affiliating to the national association has reached 3,052.
A new West Midland under-21 tournament is to be staged at the Staffordshire range at Whitmore, near Newcastle-under-Lyme on Saturday July 1st. Competitors revealing potential will be invited to undergo intensive coaching.
Story of progress
In charge of this scouting operation will be Walsall based Bill Godwin who competed in the 1960 Olympics. He has completed half of his two year secondment from his Witton firm as development officer to the national association. He reported: “It has been a story of steady progress in both the recruiting field and in shooting standards. Continental countries have tended to rule the roost – but we have recently been giving them a few surprises.”
Article ends.
More details of the history, and noteworthy items of interest relating to the SSRA, appear on the following webpages:
The History of the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association - Page 1
The History of the Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association - Page 2
Copyright © Staffordshire Smallbore Rifle Association - NSRA Affiliation No 2285
