11 Oct 2009 - March of the Archers and two Shoots at the HAC

 

March of the Archers, today 500 years ago . . .

The Fraternity stood in the very same yard of the Guildhall in the City of London, where its forbearers stood as they readied themselves for great marches of Archers. Then as now they came from all over the UK, Europe and beyond. A record number of 21^st Century longbow archers marched off into history as the Lord Mayor of London and his Sheriff repeated that welcome by their presence and with their kind words.

A Crispins Day Speech to mobilise all

The day started early. In the half-light of dawn small groups of people proudly carrying their longbows could be seen all over the City of London converging towards Guildhall and the Church of St Lawrence Jewry. It was an unfamiliar sight, but one that would have been very similar to what it was like 500 years ago. The excitement and sense of occasion were palpable. The Church was full to capacity for a thanksgiving service, which was movingly conducted by the Guild Vicar the Reverend David Parrott. A superb reading by Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, then “Jerusalem”, with its bow of burning gold and a truly rousing rendition of the Crispins Day speech which left many a watery eye and made the hair on one’s neck stand on end. The Dread Roar that followed it was like a mighty salvo ! Then little John Rose walked up the aisle with a new Mark “Grauleys Lamb” which was duly dedicated. Many will have an abiding memory of that moment when the vicar’s robes draped over the little boy’s head.

Under the eyes of the Lord Mayor, the Sheriff, the High Sheriff of Kent, the Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust and all the dignitaries of the three Armed Services Charities the event collected for, a final briefing and good wishes rang out across Guildhall Yard.

Take every breath of it and take adrenalin too

“May your hearts be in the trim, march with pride, shoot for glory, this is your day – may you take every breath of it”. There was not an archer who did not feel the suddenness of a sense of history. That first drum-roll of the Band of the Royal Yeomanry went through the very core of one’s spine as they struck up “Sons of the Brave”. Mounted Police escorted front and back of the March and looked “the business”, while motorbike outriders cleared the streets and diverted public transport.

An unending column of longbow archers marched off, banners flying and Marks borne aloft as they were symbolically carried back into the Finsbury fields where they had stood Centuries ago. Many clubs and companies had gone to great trouble to make or retrieve banners especially for this unique occasion. The three Companies of Archers that had originally shot in the Finsbury fields; their banners too were rightly presented. The Fraternity of St George of course, but also those of the Finsbury Archers and the Fraternity of Prince Arthur. Each was proudly carried by archers representing those ancient companies. No-one wanted to miss such a historic day. Some literally rose from their sickbed, others marched with knee-braces, ankle braces, walking sticks, or were moved along in wheelchairs; all with utter dignity. One of them summed it up, when smiling through his discomfort; he said, “pain ? no ! - pure adrenalin boy”.

Moorgate echoed to “The Thin Red Line” and “Army and Marine”. As we came close to the South Gate of the Artillery Garden, a traditional German march was struck up and followed by the French “Sambre et Meuse”. Three rows deep the longbow archers took the width of the Artillery Garden as they advanced Medieval style to “The British Grenadier” and halted to “Rule Britannia”. A Quarter Guard of the HAC’s Pikemen and Musketeers saluted the Fraternity, lowering its pikes to a drum-roll. Yes, it all made for a very British occasion but at the same time one that welcomed the many archers from abroad with open arms.

Trusted to know their weapon, all shot for glory

The Fraternity then got down to shooting for glory. All shots had to be taken in two relays, such was the sheer number of participants that each relay filled the breadth of the Artillery Garden from end to end. There was no weight limit on the longbows being used. Instead the Fraternity trusted its Archers to know their weapon – and so did every one of them.

The morning shoot was at the Marks and from the word go scores were good. This was no mean feat as each Mark gathered a scatter of some 660 arrows – few if any were broken. No archer had ever stood in such a long and numerous shooting line, yet such was the courtesy of the shoot that all had room for their style, nor were any chances were taken with safety. The atmosphere was relaxed as archers went forward to record their scores, accompanied by the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and other dignitaries who approached many including the very young archers, with vivid interest and lots of questions. The shoot seemed to work at every level; it was a joy for participants and spectators alike – everyone felt they were involved. Towards the end of the morning we were beginning to run out of room on the score-sheets, but the famed HAC Military Curry lunch was at hand. The PSI bar comfortably accommodates the usual 50 archers who shoot at the HAC once a year, but could it pack getting on for 260 ? Thanks to everyone’s kindness and good sport, it was done. Dignitaries positively relished serving themselves on paper plates with plastic cutlery – many came back for second helpings, then quickly to get up and mingle among the longbows. As to the latter, did I spot a young bearded archer quickly tucking into his fourth take-away minutes before the start of the afternoon shoot ? It certainly was a vote for the valiant Danny who had prepared it all.

 Under King Henry VIII eye; record funds raised for the best

There was more to come. We gathered in the Long Room under the eye of King Henry VIII for cake and speeches. The cake was humungous, there were two of them in fact. The pair had had to be lifted up the stairs by two HAC soldiers and two archers. Decorated with “500”, that was what they were meant to feed. Indeed we were able to come back for more after tea. General the Lord Guthrie thanked on behalf of the Charities with an address that came from the heart and drew a parallel between the longbowmen’s sense of duty to his country and that of today’s soldier.

Before the speed shoot started there was what is known in the Fraternity as the Presentation of the Purse to three of the Armed Services Charities; Combat Stress, the HAC Benevolent Fund and the Army Benevolent Fund. Three separate parties stepped forward to each of the three charities, gave a crisp well-rehearsed salute and handed over the largest sum of money ever raised by any company of longbow archers. For a brief moment a silence fell across the Artillery Garden. It was a moment to be very proud of - £3700 – no sponsors, no institutions – all longbow archers ! A ripple of satisfaction went through the shooting line as well it might. The shooting fee was high, many had made sacrifices to stump it up – but had done so and were very pleased to see it go to a cause that is today so uppermost in the minds of many.

 A thousand arrows for unique medals

The speed shoot quickly got underway and was a sight to behold. No-one can remember seeing such quantities of arrows being pumped out by two successive relays and no wonder – the speed and numbers were quite simply awesome ! The scorers now had getting on for 1000 arrows to wade through; again all went beautifully to plan. Every single archer knew his weapon and it speaks volumes of the Fraternity’s archers that among them are those who could have shot out of the South Gate to the very end of Finsbury Street. How is that for sheer control !

With consummate timing, as the speed-shoot stopped the rain started and we were back for cider and cake in the Long Room. It was sheer pleasure to see groups of archers having themselves photographed in this historic setting. Cameras were passed round with great goodwill so that all could have a chance to have a good club souvenir. All archers were given a specially drawn-up certificate as witness to their participation in this historic March and Shoot. For obvious reasons this took some time, but that was where once again the cake was mobilized and this time “the decks were cleared”. Prize-giving was at one and the same time secondary to the sense of glory everyone felt, yet the Fraternity’s medals with their unique inscription backed on to the International Longbow Archers Association were eagerly anticipated. 

The Marks are back - center stage to vitality and tradition

Winner at the Marks were Rebecca Hawkins for the children, Ruth Lowbury for the Ladies and Glyn Dixon for the Gents.

For the Speed shoot Michael Herschell took the honours for the Gents, Amanda Marsden did so for the Ladies and for the Children Nicolas Langerock got his due reward. Scores in both competitions were so close that in two instances they had to be decided on the most 12’s and most 7’s rule.

I was a great privilege for the Fraternity to organize this once in a lifetime event. It could not have been done without the enthusiasm and participation of so many longbow archers. It also has to be said that the HAC were exceptional in their welcome and hospitality. The City Police too were right behind us from the very beginning, their mounted escort was impressive. As for the Band of the Royal Yeomanry, they can hardly be praised too highly. It was after all from the Yeomanry that many of the original longbowmen were drawn. Their enthusiasm was measured in their numbers – it was a big band ! While the event had an inevitably military aspect, it was after all a March and collected funds for the Charities of the Armed Services; a balance was given by the Civic presence at the very highest level on the part of the City of London and the Mary Rose Trust.

The Corporation has been enthusiastic in publicity, administration, traffic management and shown an adaptive approach borne of enthusiasm at every level of its structure. Its dignitaries immediately grasped the sense of history the event carried. They gave us all a great welcome and showed vivid interest. As one of them put it in writing, “We go to many fundraising events – this one will stick in our memory”. “The sight of St Lawrence Jewry full of wonderful people with their longbows, arrows and Marks was an experience we shall never forget”.

At the time of writing we await a massive input from professional photographers and film crews. Every archer of that historic day will have his or her free copies which will be tip-top quality. For such participants no less is merited ! This was the March and the Shoot that put back a historic piece of longbow tradition: vitality; big happy shooting lines; archers who can be trusted; most of all – shooting at the Marks. That is why so many longbow archers will wear their badge with pride. It says it all, “I was there”.

Winners and scores at the March shoot  11 October 2009
Prizes for shooting at the Marks	Names	Scores
First Man	Glyn Dixon	48 points
Second Man	Roger Spellane	45 points
Third Man	Derek Theobald	40 points
First Woman	Ruth Lowbury	31 points
Second Woman	Helen Swyer	27 points
Third Woman	Maggie Tyhurst	26 points
First Junior	Rebecca Hawkins	33 points
Second Junior	Harry Foster	33 points
Third Junior	Sam Cooker	26 points
Prizes for shooting at Speed
First Man	Michael Herschell	74 points
Second Man	Dave Humphrys	64 points
Third Man	Steve Meredith	64 points
First Woman	Amanda Marsden	30 points
Second Woman	Maggie Tyhurst	26 points
Third Woman	Susan Shilitto	22 points
First Junior	Nicholas Langerock	60 points
Second Junior	Romario Salas	45 points
Third Junior	Rebecca Hawkins	29 points

 

14/15 Nov 09 - Armistice Shoot, Scotney Castle,

 

This was yet another new Estate for the Fraternity and its first “outing” in a National Trust property. It has to be said that the Trust does set quite a benchmark in terms of Estate management, as is immediately obvious as soon as one sets foot in Scotney Castle’s undulating pastures.

This is stunning ground for shooting at the Marks.  Two streams run through it, species trees are well cared for and the views across to the Castle and up to the House are to die for. To make life even more perfect for dedicated longbow archers, there are plenty of undulations as well as vistas that open up to unexpected perspectives. The Trust had very generously allocated its former entrance and shop for our sole use. A lovely wooden building with big windows overlooking almost half the parkland, how is that for an Archery HQ !

 Saturday’s battle with the elements

When you hear a really bad weather forecast it is always tempting to believe it can’t possibly be quite as predicted – wrong – it was. Force 6 gusting 7 with near horizontal rain, fortunately clearing as we set off.  In fact the shoot quickly settled in, first going downhill for a Mark called the “Nightingale” and then for a long shot across the first stream to the “Turkes Whale”.

The rain had stopped but the wind carried on unabated. It made for challenging shots where one had to aim off-line to windward in order to drop those arrows near the Mark. “Water Gap”, a helpful green against a green background made that especially “interesting”.  “St Martin” stood over a pin-cushion facing uphill. It was only 140 yards but was comprehensively shot short. A bit of chin-stroking when the distance was given, but what is so nice about a practise shoot is that there is time to discuss shooting technique over different undulations. With 11 Marks we were able to explore right up the hill on the South side, but it was clear there was plenty of ground left to run around in for the big shoot the next day.

 Remember Roy King

The next day looked ominous to begin with but soon cleared to give us bright sunshine. Archers had got there early and in large numbers. Curiosity about the Estate had clearly played a big part. The dozen or so of new Archers were as usual quickly made welcome and shown the ropes – meaning plenty of freshly ground coffee and a variety of cakes. The fruit cake brought in by Brian Hills was particularly sought after. However, a crisp and bright morning beckoned and we were soon out shooting in three volleys to the “Bush under Bush”, followed by a long shot to the “Pilgrim” whose maker Marc Eelbo aka the Duke of Braine was again among us and shooting with gusto.

Although the day of Remembrance had passed the Armistice Shoot is after all as close as we can get to 11 November; a two minute silence was duly observed.

This year is so particularly poignant in terms of our losses among the Armed Services, but it is added to by the sudden death of one of Britain’s finest bowyers, Roy King. A modest man but one who towered above his Peers, he will be greatly missed.

It was not until the Speed shoot that we regained our momentum and no wonder. However, that was a great shot ! Uphill with a fringe of beautiful trees in the background, in the sunlight – masses of arrows pumped out in 30 seconds ! Hardly a better way to round off the morning. 

Lunch saw plenty of activity packed into the allotted time. Many went for the opportunity organised by Ross, the National Trust’s Warden for the Estate, to go into the House and have a look at the Ascham cupboard (the family who lived at Scotney were passionate about the longbow).

Then all those bows had to be weighed in readiness for the “Kings Distance” competition as part of the Universal Longbow Flight Scale measurement. And finally another coffee, cake and longbow-bonding session in our Archery headquarters for the day.

 A pigeon had us by the nose

It is just as well that the Fraternity has a good corps of Officers, as there were several occasions where the Captain had to go forward to act as look-out while the Officers took over the shooting line.  This worked so well that it soon became clear more interesting shots could be taken in complete safety. Ross, the National Trust’s Warden shot with us both days and was greatly reassured – a natural Archer by the way.

The shot to the Nightingale was a 170 yard beauty. Its reflection in the bright sunlight so powerful one could hardly miss it. Proof of the pudding is that it attracted high scores. From there we lined up to shoot uphill at Days Deed, but not before we had taken the onlookers’ children before the shooting line to treat them to the “dread roar”. Well one has to look after the potential new recruits. “Swans Stake” was in the highest part of the Estate and from there we took a nice shot through a tree-lined gap, over a shallow ditch into a clearing.

Difficult ? – well apparently not, because scores were again high. That could not be said for the “Finsbury Pigeon”, placed at a mere 130 yards, it neatly divided the Fraternity into two groups; one who landed their arrows at 100 yards and the other who did so at 160 yards. There was one score; a miserable three, but there was also a great deal of amusement; “how could we have got it so wrong”. A long shot to the “Kings Kindness” took us close to the line-up for the Cloth of Gold.

Stunning shots were taken here, which always demands respect as it comes at the very end of a full day’s shooting. Neil Harrington, who is obviously on good terms with his bowyer, had no opposition and therefore came a very predictable first with a shot of 313 yards. But would he win the Kings Distance too ? Ronnie Turpin’s 221 was a brilliant shot for a posh young fellow.

 All the prizes belong to Roger

Prize-giving was eagerly awaited and rightly so as scores were high for such a first outing in a new Estate. Winner at the Marks was the spellbindingly accurate Roger Spellane, 59 points. For the Ladies it was Carol Hall who took the honours with a score of 43, while George Flegg with 35 points was the best child (a very big child mind you). Top speed shooter was, you might guess it . . . Roger Spellane; 21 points in 30 seconds. Think about it, at that rate it would take him only 84 seconds to reach his score at the Marks !.

The King’s Distance calculates the Archer who has the most efficient loose and who therefore, if given the heaviest bow of the day, would outshoot everyone in the Cloth of Gold. Tom Cooker was initially blessed with applause until it was realised that he shot not 247 yards but a still very creditable 147. The ever-sporting Tom felt that re-calculation was in order, as a result of which the winner of the King’s Distance was – yes you got it . . . Roger Spellane.

The shoot was a huge success. The Estate was a huge success. With top notch facilities and a large shoot so full of good sporting Archers, we could hardly have had a better day. Onward to the Christmas Shoot and plenty of mulled wine, plus another new Estate and a pep-talk – well Pip-talk, on bow woods. The man knows his woods and does not mind debunking a few myths. It will be interesting !

Winners and scores at the Armistice shoot 15 November 2009
At the Marks Armistice Shoot - SGB = 45   ; ASB = 35 ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was difficult = - 22 %
Individual Shooting benchmark	Prizes	Names	Scores
68	First Man	Roger Spellane	59 points
48	Second Man	David Humphrys	52 points
31	Third Man	Colin Westrop	46 points
22	First Woman	Carol Hall	43 points
-17	Second Woman	Lisa Pelham	29 points
-40	Third Woman	Louise Dark	21 points
0	First Junior	George Flegg	35 points
-37	Second Junior	Ronnie Turpin	22 points
-74	Third Junior	Harry Foster	9 points
At Speed
Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces
	Names		Scores
First Man	Roger Spellane		21 points
First Lady	Melissa Hamilton		17 points
First Junior	Harry Foster		24 points
In the Cloth of Gold	Names		Paces shot
First Man	Neil Harrington		313 yards
First Lady	Caroll Hall		205 yards
First Junior	Ronnie Turpin		221 yards
At the King's Distance	Names		ULFS plus / min %
Archer	Roger Spellane		234  yards (+7%) or 292 yards had he had the heaviest bow of the day

 

The Christmas Shoot; 14/15 December 2009

 

In some way this was one of the most surprising shoots in what has been a fantastic year for the Fraternity.
Firstly the weather was diabolical and secondly the number of archers must have been a record for a shoot that is so near to Christmas. Clearly it was the combination of a new Estate and mulled wine that did it. The latter should have been red, but the wayward supplier had grabbed the nearest pair of boxes without realising these were rosé; it tasted just as good. As for the Estate, this left nothing to chance. It has the widest views of any we have come across, it offers superb shots and it is equally superbly maintained.

Far and wide . . . and welcome
Saturday already saw a big contingent of Archers from far and wide. There were many new archers as well as beginners who had come for the morning tuition. By the time of the afternoon shoot it is in many instances impossible to tell the beginners apart from the regulars. Proof of the pudding that a low but safe threshold of entry into the world of the longbow is possible. Key to this is a carefully thought out teaching approach that borrows much from Army rifle training; i.e. not much messing around.  The weather did that bit for us. Nevertheless, alternated by sun and rain, the day was summed up by a new Archer; “we’re really made to fee welcome”.

A run for the mulled wine
Sunday’s weather was in a word dour. We were lucky to have a warm and well-lit room for us all to gather. Just as well the room was large, as people just kept on coming to the extent that the yard ran out of parking space. The key to a cold and wet shoot is to get moving and keep moving. Once we had shot the first three Marks, most were warmed through nicely and we also got a break in the weather. Nevertheless, when at the end of the Speed-shoot Catherine announced there was hot mulled wine waiting in the tea-room, archers showed just how quickly they can shift (and manage to go for that second cup).

A double rainbow
The afternoon shoot started in beautiful sunshine with a long shot to the “Seagriffin”.  Then came a nice little number on a path among young trees out of which a short shot was taken to the “Red Lion”. Two Marks further and the weather closed in; short but violent one might say. By the time we did a long shot to the Phoenix it had all passed. A couple of Marks further and the same thing happened, fortunately ending in one of the most brilliant double rainbows we have ever seen (the photo, as usual hardly does it justice). There are some lovely shots that can be taken on this Estate, not difficult in themselves but less easily judged in terms of distance than one at first thinks. Thank to the fact that everyone kept moving, a slightly above average number of Marks were shot. The shot in the Cloth of Gold thereby had plenty of time to come into its own and once again good distances were achieved, particularly on such a cold day which inevitably influences the results.

A year of records
Back in the warm for prize-giving, done by a true Knight in the Order of the Garter – there aren’t many. Let’s start with the Master Archer award. It went to Harry Foster, the first junior to achieve it – and by a mile. No-one came even close to the overall score he had accumulated during the year, not even his Father ! 
First at the Marks was David Gosling for the gents 68, Carole Tidd for the ladies 78, while for the juniors the title went to Ronnie Turpin 56. Speedy Gonzales, winner of the speed-shoot was Richard Capper 15. In the Cloth of Gold, it was Steve Cheeseman who took the crown with a distance of 224 yards, which was excellent given the circumstances.
It was a memorable shoot to end a memorable year. We can all be very proud of the records we set.
A record proper two-way Flight Championship. A record beating Master Archer. A record amount raised by any longbow club or association for the Charities of the Armed Services. No burocracy, no sponsors, just a fantastic group of Archers having fun.

Winners and scores at the Christmas shoot 15 December 2009
At the Marks Armistice Shoot - SGB = 48   ; ASB =55 ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was fairly difficult = 15 %
Individual Shooting benchmark	Prizes	Names	Scores
23	First Man	David Gosling	68 points
20	Second Man	Marc Cox	66 points
13	Third Man	David Shillito	62 points
42	First Woman	Carole Tidd	78 points
25	Second Woman	Susan Shillito	69 points
-71	Third Woman	Tina Honey	16 points
2	First Junior	Ronnie Turpin	56 points
-20	Second Junior	Harry Foster	44 points
-33	Third Junior	Ricky Telford	37 points
At Speed
Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces
	Names		Scores
First Man	Richar Capper		15 points
First Lady	Rosie Ewbank		12 points
First Junior
In the Cloth of Gold	Names		Paces shot
First Man	Steve Cheeseman		224 yards
First Lady	Caroll Tidd		145 yards
First Junior	Ronnie Turpin		182 yards

 

13/14 Feb 2010 Invicta Shoot, Godinton House
 

 

It is always a privilege and a pleasure to return to this beautifully managed Estate with its woods, dew-ponds and towering trees. The care that is lavished on it by the Administrator is quite exemplary and not surprising; he too has fallen for the charm of the longbow and shoots with us.

Having the use of Godinton’s tea-room makes a big difference too. It is a pleasant and warm venue for Archers to gather before the shoot and in the lunch breaks to have their teas, coffees and creamy cakes and just to enjoy the views, the archery chat and re-meet old friends.

Saturday’s shoot already had a good number of Archers among who were an additional half-dozen who had come for tuition that morning. The weather was on the cold side, snow on the ground and enough wind to make wind-chill a factor. Nevertheless, once we got going there was no stopping the arrows. Challenging shots were taken out of the woods into the pasture. There were also a couple of very long shots over flat ground, which again Archers seemed well able to cope with.  We then retired into the warmth of the tea-room and once everything had been cleared up, went for an excellent Archers supper in a nearby 16th Century pub.

Their names on the Marks; Ronnie, Peter, David, Paul, Susan, Francois and so many others . . .
The next day dawned brightly, which with the snow on the ground made the Estate look truly stunning.  A lot of Archers came simply because they wanted to shoot in such unusual conditions. Although the sun varied its appearance, the fact that it was completely wind-still made for a really nice shoot without cold hands.  We took a nice shot between the trees to the Aldermanbury Lion, before we went through the gate into the chalk-pit out of which we shot the Black Bull. Named after a black bull that menaced the Archers and their Marks in the fields of Southwark, it stood much nearer than many supposed. We then went for the Swan’s Harnessman, but not before everyone had given Ronnie Turpin the “dread-roar” of approval for carrying it in the March of the Archers. Indeed all those who carried the Marks on that day, found their names entered of each Mark they had marched with.

The break had people streaming into the tea-room for lunch, hot drinks and not to mention advice and longbows (in quantity) thanks to Pip. Our big group of Archers from Belgium unfolded an enviable pick-nick, but it was topped by Catherine’s massive lasagne and a pile of chocolate profiteroles with cream. Needless to say, many who had eaten promptly pulled up at the table to tuck in all over again. Topped-up for the afternoon they emerged licking their chops.

The low light shining across the snow
For the afternoon we went right over the head of the White Lion to the Red Lion. A couple of shots later and those lads from the Midlands really got into their stride. A 220 yard shot to the “King’s Kindnesse”, was no problem for a 50 lbs bow – provided it is in the hands of Phil Rees.  It was followed by a short hop into a clearing for the “Wings of St George” at which those two young boys from Sheerness did well. Joebe Harris and Ricky Telford are the guys to watch ! In little time they have become seriously good Archers. There was a great atmosphere, plenty of laughter with those new to the shoot instantly made to feel part of it all and welcome. More of the traditional Marks were shot ending with one from the “Nightingale” to “Days Deed” . For that one the sun made a final and glorious appearance. The low light shining across the snow was quite something.
Then came the 4-fold volley shot in the Cloth of Gold, but not before the lads from the Midlands (and Lady) and a big hip-hip hurrah, followed by a “dread-roar” for our archers from abroad. This is not a time of the year in which large distances are easily achieved. Nevertheless . . .

Prize-giving showed it can be done. Phil Rees comfortably outshot everyone with a clean 278 yards and that with a 55 lbs bow. The fiercely competitive Carol Hall did the business for the Ladies at 204 yards. While the indomitable, irrepressible, nay inexhaustible Ronnie Turpin shot a remarkable 190 yards for the Juniors.
Ricky Telford won the Junior Speed shoot, while the quiet Ruth Lowbury and Ian Humphreys won for the Ladies and Gents respectively.
For the Marks – there’s that boy again; Ricky Telford, with Sam Cooker and Joebe Harris 2nd and 3rd. Among the Ladies the winner was the amazingly far ahead Bernadette Stubbings – a shooting technique which is so exemplary, it deserves its own website. Carole Tidd and Susan Shillito were close 2nd and 3rd.
For the Gents the quiet and understated Russell Jones had by far the highest score of the day – 93 points – an achievement that is rarely equalled at any shoot. Blake Ashworth and David Shillito made 2nd and 3rd, again with excellent scores.
All in all this was a great day out – good to be shooting in the snow – a first big shoot of the season.
One archer summed it up nicely.” I’ve never been before, but I’ve had such a good welcome, it feels I’ve been shooting here for years” !

And now the film
Another bit of good news. The film of the March of the Archers is out. It’s seriously good, not too long and superbly edited by Brian Watson – his time so freely given. The Fraternity may count itself very lucky. This is a first-class record of a day that was exceptional in every way.
To get your copy go to www.marchofthearchers.org/video.html

Winners and scores at the Invicta shoot 14 February 2010

At the Marks Invicta Shoot - SGB =48    ; ASB = 63; therefore SC (shooting challenge was difficult) = 31%

Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores 47 First Man Russel Jones 93 points 28 Second Man Blake Ashworth 81 points 19 Third Man David Shillito 75 points 28 First Woman Bernadette Stubbings 81 points -8 Second Woman Carole Tidd 58 points -26 Third Woman Susan Shillito 47 points -7 First Junior Ricky Telford 59 points -11 Second Junior Sam Cooker 56 points -71 Third Junior Joebe Harris 18 points At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces Names Scores First Man Ian Humphrey 17 points First Lady Ruth Lowbury 10 points First Junior Ricky Telford 9 points In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man Phil Rees  278 yards First Lady Carol Hall  204 yards First Junior Ronnie Turpin  190 yards In the King's Distance Archer Distance ULFS plus/min % - - -

10/11 Apr 2010 - Easter Egg Shoot, Hall Place   For this glorious week-end of shooting we returned to Hall Place, near Tonbridge where the Championship at the Marks took place last September. The Easter shoot is always, well in a word, BIG. That was already clear on Saturday with two mini-bus loads of Archers from Germany and two car-loads from France and Belgium, plus “home-grown” Archers. It was a dedicated group prepared to really go for it. We shot 12 Marks instead of the usual 10; good going in just an afternoon. All of us went walking distance to the pub together for an excellent meal. Then we set to for the night shoot. These are quite special. A test of an Archer’s ability to sense what he or she is doing with their bow and to sense the result in the flight of the arrow. It puts a premium on the very consistency we are always told is so vital in Archery.  This is precisely the kind of shoot where your consistency comes to the fore. The good-humoured Turk’s Head The next day saw hords of wildly enthusiastic Archers flood into the beautiful tree-shaded parking area. The kick-off is eagerly anticipated, as no-one can keep away from the big opening shot across the lake. The owner of the Estate too was positively ecstatic about the sight of it. After a big hurrah for him three clouds of arrows winged their way across without difficulty, after which we managed another 5 Mark before Speed-shooting. The speed-shot at the end of the morning saw good scores and had a lovely view of the house on the other side of the lake. The highlight was the shot at the Turk’s head. A traditional shot which with due political correctness has to have its background carefully explained so as not to offend. Just as well, as right on queue Omer Ibrahim stepped forward in Turkish Headdress.  There was a sharp intake of breath, followed by a roar of laughter as people realized it was all part of the archery game and Omer was well in on it.  Lunch in this Estate has all the variety you need. You can either sit in the sun-dappled park by your car under the trees or wander over to the nearby hunting room to have your meal with freshly brewed coffee and creamy cakes. Yes creamy cakes, because for that one day you have a good excuse. You are going to walk off all that extra weight and more in an afternoon. You also bump into Pip, get first-class advice and can salivate over his longbows – boy does that lad produce them ! House of Lancaster and Sam’s golden boots  The afternoon shoot started with a special request from our newly appointed officer from Germany, Peter Elbers; a three-fold volley for him to take a bit of film of an endlessly long good-looking line of Archers. Half-way through the afternoon we shot a tricky Mark, conveniently located near a bit of flooded meadow. House of Lancaster did it again – the under-shooters had all gone into the drink. No matter; Sam Cooker almost without hesitation and to loud acclaim, waded straight in to retrieve the orphans – with his golden boots he hardly got wet.  A few glorious shots later, via the Aldermanbury lion, the Pilgrim and the Phoenix, we had arrived at the shooting line for the Cloth of Gold. Neil Harrington gave us that look of, “that could not be more into the wind”. He was right of course and the wind was pretty vigorous, but undaunted he set to it. It says something for sheer technique and for his skill as a Bowyer that with his son’s 63 lbs bow he went straight past bows of 80 to 130 lbs. £4000 for the Armed Services Charities and £1244 for the Mary Rose Prize-giving was all the better for the wonderful reception and enthusiasm of our hosts. Cloth of Gold was a forgone conclusion for Neil, but among the Ladies we saw the formidable Marie-Louise Newell carry it off with a shot of 150 yards. The child wonder Harry Foster beat that with a shot of 152; very creditable given the fierce headwind. Master at Speed was Blake Ashworth with 19 points, while Jocelyne Biasin sung the Marsaillaise for us for 20 points. Conor Newell did the business with a round 10. Cats-eyes Bruno Pécourt won the prize for the night shoot, while new Archer Lisa Grabow from far-off Berlin (Stargard) did the business for the Ladies. To loud applause the Marks prizes went to Mark Foster for the Gents, Carole Tidd for the Ladies and Conor Newell (also known as the Duke of Deal) for the Juniors. A special thank-you is due to all who shoot with the Fraternity. Firstly, additional sales of the DvD of the March of the Archers has brought the total raised for the charities of the Armed Services to a full £4000; it may go higher still. Secondly, the Fraternity’s fundraisers brought together a stunning £1244 in support of the Mary Rose 500 Appeal – a one-off but certainly one to be very proud of. Winners and scores at the Easter shoot 11 April 2010 At the Marks Easter Shoot - SGB =48    ; ASB =50 ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was slightly difficult) =+3% Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores 63 First Man Mark Foster 81 points 25 Second Man Paul Attwood 62 points -9 Third Man Christopher Nash 45 points 27 First Woman Carole Tidd 63 points 15 Second Woman Marie Louise Newell 57 points -23 Third Woman Magaret Tyhurst 38 points 3 First Junior Conor Newell 51 points -37 Second Junior Sam Cooker 31 points -64 Third Junior Harry Foster 18 points At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces Names Scores First Man Blake Ashworth 19 points First Lady Jocelyne Biasin 20 points First Junior Conor Newell 10 points In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man Neil Harrington 224 yards First Lady Marie-Louise Newell 150 yards First Junior Harry Foster 152 yards In the King's Distance Archer Distance ULFS plus/min % - - Night Shoot                                             Names   First Man                               Bruno Pecourt - 20 points First Woman                         Lisa Grabou - 20 points

5/6 Jun 2010 - Oriflamme Shoot, Mont l'Evêque

 A whole group of us set out at the crack of dawn to put out the Marks. This is not rocket science, but it is quite useful to grasp the basic principles and the variety in the distances that are needed to make for a good shoot. French Archers are definitely interested in this and turned out in numbers to do the business. One can sense there is now real momentum to their interest in reviving this ancient tradition.
The Estate is so stunning that Archers arrive many hours ahead of the shoot, just for the view and the atmosphere.
That too counted for a handicapped Archer, new to the longbow, who came for tuition.

The indomitable Tanguy
The Fraternity of St George has followed the Fraternité de St Sébastien in this and gives both bow and tuition free of charge. Given his limited mobility, Tanguy took the steep learning curve with gusto. There were plenty of volunteers on hand to ensure ease of transport. The main thing was that he enjoyed himself hugely and was all go for the afternoon shoot.
It is with considerable pride that we can write that the Fraternity offered Tanguy a proper Shoot at the Marks. That is was not short on willing helpers to ensure he was brought along everywhere, shot each Mark, collected his arrows and – yes, got a very decent score. This in a shoot that made no concessions and which included a very difficult shot from one meadow, over a wood into another. The mark of course was “the Joker”.

A Guardian Angel
As with the previous day’s afternoon shoot, participation was one of the highest seen for years. Big contingents from England, from the Isle of Sheppey to Norfolk, four different clubs from Germany, Belgium, three different clubs from Holland, as well as the full gamut of companies from the Paris basin. Yes, we even had the always charming Maite Moreno back shooting with the Fraternity all the way from Mexico.
However, half an hour before the shoot we had thunder and lightening, followed by a monsoon ! Buckets of water sent people scuttling in all directions for waterproof gear. We stood there looking at it saying, “much better in the rain”, when literally 1 minute before kick-off it stopped. The Fraternity’s guardian angel had spoken.

We shot five Marks in the morning, two of them difficult ones over a small river. These were made by Bruno Badia and as one likes to point out, with gold leaf in their design they glint nicely in the sun !
The Speed Mark had fallen over and so Nicolas Langerock was sent out for a long run, over the bridge to the other side of the river to put it back up again. The boy is a stunningly good archer and so it seemed only fair that the whole shoot roared at him to run faster and not keep us waiting. As always he took it with a broad smile.

An act of sheer defiance
Lunch was also the occasion to make our annual donation to the French Army Charity, the Gueules Cassées.
In fact it was two donations, because Hervé Bissonnier as Captain of the new Fraternité de St Sébastien also made a donation. Both were received by the President of the Gueules Cassées, himself heavily wounded in the Algerian War. The name means, the shattered faces and so it was. Undaunted and with shattered face General Chauchart du Mottay thanked us in a most charming speech. He must be used to it – an audience listening in stunned silence, many wiping way tears to witness this courageous man’s act of sheer defiance.

The afternoon started with a beautiful shot across the lake in front of the Chateau. Pip and Jenny Bickerstaffe were on hand to encourage “stronge Shootinge”, which was how it was done. Most made it and those who didn’t could count on François in his canoe. From the terrace above the President and his Counsellor and others in the lunch party watched as the arrows whizzed past below. It must have been quite a sight, because they went back indoors to enjoy more food and more strengthening measures of wine in order to get over the emotion.

From then on it became increasingly apparent that our Archers from Germany were seriously competitive, particularly the children. By some strange logic, the smaller they are the better they shoot, urged on by the parents and cries of “volle granate”, presumably meaning, “give it some welly”. Two of them celebrated their birthday, which meant they had to brave the Fraternity chorus doing a frightful rendition of “happy birthday” in Franglais.

All too soon it was time for the Shot in the Cloth of Gold – that last shot of adrenalin as well as one of those ultimate tests of a wooden bow. Pip looked pretty sure of himself and one supposes he might have good reason. Lending his bow to someone else and then smiling as he watched their expression change when they shot.
Prize-giving was in some ways like a cartoon. The English comfortably slouched on the steps, the French dotted around the tables snacking away, the Germans neatly lined up in the front row and ready to scoop the prizes.
Prizes, well . . . to his own surprise Christopher Nash’s consistent shooting got him first at the Marks. For the Ladies Susanne Lange scooped the prize with an even higher score than the Gents. However, Oliver Mannheller trounced them both with a score of 83 for the children. Speed-shooting was the territory of Jeroen Drenth, while the Cloth of Gold went to Bernard Moulder for the Gents and Isabelle de Pontalba for the Ladies. Among the children and not for the first time, the honour went to Nicolas Langerock – something to do with his bow I believe.

This is an Estate where the owner not only allows us to shoot without charge, he also upsets the Fraternity’s accounts by finding the purse and adding a donation – it was high time we had our own back on him.
Over a long period of time, purposely tiny contributions had been gathered from many and the most massive Waterford Crystal bowl had been bought. The all-seeing eyes of Charles-Edouard had for once seen nothing. That best of prizes was therefore given, together with a Balmoral Deerskin covered visitors-book with everybody’s name in it, to the startled Charles-Edouard and Isabelle. It was quite a moment – thoroughly deserved and a small token of everyone’s gratitude for their hospitality.

Winners and scores at the Oriflamme shoot 6 June 2010

At the Marks Oriflamme Shoot - SGB =45     ; ASB =53   ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was difficult) =+17 %

Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores 1 First Man Christopher Nash 53 points -15 Second Man Guido Manheller 45 points -16 Third Man Peter Drehsen 44 points 29 First Woman Susanne Lange 68 points -30 Second Woman Jocelyne Biasin 37 points -47 Third Woman Angela Plater 28 points 58 First Junior Oliver Mannheller 83 points 20 Second Junior Annabel Franzen 63 points 1 Third Junior Pascal Drehsen 53 points At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces Names Scores First Man Jeroen Drenth 30 points First Lady Jacqui Ord 13 points First Junior Frederike Lange 27 points In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man Bernard Moulder 279 yards First Lady Isabelle de Pontalba 195 yards First Junior Nicolas Langerock 153 yards

10/11 Jul 2010 - Mary Rose Shoot, Torry Hill Estate - Read about the Flight Championship     Winners and scores at the Mary Rose shoot 11 July 2010 At the Marks Mary Rose Shoot - SGB =   ; ASB = ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was too easy = % Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores   First Man       Second Man       Third Man       First Woman       Second Woman       Third Woman       First Junior       Second Junior       Third Junior     At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces Names Scores First Man     First Lady     First Junior     In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man     First Lady     First Junior     At the King's Target Names Paces shot Archer   The Fourth.L.A.A. Flight Championship, hosted by the Fraternity of Saint George 10 July 2010 A brief table of the results show what was achieved. Flight Championship – top scores only (lbs and yards) Name Bow-weight Max Average Min Standard Arrow Championship– top scores only (lbs and yards) Name Bow-weight Max Average Min Military Arrow Championship– top scores only (lbs and yards) Name Bow-weight Max Average Min

11/12 Sep 2010 - Championship Shooting at the Marks, Spitfire Shoot, Hall Place

 

Winners and scores at the Spitfire shoot 12 September 2010

At the Marks Spitfire Shoot - SGB =48   ; ASB =56 ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was fairly difficult =17 %

Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores   First Man       Second Man       Third Man       First Woman       Second Woman       Third Woman       First Junior       Second Junior       Third Junior     At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces     Names Scores First Man     First Lady     First Junior     In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man     First Lady     First Junior

 

2/3 Oct 2010 - Oriflamme Shoot, Mont l'Evêque,

 

Winners and scores at the Oriflamme shoot 3 October 2010 At the Marks Oriflamme Shoot - SGB =   ; ASB = ; therefore SC (shooting challenge was fairly difficult = % Individual Shooting benchmark Prizes Names Scores   First Man       Second Man       Third Man       First Woman       Second Woman       Third Woman       First Junior       Second Junior       Third Junior     At Speed  Minimum 4 arrows in 30 seconds at 115 paces   Names Scores First Man     First Lady     First Junior     In the Cloth of Gold Names Paces shot First Man     First Lady     First Junior     At the King's Target Names Paces shot Archer