Archie Taylor

Archie Taylor was very popular in the Sussex town of Crawley, where he was a High Street tradesman for many years. He was a magnificent all-round sportsman and excelled with both the bat and ball at cricket and was for many years the honorary secretary of the Crawley Cricket Club. He was also responsible for the formation of both the Crawley Athletic Club and the Crawley Hockey Club, for whom he played as a goalkeeper. Taylor’s sporting prowess did not end there. He was also a fine billiards and tennis player, and was secretary of the Crawley Bowls Club, and was so good, he represented Sussex on many occasions.

Despite his many sporting talents, it was probably at small-bore rifle shooting that Taylor enjoyed some of his finest moments. He and his wife were both members of the Crawley Miniature Rifle Club and were part of the team that was invincible between 1912-14. Taylor finished seventh in the 50, and 100 yards small-bore rifle event at the 1908 London Olympics.

Remarkably, Taylor also found time to serve on the local Parish Council. He retired in 1934 and relocated to Devon, where he died five years later. On moving to Devon, the Crawley Rifle Club made him an honorary vice-president for life.