Winter 2002 - National Rifle Association

Somewhat unsurprisingly, according to other sources,this back door entry was denied by Caborn’s office,which said that he had entered through the front gatepast the well-behaved Sportsman’s Associationprotesters. Whatever the truth, at least he came tovisit, even if no one knew he was there. It provided atalking point for idle moments, with exotic theoriesbeing developed. If he did come in through the backdoor, then it must represent one of the very fewexamples of a politician sent to Siberia actuallysurviving to return to his post.The Mayor of Manchester paid a surprise visit.(Photo: John Bloomfield)manager, and disappeared without even a puff ofsmoke. Not even the three Chief Executives of theshooting organisations had known he was there,leading to some deserved hard words later withM2002 suits. What Robertson did confirm was thatthe Minister had asked not to speak to any of theshooters. Initially there was no information on howthe Minister had entered the site but, ratherconfusingly, it was suggested that it had been by carthrough Siberia and along the Century butts, emergingfrom the markers tunnel.Enough of that sort of trivia and scuttlebut. Rememberinstead the smiles, the relief and a little bemusementon the faces of the winners. Remember the exhaustionand dejection from those who narrowly missed out.Remember lots of good humour from the also-ransand the stories of co-operation all round for those whoarrived a tad short of the right equipment. That iswhat the “friendly” games are about. The facilitiesproved themselves to be world class and Bisley didnot let them down, providing the unique atmosphere.Manchester can be proud of their Surrey outpost.And for all those who were there as volunteer helpersor as spectators there will be the memory of an eventthat will almost certainly not happen again in Englandin their lifetime. Thank you Manchester for theopportunity of being able to be part of it. Who willforget the scenes of the closing ceremony with all thedignitaries standing in the teeming rain as theManchester to Melbourne handover took place.Somehow that spoke volumes.Finally, there is in my bag an enduring souvenir, agarment of sartorial splendour, a veritable ‘piece deresistance’ – a M2002 flat cap. I was told that you aresupposed to wear it back to front. As I doubt that Iwill ever have the bravery (or foolhardiness) to wearit any which way round, that dress instruction canpass me by. All I need to go with it is a ferret . . . oh noI do not!Bisley’s own policeman keeps up to date with the Sportsman’sAssociation. (Photo: Jim McAllister)Volunteer David Cole models the Manchester Ferret Cap.(Photo: John Knight)60