In 1978, a couple at the sprightly age of around thirty entered the sport of Field Archery and in the following almost 40 years they have, in my opinion, done more than any other current member of the SFAA to promote, develop and support our sport, clubs and the SFAA. I’d like to nominate both Colin and Sally Campbell (Wolfstar) for this year’s award of the Bill Douglas Trophy.

Like Maggie and I, Colin & Sally are now in the “twilight years” of their archery adventure. Over the last 40 years however they have served our association’s membership in so many ways that it’s hard to convey the amount of effort, time and dedication that they have given to their sport and the SFAA. Sally has served as SFAA President (company director), Treasurer, Senior Coach and has been AFFS© World and European Champion 3 times as well as an accolade of other Scottish & UK titles. Colin, medals aside, has served as Vice President, Coaching Director (Area Coach), Course Inspector, IFAA Representative and SFAA Team Manager back in the days when we came together, helped each other out, and trained as a team.

At Club level Colin & Sally were founding members of the Wolfstar Field Archery Club and have over this period of 40 years helped to manage, develop and nurture the club and its membership. From fund raising to procurement of club equipment, teaching beginners and coaching the more aspiring archers, fix my bow mister it’s no shooting right to making new bow strings and indeed the friendship & support to the archers themselves, these are all in the range of jobs that the pair have tackled over the years. Many of you reading this have started along the path of undertaking some of these tasks and can relate to the work and personal effort that it takes both at club and association level, imagine doing it for almost 40 years.

They’ve already had the medals & patches that they won on the field and they are not ones to go looking for recognition or reward for their efforts. Not diminishing the other nominations that are, each in their individual way, very noble and meritorious achievements towards the fellowship of our sport. Wrap them all together, stretch them out in every direction and multiply by 40 and it starts to convey the extent of this couples achievements in support of our sport, the archers and the SFAA. Colin is now aged 70 and Sally not far behind and general health and age means that the days of eagerly heading off to WFAC / EFAC’s etc are over, the club nights continue, but the archery twilight years are truly here.

I think the award would be a shining example of the exceptional achievement that the Bill Douglas trophy is meant to reflect and a fitting tribute to Collin & Sally in order to mark such an admirable lifetime’s dedication of service to our archers, national association and the sport of field archery.

Bert Robertson is a founder member of Birkhill Bowmen and has been a stalwart of the Club for over 40 years. Bert is of indeterminate age, nobody really knows, but he is a legend within the Club. He has had a very successful archery career over the years and now dedicates inordinate amounts of time and not insignificant effort to the upkeep of the course and the well-being of the membership.

Bert is at the course 2-3 times a week usually doing some maintenance that he notices, whether it’s a bit of brashing or replacing a boss! There have been numerous times when Bert has dragged a boss into place by himself! For those of you who have shot Birkhill you will know that the terrain is not easy for those of us in our youth, but Bert does not bat an eyelid!

Bert is at the course almost every Sunday rain or shine (wind, sleet, hail and snow at times as well). He offers an archery tale or some sagely advice to those who ask for it, he is always sensitive to those who are not managing as well and is able to offer some coaching and encouragement.

When the Club hosts shoots, Bert is always there in support, despite the fact that he no longer takes part, he is fully involved in the preparation of the course for the shoot, at the car park on the day, helping to make best use of our very limited space, ensuring archers know where they are going and assisting with the general admin. A real backstage guy that clubs need to make things happen.

In summary, it is hard to identify someone who has given so much time and effort to support the club over a considerable period of time. Supporting, nurturing, hardworking, compassionate, knowledgeable and a true “Archers Friend”. There is no one more deserving of this award than Bert Robertson.

Third Place (Runner up)

Alan has supported the SFAA for over 20 years, despite not actually shooting a bow! He has been, and still is a director, has travelled to nearly all WFAC and EFAC and has stepped in to represent SFAA when called upon.

He is a credit to our association and as treasurer never parts with a penny!

He is a true gentleman who is a credit to the sport of Archery, who would help anyone.

Service to the SFAA in developing and establishing their new website