The Master and Clerk were cordially invited to the first Masters and Clerks lunch at the newly opened Carmen Hall.  The lunch was the first official use of the hall for members of other Livery Companies as the Carmen have only just opened.  Situated in Fleet Street it has meeting rooms, offices and hall large enough to seat 40.  The opening saw Masters and Clerks of 22 companies, a great introduction for the Master to meet more of his peer group ahead of the Livery weekend in Sheffield this weekend.  

A group of Fletchers were delighted to have a very special visit to the Isle of Wight, courtesy of the Master Philip Shears.

In addition to visits to the important historical sites of Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House, there were splendid dinners in  iconic locations.

Members were thrilled to dine in the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary, and in the Royal Yacht Squadron, founded in 1815, which stands right on the water's edge.

Thanks to Liveryman Sue King for the photo, and for her Facebook posts of the visit.

Our Master, five liverymen and our gallant clerk, Debs Taylor, enjoyed a privileged sea day on board HMS Defender among 86 affiliates from various organisations and a reduced crew of 160 on the 11th May 2022.  We sailed out of Portsmouth harbour, through the channel recently dredged to accommodate the new aircraft carriers, past Spithead forts and ferries.

After the renowned ship’s curry we watched trials and demonstrations well to the south of the Isle of Wight, which slowly disappeared from view. Our friendly and informative guides showed us around the ship, visiting the deck guns, engine rooms, crew quarters, sick bay, operations room and the bridge, testing our fitness. 

Descriptions of the armaments available to protect this and other targets from enemy missiles above, on and below the sea, were most reassuring. Back in harbour, three tugs pushed and pulled us around to dock in front of HMS Prince of Wales, currently commanded by Captain Stephen Higham RN OBE, a former commander of HMS Defender and a Freeman Fletcher. A most memorable experience and an affiliation to treasure.

Saturday 14 May was a glorious spring day on which to hold the 2022 FDAD (Fletchers' Day for Disabled Archers) at the Royal Toxophilite Society. Although there were fewer entrants than previously, all thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed and friendly shoot at Burnham.

The Fletchers who attended were able to admire the shooting and talk with the archers. Before presenting the prizes, Master Philip Shears thanked the Tox members for organising the competition and for their hospitality, and also thanked all the archers and their supporters for attending to make the day a success.

Congratulations to the following prize winners: Albion Compound (Tamas Gaspar); Albion Recurve (Dave Philips); Burntwood prize(Debora Wright); Fletchers prize (Sherry McBain).

The Des Clarke Memorial Cup  was awarded to Sherry McBain, UK gold medal winner in the Novice category during the recent Invictus games, and UK archery captain. 

This was another terrific visit to Noak Hill on Thursday, the 12th May. The day began with relaxed target practice before a few ends were scored. This was followed with an excellent cold buffet lunch in the comfortable clubhouse.   After lunch, the focus was on field archery, with scoring to provide the usual, exciting competitive element, the day concluding with a delicious tea.  

Dennis and his team provided a welcoming atmosphere enabling fun to be had by beginners and seasoned archers alike. 

Congratulations to Tim Eltringham and Melanie Trapnell for winning their respective categories.

On Thursday 5 May 47 liverymen and friends competed in the Fletchers' Charity Golf Day at The Drift Golf Club. Our thanks to Pat Crossan for making the local arrangements and to Peter Beard and Adrian Scott Knight for organising the event.

Congratulations to the winning team of Harvey Knight, Chris Dodson, John Miller and Geoff Ash (pictured here). John Miller also won first prize in the raffle - a barrow-full of wine!

Great fun was had by all at this verdant (but challenging) course, along with a delicious lunch in the Club House. Thanks to all who attended and who helped to raise funds for the Fletchers' Trust.

Liveryman and Deputy Almoner Tim Elringham writes: It is interesting to know there is now a bar called “The Fletchers’ Arms” currently travelling on a 26,000-mile trip halfway round the world and back.  Funded and built in-house by the Fletchers, and complete with inn sign, the bar was presented to our affiliated Royal Naval ship HMS DEFENDER on 22 April, just in time for her deployment with the Carrier Task Group to the Far East. 

Despite being constrained by social distancing, it was most satisfying to be able to hand over the bar at a simple ceremony on board led by Upper Warden Philip Shears.  It was particularly good that the CO and most of his senior team found the time, with less than 7 days before their 8-month deployment, to host us for a few hours and ensure the bar was suitably baptised.  The opportunity was also taken to present the Fletcher Silver Arrow to Able Seaman Fredderick Branson – a most deserved award!

Finally, since sailing, the bar has already proved its worth, having been used during a recreational Sunday at sea and during the official cocktail party in Odessa attended by many dignitaries including the UK First Sea Lord.  It even nearly appeared in shot during the BBC 10 o’clock news film report on the Odessa visit! 

For more on the construction of the Fletchers Arms see the Military Affiliations section of the website.