Essex and Suffolk County Archery Association

It is with immense sadness that ECAA announces the passing of Marlene Hutchins on Sunday 10th May 2026, after a short illness.
Marlene was a huge part of ECAA, supporting the association in a variety of roles at club and county level over several decades. Marlene and husband Roy’s involvement with Archery started at Damon Company of Archers, with Marlene joining the club initially as secretary, and picking up a bow in May 1969. Very quickly after this, Marlene began setting Recurve County records adding County Colors (1971) and Master Bowman standard scores within her first two shooting seasons, a standard she maintained for over a decade. Marlene regularly medaled at county championships and club tournaments, before moving over to Compound in the mid 1980’s, where she continued to medal, and set further county records, some of which still stand!
Marlene and Roy moved to Southend Electricity Archery Club in the early 80’s with both becoming qualified coaches shortly afterwards. At SEAC, Marlene again became Secretary staying with the club until it finally disbanded and merged with Rayleigh Town Archers in the mid 2000’s who took the opportunity to ask Marlene to be their President, a role she was thrilled to fulfill.
Alongside her shooting prowess, Marlene was very happy to work in the background, regularly assisting with organizing events, or facilitating scoring and results for championships and leagues. Within ECAA, Marlene was our longest serving Albion League Secretary (1983-2022) with a tenure of 40 years establishing a reputation for efficiency and accuracy, managing the league with a firm hand. League captains reported they knew to get their entries in by the AGM, or face Marlene! Unsurprisingly, they were never late! As you didn’t want to be in receipt of ‘the look’.
Alongside the league, Marlene edited The Essex Bowman magazine (1981-1991), and was the indoor, Andy Harris Secretary (1991-2026) only handing over the reins due to decreasing health. Marlene was a regular fixture at County meetings, championing club archers, and supporting tournaments and club activities across the county over many years. Serving ECAA as minute secretary for two terms (1972-2013 & 2016-20), with her quiet approach offering support and counsel to the County Executive throughout her tenure.
In 1999, Marlene was elected Vice President (1999-2009) serving in this role uniquely for 10 years before accepting nomination to President (2009 – 2012). Such was the esteem that Marlene was held in by all those that knew her, that she was one of only four members to be honored with all of the association’s highest honors, being installed as a Red Tassel (1983), Honorary Life Vice President (2013), and Honorary Life Member (2022).
The debt that Essex archery owes to Marlene is immeasurable, reaching all aspects of what the association is today. Our community is lessened for her passing, and we remember a lovely lady, with the warmest smile, a kind word, the ability to make everyone welcome, and whose tireless support of the association and archery community we give thanks for.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Roy, Jane, Kevin, and the wider family.

N.B - Funeral arrangements: At Marlene’s request, the funeral will be a small family only memorial.

AGM notice

It's the time of year when thoughts turn to our AGM again. This year the AGM will be held at Margeretting Village Hall on 7th February. The AGM is open to all members of ECAA and it would be great to see as many people s possible attend. This is your opportunity to voice your suggestions on the running of the county. 

As always, we are looking for nominations for both officers and awards. Nominations can come from both clubs and individuals, so please send in your forms. 

Please remember that all officer positions are available for nomination, so please think carefully if you would like to help run or support your county. 

If you are interested in standing, you can ask someone to nominate you. If you would like to nominate someone else, please ensure that you have their permission before you do. 

Award nominations can also be made by both clubs and individuals. In the case of awards, you do not need the permission of your nominee. Please send these forms directly to the Vice Chair, either by post or by email. 

As always, we thank you for your support of the county over the last year, and we look forward to continuing to work with you next year. 

Nomination forms

From the ECAA Team Manager:

These are the ECAA archers selected to represent ECAA at the National County Team Championships at Lillishal in September this year:

Mens Recurve - Michael Judd/Chris Jordan/Paul West

Lady Recurve - Felicity Hurr/Libbi Faye-Marshall/Zainab Master

Mens Compound - Jason Pretlove/Sean Fortune/Brian Lock

Lady Compound - Deb Horn/Nyssa Arthurton

Mens Longbow - Dave Burns/Mark Lawrence

Lady Longbow - Sharon Lawrence/Lisa Wakeham

Mens Barebow - Alex Sarzi-Sartori/Tony Gedalovitch/Mark Turner

Selection has been based on the scores given. Scores 3 months before the cut off date were used for selection first as previously advised before the scores for the year were used.  It was close

Thank you to all of you who submitted scores for this event.  I look forward to being at Lilleshall with you and I thank you all for the amazing support you have given me and your county since the management change over.

Sarah West

Essex Team Manager

Mayflower archers is holding a 24 hour charity fundraising event, supporting 2 great causes. It would be great to see as many county members as possible participate. Please spread the word! Great fun shooting and on a floodlit range!!

For more information: www.mayflowerarchers.co.uk

We have had an update, Eric Mallet’s funeral will be at 1.30pm, Friday 16^th May at Upminster Crematorium.  Flowers are accepted.