It has been the practice for many years for members of the S.A.A. to bring material, books, artefacts etc for sale at the March and August Meetings at Archers Lodge.

The Royal Toxophilite Society and the Society of Archer Antiquaries are now agreed that this practice contravenes Planning Permission and Covenants of Use agreements for the property and must cease forthwith

It was and remains a requirement of the original Change of Use Planning Application and Permission of 1967 and Covenants drawn up at the time, that no commercial or trade activity may take place on or about Archers Lodge. The Royal Toxophilite Society as the Freeholders of the property and the Society of Archer Antiquaries as their Lessees are parties to that planning agreement..

After discussion, both Societies are agreed that it is in keeping with the stated purposes of the Society of Archer Antiquaries that collections of books or artefacts relevant to the learned activities of the Society may be displayed for members to examine and discuss. However, it has been further agreed that no financial transactions whatever concerning these collections or any other items may be undertaken on the premises.

It is hoped that members will understand the reason for these constraints and will abide by them.

With the prior knowledge and approval of the Committees, all financial activities and transactions, which are specifically and exclusively beneficial to the Society, are, of course, permitted to continue (i.e. you can still buy a tie, or an auction of effects may take place)

It would seem that unwittingly we, and for that matter Tox members, have been breaking the lease agreement relative to 102 Dropmore Road for many years. The embargo is of course solely upon commercial activities. Books and other artefacts may still be brought for examination and discussion. Money however must not change hands.

The suggestion has been made that we might hold our AGM and luncheon elsewhere, in a local Pub perhaps, (and there are quite a few in the vicinity) although that would require us to find one that provided a room free of charge on the understanding that we all bought lunch there, and this may not be a practicable proposition - unless there was an overwhelming desire amongst members to do so.

The effect will probably be most marked upon our March Meeting and could make the AGM even more difficult in terms of a quorum.

The August Meeting relies more upon shooting; and with the new 'experimental archaeology' session in the morning, is more secure I think.

Your views are welcome of course, but the matter is a 'fait accompli' I am afraid.

Administrator p.p. Hon Sec H.D.Soar