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.