Aged 70 from Doncaster

Proposed by Sir Malcolm Guthrie and seconded by Michael Evans DL

Retired clerk of works

Joined BASC in 1980

Springthorpe game syndicate, Gainsborough & District Wildfowlers’ Association, Northumberland & Durham WA (Hon), South Yorkshire WA

Harry says: I have shot and fished since schooldays and have been an active member of BASC since 1980. My interests cover all these field sports, once including hunting and coursing. Some of these I am good at, others not, which makes me your average shooter, whether with shotgun or with a rifle. Good or otherwise, I love it all and I have worked hard over the years to help ensure that our grandchildren will be able to do the same.

I served on Council from 1988 to 2003, and was a member of the wildfowling liaison committee for most of that period. In 2004 I was made an honorary life member, and I was honoured later by being asked to become a centennial patron.

Outside BASC I ran my own building company for more than 20 years before working for North Lincolnshire Council, becoming a clerk of works in the gas department, until retirement.

We really have to act proactively for the future of our sport. Some years ago, I spearheaded the call for the reinstatement of the dark-bellied brent goose on the quarry list. This eventually became BASC policy as a resolution of Council, but the issue has remained on back burner for years. This latter is just one instance where we need to make some inroads. We need to re-invigorate efforts, and set the agenda for all field sports rather than carry on letting others do it to our detriment. BASC states its mission to be “To ensure that we have somewhere to shoot, something to shoot with and something to shoot at.” Issues such as non-lead shot rightly occupy our minds but if we eventually have no species left on our quarry list, it just won't matter what we put in our guns.

With regard to “somewhere to shoot”, we should all follow the example set by some wildfowling clubs and purchase land whenever it comes available. “Something to shoot with” needs to be addressed by all shooters whether or not their interest is in live shooting; we need to take all opportunities to promote and defend shooting. The shooting of live quarry is an emotive subject and we must do our best to present a good case to all members of the public and government. It is my wish to bring the re-instatement of quarry species back to the forefront, and help gain some lost ground before I am too old to make a difference.

I have served as chairman of two clubs and am also an honorary member of two clubs; I have served as secretary to SHAJC for six years and the Humber Refuge Committee at the same time. I served the Humber Wildfowl Panel for a long period and was a founder member of the BASC Northern working group and other committees. I am vice-president of the Gainsborough and District Wildfowl Association; I am a current member of the Northcotes Butts range, where I shoot my rifles, carbine and black powder revolver.