WALSALL COMPANY OF ARCHERSHistoryThe name was deliberately chosen because of a reputed historic association with the ‘Earl of Warwick’during the battle of Crecy. It was whilst his archers were away at war that the Earl called upon localArchers were away at war that the Earl called upon local Archers to help with the defence of his castlewhen attacked by ‘the Welsh Hordes’, and was reported that only ‘The Companie of Walsall Archers’responded to his request.Because of the failure of the Welsh to take Warwick Castle, the Earl is said to have decreed that WalsallArchers could use the Bear and Ragged Staff as there Heraldic device provided that the Bear was standing, chained and without a muzzle.This may therefore suggest that whereas Walsall Company of Archers may use the Bear and Ragged Staff, it may not be used by any other organisation within Walsall OR, in its altered state, be used byany organisation within Warwickshire County.The Club Badge was designed showing this Bear and Ragged Staff above the Staffordshire Knot,representing the County through which the club is affiliated.During the initial years there were a few Archers that competed at many venues, including Malta International (1974-1975), and, one lady member, at the Summer Olympics in Montreal.One of the best performances as a club was achieved at Malta in 1974 when a party of 14 Members competed at both the 4-day Outdoor and 1 day Indoor tournaments, and were awarded Trophies and/orMedals, for 1st Team, 1st Lady, 1st Jack and Jill and 3rd Gent Outdoors. 1st Team, 1st Lady, 1st Gent and 1st Jack and Jill Indoors.During the celebrations at a Café in the village of Marsasloc, where the whole of the Club team stayedfor two weeks, the Owner asked for a Club Badge, which he could mount behind the bar, One ‘proud’ member promptly lost his gold-wire badge from his Club Blazer.Today many members enjoy shooting at tournaments and have achieved great success whether on theirown or as part of a team. Walsall Company of Archers was founded in 1969 by a breakaway group from a local club, Meteor Archers, who unfortunately are no longer in existence. The first venues for practice were the sports Field belonging to a local Company for Outdoor practice, and the Works Canteen for Indoor shooting. The backdrop to the row of bosses and stands, when indoors, was a mural at the back of a small stage depicting a tiny harbour complete with sailing yachts. On many occasions there had to be repairs made to this mural caused by arrows missing the targets, including, on at least one occasion, damage to the stage piano. Complaints to the Works Manager resulted in a move, early in 1970, to a sports ground belonging to a Youth Club.
WALSALL COMPANY OF ARCHERS
History
The name was deliberately chosen because of a reputed historic association with the ‘Earl of Warwick’
during the battle of Crecy. It was whilst his archers were away at war that the Earl called upon local
Archers were away at war that the Earl called upon local Archers to help with the defence of his castle
when attacked by ‘the Welsh Hordes’, and was reported that only ‘The Companie of Walsall Archers’
responded to his request.
Because of the failure of the Welsh to take Warwick Castle, the Earl is said to have decreed that Walsall
Archers could use the Bear and Ragged Staff as there Heraldic device provided that the Bear was
standing, chained and without a muzzle.
This may therefore suggest that whereas Walsall Company of Archers may use the Bear and Ragged
Staff, it may not be used by any other organisation within Walsall OR, in its altered state, be used by
any organisation within Warwickshire County.
The Club Badge was designed showing this Bear and Ragged Staff above the Staffordshire Knot,
representing the County through which the club is affiliated.
During the initial years there were a few Archers that competed at many venues, including Malta
International (1974-1975), and, one lady member, at the Summer Olympics in Montreal.
One of the best performances as a club was achieved at Malta in 1974 when a party of 14 Members
competed at both the 4-day Outdoor and 1 day Indoor tournaments, and were awarded Trophies and/or
Medals, for 1st Team, 1st Lady, 1st Jack and Jill and 3rd Gent Outdoors. 1st Team, 1st Lady, 1st Gent
and 1st Jack and Jill Indoors.
During the celebrations at a Café in the village of Marsasloc, where the whole of the Club team stayed
for two weeks, the Owner asked for a Club Badge, which he could mount behind the bar, One ‘proud’
member promptly lost his gold-wire badge from his Club Blazer.
Today many members enjoy shooting at tournaments and have achieved great success whether on their
own or as part of a team.
Walsall Company of Archers was founded in 1969 by a breakaway group from a local
club, Meteor Archers, who unfortunately are no longer in existence. The first venues
for practice were the sports Field belonging to a local Company for Outdoor practice,
and the Works Canteen for Indoor shooting. The backdrop to the row of bosses and
stands, when indoors, was a mural at the back of a small stage depicting a tiny harbour
complete with sailing yachts. On many occasions there had to be repairs made to this
mural caused by arrows missing the targets, including, on at least one occasion,
damage to the stage piano. Complaints to the Works Manager resulted in a move, early
in 1970, to a sports ground belonging to a Youth Club.
