I found an interesting snippet in the papers yesterday Regarding a shooting match at Spalding 1871 First time I have found a mention of my great grandfather being in any sort of volunteer unit, although I know his sons were in the Retford Rifles Also interesting was that he is mentioned with a Private ROSE, as he later married Charlotte ROSE in 1875, (he was a few doors from her in 1871 in High St Spalding) Lincolnshire Chronicle, 14th Apr 1871 SPALDING - Rifle Match The Officers (commisioned and non commissioned) met at the butts on Monday to shoot a match, seven on each side; ranges 300 and 400 yards. The match was very evenly contested. The officers winning by two points only. Score:- Officers - Captain Selby, 10, 13; Ensign Bugg, 7, 16; Sergeant Judd, 10, 17; Sergeant Sleight, 2, 10; Sergeant Southwell, 4, 15, Sergeant Barwiss, 13, 15; Corporal Wallis, 8, 14; total 54, 100. Privates - Private Biggs, 9, 13; Private Grassam, 7, 15; Private Marshall, 9, 12; Private Smith, 12, 13; Private Thacker, 7, 11; Private Yoell, 6, 11; Private Rose, 12, 15; total 62, 92. Has anyone experience of militia or volunteer units in Spading of that period ? Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK)