Contents: EXCLUSIVE! SHOOT REPORTS 4 COVER STORY! Tabitha’s 1st shoot 30-32 Regent Archers 07/01/2018 6-9 FAN UK Featured Archer: 38-40 South Wilts Not Boxing Day shoot JOE FAIRBURN 30/12/2018 16-17 Dunbrody Archers New Year shoot 42 Muttley Crew Archers - @ Hook Lighthouse Lancashire League 21/01/2018 18-19 FAN UK would like you to meet 62 Wexford Archers 28/01/2018 Eagle Bowman of Bedford! REGULARS NEW FEATURES 11 A Superb Cartoon or two for you! 26-28 Clout Archery Basics Part One 12 Archery on the Big Screen 51 The Lyrical Stylings of 34-35 The Bowyer’s Diary Mr Barry Johnson! by Derek Hutchison 70 “Arrows with John Beavis” 41 NFAS Shooting Styles - UL 81 A Letter of Thanks by Stuart Moody 46-49 “A Journey in Archery” by Mitch Vaughan SHOOT INFO/ENTRY FORMS 53 Hoods & Maids 20-26 Eagle Bowman of Bedford / Avalon Archers SCAS Field Archery Champs 28 & 29/04/2018 UPDATES 29 Delamere FA 56-59 Agincourt Update by OH Boyd 01/04/2018 86-87 Club Locations Directory 33 Rednex Easter 2 day shoot 31/03/2018 & 01/04/2018 50 IIAC Champs 25 & 26/08/2015 PHOTOGRAPHY 65 Magna Carta Field Archers 25/03/2018 COVER SHOT Wayne Chandler 72-73 Raven Field Archers 5 Mark Service 29/04/2018 14-15 Gez Davis 76-77 Dunbrody Archers 100 Arrow Shoot 44 Philip Cave of Company of 60 30/06/2017 & 01/07/2018 54-55 The Huntress 78-80 Scottish Field Champs and AFA Open 64 Paul Williams 14 & 15/04/2018 74-75 Fritz von Weinsberg 82-83 2018 South West Challenge 89 Wexford Archers/IFAF 28/07/2018 - 05/08/2018 REAR COVER Clodagh Nolan 2
Welcome to the FAN UK February/March 2018 issue! I do hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed researching & typing it! Your editor, Hels. Wow, what a variety we have for you in this and every issue! FAN UK is the ONLY multi-association field archery publication & I absolutely love having all societies together in one place, I hope you do too!! This is Issue 13 of “FAN UK Magazine” - thank you all so much for reading!! You can still buy our beautiful fully-embroidered FAN UK patches. Also, if you would like to show your support/appreciation for the work that goes into FAN UK and to help me keep it free for all to access, there is a “Donate” button on the site. Any donation, no matter how large or small, helps immensely - thank you :-) Please remember that if you would like to contribute shoot reports, club info & contacts, photos, event calendar dates or other articles I would love to hear from you and, as always, please email [email protected] to do so or you can get in touch via the FAN UK website, our Facebook or on Twitter. FAN UK is produced purely for the love of archery & the wider archery family and community - thank you so much for being a part of it :-) The Editor reserves the right to edit any submissions received. 3
Our front cover this edition features one very special young lady - Miss Tabitha Chandler… Tabitha Chandler, Aged 7, of Pines Park Archers did her very first open shoot on 3rd December at Spirit of Sherwood. She has not been shooting long - she started in April 2017 but had to stop soon after being signed off due to other commitments of dance classes and dance exams. The shoot group that we had was really great, very understanding of having a child in the group and the fact that she was new to shoots. The thoughts that helped Tabitha get through the morning was about getting her burger from the van, and then after dinner her chances of winning the raffle with her tickets! The course was - as always with Spirit of Sherwood - really well laid out and for the under 12s was wonderful, with every shot reachable with the low powered bows. After a very long day for a young girl and with darkness setting in the raffle started to be called, a very kind gentleman won a comic book kit which he kindly gifted to Tabitha which helped perk her up. Then when the scores where called, Tabitha won 2nd place in the Under 12 Girls Hunting Tackle Class. She was over the moon to come home with a medal on her first ever time. She loved the day and is still buzzing with excitement to continue shooting, which really is a massive kudos to the field archery community, NFAS members and all involved for how they treat members - especially new ones. We cannot wait to do more shoots and bring back a few more medals. By Wayne Chandler Update:- Tabitha’s roll continued at the 1st shoot of the Woodend Winter Series on 28th January. Her dad, Wayne Chandler told Hels - “She had a great time shooting and did well with a hard course; AND she came home with another medal! Well done! Even ahead of me on score after the first half!” 4
The shoot group that we had was really great, very understanding of having a child in the group and the fact that she was new to shoots. The thoughts that helped Tabitha get through After a very long day for a young girl and with darkness setting in the raffle started to be called, Hunting Tackle Class. She was over the moon to come home with a medal on her first ever time. She loved the day and is still buzzing with excitement to continue shooting, which really is a members and Photographer: Mark Service Pictured: Stacey Service @ Kings Forest EFAA classification Combination Round, 7th May 2017
FAN UK invites you to meet Junior World Champ, International Field & Target Archer Joe Fairburn! Hi Joe, it’s lovely to meet you! Please You’ve shot many different tell us a little bit about yourself... competitions - where have you My name is Joe Fairburn and I am 16 yrs old. been and how did you get on?! I live in Leeds, West Yorkshire. I currently shoot I have been to Alabama, Arizona (twice), Olympic recurve in target and field archery and San Diego, Mexico, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia I have also just started shooting instinctive class and Poland. I won a gold and bronze medal in WA Field. My club is Wharfe Valley Archers in the US Championships in Alabama in 2015; and we are based just outside of Leeds. I am won the IFAA World Junior Bowhunter a member of the Great Britain field archery team Championships in Hungary (also in 2015); and have shot for the GB target team too. I am I won a team gold at SoCal in San Diego also a member of Riggwelter Field Archers. in 2016 and have had high place finishes in all of my other foreign competitions. What is it about field archery that you love the most? What has been your biggest Being outdoors, the challenging shots which achievement in field archery make it more interesting and the variety of so far? Also, in target? courses. Winning the U17 Junior IFAA world Bow Hunter Championships in Hungary and coming 7th How long have you been shooting for? in the U21 class at the WA European I first got into archery when I was 5 ½ years championships, both when I was 13 yrs old. old after watching Robin Hood on the In target archery it has probably been topping the UK TV, so I have been shooting for over Junior rankings in 2017 after a very 10 years now. challenging start to the year. 6
Where has been your favourite location for a competitive shoot? My favourite place has probably been California . What sort of things do you do to practice? Do you have a set training schedule or do you adjust your practice to suit different competitions? As I shoot multiple disciplines I have to tailor my training accordingly; therefore it never gets boring as it varies week by week and there is always something to work on! Which associations/societies do you compete under? I shoot competitions in Archery GB/WA, IFAA and NFAS at present. Which particular bow classes do you currently shoot? Also, what other styles have you shot and do you miss them? You’ve shot many different I have shot the following bow styles in the 10 years that I have been shooting: Olympic Do you have a preferred style/ recurve (AGB/WA), American Flatbow (NFAS), association bow class and if so, why? Traditional (AGB) / Hunting Tackle (NFAS), My favourite bow style I think is Olympic I have been to Alabama, Arizona (twice), Barebow (NFAS/AGB); then back to recurve recurve although I still shoot some other (AGB/WA & NFAS) and now also Instinctive styles very occasionally. I am loving the and Poland. I won a gold and bronze medal style (AGB/WA). Instinctive too! won the IFAA World Junior Bowhunter Championships in Hungary (also in 2015); I won a team gold at SoCal in San Diego in 2016 and have had high place finishes in achievement in field archery Championships in Hungary and coming 7th in the U21 class at the WA European 7
If you could offer one piece of advice to new archers, what would that be? Enjoy your archery and don’t worry if it doesn’t come naturally. We all have to work at it! What is your favourite type of field target and why? WA – the field faces mean you have to be ultra precise to get the scores you want. Other targets tend to have a greater latitude If you could have any type of bow to score the bigger scores. what would it be and why? I love the KG Archery XCR with NX-55 Please tell us something about you that is unique... (previously NEXGEN) limbs that I have shot for 5 years. They have never let me Without wishing to blow my own trumpet, down and have proved to be reliable and very I think I am probably the only person (certainly consistent in all temperatures and weather. that I know), who has shot all the various disciplines within all the various societies and I have also been lucky enough to have achieved the level of success that I have. some input into the development of the bow which is, in part, what sponsorship is all about. Do you have any routines when you prepare for a big shoot - if so, What equipment do you rely upon what are they and do they work?! to keep you on top form? I find that I like to sleep on the way to a shoot! All my equipment is important and I have found Arriving around an hour and a half before the that there is no substitute for shooting the best shoot starts, so that it gives me time to have a you can possibly afford. leisurely set up. It also allows me time to focus and prepare for practice and the shoot itself. What is coming up for you I’d like to think it works! in the next year? 2018 will be a very busy year for me. In target Which competition/s would you like to win most? archery I am hoping to qualify for the Europa Cup in Italy and the European championships I would like to win the World Championships in Greece as well as the Youth Olympics in in both WA Field and Target. Argentina. The former two fall in the period of my GCSE examinations at school, which could cause a major complication – as these two championships are likely to have a bearing on the Youth Olympics, it could well be that my season’s achievements may be tempered by my vital school commitments, however I shall be working with my school to see what can be achieved. In field archery, I have already surpassed the required selection scores for the World Champs in Italy in September so hopefully I should have already booked a seat on the plane for that 8
event as long as I keep my form during 2018. Do you have any hobbies or In addition, I am also going to try to qualify do you not have time?! (as a senior GB team member) for the European 3D championships which are to be held in I don’t really have time to be honest, but I have Gothenburg, Sweden (also in September). just started a little gardening business to help pay for archery trips and expenses. As you can see 2018 will prove to be an extremely challenging year for me both in my Do you have sponsors and if so, archery and my academic life. how do they support you? Who inspires you? Is it your family, I am lucky enough to have some great sponsors your fellow archers, someone/ who support me with kit & also some financial something else? help. As you asked the question I will take this opportunity to plug them all and hope I haven’t Nothing really inspires me as such but I forgotten anyone!! AAE, KG Archery, Carbofast, (previously NEXGEN) limbs that I have would like, if possible to mirror the career of Artebo, Vaportrail, Beiter, Opticron, Errea Active shot for 5 years. They have never let me Jon Shales who is a world class archer and Tense, XS Wings, ProBoss, Victory, Silver is also very modest and a really nice guy. Archery, Pilla, Astra Archery, Titan, Arrowsocks, VLBB Tabs, SportsAid, BYDT, The Bramhope Trust, I have also been lucky enough to have When you were young were you Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness, some input into the development of the interested in archery or did you find Leeds Sports Federation, Ashley Howard and bow which is, in part, what sponsorship is inspiration to take up the sport? Arnold Clark Motors. I started playing rugby around the same time Is there anything else you'd like as I began archery. I played rugby union and to share with our readers? then moved onto rugby league, playing for I would like all of your FAN UK readers to a local team. I also did some fencing which I really enjoyed however, as archery became please support my sponsors, visit my website more serious and competitive, I felt I had to at www.joefairburn.com and also like my make a choice and I chose archery. athlete Facebook page. I would also like them to all keep enjoying their archery no matter What do you do to relax? what discipline they choose. Also, may I thank my coach, Kath Fitzpatrick, for all the hours PS4, sleep and listening to music. and help she gives to me. in Greece as well as the Youth Olympics in 9
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NEW FEATURE: \"ARCHERY ON THE BIG SCREEN\" Throughout the decades, Hollywood has had more than just a passing interest in archery. The studios have churned out hundreds of films (some good and some quite forgettable) featuring bows and arrows in some form or other. In the future issues of FAN UK we will be reminding you of some of these, while also dredging up some you will have definitely never heard of! \"ARCHERY ON THE BIG SCREEN\" No. 9 \"LORD OF THE RINGS - THE TWO TOWERS” (NZ/USA - 2001) Starring:- Elijah Wood, lan Holm, Christopher Lee, lan McKellen Director:- Peter Jackson Author:- J.R.R. Tolkien Screenplay:- Frances Walsh In a small village in the Shire a young Hobbit named Frodo has been entrusted with an ancient Ring. Now he must embark on an Epic quest to the Cracks of Doom in order to destroy it. Tolkien's masterpiece epic has been spectacularly brought to the screen. The makers have assembled a superb cast who are all excellent in their roles. The picture is visually stunning; with the special effects plus the grandeur of the New Zealand locations, make this a film not to be missed. There is much archery in the film, with the character Legolas (pictured right) being the most notable archer. There is more of this to be seen in the subsequent 'Ring' film \"The Two Towers\" in which there are some magnificent battle sequences. Legolas Greenleaf (Orlando Bloom) By David 1066, Delamere Field Archers, Cheshire. 12
\"ARCHERY ON THE
Photographer: Gez Davis Pictured: “ Shoot Off ” @ EFAA Dot Southgate Champs, Kings Forest, 2017
Dunbrody Archers saw in 2018 with true traditional style... The New Year’s Day Arrow Ceremony Following a tradition dating back to 1687, Dunbrody Archers and Councillor William Fitzharris took to the rocks of Hook Lighthouse to shoot into the sea on New Year’s Day. The weather was perfect - blue skies and the wind at our backs. A huge crowd came along to see this unusual spectacle and to our surprise we were also joined by some members of our local award winning pipe band which really added to the wonderful atmosphere. The number of photographers was astonishing and made us feel like celebrities (ha-ha!!)!! For a little while at least!!! We were on-hand to answer all queries from the public from early on with many so interested in the history of the event and the different types of bows. Many were delighted to see that archery is such a family sport!!! Seeing the Dunbrody kids in action along with us oldies was brilliant!!! The kids were, as always, well behaved and showed their archery skills impressively. The day, for us as a club, is always a thrill; it's an honour to be part of. It's a great occasion to promote this wonderful sport in the most amazing location!!!!! A huge thank you to all in the Hook Lighthouse for their help and the lovely reception they put on for us after the shoot. Looking forward to 2019 !!!! By Clodagh Nolan, Dunbrody Archers. John Cullen - photographer (below & front cover of “Field Archery News UK” online magazine Dec. 2017/January 2018 - Part Two issue) 16
Dunbrody Archers saw in 2018 Following a tradition dating back to 1687, Dunbrody Archers and Councillor William came along to see this unusual spectacle and to our surprise we were also joined The number of photographers was astonishing and made us feel like celebrities sport!!! Seeing the Dunbrody kids in action along with us oldies was brilliant!!! The day, for us as a club, is always a thrill; it's an honour to be part of. It's a great photographer (below & front cover of “Field Archery News UK” 17
FAN UK would like you to meet Eagle Bowman of Bedford... Set up in the summer of 2015, we are a very young club, who have grown exponentially over the past two and a half years. Starting with seven like-minded, experienced archers, we now have over 60 and are still growing! Our Mission Statement was very clear from the outset – to be open, inclusive and - above all - fun! We have never turned someone away from wanting to try archery and can proudly say we have a great Eaglet (junior) and disabled section with our midst. As with anything, we started small and grew with our members and our members goals and ambitions. We have a great coaching team, spanning all the bow styles and archery disciplines. They are devoted to the membership – nothing is ever an inconvenience to them! Along with our dedicated committee and “back room” staff, the membership want for nothing and whatever can be done to allow them to achieve (including badgering people for grant awards) is willingly completed. We started off as a target archery club and this is still the majority of our membership, with a large number joining the County Squad and representing Bedfordshire, but these archers also go out and challenge themselves on the wider circuit and take on the National Series and other shoots too. We also started with two “serious” clout archers too and this was a high consideration when we outgrew our original venue, to ensure that the new field was still suitable. The clout has definitely grown within the membership and the Eagles clout cohort can be seen out on the circuit “flinging sticks” and having a ball, while bringing back silverware and proudly achieving rankings (and national records!). 18
who have grown exponentially over the past two and a half years. Starting with seven Last year we were exposed to some fantastic new members, crossing over from various field archery associations. These guys have been great and have shown the rest of us all the positives (and the mud) that comes with field archery! They are more than happy to take novices out with them, although, having an award for “who’s arrow was highest in the tree”, probably isn’t something we should mention too often! The way that they have developed and grown with the help of the EBB team is great and nothing is ever an inconvenience the experience they bring to us is most definitely welcomed! This has led us to venture more into field archery and in partnership with Avalon Archery, people for grant awards) is willingly completed. We started off as a target archery club we are hosting the SCAS Field Championships this year (entry form on the next 2 pages)! We have already successfully run numerous competitions at the Eagles Nest and both Squad and representing Bedfordshire, but these archers also go out and challenge indoor and outdoor County Championships for Bedfordshire, so stepping up to run the SCAS shoot is a great challenge and we hope a wonderful experience for all! In short, I am proud to say I am the Chairman of EBB – I couldn’t be more happy with how things have progressed from our small beginnings and I know there is a lot more to come! when we outgrew our original venue, to ensure that the new field was still suitable. ~ By Nikki Ledwick ~ The clout has definitely grown within the membership and the Eagles clout cohort can be seen out on the circuit “flinging sticks” and proudly achieving rankings (and national 19
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FAN UK are proud & excited to present Clout Archery Basics, Part One Hels spent some time with Rod Brown and he has very kindly has allowed FAN UK to serialise his awesome guide to clout shooting! Enjoy! Thanks largely to the Northern Counties Archery Society and enthusiasts like Andrew Neal and Peter Gregory, interest in Clout Archery has grown steadily in the UK since the turn of the 21st Century, accompanied by a big increase in the number of archers shooting Longbow or Barebow. But, while the number of shoots is increasing, suitable venues are harder to find as playing fields get built over or changed to Astroturf; which means that more archers will come to the shoots with no previous experience and maybe with no-one nearby to get tips and advice from. This series is meant to de-mystify clout shooting a bit so that your first experience of it will be a good one. So, what is Clout Archery? Clout is one of the variations of Target Archery. Instead of shooting at a circular paper target fixed to a near-vertical butt, archers try to land their arrows as close as possible to a low flag in the ground. The clout flag represents dead centre, and arrows landing within specified distances from the flag will score points. As Clout is technically a variation of Target Archery, most of the same rules apply. The layout of the shooting line and waiting areas is the same, and the same methods of controlling shooting in details with whistle signals are used, but maybe as many as twenty people will be shooting at the same target instead of just four or six. The main difference between most Target Archery and Clout is that the distance is about twice as far, so the bow has to be elevated much higher, the amount depending on the type of bow and its arrow speed. 26
Competition Distances & Target Sizes In the UK under the auspices of Archery GB there are two Clout Disciplines: The Archery GB Imperial Clout Round and The World Archery Federation Round for Adults and Archery GB Metric Rounds for Juniors. All these Rounds comprise 36 Arrows. Most Competitions involve shooting a Double Round In all cases there are five scoring zones, scoring 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points respectively. In accordance with traditional longbow practices, Tournament Organisers sometimes offer an unofficial consolation prize for 'petticoats' – arrows which fall inside the clout area marked on the ground, but outside the lowest score zone. Sometimes, particularly at long-established shoots, the Imperial Round is shot 2-ways, like traditional Longbow Shoots, with sets of Clout targets at opposite ends of the field. The Archery GB Imperial Round Clout Target is a circle of 24 feet (7.3 metres) diameter. Distances for Gender and Age-Group (all bow types) as follows (the word ‘score’ in this context means ‘a unit of twenty’): Gentlemen 9 score yards (180 yds) Ladies 7 score yards (140 yds) mystify clout shooting a bit so that your first experience of it Junior Gentlemen under 18 7 score yards (140 yds) Junior Gentlemen under 16 6 score yards (120 yds) Junior Gentlemen under 14 5 score yards (100 yds) Junior Gentlemen under 12 4 score yards (80 yds) Junior Ladies under 18 6 score yards (120 yds) Junior Ladies under 16 5 score yards (100 yds) Junior Ladies under 14 4 score yards (80 yds) vertical butt, archers try to land their Pictured right:- An Archery GB As Clout is technically a variation of Target Archery, most of the same rules apply. Imperial Clout The layout of the shooting line and waiting areas is the same, and the same methods of controlling shooting in details with whistle signals are used, but maybe as many The main difference between most Target Archery and Clout is that the distance is about twice as far, so the bow has to be elevated much higher, the amount depending 27
The World Archery Federation Round Clout Target is 15 metres (49 feet) in diameter. Distances for Gender and Age-Group as follows: Gender/Age Non-Compound bows Compound bows Gentlemen 165m 185m Ladies 125m 165m Junior Gentlemen under 18 125m 165m Junior Gentlemen under 16 110m 125m Junior Gentlemen under 14 90m 110m Junior Gentlemen under 12 75m 90m Junior Ladies under 18 110m 125m Junior Ladies under 16 90m 110m Junior Ladies under 14 75m 90m Pictured above:- Using a Measuring Tape to Score a WA Clout The Tassel Award Scheme and National Rankings and Classifications In the UK, The Northern Counties Archery Society administers the Tassel Award Scheme, which is similar to the Rose Award and FITA Star Schemes; Tassel Badges are given to archers who achieve particular scores with particular bow types at Clout Events with Tassel Award Status. The badge shows the kind of Tassel many archers have hanging from their belts, which is used to wipe mud off arrows that land in the ground – which is of course what all arrows in a Clout shoot do. NCAS also administers the National Clout Rankings & Classification Badges and Six-Clout-End Badges, on behalf of Archery GB - http://www.ncas.co.uk/clout.html National Records are administered by Archery GB, who confer National Record Status on eligible Tournaments where records may be claimed. ~ In the next issue we will look at safe clout shooting, typical bow elevation angles & shooting. ~ 28
The Tassel Award Scheme and National Rankings which is similar to the Rose Award and FITA Star Schemes; Tassel Badges are given to NCAS also administers the National Clout Rankings & Classification Badges and National Records are administered by Archery GB, who confer National Record Status ~ In the next issue we will look at safe clout shooting, 29
Regent Archers Open Shoot - Jan 7th 2018 by Sue Framingham. What a wonderful day! Lots of help from club members meant everything was set up and ready well before time. The catering team were there early and had the sausage/bacon butties on the go. Very welcome they were too. The day turned out to be dry and sunny and we finished well within daylight hours. Due to all the leaf raking behind targets by club members I only know of 2 lost arrows and 1 of them was found halfway up a tree! Thank you to everyone who gave us such a nice write up on Facebook etc. Good to know that people enjoyed themselves. From my point of view, I don't think the day could have gone any better. I hope all those who cancelled due to flu are feeling better and that we see you all next time. 30
UNDER 12 BOY HT Ben Morris Scarborians 588 Dylan Jones Scarborians 320 UNDER 12 BOY AFB Luke Dove Wild Geese 458 UNDER 16 BOY L/B Jack Dove Wild Geese 462 UNDER 16 GIRL L/B Ellie Smith Wild Geese 562 LADIES H/T LADIES AFB Alison MacRory Stonebow 422 Christine Marshall IND 462 Christine Bratton Toft Hill 404 Rachel Kenny Cobra 364 Ruth Hanlon Cobra 398 Holly McCloud Stonebow 308 Julie Bacon Harlequin 372 Lana Waters IND 254 Jean Horwood IND 368 LADIES BH LADIES L/B Sam Ellis Harlequin 556 Mary Hannan Cobra 464 Shirley Rhucroft Wolfshead 268 GENTS BB Geoff Smith Wild Geese 642 Chris Hadden Wild Geese 634 Jonathon Taylor Wolfshead 528 Geoff Eccleshall Wolfshead 528 Chris Ward Cobra 520 Howard Tinkler Wolfshead 460 Alan McDonald Wolfshead 398 GENTS BH GENTS HT Steve Hall Phoenix 488 Chris Wilkinson 100 Yard 614 Phillip Higgins Pines Park 482 Simon Clark Cobra 594 Liam Blakley Stonebow 476 Geoff Ingleby Riggwelter 540 Andy Flint Stonebow 512 Richard Carter Stonebow 502 Chris Babb 100 Yard 496 Bau Nguyen Riggwelter 464 John Hutchinson IND 464 David Blewitt Wild Geese 458 Nigel Bratton Tofthill 408 John Hutchinson Stonebow 400 John Hall Cobra 392 Dan Morris Scarborians 350 31
GENTS PRIMITIVE Paul Bailey Albion 504 GENTS F/S Tim Dowling Scarborians 446 GENTS C U/L Lee Gardecki Harlequin 740 John Whitehead Cobra 718 Dave Wallace Wild Geese 696 Tony Collier IND 650 GENTS AFB GENTS C LTD Simon Dove Wild Geese 542 Rich Pearson 100 Yard 630 Richard Wright Buttsfield 480 Andy Bailey Phoenix 480 Roly Bee Scarborians 476 Phil Pattison Wild Geese 436 Grant Kerr Wild Geese 422 Keith Morris Scarborians 374 Leigh Heseltine Scarborians 374 Sean Beadnel Scarborians 370 Andy Wiles Scarborians 360 John Naylor Scarborians 336 Craig Donohue Scarborians 324 GENTS L/B Richard Waters IND 534 Mike Kime Wild Geese 480 We really hope Alistair Wren 100 Yard 470 Grot Davis IND 432 Trevor West IND 420 that you all enjoyed Chris Dyle Arrowflight 408 Andrew Cross Wolfshead 408 the shoot & hope Barry Johnson Scarborians 396 Colin Greenaway Scarborians 376 to see you again Paul Cromach Wild Geese 360 Stuart Atkinson IND 336 very soon! Geoff Rhodes Arrowflight 316 Sean Wilson Stonebow 310 32
We really hope that you all enjoyed the shoot & hope to see you again 33
Del The Cat’s “Bowyer’s Diary” ~ Back to Basics ~ by Derek Hutchison (AKA Del the Cat on various archery forums!) A mate of mine, JT, is looking to have his first go at making a bow as he’s retiring shortly, so I thought it would be interesting to follow the journey and get a beginner’s perspective. It also allows me to see if the advice I give actually works! With all bow making you really need to decide what you want to make - ok, it may change as the wood dictates, but you need a plan. He’s aiming for a longbow (ELB) suitable for the Popinjay shoot later in the year, so about 40-50# and a 28” draw. Hazel is more suited to a wider style of bow but let’s see what can be done; it’s really about the process and worst case he’ll learn to hate chrysalis! With this in mind I got together with him and another bowyer friend to harvest some Hazel during the Christmas break with a view to quick seasoning one bit so he can make a start in early February. We spent an hour or so on a chilly December afternoon cutting a few Hazel poles of about 3-4 fingers width (pictured left). To avoid carting too much timber around we split a couple there and then. The question arises: where do you start the split? Lifting one end of the pole with the other end on the ground and allowing it to rotate shows any natural bend, which you ideally want fore and aft as reflex or deflex rather than sideways bend. Of course a pole isn’t always bent in just one direction so there are always compromises. I showed him where to position the axe and he gave it a clout with a club hammer and followed along the split, banging in wooden wedges (pictured right) as he went. [Wooden wedges are strong enough for splitting Hazel and they are lighter to carry around!] 34
Hazel splits easily but can have some twist so I was fully expecting to get some awful twist. The perils of trying to anticipate or demonstrate problems are that the problems you encounter aren’t always the ones you anticipate… a bit like life in general! The Hazel split clean and straight much to JT’s satisfaction, but the next piece ran off at one end giving one short but useable length and a full length piece which was round at one end and semi-circular at t’other. This nicely demonstrated why I use the band saw for Yew which is much more scarce. After a pint at the pub we went back to my garage workshop to A mate of mine, JT, is looking to have his first go at making a bow as he’s rough out the worst stave. The game plan was to quick season the retiring shortly, so I thought it would be interesting to follow the journey and worst one, the idea being that it demonstrates more problems get a beginner’s perspective. It also allows me to see if the advice I give and thus the techniques required. This stave was deflexed with actually works! With all bow making you really need to decide what you some sideways bend, so laying out a straight chalk line required some compromises (pictured right). He’s aiming for a longbow (ELB) suitable for the Popinjay shoot later in the year, Wanting to allow plenty of width for subsequent trimming down 50# and a 28” draw. Hazel is more suited to a wider style of bow but let’s see what can be done; it’s really about the process and worst case he’ll we marked out a good 40mm width straight along the entire stave and ran it through the band saw. The resulting stave was then pencil marked to a generous thickness, about 35mm at the centre roughly tapered by eye to about 20mm at the tips. Another go on the band saw (JT doing the work) and we had a nicely roughed out stave… but, despite our caution in allowing seasoning one bit so he can make a start in extra width, it was no longer straight enough to lay out a bow along it! As one edge was sawn off we’d seen the saw cut opening up as the tension in the wood was released (pictured below). afternoon cutting a few Hazel poles of about All is not lost as Hazel bends easily with heat and at least we’d got to the problems early. Now the big lesson is to quit while you are behind, no point sawing any more off it, as it may well shift again during seasoning. We’ll leave it 3 weeks, then I’ll move it onto a radiator for a week. The point of removing the wood early was to speed up the drying. Had we let it season first it probably wouldn’t have shifted quite so much, but it still may have shifted - there are no guarantees. We’d crammed a lot of work into a few hours and had set the ball rolling. The next morning I painted the ends of the staves with PVA to help stop the ends drying too quickly and splitting and stored them up on my shelves. JT’s appraisal? - “Split my first ever logs with an axe and wedges. Then, after a round of beers in The Cock Inn (fnarr, fnarr, etc), it was back to Hutchison villas to start taking down the poorest stave as a working exercise, while the better stuff is allowed to season. Very quickly it became apparent how much skill is involved in the selection and marking out of the bow in the stave, let alone the later stages. Absolutely no substitute for practical experience; and having a seasoned (see what I did there?!!) bowyer looking over your shoulder overseeing the process is absolutely worth its weight in “Warped” gold! Thanks so much Derek!” 35
Field Archery Documentary seeking participants… My name is Pedro Portela. I am a field archer based in Surrey and a videographer and filmmaker by trade. I am currently researching for a short documentary about field archery. To that effect I would like to be contacted by individual involved in field archers - both beginners and experienced. The first step will be an interview to assess the contribution each person might have in the documentary. The theme of the documentary is how field archery does its part in preserving the outdoors, whilst keeps alive the historic legacy of archery as a trade and as a historical form warfare and hunting technique. I would like to hear from: ~ Individual field archers (both experienced and beginners) ~ ~ Field archery clubs ~ ~ Fletchers ~ ~ Bowyers ~ You can contact me at:- [email protected] You can find out more about me at:- pedroportela.co.uk Pedro Portela Videographer www.pedroportela.co.uk +44(0)7508039790 37
South Wilts – The Not Boxing Day Shoot th 30 December 2017 115 archers shot our 30 Target course, mostly 3Ds but with a few hessians & faces. Because of the large number originally booked ten days before, we actually had 36 targets in use to keep the group sizes down, but only 30 were shot and scored by each group. Yes, that means that the competition was not based on the same 30 targets! But it was billed as a 30 target Fun shoot plus we wanted to finish in daylight and for everyone to enjoy their day - which they seemed to do based on the good feedback we received. Thank you. We were lucky that the weather was better than forecast with no rain and very light breezes. Thank you all for your company, it was a pleasure as always but my apologies for a couple of admin hiccups in the results. Many thanks to David & the Field Team, Jill, Frank & the Catering Team, Kirstie & Mike for helping me with Admin and Shauna our Lady P. Alan White, Field Shoot Organiser Gents AFB Score/Spots Stephen Hinton IND 460 4 Darren Hawkins Alresford Bowmen 442 3 Scott Dingley IND 412 1 Terry Ives IND 408 2 Stephen Lynn Frome Valley Archers 386 0 Nicholas Mitchell Belvedere 354 0 Brian Taylor Toxaris FA 300 3 Adam Lynn Purbeck Archers 260 1 Ken Whittaker Raven 238 0 Ladies AFB Lisa-Marie Reed IND 320 0 Gents BB Score/Spots Alex Mannix IND 314 0 Robert Gilbert Ballands 568 8 Jackie Walker IND 256 0 Paul Skippins COPRA 534 5 Denys Barratt Toxaris FA 220 0 Huw Vaughan-Jackson Ballands 486 2 Steve Lymath Druids 486 1 Jim Berry Druids 484 3 John Price Druids 480 2 Andrew Topps IND 416 0 Tony Burt Warminster 408 2 Alan Holder Toxaris FA 380 1 Matthew Hayball Warminster 322 0 Junior Gent BB James Hayball Warminster 288 1 38
Ladies BB Score/Spots Marleen Toomer Ballands 462 2 Sue Topps IND 452 2 Mitzy Fry Druids 416 1 115 archers shot our 30 Target course, mostly 3Ds but with a few hessians & faces. Clare Laverick Ballands 394 0 Because of the large number originally booked ten days before, we actually had Jenny Vaughan-Jackson Ballands 376 0 Mandy Price Druids 334 0 Sarah Henderson Ballands 318 0 Yvonne Munro Raven 290 1 Gents BH Trevor Walter Elmtree 544 3 breezes. Thank you all for your company, it was a pleasure as always but my apologies Gents FS Score/Spots Ladies BH Andrew Almond Druids 590 10 Jane Walter IND 454 1 Tony Young South Hams 574 8 Many thanks to David & the Field Team, Jill, Frank & the Catering Team, Kirstie & Mike Colin Vaughan-Jackson Ballands 524 4 Ladies FS Andrew Rycroft IND 520 3 Penny Cox Ballands 528 4 Steve Palmer Raven 512 3 Sonya Ward Ballands 474 1 Kevin Mullett Druids 512 2 Rachel Marsh IND 346 1 Stephen List Raven 504 2 Pat Luff Raven 266 0 Andrew Hill-Jones IND 494 2 Roy Luff Raven 466 3 John Taylor Fleet Ibex 464 2 Ben Barker Raven 446 3 Michll Kenworthy Raven 388 0 Cub Boy HT William Dunstan Westcombe 392 2 Gents HT Graham Eldridge That'a'do 518 2 Steve Hipgrave South Hams 512 7 Steve Hepburn Hawk 492 0 Paul Brewer Co of 60 464 3 Graham Davies Fleet Ibex 464 2 Junior Boy HT Gavin Wrobel Druids 444 6 Hector Dunstan Westcombe 298 1 Peter Eldridge COPRA 424 3 Philip Buckley Brothers in Arms 412 1 Ladies HT Ken Duffield Purbeck Archers 410 1 Cherry Wilden Hawk 410 3 David Curwen Ratpack 406 1 Mary Lynn Frome Valley Archers 354 1 Simon Maple Osprey 404 2 Sue Kenworthy Raven 346 0 Tony Bristow Thornbury FA 394 0 Alison Perris Brothers in Arms 284 2 Alan Trim Ballands 382 0 Steven Taylor Alresford Bowmen 376 1 Cub Girls LB Henry Berry Druids 372 1 Katy Pendleton Duvelle 182 0 Martin Powell Osprey 320 1 Mike Davies Greenman Archers 304 0 39
Gents LB Score/Spots Ben Knight COPRA 460 3 Richard Eddington Ballands 450 2 John Pendleton Duvelle 418 1 Robert Cross Hawk 406 2 Patrick Hutchinson North Somerset FA 396 1 Colin Perry Medieval Society 352 1 Andrew Hooker Purbeck Archers 338 0 Jeff Kluckers COPRA 328 1 Ian Lavery IND 276 1 Ladies LB Pauline Wells Ballands 395 2 Cub Boys UL Score/Spots Freda Marshall Medieval Society Bowmen 370 0 Nathan Williams Raven 554 6 Sylvia Marshall Medieval Society Bowmen 258 0 Michelle Loxley Toxaris FA 250 2 Gents UL Pat Philmore IND 234 0 Steve Howe Orion 668 19 Sandra Young IND 116 0 Trevor Vanstone Elmtree 584 6 Juray Valovec Warminster 582 3 Gents PV Shaun Weeks IND 558 6 Stan Brown Co of 60 426 0 Calvin Williams Raven 556 5 Simon Banks Magna Carta 414 0 Chris Fulgoni IND 552 9 Ian Watkins Windwhistle 412 3 Nigel Sheffield Fleet Ibex 514 4 Giles Spearing IND 384 0 Martin Peerman Druids 508 3 Bob Miles Dragonfly 346 1 Del Rockall IND 292 0 Martin Ward Windrush 340 2 Nick Gentle COPRA 282 0 Ladies UL Martin Young IND 280 0 Hazel Howe Orion 520 5 Andy Neville Fleet Ibex No Score Jeanette Holder Toxaris FA 464 0 Ladies PV Gents XB Morwenna Dunstan Westcombe 288 1 Ian Blunsden Windrush 606 11 Sue Blunsden Windrush 272 0 Ken Scott Raven 472 5 Carolyn Neville Fleet Ibex No Score 40
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ST ~ LANCASHIRE LEAGUE SHOOT 21 JANUARY 2018 ~ The first Lancashire league shoot of 2018 was held on, what was probably the worst day of the week, weather wise however, 45 hardy Northern archers (men, women and junior boys & girls) turned up (bloody fools aren’t we?!) to brave the elements. Myself and enthusiastic club members had set up the course on Saturday, just leaving the 3D and 2D targets to be taken out earlier on Sunday morning - fortunately the weather had not kicked in for that. Archers gathered around 9am and helped themselves to bacon butties, tea and coffee in our hosts clubhouse (Prescot and Odyssey Cricket Club). That’s when it all changed and the elements turned. I quickly carried out the shoot safety briefing and led the archers out into the wood as the rain started (am I glad I had decided not to shoot), All archers out and I blew to commence shooting and headed back to the pavilion. I decided to partake of a cup of tea and a bacon sarnie just as the blizzard started (and I felt even happier that I had left all my gear at home). Come the lunch break a lot of cold soggy archers headed to the pavilion for respite as I left to go into the wood with my son to change a few faces for fresh and alter a leaking boss. As we returned from the wood, half hoping everyone was heading home, we were met by those bloody fools again all saying how much they were enjoying the day. At which point I thought ‘sod it, another cup of tea beckons’! The shoot finished with lots of happy, wet and cold archers saying “Thank you, see you next time!” Now was the time when myself and small team of helpers, who had shot round as well, started to gather in the items that needed to go back to storage. Pay back time for my relatively comfy day, the heavens opened and we got soaked through to the underwear, but hey ho what a great day was had. The Lancashire league is a year-long competition with one shoot per month held at different shoot grounds in the Lancashire area. The scores are totted up by Pat Ward from Derwynd Archers and put into league categories based on wood metal and sighted group styles, and at the end of the year the winners are announced at the last meeting. These shoots are in the main supported by the same regular archers, however, they are used as feeder shoots for beginners in preparation for going to open shoots. Geoff Weldon, Muttley Crew Archers 42
Amarok Archery Email - [email protected] Tel: 01204 604630 (After 6.00 pm only) A home of TRADITIONAL Archery. All my bows are made to NFAS Primitive rules, but can be used in general purpose archery. I offer my Bows in natural or coloured (Green, Brown and Blue) Bamboo backings and Fast Flight strings. The Bows are as follows :- 1 - Flat Bow: 63ins nock to nock. Made from Bamboo and Ipe. Draw weights 45 – 80lbs with a Maple or Ash Handle. The first Lancashire league shoot of 2018 was held on, what was probably the worst day 2 – Reflex/Deflex: 63ins n2n. Made from Bamboo and Ipe. Draw weights 45 – 60lbs with a laminated of the week, weather wise however, 45 hardy Northern archers (men, women and junior handle made from Maple or Ash. 3 – Bamboo Recurve: 63ins n2n. Made entirely from Mozo Bamboo lams. Draw weights 40 – 65lbs. 4 – Bamboo Reflex/Deflex: 63ins n2n. Bamboo lams. Draw weights 40 – 65lbs. Myself and enthusiastic club members had set up the course on Saturday, just leaving the hosts clubhouse (Prescot and Odyssey Cricket Club). That’s when it all changed and the elements turned. I quickly carried out the shoot safety briefing and led the archers out into the wood as the rain started (am I glad I had decided not to shoot), All archers out and I blew to commence shooting and headed back to the pavilion. I decided to partake of a Please note, add £20.00 for a colour. I only offer the colours stated. Please don’t ask for a Pink one, or mixed coloured backings My Bows are finished with 4 coats of Marine varnish, either Satin or Gloss. If you want to finish the bow yourself, I will supply the bow sanded down ready for finishing, deduct £30.00 Come the lunch break a lot of cold soggy archers headed to the pavilion for respite as I left from the price. In order to maintain your Bow’s warranty you must to tell me in advance what finish you are using. to go into the wood with my son to change a few faces for fresh and alter a leaking boss. I try to keep prices reasonable by not using additional materials for cosmetic purposes, however, if that’s what you want, you can email or phone me after 6pm and we can talk about it. those bloody fools again all saying how much they were enjoying the day. At which point Prices:- 1. £260.00 2. £400.00 3. £340.00 4. £400.00. started to gather in the items that needed to go back to storage. Pay back time for my relatively comfy day, the heavens opened and we got soaked through to the underwear, long competition with one shoot per month held at different shoot grounds in the Lancashire area. The scores are totted up by Pat Ward
Photographer: Philip Cave Company of 60 Field Archery Club www.co60.co.uk
Field Archery – Chapter 6 Still in the Coaching Road! Part 1 by Mitch Vaughan, Billericay, Essex. 2007 followed a similar pattern This seemed to be a good beat the existing National Record to 2006 for both Panther and combination as it helped me by a small margin. Club members me, although I did make the to excel myself by winning the were still showing a lack of effort to attend more Field Gold medal in my division and by interest in outside competitions. and Hunter Classifications and being a member of the Gold The numbers of Panther retain my “A” Classification. The medal winning Essex Team. archers entering the major EFAA Panther Posse seemed to lack I think this may have been tournaments was down to single enthusiasm this year as well. because the shoot this year figures, so hardly worth calling Only two club members made clashed with a FITA Field it a “Posse” anymore. Those who it to the Spring Champs at Selection shoot at another did enter seemed mainly to Oakleaf Bowmen in Lancashire. location, so many of the top be parents supporting their child, For the Nationals at White compound archers did not come either Cub or Junior. At the same Mark Bowmen in Berkshire, a along to our competition. time these were members of brave group of nine made the 2008 proved, once again to be Target clubs and regularly journey however, returning with very restricted for me on the competing in GNAS / FITA 4 Champions, 1 Silver medal and Field Archery front as Coaching tournaments as well. Even though the numbers were down, 3 Bronze. or Target shooting seemed to and with a poor spread of bow At Panther the club trialled more be taking up most of my time. disciplines, most of them would FITA rounds in an effort to At Panther I attended most attract more archers to become Classification shoots and some return with medals or awards, involved in competitions. In of the club’s organised “Fun but not team medals. October, when we hosted the Shoots” just to keep my links Essex Field Champs, I was clear with the Field discipline. In the of other commitments so was first shoot of the year, an able to enter as usual. My bow Unmarked 3D, I brought out of choice this time was the the Ocelot with some lightweight Ultra 2 but now set-up with carbon arrows and managed to This year Panther gained a new Chairman, Neil Bonner, who had returned to the Club, with his father Paul, after several years away. He had a very positive approach and was keen to make archery more inclusive, irrespective of which NGB people belonged, so it was hoped the various groups would work together to enjoy the sport in whatever form they most preferred. 46
In August Larry Wise came over aged. I found that his approach For Panther, 2009 was an to England to put on another and work with other archers on important year as it was its of his Shooter’s Schools. One of the course gave me some useful 40th Anniversary - as it was also his venues was again at Chilton guidance for my own coaching for the EFAA. The EFAA did not Archery. I decided to sign up as work, so I felt the sessions were celebrate the event in the same I was sure that there were still well worth the time and expense manner as the 25th had been some elements of my shooting of attending. in 1994. Panther, however, which could be helped by organised a club 3D shoot to I was able to put much of what his expertise. Also I could not celebrate. Out of loyalty to the I had learned into practice for find any other local coach with the September Classification at club I made the effort to enter compound experience to help Panther. This was a Marked Big this and, much to my surprise, me on a personal level. In the Game round, using paper faces, managed to keep my form to event, as could have been gain a Gold medal in my division. were still showing a lack of expected, Larry identified some one of my favourites for relaxed shooting. I decided to shoot my weaknesses with my shooting The numbers of Panther form and reinforced what he had Switchback, now using Easton recommended on my previous ACE 570 arrows and one of my modified back tension releases. sessions. This included having I was put in a group which a good “Shot Routine” and included a couple of long practicing it regularly as a standing did enter seemed mainly to means of limiting, if not Panther archers, eliminating, the dreaded Target Phil Rouse shooting Compound Freestyle (i.e. finger release) Panic. In my case he also Carl Pearsall shooting and recommended increasing my Compound Bowhunter Unlimited draw length slightly to make Panther 40 - The Cake competing in GNAS / FITA better use of my back muscles (i.e. 5-pin sight and using a release aid). The light was good when making a shot. For all This year, as part of my Guild and most targets were sited to of us compound shooters, he activities, I helped organise a give good clear shots. and with a poor spread of bow also recommended using a Field Workshop at Panther for 3-Finger release, either trigger We were, however, a little local Target coaches. This was or back tension, as it reduced surprised to find after the first well received, but I don’t think that we managed to convince the stress across the hand and few targets that we three had made for a cleaner release. I had all scored maximums. This then many of the participants to get mainly been shooting 4-Finger created a joint challenge, how more involved in Field Archery. ones so modified a couple of many more “first arrow kills” Some members at Mayflower them to experiment with. could we achieve? heard about this event and Much “chiding” went on at first requested that I arrange for but, when the three of us had all them to come along for some cleaned the first 14 targets, Field experience. I raised this with the things became more serious. Panther committee and they were happy to let them For the second 14 targets come tension started to build up, along one Saturday, for Back Tension by this time we were being a small fee of course. It turned but (Hinge) Release - 3 Finger urged on to overcome the nerves out to be a good day on approach and was keen to to clean these as well. We thus the weather front and we had each had maximum scores, which turn out for the event. Another general guide he a good Everyone enjoyed their day’s emphasised, similar to Frank we were able to submit for belonged, so it was hoped Pearson in earlier seminars, was ratification as National Records shooting, with very few lost or damaged while practice is needed to make (or at least as equalling the arrows. While most decided to stick with their together to enjoy the sport progress, it was also important existing maximums) in our to allow one’s self “Recovery respective divisions. A good day Target shooting, a small number Time” - most important as one for ourselves and the club! decided that they would like to 47
Mitch at the Mayflower Fun Field To help Graham, who was too stiff and when I added struggling a bit with a short axle more point weight to make join the club and gain more bow, I decided to try a more them whippier, they became so experience of this side of modern Target bow, to see how slow that reaching the longer archery. they had improved over the last distances needed for Target By now I was reaching a higher few years. I was aware that many shooting became a problem. level in my shooting, both with of our top archers were moving I found some older arrows regards to my technique and back to longer axle bows, that were down a couple of with the help of a bow set-up particularly for Target shooting spines, this improved the tuning that suited me. I was, however, and for shooting “Spots” in significantly. Even after the becoming more involved in Field. I approached my regular best tuning I could achieve - coaching and less involved in pro-shop on this and they were in competitions I found it able to obtain a Hoyt Vantage X8 was not really helping my Target actual Field shooting. I had not entered any external Field at a good price, so I decided or Field scores at all. I was competitions, partly because my to give this a try. This was 41 ins not convinced this would help old shooting and travelling A/A, 1.0 ins Reflex and had a Graham either, so I put it companions had now given up Brace height of 8.125 ins - not as aside to shoot for the indoor serious shooting and partly for long as my earlier bows, but still season. a combination of health and a big contrast to the Switchback. In September, for the National It came fitted with modules to family reasons. I was also Champs at Worlingham Field more involved with Target give 65% Let-off. This was most Archers in Norfolk, the Panther shooting to support Graham, suitable for finger shooting and entry - which again did not I found it did not suit me very the disabled archer I was include me - increased to 14. coaching, as he had aspirations well. Before giving up on the bow it was recommended that I to shoot in the British It returned with 4 Gold, 3 Silver Paralympic Squad. At the same fit alternative modules to give and 1 Bronze medal plus 2 75% Let-off. I bought a pair time, he was curious about Class Awards and came second and fitted them to the bow. my Field Archery activity so, in both the Mixed and Open after some practice sessions, in This made the bow feel much Team competitions. October I brought him along to more lively and sweeter to shoot, Much like old times for “The Posse”! shoot the Essex Field Champs, so I decided to persist with which he very much enjoyed the bow with this set-up. My next and he decided to join the club problem was finding suitable Mitch Vaughan, for the following year. arrows. My existing ones proved Billericay, Essex . 48
too stiff and when I added shooting became a problem. I found some older arrows in competitions I found it was not really helping my Target or Field scores at all. I was not convinced this would help Graham either, so I put it 49
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